PM wants to settle problems with JTMM, too, through talks

At a time when the splinter faction of the Maoists, Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) has intensified its violent activities in Terai region, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has revealed that he is in touch with them as well.

"I have talked with those who have split away from the Maoists. And they have asked me to keep the communication line open," Koirala said, speaking at a program in Biratnagar organized to award Tarini Journalism Prize.

Koirala added that he wants to resolve the problem (of JTMM) through talks. "We all are riding the same boat. If there is a hole in any corner of the boat, we all will sink together," Koirala said. He expressed grave concerns over recent violent activities and said that national unity will be his top concern.

Koirala, however, did not elaborate whether he was in touch with both the factions of JTMM. The JTMM currently has two factions – one led by Jai Krishna Goit and another led by Jwala Singh. Both factions are engaged in violent activities.

Goit-led JTMM owned up responsibility of killing Krishna Charan Shrestha, an RPP MP a few months ago in Siraha. The Singh-led JTMM has imposed December 16-31 prohibition on non-Madhesis from plying vehicles in Terai road. Just two days ago they shot one bus passenger to death in Saptari for defying their ban. The cadres of JTMM also frequently clash with the Maoists in the eastern Terai region, particularly in Siraha and Saptari districts.

On Friday, Ian Martin, Personal Representative of the UN Secretary General, also expressed concern over the violent activities in eastern Terai. He said that the responsibility of resolving the problem with the JTMM rested with the government. "I have found the government is serious about this problem," he said. A few weeks ago, Home Minister Krishna Sitaula, too, had urged the JTMM for negotiated settlement. nepalnews.com sd Dec 30 06

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