National
Madhesi, Janajati forces boycott House meeting
Madhesi and Janajati parties affiliated to the Federal Alliance (Sanghiya Gathabandan) boycotted Friday’s Parliament meeting to protest “the government’s apathy towards addressing” their concerns related to the new constitution.Madhesi and Janajati parties affiliated to the Federal Alliance (Sanghiya Gathabandan) boycotted Friday’s Parliament meeting to protest “the government’s apathy towards addressing” their concerns related to the new constitution.
At least 40 lawmakers representing Madhesi and Janajati constituencies walked out of Parliament as soon as Friday’s meeting convened. Ashok Rai, senior leader of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal, said the parties decided to boycott the House meeting to protest delays in finding a solution to the Tarai crisis. He accused the government of rebuffing Madhesi and Janajati parties’ genuine demands and driving them into a corner. “The constitution should be rewritten, as it marginalises and discriminates against Madhesi, Janajati and other communities,” said Rai, urging the government not to push the country towards crisis.
Rai also expressed serious concerns over the delay in giving the status of martyrs to those protesters who died during Madhes movement, providing medical treatment to the injured and withdrawing the criminal charges against party leaders and cadres.
Madhesi leaders said that they would continue their protests both in the streets and Parliament until their demands are addressed.
Despite several rounds of negotiations in the past, the agitating parties and the government have failed to find a point of compromise.