Miscellaneous
Morcha doubts govt sincerity on Madhes issues
The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has said it “doubts the sincerity of the government when it comes to resolving the Madhes crisis”.The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has said it “doubts the sincerity of the government when it comes to resolving the Madhes crisis”.
SLMM leaders said that they are not very hopeful about current government finding a solution to the Madhes crisis, as “it appears to be unwilling even to hold open and candid discussions on the contentious issues”.
The delay in resuming the stalled negotiation or giving full shape to the high-level political mechanism, which was formed on February 18, is proof that the government is not sincere about resolving the Madhes crisis, said the leaders.
“We held 36 rounds of talks, but the government refused to budge even 36 inches,” Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav, who is currently in Udayapur in party’s programme, told the Post. “What’s the use of such talks? It is foolish to expect anything from this government that is thriving on hollow nationalism and meaningless slogans.”
"We held 36 rounds of talks, but the government refused to budge even 36 inches. What’s the use of such talks?"
Upendra Yadav, Chair, SSFN
Madhesi leaders said that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s appeal [to come for talks] was but a sham.
During his second address to the nation, PM Oli on Tuesday urged Morcha to come to the negotiating table. He also said that the first amendment to the constitution had addressed “almost all concerns” of the disgruntled parties.
Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato said that the government was now taking even harsher position on Morcha’s demands.
Redrawing provincial boundaries with at least two provinces in the Tarai plains is one of the key demands of the Morcha. It has also sought changes in provisions pertaining to citizenship and electoral laws.
“We are not against talks but we cannot hope much from this government,” said Mahato, who went on to describe the incumbent government as “useless”.
He said that the Madhes-based parties are now more focused on launching fresh protests.
Madhesi and Janajati leaders are meeting again on Thursday to devise future strategy and protests.
Fringe Madhesi parties in the Morcha and some Janajati groups had earlier agreed to resume “united struggle” for identity-based federalism and inclusion. The two sides are holding an interaction in Kathmandu next week in order to collect feedback before unveiling their protest programmes.