Maoist agree to address Madhesi demands in supplementary bill

Kathmandu, July 3 : The CPN (Maoist) today agreed to address the demands raised by the Madhes-based parties in the draft of the supplementary Constitution amendment bill.

During a meeting with the top leaders of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) here, the Maoist leaders agreed to include the demands in the amendment bill and table it before the Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting.

The Maoist leaders also said that though their party respects the aspiration of the Madhesi people for autonomy, they would also want incorporation of the aspiration for autonomy of other indigenous communities in the bill as well.

However, the Maoist leaders haven't yet decided on the demand of the group for entry of the Madhesis into Nepal Army.

Senior Maoist leader Mohan Vaidhya Kiran said that as per the demand of the Terai-based parties, the phrase 'Madhes as autonomous region' will be included in the draft bill.

He said that they reached an agreement on the issue after Madhesi leaders said that they are ready to accept the final verdict of the Constituent Assembly on the bill.

Maoist chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal said the Maoists have always been positive on the demand of autonomous Terai, although the provision of 'One Madhes, One Province' is unacceptable, Nepalnews reported.

ANI