Kathmandu, November 11. A resolution to the ongoing crisis in Nepal is only possible through dialogue at the highest level: this is what negotiators from both the government and the agitating Madheshi Morcha have started saying.
The last round of talks between the two sides on November 1, is said to have ended on a ‘positive’ note. The negotiators had also said they would consult with the Nepali Congress, which is now in the opposition, before the next round of talks take place.
But political parties did not keep the conversation going. It was during this period that protesters clashed with police in Birgunj and Rajbiraj—further creating an atmosphere of mistrust among the parties.
Now the situation is such that the negotiators themselves do not know when they will meet again. Health Minister Ramjanam Chaudhary, who is also part of the government’s talks team said, “They (Madheshi Morcha) have told us to talk to top leaders, and only then they would sit for dialogue.”
The statement by Chaudhary, who is also the general secretary of Gachchhadar-led Forum, alludes to the Morcha’s demands related to the demarcation of provinces. Both sides know that until they reach an understanding on the issue, there is no point holding talks.
But for any understanding to develop among the opposing parties, political parties in the ruling coalition need to bring forward a proposal that would be acceptable to all coalition partners. Even after doing that, they need to bring the Nepali Congress on board, before the proposal can be presented to the agitating parties.
Ram Naresh Rae, a member of the Morcha’s talk team, also said top leaders from all sides need to reach an agreement on demarcation of provinces.”But the government is not taking this issues seriously,” he added.
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