Government-UDMF talks are still relevant, says Mahantha Thakur

Janakpurdham, November 12. Tarai-Madhesh Democratic Party President, Mahantha Thakur, said on Thursday that talks between the government and United Democratic Madheshi Front have not outlived their utility.

The UDMF has never escaped from the negotiating table, though the talks have slowed down after the Birgunj killing, he said referring to the death of an Indian national in firing that police resorted to after they come under attack during a recent protest in Birgunj.

Speaking to journalists in Janakpur, Thakur said the onus is on the government to create a conducive environment for talks.

Asked if preparations are afoot to dissolve the current talks team and replace it with a new one, Thakur said: It all depends on the government’s working style.

He reiterated they will not escape from the talks regardless of the type of talks committee the government forms. The existing talks committee does not have representation from the Nepali Congress, he said, adding that any understanding, if reached at all, in NC’s absence is meaningless.

Thakur said creation of two Madhesh provinces is the UDMF’s bottomline. The Madhesh movement will intensify after Chhath, he said, adding that there’s no alternative to the movement, though it will be subject to timely changes.

He said Bihar assembly election results will have no bearing on the Madhesh Movement as Madheshi people are staging a movement for their rights.