Educational institutions, DEOs closed

Nepalgunj, January 23:

Sanyukta Madhesi Morcha (SMM) of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum and Nepal Sadbhavana Party started their first phase of protest programmes today, closing all educational institutions in different districts of the Tarai.

SMM cadres also padlocked the district education offices. They said the strike in educational institutions was organised to press for the fulfilment of a 22-point agreement reached between the MJF and the government. Protesters staged a rally from the MJF’s Sripur based party office in Birgunj.

They padlocked the Parsa District Education Office after going round the city. The office remained locked throughout office hours. Vice-president of the Nepal Madhesi Students’ Forum Ram Singh Soni led the protest. The protesters also padlocked the Morang district education office from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. Although the educational institutions remained closed, the SLC sent-up examination was held.

But the sent-up examination could not be held in Sunsari. The protesters also padlocked the district education offices in Mahottari and Dhanusha. The sent-up examinations were held in both districts. Protests were also organised in Siraha, Saptari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara districts, local correspondents said.