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Govt renews talks offer to Terai groups; UNMIN concerned over violence

As the indefinite general strike continued to paralyse life in Terai and other parts of the country, the government again appealed to the agitating Madhesi groups today to withdraw their protest programmes and opt for dialogue to resolve the issues they have raised.

Issuing a press statement this evening, the Home Ministry said that the government was willing to address the demands of the agitating parties through dialogue, and also pledged to implement the 22-point agreement signed in the past with the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum.

The Home Ministry also assured that the government would immediately meet some of the demands including release of detained protesters, free treatment to those injured people and compensation to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests.

The security forces have been instructed to show maximum restraint while maintaining security in volatile areas in Terai, the ministry added.

The statement came hours after the leaders of the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front announced that they would not sit for talks unless the government created a favourable atmosphere.

Meanwhile, chief of the United Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), Ian Martin, has expressed deep concern at the incidents of violence in Terai.

“I am deeply concerned at incidents in several towns and other locations in the Tarai which have resulted in one death and many serious injuries,” Martin said in a statement.

According to Martin, monitoring teams of UNMIN and OHCHR-Nepal had witnessed excessive use of force by police personnel against the protesting crowds in many places while the agitators also pelted stones at the police.

He said he had appealed to the Home Minister to take all possible measures to avoid excessive use of force, and to leaders of the UDMF to call on protesters to remain peaceful and to avoid the involvement of children in demonstrations.

“UNMIN has consistently urged that the grievances of Madhesi and other marginalized groups should be addressed by the Government and the Seven-Party Alliance through dialogue, and should be pursued by peaceful means,” he said, adding “I hope that all concerned will draw back from the brink of escalating violence and pursue the common interest of an inclusive Constituent Assembly election in a conducive climate.” nepalnews.com mk Feb 18 08