The Maoist party declared the formation of Kochila autonomous province amid a function in Birtamod of Jhapa and Limbuwan autonomous province in Tehrathum on Friday. The former rebels formed Kochila province by including Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts and Limbuwan province with five districts -- Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Taplejung, Panchthar and Ilam -- in it.
The ethnic organizations decided to stand united, claiming that the nine districts to the east of Arun River fall in the Limbuwan region, not in Kochila. They have announced to retaliate against the Maoist announcement.
The Sanghiya Limbuwan Rajya Parishad, which is operating in the eastern hilly districts for the last three years, has been demanding a Limbuwan province comprising nine districts to the east of Arun River. However, the organization is split into two factions led by Sanjuhang Palungwa and Kumar Lingden. Likewise, the third ethnic Limbuwan group led by Misekhang Thamsuhang is also holding talks with the two groups on forging an alliance.
"We are almost at the final stage on forging unity," Sanjuhang Palungwa, chairman of the Sanghiya Limbuwan Rajya Parishad, said, adding they will make public their conclusion within a couple of days.
The Limbuwan organizations decided to challenge the Maoist declaration, saying that the party trampled on the agreement reached between the indigenous communities and then government, which was also represented by the Maoists.
Terming the formation of Kochila province is against the accord, he said strong action is needed to remind the Maoists about the past agreement.
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