Rautahat, January 8

Five months after the United Democratic Madhesi Front launched Madhes-centric protests, life in Rautahat is gradually limping back to normal. There are no obstructions at the entry point while people’s movement has also eased across the border.

UDMF had started its agitation in the plains since August 16 putting forward a number of demands related to a wide range of issues such as citizenship, inclusiveness, electoral constituencies on the basis of population and provincial boundaries in the new constitution.

While Gaur witnessed both big and small protests until last week, not a single demonstration was held in the past one week, which has cleared the way for resumption of businesses. Similarly, light vehicles like auto rickshaws, rickshaws and tractors have also started plying the streets of Rautahat.

Meanwhile, the front leaders denied that the stir had ended. “It’s true that the agitation has lost steam, but not because the people grew tired of fighting for the case. The agitation has been slightly affected because of increasing cold and most of the farmers are engaged in their fields,” the Madhesi leaders argued.

The local UDMF leaders, however, conceded that the agitation had lost it’s impact. They argued that it had to do with the the recent activities of the front’s central leaders. “The agitation is bound to falter as the top leaders have failed to strike any agreement with the government,” they said. Education and financial institutions, and government offices, however, have yet to resume.