Kathmandu, April 18

Madhesi and Janajati leaders pledged to fight a united movement to ensure equality, autonomy and respect for identity.

Chair of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Mahantha Thakur said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was not serious about resolving constitutional issues through dialogue.

Addressing an interaction organised by the Federal Alliance here today, Thakur alleged although the PM called for dialogue with the agitating forces, he lacked sincerity.

“In the past when we went to hold dialogue with the PM, we did not find him serious. We were made to wait for more than an hour,” Thakur said.

The Madhesi leader said the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front leaders held talks with the government and the major parties 36 times, yet there was no progress.

He said the Madhes agitation was also linked with empowerment of all the marginalised communities of Nepal and hence it was a movement for unity. Thakur said the current definition of Nepali nationalism did not reflect multi-nationalities of the country.

Thakur alleged that the Madhesi leaders in Tarai districts were unnecessarily being harassed by the law enforcement agencies.

Chair of Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Upendra Yadav said the marginalised communities were fighting for equality and empowerment and respect for their identity.

He said the rulers with racial thinking were victimising the marginalised communities. “Racial thinking has led to disintegration of some countries in the world. We need to save the country from being victim of racial thinking and black-marketing,” he added.

Yadav said only agitation could win the rights of the marginalisd communities. He added that they were going to launch a united movement that would have participation of Madhesis, Janajatis and all the marginalised communities of the country.

Spokesperson for Indigenous Nationalities National Movement Om Gurung said marginalised communities needed to unite in their fight against discrimination and marginalisation, as the forces resisting changes were strong at present.

He said the new movement should target the anti-change forces, including some Madhesi and Janajati leaders who were supporting the design of anti-change forces due to lust for power.

Chief of Federal Limbuwan State Council Kumar Lingden said if the marginalised communities fought for their rights unitedly, no power could defeat them.

He said Janajatis supported the struggle of Madhesi and Tharu communities.

Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana said the solidarity expressed by Madhesi and Janajati forces indicated that the change they were expecting for long would be realised soon. He said international community was supporting the agenda of the marginalised communities.

Dr Sundar Mani Dixit said identity-based federalism was necessary in the country to empower the marginalised communities.

He said the new constitution did not treat women on par with their male counterparts as far as rights related to transferring nationality to their children were concerned.