Second-rung leaders of Madhes-based parties have started discussions to help their leadership formulate strategy for their upcoming protests.

Top leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM), which on Monday announced fresh but “soft protests”, are scheduled to meet later this week to take a decision on Morcha’s future course of action.

Most of the Madhes-based parties have directed their leaders to reach out to their constituencies to seek feedback on their further move.

Similarly, Morcha leaders are also reaching out to other agitating parties to explore possibilities of collaboration to make their protests “more effective”.

Though Madhes-based parties have, in principle, agreed to intensify protests to press major parties to revise the federal boundaries, they are divided on whether to drop their border-centric protests.

“People are determined to continue the struggle until our 11-point demand, including revision of boundaries, is met. Efforts are on to introduce effective protest programmes in consultation with all concerned groups,” said Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav.

Morcha’s second-rung leaders, who are currently in talks with the Madhesi civil society, academics and their cadres at the ground, are planning to hold discussions with their leadership before taking further decision on their future course of action.

Morcha’s top guns are planning to hold a joint meeting after Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur returns from India. Thakur is scheduled to return on Thursday.