Madhesi and Janajati forces, which have formed the Sanghiya Gathabandhan, or federal alliance, to press the government to address their demands, have said they will launch their Kathmandu-centric protests from Saturday. 

Upendra Yadav, chairman of Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal, who is also the coordinator of the alliance, made the announcement at a press meet at his party office in Tinkune, Kathmandu on Friday. 

The agitating forces’ protest announcement comes two days after they spurned a government offer to resume talks. 

The government on Monday had written to the agitating parties, inviting them to the negotiating table. Redrawing provincial boundaries and amending some provisions of the constitution are their key demands. 

The agitating parties and the government have not held talks since February 18—the day the government formed a political mechanism in a bid to address the agitating 

parties concerns. 

“We held 36 rounds of talks with the government, but to no avail,” said Yadav. “That’s why we are forced to resort to agitation.” 

The federal alliance comprises 27 political parties, including seven Madhesi forces, which have formed the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM).

“Our protests will be peaceful,” states a joint statement signed by Yadav on behalf of the alliance. “The country could plunge into crisis and civil war if the government tried to suppress the protests. We warn that the government should take entire responsibility if such a situation arises.”

The federal alliance has decided to start their demonstration from Shanti Batika in Ratnapark.  

NHRC to monitor

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said it will monitor the protests that an alliance of Madhesi and Janajati forces are planning to launch from Saturday. The national rights body said on Friday it decided to monitor the protests after holding separate discussions with local administration, Nepal Police, protesters and human rights activists.