KATHMANDU, Jan 25: Agitating Madhesh-based political parties have announced fresh protest programs from Wednesday, saying that the constitution amendment made by the parliament on Saturday is not acceptable to them.
A meeting of leaders of the four agitating Madhesh-based parties on Monday announced fresh protest programs after concluding that the amendment was unilaterally imposed on them by the major political forces. The meeting concluded that the amendment fulfilled their demands partially, against the major political parties pledge to address all demands in a package.
"The amendment of the constitution has also been made in a similarl way as the new constitution was imposed forcefully and unilaterally. As it doesn't address our demands, it can't be acceptable," read a statement issued by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), the alliance of the four agitating parties. "Our agitation will continue until all our demands are politically addressed in a package."
Ashok Rai, senior leader of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Brikhesh Chandra Lal, vice-chairman of Tarai-Madhesh Democratic Party, Laxman Lal Karna, co-chairman of Sadbhavana Party, and Ram Naresh Raya, senior leader of Tarai-Madhesh Sadbhavana Party Nepal undersigned the statement.
The week long protests include rallies, demonstrations and interactions with representatives from various sectors starting from Wednesday and will last till Monday.