Miscellaneous
Tharu leaders hope to reach agreement
Tharu leaders are hopeful of having their demands fulfilled as they continued the talks with the leaders of three major parties even after the date for the promulgation of new constitution was announced.Tharu leaders are hopeful of having their demands fulfilled as they continued the talks with the leaders of three major parties even after the date for the promulgation of new constitution was announced. Tharu leaders involved in informal talks with the three parties said that they were optimistic about finding a “middle ground” on contentious issues, including demarcation of the state boundaries.
They have even expressed readiness to sit for formal talks with the major parties. Following a series of informal negotiations with Tharu leaders, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Tuesday sent a letter to Tharuhat Joint Struggle Committee (TJSC), urging the latter to join the formal talks.
“Consensus on disputed issues looks likely as both sides are ready to display flexibility on the disputed issues including state demarcation,” TJSC leader Ram Janam Chaudhary said. He added that the Tharu people will accept the constitution if their concerns are addressed later through amendments.
Tharu leaders engaged in informal discussions with leaders of major parties said multiple options are being discussed to incorporate their concerns in the constitution. One option being discussed is the formation of Special Autonomous Tharuhat/Tharuwan Region in the west and Kochila Autonomous Region in the east. The proposed Kochila Region would address the demands of not just the Tharus, but also of Rajbanshis, Santhals and Madhesis, who form the majority in the Eastern Region.
Tharu leaders have demanded a separate Tharu province from Nawalparasi to Kanchanpur in the west and extension of province number 2 up to Biratnagar.
“Forming separate Tharuhat province from Nawalparasi to Kanchanpur could resolve the issue forever. But we are flexible on other rational options, if major
parties show genuine interest to take us on board,” said Raj Kumar Lekhi, a Tharu leader.
Other key demands of Tharu include proportional and inclusive representation of Tharu in all state bodies and indentifying Tharu language as official language.
Depending on the results of negotiation with the TJSC, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum- Loktantrik (MJF-L) will also decide whether to accept the constitution. MJF-L Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadhar has also stressed on fulfillment of demands of Tharu.
“There are plenty of prospects for a last hour agreement. We are ready to accept the constitution if major parties agree to seek solutions in relation to disputed districts, including Kailali and Kanchanpur in the west and Jhapa Morang and Sunsari in the east. We hope that will happen,” said Chaudhary, also the general secretary of MJF-L.
Interlocutors said that the date of formal talks will be decided by a joint meeting of Tharu leaders on Wednesday.
“The meeting will also set the agendas of talks for formal negotiation,” said Aman Lal Modi, a Tharu lawmaker.