The protests raging through the Tarai have had deadly consequences, resulting in the deaths of security personnel and protesters and also the destruction of some government offices.
Talking to Republica, Upendra Yadav, chief of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, said that there are no alternatives but to keep the agitation going so that the rights of Madhesi people are ensured.
During a press meet on Sunday, Yadav further clarified that the agitation was not for any new demand but to press the government to implement the 22-point agreement reached with Madhes-based parties in the past and to keep Madhes-related provisions in the interim constitution intact.
"Major party leaders discussing the constitution behind closed doors and making agreements for their own vested interests is unconstitutional," said Yadav. He also termed the move to assign the roles of demarcating and naming provinces to a commission as unconstitutional.
Chairperson Rajendra Mahato of Sadhbhawana Party said that the protest in its present form would not help the agitating groups in getting their demands addressed. He stressed that the Madhesi Morcha will have to devise new ways of protest to create more pressure on the government.
"Upcoming protest programs will mount pressure on the government," said Mahato. "It seems as if the government has not been pressured adequately which is why it has been ignoring our voices," he claimed.
Likewise, Mahanth Thakur, chief of Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP), indicated that Madhes protests needed to be reshaped to make it more peaceful.
Meanwhile, intellectual communities and analysts who are closely observing the Madhes movement are also confident for the change in the ongoing protest. Political analyst Chandrakishore told Republica that agitating Madhesi parties are in the mood to reshape their protests to push their struggle to a new height.
"I understand the upcoming protest can be peaceful. A great mass of people joining the non-violent protest and blocking the borders may be the upcoming strategies," said he, adding that the upcoming protests will be decided by agitating parties.
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