JANAKPURDHAM, July 15

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Wednesday said the new statute would guarantee the rights of all communities and groups.

Addressing the inaugural programme of Shree Ram Tower built by Ram Youth Committee in Janakpurdham, Koirala assured that the rights of Madhesi, ethnic communities, Muslim and all marginalised would be safeguarded in the new constitution. “A federal democratic republican constitution will be promulgated,” Koirala said adding “The constitution will give equal protection to all religions,”

Koirala, who is also the NC President, said that his party was committed to guaranteeing the rights of Madhes and Madhesi people. “Harbour no suspicion that NC will snatch the people’s rights,” Koirala added. He expressed confidence that promulgation of the new statute would expedite the pace of development and economic prosperity.

However, when asked about the ongoing protest of Madhes-based parties against the discriminatory citizenship provision and a statute with demarcation of provinces and their nomenclature, Premier Koirala was tight-lipped on the issues.

NC leaders and cadres loyal to Deuba’s group were absent at the programme. Stating that Tarai was lagging behind in development, Koirala remarked that adequate budget had been allocated for development in the plains for the fiscal 2015/16.

Upon landing at the airport, Koirala headed to offer prayers at Janaki Temple. He was greeted with black flags while returning. Security had been beefed up from the airport to the programme venue.