If government does not address the Madhes movement by utilising current lull, UDMF will fight

Kathmandu, February 28

Chair of Sadbhawana Party Rajendra Mahato today said the United Democratic Madhesi Front had not abandoned the movement it had only changed the forms of protest.

Addressing an interaction organised by his party to review the ongoing Madhes movement and its future agendas, Mahato said the UDMF withdrew the border blockade keeping in mind the suggestions of stakeholders, but if the government did not address the Madhes movement by utilising the current lull, then the front would fight a decisive battle.

“Many Madhesis sacrificed their lives and many were injured. Yet the families of martyrs and injured are determined to empower Madhesis who have been victims of discrimination.

They are ready to fight a decisive battle,” he said and added that the slogan of “A fight to the finish,”, “Now or never,” were indications that Madhesis would leave the battle only after winning their rights.

He said the UDMF was conserving its energy for a decisive fight and the front needed to involve every village, every household and every member of the families in the fight for rights.

Mahato said his party would carry out awareness campaign from Jhapa to Kanchanpur to sensitise Madhesis about their rights and the need for their involvement in the ongoing crusade for rights.

He also urged Madhesi leaders of other political parties to sever ties with their mother parties and join the Madhes movement.

Mahato said six months long Madhes movement had helped internationalise Madhesis’ agendas which forced the major parties to amend the constitution, albeit it was not enough.

The Madhesi leader said the unity of Madhesis foiled the attempt of national media and the ruling class to create rift within the UDMF and defame the ongoing Madhes movement.

Columnist CK Lal said the failure of agitating parties to force the major parties to address Madhes movement this time had given rise to despair in Madhes.

“Many people talk of taking up arms these days in Madhes but only a peaceful movement can win Madhesis their rights,” he added.

A majority of Madhesi intellectuals who took part in the interaction said that the UDMF should not lose hope to fight for the Madhesis’ rights.