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MJF suspends protest programmes for 10 days, demands Home Minister's resignation

Describing the Prime Minister's address on Wednesday as "partial success" of the Madhesi people, the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) on Thursday announced to suspend its protest programmes for the next ten days.

MJF chairman Upendra Yadav told a news conference in the capital that the Prime Minister's address to the nation could not be described as absolute success of Madhesis as it did not guarantee "full proportional electoral system" for the forthcoming constituent assembly election, which has been a key demand of the Forum.

He, however, said the MJF had taken Koirala's address in a positive light, but a number of Madhesi demands were yet to be met. There should be equal participation of Madhesis, Dalits, women and indigenous people in all organs of the state, he added.

Yadav further said the MJF had given 10-day 'ultimatum' to the government for creating "conducive atmosphere" for talks and added that his group was firm on its demand that the Home Minister resign by taking responsibility for the loss of lives during the agitations.

The MJF said bandhs, blockades and protest rallies have been called for ten days but peaceful rallies and public awareness programmes would continue.

In his address yesterday night, following a meeting of the eight parties, PM Koirala announced to add electoral seats in Terai districts and delineate the election constituencies based on population and geographical appropriateness.

At least 29 people lost their lives and hundreds others were injured in clashes during the MFJ-led protests across Terai for more than three weeks. nepalnews.com mk Feb 08 07