Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has ruled out the possibility of splitting the Tarai into two states.

“Division of Madhes into two states is impossible. The people of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari are against the idea of including those territories into Province 2,” said Gachhadar, while accepting a memorandum from the Reporters’ Club on Sunday.

“The solution to Madhes issues will not come from dividing it into two states. However, arranging the Tarai in three states will address the concerns of everyone.”

Claiming that the issues will be solved by bringing Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha and Udaypur districts under one state and by including Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Rukum and Rolpa under another as a Tharu majority state, Gachhadar said his proposal was not denied by top leaders of the major parties.

Likewise, Gachhadar lambasted accusations that it was his failure to open the Kerung border point.

“I have placed Kerung high on priority. The road department has already initiated the tender process to build a two-lane road from Galchhi to Betrawati. It is said that the roads will be built with a Chinese assistance but if China does not show any interest, the government will build it on its own,” he said.