Nepal goverment’s talks with Madhesis cancelled

The much-anticipated tripartite talks between the Nepal government, the Opposition Nepali Congress and the Indian-origin Madhesis were cancelled on Wednesday as the agitating Madhesi leaders did not show up for the meeting to find a solution to end the nearly three-month political logjam.

The meeting was deferred after the top leaders of Madhesi Front did not show up at the Prime Minister’s office in Baluwater.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli wrote on twitter that Wednesday’s discussion was cancelled and the next date for the dialogue will be finalised after a meeting of three major political parties on Thursday.

Madhiesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, have imposed a general strike in much of southern Nepal, causing a shortage of fuel and other essential goods.

The Madhesi leaders have submitted their 11-point demand to the government and both sides held discussion in this regard. Their demands included re-demarcation of the provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s deputy Prime Minister C.P. Mainali on Wednesday said the Madhes-based parties’ agitation has created trouble to the general public and held the country captive.