Talks postponed

As top three political parties failed to come up with common views on Madhesi demands and agitating leaders were also busy in a political rally, 'decisive talks' between the government and the Madhesi Morcha scheduled for Wednesday evening have been postponed.

Hours before the scheduled talks, Prime Minister KP Oli tweeted that the next date would now be decided after a NC-UML-UCPN (M) meeting on Thursday.

The ruling UML and the opposition NC say they are now ready to be flexible on Madhesi demands, but they are yet to decide on the fate of the five disputed Tarai districts.

The new constitution has put Sunsari, Morang, Jhapa, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in hill provinces. The Morcha has demanded these districts be parts of two Madhes provinces.

UCPN (M), a member of the UML-led ruling coalition, on Wednesday proposed creation of an eighth province comprising some of the disputed districts. The UCPN (M) proposal is expected to be discussed in Thursday's meeting with the NC-UML.

Madhesi leaders say it would be futile to sit for talks unless the NC, the UML and the UCPN (M) come up with common views on their demands.

They had decided to send second-wrung leaders to participate in Wednesday's talks, sending a message to Prime Minister Oli that pro-constitution parties must have an understanding before trying to reach a deal with the Morcha.

However, Madhesi leaders on Wednesday reiterated that they would always be ready for talks.

"We are ready for talks, but is the government?" said Madhesi leader Upendra Yadav. "You first decide whether you want to find a political solution or mobilise army against us."

Yadav and other Madhesi leaders addressed a political rally in Dhalkebar of Dhanusha district on Wednesday. He said: "Don't dare to suppress us with guns. Even Gyanendra Shah had guns, but what happened to him when people descended on the streets."

He added, "You (national parties) cannot decide the fate of Madhesi people, we will decided which province we want to live in."

India has backed Madhesi protesters by allowing them to stage sit-in on No Man's land and restricting supplies across border points unaffected by protests. But Madhesi leaders said it was their blockade against Kathmandu.

"It is not India's blockade," Yadav said. "It is blockade by Madhesi people for their rights."