UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government will address genuine concerns of the Madhesi people related to the new constitution. Dahal made his remarks while inaugurating the Birgunj festival on Friday.

Cadres of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha burnt tyres at various places to protest against Dahal’s presence in the city that was a flashpoint between the Madhesi protesters and security forces during the six-month-long Tarai agitation. The enraged supporters also vandalised the gate that was prepared to welcome Dahal.

Police arrested 17 protesters including Rastriya Madhes Samajbadi Party leader Rajeshman Singh. “There’s no meaning of protests against me. I am the person who has always raised the voice of the Madhesi people,” Dahal told a news conference in Birgunj.

The chairman of the High-level Political Committee that helps the government resolve crucial issues said he was for upholding the rights of Madhesis, indigenous minorities and the poor.