BIRGUNJ: United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF)-affiliated Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato on Sunday accused the media of disseminating false news that claimed the ‘border blockade’ has been lifted.

Speaking at a press conference at the Hotel Ksbhu here in Birgunj, the district headquarters of Parsa, Mahato expressed his discontent over the media coverage. According to him, the blockade has not been lifted and people’s participation has increased in the protests along the Nepal-India border.

“How long should the Madhesi people engage in agitation?” he said, charging that the major three parties - Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN Maoist -- are fighting for power instead of resolving national issues.

Saying the three parties have spread rumours of talks, Mahato accused them of being irresponsible and trying to fool the public.

The Madhes-based parties have been staging protests in Tarai in different forms for almost two months pressing the government to fulfil their demands.