Following the cabinet decision on Sunday to endorse the three-point agreement reached earlier among major political parties to resolve the Madhes crisis by forming a political mechanism to settle the issue of provincial boundaries, the government talks team led by Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa on Monday formally handed over the proposal to UDMF leaders.
On Monday, UDMF leaders also met Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae and discussed the three-point proposal. Later on the day, Indian Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the cabinet decision.
"Many countries had welcomed the constitution when it was promulgated. We have been protesting against it since then and the Madhes movement will continue until our demands are met or unless we are given an assurance despite of anything," said Tarai-Madhes Sadbhavana Party leader Ram Naresh Raya.
"As the government has formally handed over the three-point proposal, we will discuss it within the UDMF and give our formal opinion to the government," he added.
However, UDMF leaders have been saying that the three-point proposal would not address their demands. Madhesi activists have been suggesting to the UDMF to demand a revision of the constitution amendment bill and formulation of concrete terms of reference for the political mechanism for settling the provincial delineations, if they are to accept the proposal.
Meanwhile, top UDMF leaders on Monday evening held discussion with the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) on the possible solutions to the current crisis.
"The meeting with the UDMF remained positive. They were more concerned on the provincial delineation while we asked them for support for passing the constitution amendment bill. We'll meet again Tuesday," said NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula.
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