Tharus say "One Madhes, one province" demand unacceptable
As the indefinite shutdown strike called by United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) demanding declaration of entire Madhes as a single autonomous state with the right to self-determination, enters its 12th day, throwing daily life in eastern terai districts in disarray with daily demonstrations and curfew, an ethnic group in terai has said that the demand is unacceptable to them.
The United Tharu National Liberation Front (UTNLF), a predominantly indigenous Tharu dominated group that was formed by Laxman Chaudhary by rebelling from the Maoist party a year ago, has said the demand for a "One Madhesh, One province" would be unacceptable to indigenous Tharu people as it has "hurt the very national sentiments of Nepalis in Madhesh", UTNLF leader Laxman Chaudhary has also warned that his party would wage a strong movement if the government concedes to demand for the "so-called One Madhesh, One province."
UTNLF is also organising a protest rally in Kathmandu against the demand which it believes would disintegrate the nation.
The protest comes a day after the ruling seven-party alliance on Saturday turned down the 'One Madhesh, One province' demand put forth by agitating Madhesi parties, reasoning that only the Constituent Assembly can address such a demand.
The group has also called a shutdown strike in mid-western Terai from the last two days, badly affecting life in Dang, Banke, Bardiya and Kailali districts.
Furthermore, UTNLF has also expressed dismay over putting the Tharus, Rajbanshis, Dhimal, Koche, Meche including other indigenous communities of Terai in the same bracket as Madhesis.
Similarly, the Chure Bhawar National Unity Party has also warned that if the government is to concede to the demand of "One Madhesh One province" raised by Madhesi parties agitating in Terai then they would wage a strong agitation against it. Issuing a release, the party which has been fighting for the cause of the people of hilly origin living in Terai advised against fulfilling this demand as it would only increase communal feelings and disintegrate the country. nepalnews.com ag Feb 24 08
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