Tharus torch statute bits

Kathmandu, July 7:

Members of the indigenous Tharu community today burnt Article 63 (3) of the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007, to protest the provision, which has divided Nepal into Himal, Hill and Madhes.

Three protesters were injured when the police tried to prevent them from burning the chapter at Baneswor. President of the Tharu Women’s Society Saraswoti Chaudhary and student Ashok Chaudhary were among those injured.

“The Tharu groups had declared Falgun 25 a black day to protest the first amendment to the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007, which had incorporated Article 63 (3) that divides Nepal into Hill and Madhes” said Chandra Narayan Chaudhary, president of the Tharu Youth Front.

The protesters also urged the government to declare a Tharuhat Autonomous Province instead of declaring Madhes as one state.

Yesterday, various Tharu outfits had organised chakka jam for half an hour to protest police action on their peaceful protests at New Baneswor on Saturday.