Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Protests Will Continue, Big Time
Eight parties seal the deal; PM urges protesters to withdraw agitation Nepalnews.com, Nepal34 minutes ago Eight parties seal the deal; PM urges protesters to withdraw agitationPrime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has stated to delineate electoral constituencies based on population and geographic appropriateness. PM Koirala has also promised to increase the constituencies in Madhes based on population and hold elections (for the Constituent Assembly) based on Proportional Representation system on the increased constituencies also.
Addressing the nation following the understanding among the leaders of the eight political parties on demands raised by Terai agitators, PM Koirala said the interim constitution will soon be amended to incorporate these new agreements.
PM Koirala also expressed the government's determination to ensure participation of Madhesi, Janajati, Dalit, women and backward communities at all organs of the state.
Appreciating the role played by people of Madhes in people's movement and strengthening democracy, PM Koirala expressed sadness over the loss of lives and properties in the current unrest. He expressed sincere condolences to those who died in the protests and vowed to provide relief to injured ones.
PM Koirala has urged all agitators to now withdraw their agitation and concentrate on making the constituent assembly elections successful.
PM Koirala made the remarks in the presence of leaders of eight parties. The PM's address was drafted as per the written agreement signed by leaders of the eight parties. The signatories include Sushil Koirala, vice president of Nepali Congress; Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of UML; Maoist chairman Prachanda; Gopal Man Shrestha, vice president of NC-Democratic; Bharat Bimal Yadav, vice president of NSP (Anandidevi); Narayan Man Bijukchhe, president of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP); Amik Sherchan, president of People's Front; and CP Mainali, president of Left Front.
Reacting to the media after the PM's address Rajendra Mahato, general secretary of NSP-Anandidevi said that this will fulfill the demands raised by people of Madhes. He hoped the unrest will now end in Terai. nepalnews.com sd Feb 07 07
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Protests will continue. Big time.
The very first thing that has to happen is Krishna Sitaula has to resign.Then the political demands have to be met.
Where is compensation for the families of the martyred? Why have they not been declared martyrs? Stop calling this an "unrest." This is a movement. Start calling it the Madhesi Movement.
Each martyr family has to be given a 15 lakh compensation package. All the injured have to be cared for and compensated. That would be medical expenses plus compensation.
Then we move to the political issues.
What has been offered is too vague.
One option would be to add 45 constituencies in the Terai so it has 125 out of 250. Another option is to have all seats in the constituent assembly elected through proportional representation. There is no third option.
After Krishna Sitaula resigns, the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum has to be invited for dialogue by the eight party alliance. And when the talks conclude, and the political demands are met, Upendra Yadav has to be inducted in as a Deputy Prime Minister in the interim cabinet.
Krishna Sitaula's replacement has to be a Madhesi. I propose Aftab Alam's name.
The talks might very well end up with a declaration of a Madhesh state now. But as long as the elections to the constituent assembly take place on a one person one vote principle, federalism can be postponed by a few months.
What does Girija mean by "more" seats? This is not about "more." This is about equality as a matter of principle. The Madhesi Movement demands one person one vote democracy and will not settle for anything less.
In The News
Nepalese govt to meet protesters' demands Evening Echo, Ireland -
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