Kathmandu, August 20

National Muslim Struggle Coalition (NMSC) today entered a working alliance with United Democratic Madhesi Front to support the latter’s movement against the six-province model of federalism and other provisions of the draft constitution.

A meeting held at the Central Office of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party between the leaders of UDMF and office bearers of NMSC took a decision to this effect, stated a press release issued jointly by both the outfits. Shamim Ansari, coordinator of NMSC and Mahendra Ray Yadav, chair of Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party-Nepal, a constituent of the UDMF, co-signed the release on behalf of their respective organisations.

The UDMF agreed to back NMSC’s agendas, including the demand of secularism and proportional inclusion of Muslim people in state organs.

Both the organisations said they would seek reservation of certain first-past-the-post election constituencies for women, Dalits and Muslims.

Both the organisations pledged support for the provision of Muslim Personal Law. Similarly, they demanded that special structure be created for Muslims, and a separate Muslim Commission be formed.

Meanwhile, Rajkishor Yadav-led Madhesi Janadhikar Forum–Republican urged the public to support the movement being launched against the six-province model. Issuing a press release, Yadav said the four parties’ decision to go for six provinces violated their own agreement of the past.