Kathmandu, January 6

A meeting of the task forces of the major parties  the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and the Unified CPN-Maoist  and the United Democratic Madhesi Front ended with an understanding that they would discuss all the 11-point demands of the front.

UDMF task force member Rajendra Shrestha told THT that both sides agreed to discuss all the 11-point demands put forth by the front and resolve the constitutional crisis in a package.

When asked about the urgency to forge understanding on the constitution amendment bill being considered by the Parliament, Shrestha said the bill did not address the concerns of the front and they had told the major parties’ representatives that they were only concerned about their 11-point demands.

“We will hold point-wise discussion on the 11-point demands in a new way from tomorrow,” Shrestha said.

He said if the major parties agreed to change the language of the constitution amendment bill after consulting the UDMF that could help build confidence between the two sides.

Another UDMF task force member Ram Naresh Ray said both sides agreed to intensify their efforts to resolve Madhes crisis. “Both sides realised that mistrust against each other prevented them from reaching a solution in the past.

They realise that they should make serious efforts to end Tarai unrest,” Ray said. Another meeting of the two task forces is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

The major parties’ task force comprises CPN-UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal, Unified CPN-Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Nepali Congress leader Mahesh Acharya. UDMF task force comprises Ray, Shrestha and Hridayesh Tripathi.