Major Madhesi Front Ally Announces Separate Protests in Terai

The protestors told they will not sit for talks unless government apologises for mistreatment to their president.

Nepal’s Sadbhawana Party, a major ally of the Madhesi Front agitating over re-demarcation of the seven-province federal model in the new Constitution, announced a separate protest programme on Sunday in southern Nepal but dismissed reports that it has split from the alliance.

The party also distanced itself from crucial talks this evening with the government over the mistreatment to its president Rajendra Mahato, who was seriously injured during baton-charing by the police in Biratnagar-Jogbani border point where he was leading a group of cadres for a sit-in.

Sadbhawana Party vice-chairman Laxman Lal Karna told that his party would not sit for talks unless the government apologises for the incident.

Surprising its allies, the Sadbhawana Party announced new forms of protests in the Terai, scene of the ongoing protests by Madhesis who are largely Indian-origin and have led a blockade of key border trade points with India.

In a series of protest programmes announced unilaterally by the Sadbhawana Party, the party said it will focus on non- violent activities like mass prayers in memory of deceased protestors, fasting, signature campaign and campaigns to internationalise Madhesi issues through social media, local media reported.