Kathmandu, December 22 The agitating Federal Alliance today said that the CPN-UML’s reaction to the constitution amendment bill registered in the Parliament was racist and this would jeopardise national unity and push the country towards protracted civil war. A meeting of protesting Madhesi parties held here today at the central office of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal also asked the principal opposition to stop pushing the country towards regression. The meeting concluded that the UML’s reaction to the constitution amendment bill will jeopardise social harmony, divide the country and weaken national unity. “We urge the UML to stop pushing the country towards regression,” reads the statement issued by Upendra Yadav, coordinator of the alliance. The FA said UML’s racist and regressive remarks would jeopardise important achievements such as federalism, republicanism, secularism and inclusive democracy. The meeting also decided to hold extensive interaction in Kathmandu within one week and in all 10 provinces (referring to the federal blueprint prepared by the erstwhile State Restructuring Commission) to build public opinion for a decisive battle. The meeting has demanded further action on a revised constitution amendment bill in   the parliament. General Secretary of National Madhes Socialist Party Keshav Jha said the FA decided to hold talks with the government on its other demands and the government is yet to give martyrdom status to those killed in the Madhes movement, pay bills incurred by those injured, and withdraw false cases against UDMF cadres. Party preparing for demonstration KATHMANDU:  The CPN-UML on Thursday said the party has started necessary preparations for a mass demonstration planned against the registered constitution amendment bill. The principal opposition plans to hold demonstration on January 6. To manage the programme, a committee has been formed under the coordination of party’s General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel, according to UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai. The committee, which held its first meeting on Thursday, directed the  party’s sister organisations and liaison forums in Kathmandu to come up  with a work plan within two days. The party urged all its cadres, supporters, well-wishers and members of the general public to join the  programme.