Kathmandu, February 3:

Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives Mahanta Thakur today called those actively involved in protest programmes in Terai region for talks to see a peaceful solution to the problems facing the region.

“A decade-long insurgency ended recently. This is an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of conflicts,” he said, adding, “Terai unrest can also be settled through dialogue and the government has already formed a team for the same.”

Speaking at a programme organised by the Nepal Youth Society, Thakur said the team would proceed with talks once the agitating party come for dialogue.

“Through dialogue we can attain what we cannot gain through violent means,” he said.

He opined that the government should address all the rational demands, irrespective of who raised them. “At the moment, election of constituent assembly is the major task of the government and I believe it will address the issues raised by the Madhesi people. The CA polls are meant to bring the marginalised and the backward people into the mainstream of state affairs,” he said.

On the occasion, 13 personalities were felicitated for their contribution to the society in various fields.