Normal life in some Nepali districts, especially those in the south, has come to a standstill following the indefinite strike called by various agitating Madhesi and ethnic groups from Wednesday, local newspaper The Kathmandu Post reported Thursday.
Various disgruntled groups, including newly formed United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and Federal Republican National Front (FRNF), called the indefinite strike in the restive southern plains demanding federal autonomous governing system with rights to self-determinations.
On Saturday, the newly formed UDMF comprising the three major Madhesi groups -- Terai-Madhes Democratic Party, factions of Sadbhawana Party and Madhesi People's Rights Froum -- had announced to take to the streets to press for their six-point demands.
The six-point demand includes an autonomous Madhes state with are publican order and right to self determination.
Madhesi people are the Nepalese mainly living in south Nepal's Terai plains, who are socio-culturally close to the bordering Indians.
Schools, private offices and businesses remain closed while the highways and inner roads are deserted with no vehicles plying in Terai districts like Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Sarlahi, Mohttari, Dhanusha and Banke, since early Wednesday morning.
Continued strike in Terai has affected the regular supply of foodstuffs and petroleum products to hilly districts including capital Kathmandu. As a result, the consumer prices have gone up sharply and streets in capital saw relatively fewer vehicles.
The eastern hilly districts are also hit by abrupt strike called by Limbuwan National Council Lingden faction from Wednesday, according to loal news website Nepalnews. com.
The agitating ethnic groups are demanding changes in Constituent Assembly (CA) elections' electoral system, their justifiable representation in government services including in the army, among others.
On Tuesday, however, the Nepali government talks panel made a fresh call to the agitating groups to come for dialogue to the negotiation table, pledging to make the talks meaningful.
The Nepali government talks panel headed by Minister for Peace and Reconstruction has assured to address the demands of the agitating groups, saying that their demands are positive.
These agitating groups all required their demands being met before CA elections scheduled for April 10. The Constituent Assembly is to decide the future political setup of the country and the fate of the monarchy.
Source: Xinhua
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