Phidim, December 13

Federal Limbuwan Party-Nepal cadres and leaders are divided over over its protest against United Democratic Madheshi Front’s demand to keep Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts in Province 2.

Differences between Limbuwan cadres and leaders widened after disgruntled leaders enforced an indefinite general strike in nine eastern districts from today protesting party chairman Kumar Lingden’s alleged agreement with the agitating Madhes-based parties on removing the three districts from Province 1 and keeping them in Province 2.

Limbuwan central Vice-chair Khagendra Makhim said they enforced the indefinite general strike as party chair Lingden had been sharing the same podium with leaders of UDMF against the party’s policy.

After Makhim group enforced the shutdown, party rank and file and leaders loyal to him have descended on the streets, while leaders and cadres close to Kumar Lingden expressed ignorance about the general strike.

Central leader Labahang Cemjong, who is close to Kumar, claimed that Makhim group had called the shutdown defying the party decision.

Limbuwan Panchthar District Chair Surendra Jagebu said that were with the Makhim group as the demand for keeping the three districts in Province No 1 was logical. However, his secretaries Sagar Kerung and Brijhang Aangdembe, said they were not yet in a position to support Makhim blindly.

Two weeks ago, Makhim group’s call of general shutdown in the eastern region had been deferred as the leaders and cadres were divided over the issue.