Siraha, January 15:

Stating that the interim constitution, passed by the reinstated House of Representatives today, has failed to safeguard the rights of the Madhesis, around 60 cadres of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum torched copies of the interim constitution opposite the Siraha Campus gate this evening.

They also organised a torch rally chanting slogans in favour of a federal democratic republic, a proportionate election system for the constituent assembly and against the “internal colonialism” imposed against the Madhes.

Urging the government to meet its demands, the forum today said it will organise a day-long Madhes bandh tomorrow.

Among other things, the forum has been calling for the fixation of election constituencies on the basis of population density.

The forum said it is organising the general strike to protest the agreement reached between the ruling seven political parties, the CPN (Maoist) and the government on November 8 and the comprehensive peace treaty on November 21.

It said the agreements will not pave the way for the establishment of a federal democratic republic. It said provisions favouring Madhesi rights are not included in the interim constitution.