During their recent visit to Patna, India, earlier this week, top three UDMF leaders -- Upendra Yadav, Rajendra Mahato and Mahendra Raya Yadav -- reached an informal agreement to temporarily lift the border blockade.
However, the UDMF, in its Saturday's meeting, will formally make such decision along with revision of the current forms of protest, sources claimed.
UDMF leaders said they are for lifting the border blockade so as to prevent the rampant smuggling of fuel and other essentials along the Nepal-India border. The leaders, responding to the concerns of Indian leaders in Bihar, acknowledged the illegal trade as a side-effect of the border-centric blockade.
According to Sadbhawana Party Chairperson Mahato, the blockade was aimed at exerting pressure on the government to address the issues of Madhes, but instead people suffered from black market, so they are for lifting the blockade.
Mahato accused the government of encouraging smuggling activities to weaken the Madhes movement.
A source close to UDMF, meanwhile, informed that they will continue with their protests involving closure of government offices and other peaceful forms of protests.
Likewise, India's Rastriya Janata Dal Vice-Chairperson Raghubansh Prasad Singh criticized both the Nepali and Indian governments for their inaction to stop smuggling along the border.
During the meeting with Madhesi leaders, RJD Vice-Chairman Singh said the border obstructions by the protestors "unfortunately" promoted smuggling. "Rampant smuggling made things easier for Nepal government but the common people suffered hugely," he said.
Nepal and India share an 1800-km porous border. "One of the main purpose of our ongoing (India-Nepal friendly harmony rally) campaign is to urge the people along the border to curb smuggling," RJD leader Singh said.
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