"I don't think many people here in the capital understand the scope of violence that erupted in Tarai during the Madhesi Movement. Most here weren't counting the number of curfews imposed or even deaths for that matter. There was this instance where a child had died and his grandfather, while trying to arrange for his last rites, was also killed but there wasn't a peep from the government or the public here. So right now, I'm glad the movement has fizzled. The situation was alarming," says Chaudhary.
However, he also wishes to clarify that nearly six months ago, when the Madhesi Movement was slowly picking pace, he firmly stood behind it. The five years he had spend as a tailor in Pokhara and Kathmandu, had been enough to show him that discrimination, lack of representation, and opportunities were rife for people of Madhesi heritage. Thus the changes he wished to see from the movement were social ones. Respectful co-existence was his agenda and his friend, Kishore Sah, couldn't agree more.
Sah has been living in Kathmandu for more than a decade now. He started off with a paan pasal and now he owns his own wholesale store. But throughout the decades, despite his personal progress, he feels there is a long way to go for Madhesis to no longer be a subject of prejudice and intolerance.
"A small example could be the way many bargain with a native of the valley and a Madhesi shopkeeper for some reason is different. The tone is harsher and derogatory with us. Words like "Kale", and "Dhoti" are casually thrown around. Such social discrimination has become so ingrained in our society that when we try and defend ourselves, people wonder why we are overreacting. Some don't understand how offensive accusing me to be something other than Nepali can be. The level of apathy in this regard is incredible," states Shah.
These are issues that have undoubtedly been simmering under the surface for decades now. They might only be the tip of the iceberg but almost everyone of Madhesi lineage can relate to these experiences.
Thus Manish Jha, General Manager of Facts Nepal explains, "Whenever we think about the movement, I think we need to separate it into three different categories: The Madhesh, the Madhesi and the Madheswadi. The latter refers to the political representation of the area who were basically fighting for political presence and influence since it had become weak over the years. Then there are the Madhesi, the people from the region. The citizens were fighting for respect. They were spilling their grievances to the government who claims to be theirs while collecting tax but remain largely absent otherwise. And lastly, Madhesh is the regional area but truth be told, that's just political agenda."
Even though the territory feud garnered the most attention, Jha insists that majority of the general Madhesi citizen have little concerns about it. The political interests of the leaders bought it to the forefront. Chaudhary, Sah and Jha's full support of the movement when the focus was squarely on the people's cause really reflects the mood of the Madhesi people as well.
"Unfortunately, it was Day 17 of the movement when the Tikapur incident happened. I think from there on, the protests became heavily politicized. It's not that this could be avoided. We needed leaders and the government in the loop as well but when their agendas largely overshadowed the movement and the blockade ensued, that's when a positive thing ran off the rails," says Jha.
Jha opines that another major flaw in the plan that played its hand in the failure of movement was lack of communication. Sah agrees and his daughter Preity even recalls the time a passenger in a micro started a rant about all those Madhesis who were acting like "traitors" and how some time behind bars would do them good. Unable to hold herself back, Preity had apparently asked the passenger if he knew the reasons behind the movement.
"He just shrugged and brushed the topic aside. He didn't want to hear it. I think it was the Morcha's shortcoming that they weren't able to clearly explain the reasons behind their action. There are clearly people who need to be made aware of the Madhesi people's point of view," shares Sah's daughter.
"I knew what the people down in Tarai were protesting about but many from the non Madhesi community didn't. The 175 days of the Madhesi Movement could've yielded more effective results if those on the frontlines staging the protests had communicated their ideas and goals," adds Sah.
Not that there haven't been some progress. In fact, whether it is while buying vegetables from a Madhesi vendor or discussing the Madhesh's involvement in politics, we can all feel people around us being more aware of derogatory speech and behavior. These are small victories in what is set to be a long social battle.
Again on the national front, the Madhesi leaders may still have a lot of ground to cover to prove their mettle as well as earn a steady standing on the political stage. However, away from what might be regarded as headline news, on a day to day basis, the Madhesi movement has successfully raised some serious questions about rights, identity and representation.
Abhishek Pratap Shah, Deputy General Secretary of Federal Socialist Party Nepal informs that there are various meetings being carried out and the plan is to eventually ignite another movement.
"Initially, the government completely dismissed the need for our protests. I take it as a success that by the end of it, we were able to convince many in the government as well as the public that the constitution isn't an equal document. Amendments needed to be made," says Shah.
"The way I see it, this episode of the Madhesi movement might have ended but the series is yet to continue," says Jha. "It has stirred the desire for change. People in Janakpur or Birgunj haven't been jaded or demoralized by the end of the blockade. You can tell these are issues they are not going to let people forget because no one can deny many were legitimate ones. Only this time around, I hope that the state is going to finally address them."
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