Terai armed outfit put forth precondition for talks

The Rajan Mukti faction of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM-R) on Sunday expressed willingness to sit for talks with the government.

The first armed group among the 14 or so operating in Terai to unilaterally say it is willing to sit in a negotiating table with the government, JTMM-R, however, has put forth conditions for dialogue.

Issuing a statement, Rajan Mukti, chief of JTMM-R, said it is positive about sitting for a dialogue with the government provided that the latter forms a new ‘trustworthy talks team’, withdraws all court cases against the outfit’s cadres and releases his men currently serving in jail.

The group also demanded fulfillment of other demands for what is described as liberation of the Terai from ‘internal colonization’, and which includes holding a referendum in the Terai to let the Terai populace decide whether to opt for a separate Terai nation.

It may be mentioned here that 14 armed groups operating in Terai has announced a joint ceasefire for the Dashai and Tihar festivals and have already expressed willingness to sit for a dialogue with the government. nepalnews.com Oct 13 08

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