Nepalgunj, Februray 20:

Chairman of the Terai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Mahantha Thakur today said the government was not serious about the talks between the government and the armed Terai outfits.

Speaking at a press meet organised by the party in Nepalgunj, he said the talks were just a drama. “The government hasn’t started talks with the main outfits. They will come to the mainstream if the government shows seriousness about the talks,” he said.

Stating that the party was not in contact with the armed Tarai outfits, he said “We are against the use of arms.”

Despite the fact that the TMDP was not in favour of bringing ordinances by avoiding the parliament, Thakur said the party had, however, no objection to the subject matter of the recently introduced ordinances.

He stressed on implementation of the agreement between the government and then United Madhesi Democratic Front, Thakur warned that Nepal won’t exist exist if Madhes did not exist.

“Whole country will be disturbed if Madhes is disturbed,” he said.

He said the TMDP was firm on demand for an autonomous Madhes and that the party would continue struggle till the mission was accomplished. He also ruled out chances of TMDP joining the government. “Our aim is to achieve our rights, not to achieve power,” he said. “Our movement is not only political, but also social, cultural and linguistic,” he added.

He promised that all communities living in the Madhes would be respected and given proportional representation in the autonomous Madhes. He accused Madhesi Janadhikar Forum of ignoring the Madhesi issues after joining the government.

Party general secretary Govinda Chaudhari said the political identity of Tharus was Madhesi and their racial identity was Tharu.