The current movement waged by indigenous ethnic groups from the Tarai, including the Tharus, has severely affected the Tarai districts for more than a week now. The crux of the problem, as it has emerged, centers on the definition of Madhes and Madhesis. When the interim constitution was promulgated on January 2007, the people living in the Tarai were addressed as Madhesis. The government, on February 3, 2009 classified 92 communities living in the Tarai as Madhesis. Some 21 indigenous ethnic groups are unhappy, arguing that the government decision intends to end their existence. They say their movement is for independent identity that is separate from the people of Madhesi origin. They are also arguing that identity groups like Muslims, Tharus and other indigenous ethnic minorities living in the Tarai may be excluded from enjoying special resources and opportunities provided by the state. Hence, there is a growing difference between the two ethnic groups, the Madhesis and marginal indigenous communities in the Tarai including the Tharus.

The movement also has deeper political implications. The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), which emerged as the largest Madhesi party, has expressed concern over the ongoing activities in the region, saying it is an effort to divide the unity of the various ethnic groups and castes. It implies a clear difference in perception of the Madhesi people, and people belonging to indigenous ethnic groups. While the Madhesi political parties perceive the need to struggle unitedly against the center to safeguard their interests, the indigenous groups do not want to be lumped together with the Madhesi groups. It also is contradictory to the idea of a single Madhesi region proposed by Madhesi political parties. It will make the demand for a single Madhesi region difficult to sustain. Madhesi parties argue that although Nepal has been declared a federal republic, many politicians schooled in a culture of power centralisation are unwilling to go whole-heartedly for a federal structure.

Efforts are underway to end the conflict through dialogue and consensus. The government has prepared a draft agreement for dialogue with the indigenous groups that are waging the current spate of political protests. The groups want a direct dialogue with the Prime Minister, who in turn is seeking an informal nod to the draft agreement. However, these are politically charged issues that require a lot of patience, sensitivity and reason to be resolved. Resolving the problems requires an understanding between the indigenous ethnic groups of the Tarai, Madhesi political parties, and the three largest parties. How the current stalemate is resolved would indicate the amount of maturity our political groupings and leaders have. Ethnic identity has become a rallying point through which different groups and communities are seeking to empower themselves and safeguard their rights. A major concern is how these attempts at self-empowerment are going to impact the design of the federal structure. One can only hope that these contentious issues are resolved through dialogue and peaceful means —and that place for dialogue is the Constituent Assembly.