Prime Minister KP Sharma Ol had convened a meeting of major political parties, including the main opposition party Nepali Congress and the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) today to end the political deadlock.
UCPN (Maoist) Vice-Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the meet however agreed not to obstruct political assembly by any side. Earlier on Friday, locals had foiled the protest assembly organized by Federal Coalition in Itahari.
At the beginning of the meet, PM Oli requested providing an outlet to the country by giving up partisan stances.
A leader attending the meet said PM Oli said that all should seek solution to the crisis as people are facing hardship and economy has turned shabby. It was for the first time PM Oli attended talks with the Madhesi Front.
The meet also discussed 11-point demands forwarded to the government talks team by the front.
“Discussions were held on varying issues including delineation of provinces,” senior leader of Tarai Madhes Sadhbhawana Party Ram Naresh Raya told Republica, “The meet acted as an icebreaker.”
The Madhesi leaders told the meeting that 11-point demands is their bottom-line to end protest.
“Parties agreed to sit again for talks after major parties forge a common stance on the demands,” said Vice-chairman of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Lalbabu Rawat, “We apprised them that front’s major demands includes delineation, fixation of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation.
The next meet has been slated for 6 pm on Wednesday.The NC had proposed to sit again on Wednesday after forging common stance through inter and intra party talks.
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