Rajbiraj/Kathmandu, Sept 23

In a fresh bid to intensify its agitation, the United Democratic Madhesi Front has decided to block all the major highways and customs points bordering India.

The meeting of the UDMF that concluded in Rajbiraj today decided to impose blockade to electrify their protest against the government and three major parties. Organising a press meet in Rajbiraj, UDMF announced the shutting down government offices, banks, customs points and intensifying protests on highways.

Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav said agitators would form human chains along Mechi-Mahakali and postal highways. Yadav said UDMF had also decided to move the apex court and the International Criminal Court against the government for killing innocent people and violating human rights.

UDMF has also decided to collaborate with the Tharuwan/Tharuhat Struggle Committee and the Muslim Struggle Committee to add new energy to the agitation.

Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato said UDMF had decided to impose blockade at major customs points in Kakadvitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa.

Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur accused the government of not being serious about the talks. Thakur made it clear that they would not sit for talks with the government unless past agreements reached with the Madhesi parties were met. He asked the government to withdraw army from the plains and end the use of force and violence to create an environment for talks.

Meanwhile, the Tharuhat/Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee and the Tharu Kalaynakarini Sabha today decided to intensify their ongoing agitation in the Tarai by imposing a blockade on Kathmandu. Issuing a press release in Kathmandu, the Tharu outfits said they would impose round the clock vehicular strike on the East-West Highway, besides continuing their ongoing protest programmes. The protesting Tharu forces said they would organise protest programmes in Bardiya, Danda of Nawalparasi, Rautahat and Duhabi of Sunsari district. They said their peaceful agitation would continue until their demands were not met.

They are demanding proportional representation in state organs, fully proportional election system and proportional distribution of country’s resources be ensured in the new constitution. They also demanded recognition for their customary laws, respect for ILO 169 convention and other treaties and covenants related to the rights of indigenous nationalities.

Member Secretary of the Tharuhat/Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee Minraj Tharu said they would discuss a working alliance with other protesting forces, including Madhesis and indigenous nationalities, tomorrow.

Tharu organisations said the indictment of Tharu rights activists and leaders in the Tikapur killings were baseless and vitiated the atmosphere for talks between the protesting Tharu forces and the government/major parties.