President Ram Baran Yadav has urged leaders of both agitating and major parties to resolve the crisis in Tarai through peaceful dialogue without further delay.

In separate meetings with leaders involved in promulgating new constitution, the head of state drew the attention that communal violence may erupt if they fail to give a solution to the almost two-month long crisis. “It would not give a positive result if disputes continue,” Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s personal secretary quoted the President.

President Yadav summoned Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) Chairman Mahanta Thakur and urged him to be  cautious with their protest programmes as it could hamper social harmony and provoke ethnic riot. According to President’s press aide Lalit Bahadur Basnet, President Yadav suggested Thakur to come onboard the talks table to seek a solution to their demands as the constitution has been already promulgated by the Constituent Assembly.

“The prolonged protest in Tarai has caused difficulty to Nepali people,” said Basnet, quoting President as telling Thakur, “Do not resort to violent protest.”

The President also asked Thakur to take initiatives for talks. In response, Thakur assured that he would put the matter with other leaders of the United Democratic Madhesi Front.

During the meeting, Dahal was inquired about the progress made in addressing the demands raised by the Madhes-centric parties. “We have been repeatedly calling them [agitating parties] and will adopt maximum flexbility to bring them on board.”