National
Madhesi, Janajati leaders to make agitation larger
Dissident Madhesi and Janajati leaders have agreed to reach out to other agitating groups leading separate identity movements before unveiling their new programmes of protest to be launched possibly in April-end.Dissident Madhesi and Janajati leaders have agreed to reach out to other agitating groups leading separate identity movements before unveiling their new programmes of protest to be launched possibly in April-end.
A meeting of the Janajati and Madhesi leaders on Thursday decided to hold discussion with various ethnic fronts to explore possibilities of forming a “grand alliance” by incorporating ethnic forces in the Sanghiya Gathabandhan.
Sanghiya Gathabandhan, which was currently revived after it remained largely obsolete since its formation before the promulgation of the constitution in September last year, is an alliance of fringe Madhesi and some Janajati groups including the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha and the Adivasi Janajati Rastriya Andolan led by Padma Ratna Tuladhar. The alliances were formed to press the major parties to grant greater autonomy and inclusion to the indigenous, marginalised and excluded communities.
“An alliance is in place between the Janajati and Madhesi groups. But some other ethnic Morchas are still leading separate struggles though our objectives are more or less the same. We believe a united front will make our struggle easier,” said Ashok Rai, senior leader of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal.
Rai said that the Gathabandhan plans to incorporate various ethnic fronts leading separate struggles
for Tharuhat/Tharuwan, Limbuwan, Magarat and Tamsaling provinces. A similar effort to form a grand
alliance had failed in the past due to an overlapping of demands of the protesting organisation.
Some demands of the Tarai parties such as formation of two provinces along the plains contradict the demands of Limbuwan, Tharuhat and Magarat campaigners.
Morcha leaders present in Thursday’s meeting said they were preparing to invite representatives of all the agitating groups to an interaction programme that will be held in the Capital on Monday.
“Leaders from across the political spectrum will inform the people about identity-based struggle. We also use it as the platform to receive suggestions from the civil society, rights groups and the common people,” said Parshuram Basnet, an SSFN leader.
Morcha leaders said that the occasion may be used to make a formal announcement of the protests and seek renewed commitment of all the parties to the identity movement.
“Further details of the protest will be unveiled after discussion with like-minded forces,” said Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato.