Sunsari, September 7

Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar today blamed the NC, UML and UCPN-Maoist for the ongoing political instability and unrest in the country.

Addressing a mass meeting organised by Tharu Struggle Committee in Itahari, Sunsari, Gachhadar charged that the three major parties’ decision to bring out the seven-province federal model by going against the 16-point agreement had plunged the country into violent protest.

Offering a solution to the stalemate, Gachhadar said the eight-province federal model would help forge consensus with agitating parties. “If the NC, UML and UCPN-M agree to eight-province model, the political standoff can be settled,” Gachhadar said, adding, “Federating the country on the ground of five bases of identity and four bases of ability will be acceptable to all.”

He warned of a serious disaster if the three parties failed to address the demands of indigenous people and Madhesis.

Gachhadar alleged that some parties and groups had tried to disintegrate the Tarai from the country due to major parties’ reluctance to solve the political standoff. He flayed the decision to include the districts of Saptari and Siraha in Province No 2.

Gachhadar said he had quit the process of consensus after the three parties brought out the seven-province federal set up. He alleged that the country had experienced violence and unrest as the NC, UML and UCPN-M could not rise above their partisan interest. He stressed the need to forge consensus to promulgate a new constitution with federalism.

He made it clear that his party would not participate in the constitution making process unless the demands raised by Madhesis and indigenous people, including Tharus, were addressed.

Stating that Tarai Madhes had half of the country’s population, Gachhadar held that the three parties had no choice but to address the demands of Madhesis and Tharus.