Education minister and member of the government’s talks team, Renu Yadav, today said talks with armed groups operating in Terai would start immediately after Chhath, a major festival of Terai people.

Speaking to reporters in Biratnagar, minister Yadav said the government talks team is in contact with insurgent groups through certain links and that formal dialogue would start after once the venue is fixed.

She said talks are likely soon after Chhath festival that falls on Nov 4, but didn’t reveal which of the numerous outfits were in contact with the government team.

The government recently three-member ministerial team led by peace minister Janardan Sharma to hold talks with armed groups active in Terai plains and eastern hills, but it has not said anything whether separate talks would be held with all armed groups. nepalnews.com mk Nov 03 08