Rautahat, September 23

The indefinite bandh called by United Democratic Madhesi Front for the past 40 days has thrown life out of gear in mid-Tarai.

The general strike has adversely affected industries, educational institutions, businesses and transport services. UDMF has been agitating in the plains putting forth various demands, including the implementation of agreements reached with Madhes-based parties in the past.

The protracted bandh has brought Rautahat, Bara, Sarlahi, Mahottari and Dhanusha, among other districts to a grinding halt as protesters have been intensifying their demonstrations with each passing day.

The indefinite strike has hit daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers, and street vendors the most. Similarly, the closure of industries and factories has been causing loss of millions of rupees every day.

People in the plains have been at the receiving end as the prolonged bandh has caused scarcity of daily essentials while forcing thousands of students to stay home due to closure of schools.

Civil Society Rautahat Chairman Jaganath Prasad Keshari stressed the need to hold dialogue between the agitating parties and government.