The talks held on Tuesday concluded with the same commitment as the agitating parties were also pressing the other side for the same. "We will hold inter-party meetings over their demands before sitting for decisive talks with the agitating parties," said Home Minister Shakti Basnet, emerging from the meeting at Singhadurbar.
Another round of talks has been scheduled for Thursday. Agitating UDMF had been insisting for a common stance from the major political parties on their 11-point demand, which they had forwarded on November 1 last year, for "result- oriented talks."
Despite holding talks for over two dozen times, no tangible progress has been achieved toward resolving three months-long protests in the Tarai.
Leaders from both sides have claimed that Tuesday's meeting has narrowed down some differences. "There was lack of seriousness in earlier meetings, but we have narrowed down differences today," Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Co-chairman Hridayash Tripathi said, "We are hopeful that Thursday's talks will be serious."
Tripathi informed that the taskforce is holding talks focusing on provincial demarcation disputes. "Negotiations can move forward only after three parties come up with common views on delineations and other issues," said Rajendra Shrestha, a member to the taskforce from Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN).
Defense Minister and UML Vice Chairman Bhim Rawal, Nepali Congress General Secretary Krishna Sitaula and UCPN (Maoist) General Secretary Krishna Bahadur Mahara are members in the taskforce from Big-Three. Both Rawal and Mahara were substituted by Agni Kharel and Shakti Basnet on Monday's meeting.
Tripathi, Shrestha and Ram Naresh Ray of Tarai Madhes Shadbhawana Party are in the taskforce from the agitating parties.
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