‘Informal talks with Madhesi leaders positive’

KATHMANDU, Sept 28: As the weeks-long protests launched by disgruntled political parties cripples life in several parts of the country, some leaders from major political parties have intensified informal talks with leaders from agitating political parties of late. Those involved in informal talks said the latest efforts to create conducive environment for holding formal talks have been yielding positive results.

Nepali Congress (NC) Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel, Forest Minister Mahesh Acharya and NC leader Ananda Dhungana held a meeting with Mahantha Thakur, chairman of Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP), at the latter's residence in Kathmandu on Sunday.


"We have been holding regular informal meetings with leaders from agitating parties and that are heading toward positive direction. Environment is getting conducive for holding formal talks," Dhungana told Republica.

Stating that they have yet to reach any conclusion and sit for formal talks, Dhungana declined to divulge details of the contents they have been discussing with the agitating parties.

According to him, the government and the major parties are for making some tangible progress with regard to addressing the demands of disgruntled political parties from the upcoming parliament session, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

He said they have been holding similar talks through various channels with other Madhes-based parties as well.

As the top leaders of the major parties have repeatedly announced their readiness to address the protesting parties' demands through amendments to the new constitution, the leaders' recent initiatives are aimed at the same.

Related story

Nepal's informal economy estimated at 51% of GDP, global averag...