The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) has demanded postponement of the current constitution drafting process and a guarantee of implementing past accords prior to any negotiations.  

A meeting of the SLMM held in Bhairahawa on Thursday concluded that the government has not yet created a conducive environment for talks.

The meeting concluded that “excessive use of force” by the state to suppress the protests at ground has raised doubts over major parties’ willingness to end the crisis. Morcha’s reaction came a day after the major parties appealed to the agitating groups to sit for talks to resolve disputed issues, including the federal setup, before the promulgation of the constitution.

“Why don’t major parties act instead of sending letter? We have already made our position clear in the letter we sent to the government earlier,” said Rajendra Mahato, chairman of the Sadbhawana Party. Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal (SSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav, Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) Chairman Mahanta Thakur, Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party Chairman Mahendra Raya Yadav and Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato were present at the meeting.

The SLMM top guns said they would sit for dialogue only if their preconditions were met. They demanded a guarantee for implementing of eight- and 22-point agreements, immediate stop on the constitution drafting process, withdrawal of Nepal Army deployment in Tarai districts, stop the suppression of Tarai agitation, declare martyr to those killed in the ongoing protests, and provide free medical treatment to the injured people.

SSFN Chair Yadav said that the morcha is not against seeking solution through talks. He, however, reiterated that there is no meaning to sit for dialogue unless the government creates such environment.