Normal life was crippled in parts of Terai by a bandh (shutdown strike) called by Other Backward Class (OBC) Federation on Monday, protesting the state’s ‘indifference’ towards their demands that include recognition of OBCs as ethnic groups.

The bandh had severe effect in Siraha and Saptari districts where transport services, schools and marketplaces remained fully closed. Many sections of the east-west highway remained empty due to protest rallies organised by the OBC people.

The federation, which represents 31 backward castes/communities such as Kuswaha, Kalwar, Hajam and Musalman, has demanded the government include OBCs in the list of indigenous groups and ethnic nationalities in the constitution and give them equal rights.

The Federation has also warned of indefinite Terai bandh if the government failed to respond to its demands. nepalnews.com Nov 10 08