Madhesi leaders brief journalists about their decision in Rajbiraj on Wednesday. Photo: Shrawan Kumar DeoA day after India issued a veiled threat to impose an economic blockade against Nepal, Madhesi and Tharu parties have decided to cut off supplies to Kathmandu.
A meeting of Madhesi parties, which began in a hotel in Rajbiraj and ended only on Wednesday morning, decided to intensify their protests over the new constitution. They threatened to impose a blockade against Kathmandu by disrupting the East West highway more effectively.
Madhesi parties also decided to close down all government offices, particularly banks, cooperatives and customs offices. At a press conference held in Rajbiraj on Wednesday evening, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Chair Upendra Yadav said: "We have decided to join hands with Tharus and Muslims to put more pressure on Kathmandu."
Tharus have also decided to intensify their protests. A joint struggle committee formed by Tharu political parties and social organisations on Wednesday decided to block the east-west highway even during the nights and cut off supplies of daily essentials to Kathmandu.
"We will use all our strength to block the highway 24 hours," Dhani Ram Chaudhari, coordinator of the Tharu struggle committee, said.
Madhesi and Tharu parties seem to have been emboldened by India's statement on the new constitution endorsed by Nepal's Constituent Assembly and promulgated by President Ram Baran Yadav.
India has not welcomed the new constitution, reportedly demanding representation of Madhesis in proportion to their population, inclusion of the five dispute Tarai districts in Madhesi provinces, rights for naturalised citizens to assume constitutional posts and revision of electoral constituencies in every 10 years.
India has also issued a veiled threat to impose an economic blockade against Kathmandu, citing problems facing Indian transporters and other companies due to the prolonged Tarai tension.
India has urged major political parties to write the new constitution with 'widest possible consultations'. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, UML Chair KP Oli and UCPN (M) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday held talks with Madhesi leaders Mahanth Thakur and Bijay Gachhadar. But a deal with Madhesi parties does not look in sight as yet.
In the east, Janajatis have called off their general strike imposed from 20 September. They have vowed to carry out their protests in a different manner.