General

Nepal’s Madhesi leaders meet Sushma Swaraj

Author : NewsGram Desk

New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday met top leaders of Nepal's restive Madhesi community, who were agitating against the country's new constitution adopted in September, urging a speedy political solution for restoring normalcy in the Himalayan nation.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj meets Madhesi Morcha leaders in New Delhi. Reaffirms support for an inclusive Nepal," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

He added that Sushma Swaraj called for a "broad-based ownership of constitution and encouraged speedy political solution and return to normalcy on that basis".

The Madhesi leaders' visit comes close on the heels of the visit of Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa.

The Madhesi Morcha had been protesting for almost four months in Nepal's southern Terai plains, blocking movement of vehicles between India and Nepal thus creating widespread shortages in the Himalayan nation.

They have expressed serious reservations over some of the contents of the new constitution as well as boundaries of the proposed seven federal units.

Those who reached Delhi include Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party chairman Mahanta Thakur, Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum chairman Upendra Yadav, Sadbhavana Party chairman Rajendra Mahto, and Tarai Madhes Sadbhavana Party chairman Mahendra Yadav.

Second rung leaders of the Madhesi Morcha had earlier reached New Delhi.

The Madhesi leaders will also meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and Nationalist Congress Party's DP Tripathi.

The Madhesis are demanding, among others, increased political representation, proportional inclusion in state organs, correction in citizenship provisions and revision in federal boundaries.

Over 50 people had died in violent protests that had been raging across the Nepali Terai since September last.

(IANS)

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube and WhatsApp

Download our app on Play Store

‘Huge Win for the Constitution’ as House Finally Passes Iran War Powers Resolution

What Is Bambrolistan? The Internet's Fictional Country Where Being Weird Is a Badge of Honour

"Civic Sense? RIP??": Top 5 Moments When Indians Embarrassed Themselves Abroad

Faith-Based Fitness? Kerala's First 'Islam-Friendly Gym' and Its Sharia-Compliant Rules Trigger Online Debate

How Dangerous Is Eating Rotten Mangoes? Gujarat Food Safety Team Seizes Worm-Infested Mangoes Which Were Meant for Juice Production