Birgunj, September 19

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal presidium coordinator Mahantha Thakur argued that nation building was impossible by depriving the Madhesis of their rights.

Speaking at an interaction titled ‘People’s Take on Nepal’s Constitution 2072’, the RJP-N presidium coordinator called on civil society and police leaders to work towards addressing the concerns of the Madhes regarding the constitution.

“The sooner the concerns are addressed, the better it will be for the country, which can then shoot forward on the path of prosperity,” he observed, describing the present constitution as regressive as it withheld even those rights guaranteed by the previous constitution.

Further, Thakur warned of the consequences of not addressing the concerns of Madhesis in time, saying, “Otherwise it may sow the seed of disintegration.”

Speaking on behalf of civil society leaders, Damannath Dhungana observed that the constitution had failed to meet the expectations of the people as it did not ensure rights for every one and prosperity and development. “As the constitution hasn’t come as per the aspirations of the people, there is discontent across the country,” he observed.

Families of martyrs of the Madhes agitation, who also spoke on the occasion, took the opportunity to express dissatisfaction with the government and leaders of Madhes-based parties.