Ethnic Madhesis seek autonomy in Nepal

Rupandehi (Nepal), Jan 14 (ANI): Ethnic Madhesis living in the Terai region of Nepal staged protest against the ruling Maoist Government accusing it of discriminating against them and treating them as outsiders due to their Indian roots.

Hundreds of Madhesis protesters under the aegis of Terai Madhesi Democratic Party (TMDP) took to streets here on Tuesday holding placards and chanting slogans demanding their rights.

The protesters said the new government in the country was not addressing their demands.

"Despite passing of so much time, this government has not shown any inclination to discuss the Madhesi issue. It seems this government is not interested in working for the Madhesis. It wants to sideline the issue and wants us to live in the same condition that we have been living in so long, facing discrimination and harassment," said Sarvendra Nath Shukla, spokesperson, TMDP.

Protests by Madhesi groups have been rocking Nepal across the fertileerai, as they demand more government jobs, seats in parliament and autonomy for the Terai region.

Madhesis say they have been discriminated against by the hill-dominated ruling elites. They accused the government of ignoring the grievances of the people living in the nation's southern plains. (ANI)