Ruling Nepali Congress cadres have joined the protests against the proposed seven-states federal model in Saptari district.

Numbers of NC cadres were seen during a protest programme organised by the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha at Bhardaha in Saptari district. NC general convention representative Muralidhar Khirhari Yadav and party’s trade union leader Umesh Mishra were among hundreds of NC cadres who took part in the protest programme with party flag.

The leaders also addressed the rally which later turned into a corner meeting at Rajiv Chowk. Leader Umesh Mishra blamed the CPN-UML’s stance for the failure to reach an agreement regarding the Madhesi demands. He also demanded talks be initiated immediately with the agitating Madhesi leaders and sought a political situation to relieve the people from the hardship they are facing due to the strike called by the Madhesi alliance.

The strike has entered into its 22nd day in Saptari crippling the life across the district. A local fair organised every year on the occasion of Krishna Astami festival has also been called off due to the strike.