Madhesis start fresh protests in Nepal against Constitution

In Nepal, hundreds of Madhesi have started fresh protests against the new Constitution, pressing for their demands relating to more rights, adequate representation and re-demarcation of provincial boundary. Traffic movement was disrupted in the vicinity of Singhdurbar, the main administrative complex of the country, for hours due to the protest. They forcefully tried to enter the prohibited areas, triggering a scuffle with riot police who were deployed to guard the important government offices.

The protesters were carrying placards with anti-government and pro-Madhesi slogans. The leaders and cadres of Federal Alliance, the grouping of seven Madhes-based political parties and 22



other ethnic groups, also joined protesters.

The major demands of Madhesis, include re-demarcation of the seven province model of federal structure. Other demands include proportionate representation of marginalised groups and ethnic minorities including the Madhesis, indigenous groups and dalits in all the state bodies. General Secretary of Tarai-Madhesh Loktantrik Party, Sarbendra Nath Shukla said, the Nepal Government is not serious about resolving their issues.

Madhesis earlier had launched six-month-long agitation from September 2015 to February 2016 in which more than 50 people were killed.