KATHMANDU, August 9

Leaders of Madhesi and Janajati parties have flayed four parties’ decision to carve out six provinces, saying such federal units do not ensure identity and autonomy of the marginalised communities.

Unified CPN-Maoist leader Barshaman Pun told a Janajati rally on Sunday that he had faith in his party leaders that they would remain committed to identity-based federalism, but they failed to do so as they too changed into the ruling class. “Now Madhesis and Janajatis will have to fight their own war,” Pun told THT. He said he, Ganeshman Pun, Nand Kishor Pun, Janardan Sharma and some Madhesi leaders had opposed party’s decision to carve out six states without any basis. Barshaman Pun said Janajatis would not accept the six-state model.

General Secretary of Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Ram Janam Chaudhari said Tharus and Madhesis would have to fight a untied battle to claim their right. He said all other leaders in his party, except party Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar, have agreed to join the movement from tomorrow against yesterday’s understanding. “If Gachhadar does not join the movement, we will desert him,” he said.

Sadbhawana Party Co-chair Laxman Lal Karna said his party would not accept more than two states in Madhes. “North-south division of provinces is continuation of Mahendra’s policy and we cannot accept it. This federalism is not based on any principle nor does it respect Article 138 of the constitution,” he said and added that the six-province model defied all agreements reached in the past.

Mahantha Thakur-led Tarai Madhes Democratic Party issued a statement urging the public to prepare for a do-or-die movement against the new deal reached between the signatories of the 16-point pact. The TMDP stated that the decision to carve out six provinces had murdered Madhesi people’s aspiration for equality, inclusion and autonomy.

Bhanuram Tharu-led Tharuhat Tarai Party-Nepal opposed the four-party agreement reached on constitutional issues, including six-state model, saying the new agreement was against the electoral mandate. “This deal that proposes to carve out north-south provinces will render Tharus in minority in their state,” the party stated. It added that Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur should not be mixed with hill provinces. The party stated that there should be three provinces in the Tarai.