Kathmandu, February 5 :

Civil society members today suggested the government talks team formed to hold dialogue with Madhesi leaders that amendment to the interim constitution is the only way through which grievances of Madhesis, Dalits, women and indigenous and nationalities can be addressed.

They were taking part in a meeting called by the government talks team led by Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative Mahantha Thakur.

Shambhu Thapa, outgoing president of the NBA, suggested that a committee of experts on constitution must be formed to recommend the interim parliament to make amendments in the interim constitution.

He also asked the government not to even think of declaring a state of emergency and sending in army in the Terai, saying the move will be counterproductive.

Amresh Narayan Jha asked the eight parties and the government to make their stance on the Madhesi movement clear.

President of NGO Federation of Nepal Dr Arjun Karki said there was the penetration of such elements at the leadership level of the eight parties. Biren Sah, an eye-specialist, sought the Home Minister’s resignation.

The All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (ANNFSU) has also called for amendment to the interim constituent to resolve the unrest. The ANNFSU came up with the demand at its central committee meeting (CCM), which was held today.

Meanwhile, the Hindu Volunteers’ Association Nepal has requested the government to solve the problems of the Terai through talks.