Tharu and other indigenous communities of the Terai who had launched a two-week agitation for their independent identity in the Terai last month have been divided into two factions.

While one out of the five organisations which signed a joint agreement with the government last month has been stirring again since last week, other organisations have accused it of acting under the directives of feudal elements.

Tharuhat Swayatya Rajya Parishad led by Laxman Tharu has been agitating in 22 districts of the Terai saying the government had mentioned ‘Terai-Madhesh’ in one of the bills tabled in the parliament. Tharu’s argument is there is no ‘Madhesh’ in Terai.

Tharuhat is launching the agitation despite government’s commitment towards fulfilling the agreements. It is unfortunate that some organisations are resorting one agitation after another at a time when the House is not able to proceed, said peace minister Janardan Sharma.

However, other organisations are not with Tharuhat Swayatya Rajya Parishad. General secretary of Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha Raj Kumar Lekhi said the Tharuhat started the agitation without consulting any other organisations. Likewise, Taj Mohammad Miya, coordinator of Muslim Rastriya Sangharsha Samiti, expressed confidence that the government would implement the agreements.

Indrajeet Tharu of Tharu Rastriya Mukti Morcha accused the Tharuhat of launching the agitation with funds from feudal forces as per their direction. They are trying to create instability in the country by taking advantage of the current political situation, he added.

Meanwhile, life in Terai districts has become further difficult as the transportation has been obstructed for the fifth day. The shortage of essentials like food, medicine and fuels has hit the Terai and hilly districts alike.

Local administrations in various districts have started imposing night curfews in various places to transport the essentials since Friday. nepalnews.com Apr 26 09