Janakpurdham, Jan 27:

Former prime minister and senior leader of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba today emphasised on the need to ensure the rights of the Madhesi people in the new constitution.

Addressing a gathering of party cadres here today, Deuba said, “The rights of Madhesi people should be ensured in the new constitution as they have played a vital role in the democratic movement.”

He also said federalism should be institutionalised as per the wishes and sentiments of the

Madhesi people who were neglected and victimised by the state for a long time.

“Nepal is a small state. There shouldn’t be any attempt to disintegrate it,” Deuba said, adding that the Madhesis were loyal to the nation. He also said the NC was of the view that the new constitution should be drafted by addressing the sentiments of the Madhesi people.

Saying that killing, intimidation and violence were going unabated,

Deuba said that there was no improvement in Maoists’ conduct. “They are expert in seizing people’s land and property and killing anyone who protests their acts,” he said.

Accusing the Maoists of hand in the killing of journalist Uma Singh, Deuba said, “Immediate action should be taken against those involved in the killing.”

Commenting on the PM’s recent address to the nation, he said the message reflected the PM’s desperate mentality.