India has 'regarded' the first amendment to Nepal's new constitution as 'positive developments', but is hoping that other issues will also be addressed.
A day after Parliament endorsed the first constitution amendment bill despite opposition from Madhesi parties, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a terse statement: "We regard the two amendments passed yesterday by the Nepali Parliament as positive developments. We hope that other outstanding issues are similarly addressed in a constructive spirit."
On 20 September, when the constitution was promulgated, India had only 'noted' it expressing displeasure over exclusion of Madhesi parties from the statute drafting process. In December, when Nepal passed a cabinet resolution to add clarity to citizenship provisions, amend the constitution to address Madhesi demands for proportional representation and set up an all-party mechanism to redraw boundaries, India had welcomed it.
After India's previous statement, leaders of the ruling parties had been claiming that the Indian blockade would be lifted once the amendment was passed. But India has not wholeheartedly welcomed the amendment. It has only 'regarded it' and pressing Nepal for addressing other demands put forth by Madhesi parties.
Madhesi parties have demanded only two provinces encompassing the whole Tarai region – something the Big Three parties are not willing to agree on.
The Madhesi Front has described the amendment as 'incomplete' and refused to call off protests.
Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, a constituent member of the Front, has announced Kathmandu-centric protests. It has also made it clear that border protests will continue.