Siraha, March 30 :

The Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha-Jwala group has declared the Tarai region a “Republican Free Tarai State,” a press release issued by the group said today.

It said the declaration was made in accordance with the aspirations of the people of the region. The statement signed by the group’s president, Jwala Singh, stated that the “Free Tarai State” includes the concept of a Tharuwan state, Awadhi province and Bhojpuri province.

The statement also urged people in the region and different political parties and organisations to cooperate in the formation of a broader political front and an interim government, convening a round-table conference and holding the constituent assembly elections.

To mark the declaration of the “Free Tarai State,” the Morcha has announced that April 9 would be observed as the “Republican Free Tarai Liberation Day.” The group has called upon people to observe the day a holiday. The Jwala group has also made plans to hoist the Morcha’s flag in the Tarai region on April 3, called on all people of the Tarai region to gather on April 5 and organise an illumination programme in the region on April 7.