You raise voice for talks on one hand and on the other hand intensify the protests? Isn't this contradictory?
We are not against talks. Our belief is rooted in democracy, dialogues and talks. We always stand for resolving the current problems through dialogues. For this, we have already held several rounds of informal talks with the government. However, the government is yet to come up with concrete roadmap on provincial demarcation. Instead of addressing our issues, the government attempted to thwart our movement.
Then, on what condition will the formal talks begin?
We want no use of force by the state on our peaceful protests. The decision to deploy army and Armed Police Force in Madhes should be revoked immediately. Likewise, the deceased should be declared martyrs and the injured be provided with proper treatment. Those taken into police custody should be set free. Fulfillment of these conditions will show the government's seriousness for formal talks. Then the government should also come up with a clear roadmap for provincial boundary.
So, the protests will not be withdrawn until conducive environment is not created?
Our agitation will continue. We have already written to the last and current prime ministers about our stance and demands. Unless Madhes autonomous province, proportionate inclusion and representation, population-based constituencies, citizenship provision as mentioned in the interim constitution and amendment of controversial provisions in the constitution are fulfilled, the protests will continue.
Agitating Madhesi parties participated in the election for the post of prime minister but ruled out their participation in the presidential election. What is the reason?
Although the Nepali Congress (NC)-led government had opened fire at us, it is a democratic party. We supported the NC candidate because we had faith in the NC resolving the issues. Another reason for the participation in the election was to stand against KP Oli, who always delivered anti-Madhesi speeches. He looks at Madhesis as if they are not Nepalis. Given such situation, electing Oli as PM was a challenge before us. We supported NC chair Koirala to stand against Oli.
As far as the president is concerned, it is just a ceremonial post. Therefore, we took no interest to participate in the polls.
Madhesi parties were alleged to have participated in the PM election as per India's instructions. What do you say?
Had we participated in the PM election as per India's instructions, we could have also attended the presidential polls. This is not true.
Your nomination for the president was overheard?
There were such talks since beginning, even during the election of the first president. But, no consultation with me has been made for this. This is just a rumor to sideline our movement.
Are you attending the parliament now?
We'll continue to raise our voices on the streets. Parliament is also another venue to raise our issue. We will protest on streets as well as in the house.
What do you term about India's blockade?
We were not allowed to protest on streets. We were shot at during sit-ins. The police even intervened during peaceful sit-ins at border. The problem remained the same when we used Indian soil to protest. Hence, we chose to launch sit-ins on no man's land. This was the only option left for us. Then we realized that the blockade could be effectively carried out from the no man's land.
Why is there blockade at Nepal-India border points in western parts where there is no protest?
The protests are on. There is violence. There is obstruction on the movement of vehicles. It's not certain when firings start and curfew gets imposed. In such situation, how will the vehicles from India enter Nepal? This may be the reason for India not allowing sufficient number of vehicles through those borders.
There were no such blockades by India in the past movements and during the era of armed conflict. But why is it now?
Even now India has not claimed it to be a blockade. Goods are still being imported. Elections are being held in some states of India. This might be the reason.
What is your take on extending Nepal's relations with China?
Nepal is a sovereign country. It can start trade agreement with any country anytime. It comes under the country's own decision. But instead of solving the current problems, the government is busy finding alternatives.
It is not certain that there will be no obstructions at China border. The government has not met the demands raised by Janjatis as well. They are also agitating. They are coordinating with us to jointly continue protests. Similar unrest can arise in other parts of the country as well.
The government is currently holding talks with India to end the blockade. If the supply resumes, what will happen to the progress of the Madhes movement?
The problem is not with India and the UN. The problem is with us. The problem is not in Geneva but it exists in Nepal. Therefore, the government should talk with the people from our country itself to resolve the crisis.
The Tharus were with the Madhesis. Are they still with you?
We collaborate with each other. We stand together sometimes while we operate separately at other times. There is no formal alliance between us but we unite for the movement. We devise similar strategies to move ahead. Our movement was launched with the coordination of Tharu from the Western parts of Tarai. We are still collaborating with each other.
The NC has already forwarded the amendments bills to the parliament. If the demands are met as per the bills, will the current problems be solved?
Amending the constitution as per the bills alone cannot address the issues in a proper way. Addressing the issues through the parliament alone cannot stop the ongoing protests.
Is there any possibility to collaborate with the NC now?
The NC is currently the opposition party so there can be some issues of common interest. We can work together by forming a work plan. Besides this, we have no relations with the NC.
Are you not troubled by the blockade?
The real blockade is in Madhes. Whatever petroleum products, including LPG, that enter here is transported straight away. Only degradable vegetables are left here. Does that matter to the government at all? We are the ones who have been bearing the brunt in the real sense.
If so, why haven't you requested India to end the blockade?
The agitating Madhesi people are treated the same way by the Indian authority as they are treated by the government. In this condition, we are using no-man's land. So how can we request India to end the blockade?
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