KATHMANDU, AUG 02 - United Democratic Madhesi Front, an alliance of four Madhes-based parties, has threatened to intensify protest if their concerns they have raised in the draft of the constitution are not addressed. Concluding that the major parties are reluctant to address their demands, a meeting of dissident Madhesi leaders on Saturday stressed the need for a stronger protest.
The fringe Madhesi parties have been in protest, accusing the major parties of curtailing the rights of Madhesis, Janajatis and other excluded groups in the draft constitution. They have sought changes in various provisions concerning the citizenship rights, election system and form of governance. They have also been pressing for delineation of the federal provinces before the promulgation of the constitution, with the support from many other groups including Janajatis.
Chairman of Sadbhavana Party Rajendra Mahato said the major parties are pushing the country into confrontation by ignoring the aspirations of millions of people.
“They are acting in a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court ruling, the Interim Constitution and the past agreements. They cannot ignore people’s aspiration for equality, inclusion and change on the back of their numbers in the CA,” said Mahato.
The front, which announced additional programmes of protest last week, is planning to form a border alliance incorporating Janajati, Dalit and Muslim communities. Having launched public awareness campaign at the grassroots level and mass demonstration in various districts of Tarai, it is scheduled to organise mass demonstrations in all constituencies in Dhankuta, Nepalgunj, Birtamod, Dhangadi, Hetuda beginning next week.
Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav said they were holding talks with various groups to form a broader alliance, maintaining that growing public dissent at the draft of the constitution is alluring other disgruntled groups to launch a unified protest.
“There is dissatisfaction everywhere as the draft even curtails rights guaranteed by the Interim Constitution. Ownership will remain the big question if the major parties ignore concerns of Madhesi, Janajati, Dalit, Muslim, women communities, among others. There will be left with no choice but to taking to the streets if the draft is promulgated as it is. Our protest has not yet started. What happened in Madhes earlier this month was just a trailor,” said Yadav, while adding that they have not shut the door for talks with the major parties. "We are open to talks if they send out an official invitation with clear agendas."
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