Thakur committee again invites MJF, NFIN for talks

The government-formed talks committee headed by Agriculture Minister Mahantha Thakur has again formally invited the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) for talks.

The meeting of the Thakur committee held Thursday afternoon decided to invite MJF for talks on February 25 and NEFIN on February 26.

Previously, the MJF – which spearheaded recent uprising in Terai – had refused to sit for talks with the government unless the Home Minister was removed and an independent commission formed to probe repression against Terai agitation. The MJF has already said that it will engage in bandhs in Terai region from February 26.

The NEFIN is also engaged in agitation across the country demanding ethnic right to self-determination, among others.

Drop charges against JTMM

Likewise, the committee has also asked the government to withdraw all kinds of charges or warrants or cases against the workers of the two factions of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) to create environment for talks with them.

The Goit and Jwala Singh faction of JTMM are engaged in violent activities in Terai region demanding separate autonomous state. nepalnews.com sd Feb 2207