KATHMANDU: The talks team formed by three major political parties to begin dialogues with disgruntled political forces, on Monday, reached out to two major leaders of the agitating Madhesi parties.

UCPN-Maoist Vice-Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha, CPN-UML Chief Whip Agni Prasad Kharel and Nepali Congress leader Mahesh Acharya on Monday separately held meetings with Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar at residences of the Madhesi leaders.

“The talks have become positive,” Shrestha told THT Online, “But, we did not enter into any agenda today.”

During the meetings, the ruling party leaders had urged Thakur and Gachhadar to stop protests and come to the negotiation table, while the agitating leaders said the state had to stop suppressing protests for talks, Shrestha added.

The meetings and bids for formal talks will continue tomorrow, according to the Maoist leader.

A meeting of major parties on Monday afternoon had formed the talks team.

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