The district headquarters of Siraha, Lahan lost five locals during the agitation in 2007.But now the local leaders, determined to shun violence tactics, have taken different approach to organizing protests.
"We are trying to give momentum to our protest without inflicting damage on human lives and properties," said Federal Socialist Forum's Central Member Rajlal Yadav. "If we lose our temper, then protest will cause more harm to our movement than help it," added Yadav.
He informed that the protesters have not retaliated even in the face of disproportionate use of force by the police.
In Lahan, the strike called by Unified Democratic Madhesi Front, Tharu Welfare Society has been backed by organizations like Marwadi Youth Front and Industry and Commerce Association.
Government offices, shops and educational institutions have remained closed for the last one week. "Our peaceful protest has support from people of different walks of life. We hope that the government responds to our demands before protestors resort to aggressive tactics and the movement takes a wrong turn" said Yadav.
District leaders of UCPN-Maoist, CPN-UML and Nepali Congress have been a regular presence in the peaceful protest.
"Siraha was one of the most tensed regions during the first Madhesh movement. But today we are trying to lead peaceful protests," said Siraha Industry and Commerce Association's chairman Sunil Kumar Mahato. "We will see to it that our demands are addressed and set the example that protests need not be violent to become successful," he added.
Although even the Madeshi people in Lahan are opposed to delineation of provinces proposed by the top political parties, the peaceful approach they have embraced has prevented violence in the region so far.
Residents of the district are still facing hassles because their vital documents got burned when agitators set government offices on fire in 2007.
People have to request for police report when they apply for citizenship and other official processes as all the official records at the District Administration Office, municipality and transportation offices turned to ashes in conflagrations orchestrated by the protesters. Because of the destruction, locals now spend extra time and money even for minor official work.
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