Terai districts shut down in protest against 'one Madhesh' demand

Normal life in several Terai districts has been hit hard by a bandh (shutdown strike) called by indigenous Tharus and fringe political outfits based in Terai in protest against the demand for 'single Madhesh province', on Friday.

Marketplaces, schools and colleges have been closed down in main towns of Terai while buses and trucks remain off the highways, reports said. Eastern Terai districts like Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari saw partial effect of the bandh.

Tharus organised a demonstration in Butwal of Rupandehi district, chanting slogan against the 'one Madhesh' demand and the parties espousing it. Tharus have been saying that single Madhesh province is not acceptable for them.

Effect of the bandh is also seen in mid and far-western districts like Dang, Banke, Bardiya and Kailali.

However, there were no reports of violence during the bandh.

Tharuhat State Council, Chure-Bhawar Ekta Party, Nepal Loktantrik Samaj Dal and few other organisations came together to enforce the bandh in a protest against the continuous obstruction created by three main Terai parties in the Constituent Assembly demanding constitutional gyarantee of 'autonomous Madhesh province' and 'group entry' of Madhesis into the Nepal Army.

The Terai parties - Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party and Sadbhawana Party - have disrupted eight consecutive meetings of the CA to exert pressure on the major parties to agree on their demands. nepalnews.com mk July 04 08