"We have received a letter from the prime minister with commitment to address our demands. We are positive about sitting for talks," said Tharu leader Raj Kumar Lekhi.UCPN (Maoist) lawmaker and Tharu leader Aman Lal Modi said that a meeting of the Tharuhat Struggle Committee to be held Wednesday will decide how to respond to the prime minister's letter.
Lekhi said that the amendment proposed by the major three parties on the Constitution Bill for incorporation of inclusive proportionate system, formation of Tharu commission, and population-based electoral system are also positive sign. He, however, said that the provincial delineation is major concern for the Tharu community.
"We have not asked for a province with single ethnicity. We are only demanding that the Tharu cluster should not be divided while delineating provinces otherwise people from the plains will have to go to hill districts for administrative work," said Lekhi.
Lekhi also asked the government to declare those killed during recent portests as martyrs, bear the treatment cost of those injured, lift curfew, and stop concocting criminal charges against protestors.
FSFN condemns arrests
Meanwhile, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN), one of the constituent parties in the United Democratic Madhesi Front, has condemned the arrest of its cadres as well as other agitating leaders in Madhes districts.
The party has informed that five leaders were arrested from Gaur of Rautahat. The party has also claimed that the state has been using "brutal" force to "suppress" protestors and arresting leaders as it is frightened by the protests.
Meanwhile, the party has appealed to human rights organizations, civil society, media and international community to take substantial steps to ensure and safeguard people's right to peaceful protest.
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