‘Civil society should step in to end impasse’

Rajbiraj, January 31

Speakers at an interaction on the concerns of Madhes-based parties about provincial boundaries said the civil society should take initiatives to build trust among political parties.

Speaking at the interaction in Rajbiraj today, senior political observer Khushi Lal Mandal accused the major political parties of ignoring the concerns of the Madhesi community despite signing the eight-point agreement after the people’s movement of 2006.

“The issue of federalism was raised to ensure proportional representation of all groups and communities in all state mechanisms of the country, but it is being misused as a tool to disintegrate the country,” he argued.

Professor Amar Kanta Jha underscored civil society’s role in ending the current political deadlock. He said party leaders needed to be more serious and sincere for the sake of the country.

Former central secretary of National Muslim Forum Mohammad Hasim Ansari said the country was facing prolonged deadlock due to the vested interests of political leaders. He stressed on holding all three levels of elections to implement the constitution.

Journalist Dr Rajesh Ahiraj said it was high time that civil society members stepped in to ensure political stability in the country. He clarified that equal opportunity, necessary coordination and dignified life should be ensured to the Madhesi community.

Informal Service Centre Chairperson Subodh Raj Pyakural said the interaction was held to collect people’s views on the proposed statute amendment.