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Talks between big three and Madhesi Morcha inconclusive
The much-anticipated talks between the big three political parties and agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) ended inconclusively on Saturday after both sides stuck to their respective stances.The much-anticipated talks between the big three political parties and agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) ended inconclusively on Saturday after both sides stuck to their respective stances.
During the meeting summoned by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar, the Madhesi leaders reiterated their 11-point demands including readjustment of federal state demarcation should be addressed for the ongoing agitation to stop, while the ruling parties urged the SLMM to remove the blockade at borders.
Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur said that they declined the proposal of major parties to address their demands in phase. He said that Morcha side also refused to withdraw the protest.
“The discussions were focused on blaming each other than discussing substantive issues. However, we stressed that deal on demarcation was necessary for the protest to stop,” said Thakur.
Top leaders of big three political parties—Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist)—including Prime Minister Oli were present in the meeting.
Likewise, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahanta Thakur, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav and Sadbhawana Party Co-chairman Laxman Lal Karna represented SLMM in the talks.
The meeting was convened to end the protracted political deadlock. The talks slated for 7 pm was delayed by an hour.