The second day of indefinite bandh (shutdown strike) called by the United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF) has affected normal life across Terai region.

Reports coming in say the East-West Mahendra Highway that traverses a number of eastern and central Terai districts has been virtually deserted while educational institutions and industries have stopped operation since yesterday.

Major Terai towns like Birgunj, Biratnagar, Rajbiraj, Itahari, Lahan, Kalaiya and Gaur remain closed due to the UMDF bandh imposed to pressure the government to implement the 22-point agreement signed months earlier with the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), a constituent of the UMDF.

The bandh has partially affected districts like Jhapa, Rupendhi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi and Banke.

The UNDF cadres organised protest rallies in several districts in the morning, but there were no reports of violence during these rallies.

The UMFD has also warned of a blockade if the government does not implement the 22-point agreement and respond positively to its six new demands that include guarantee of an ‘autonomous Terai state’ with right to self-determination and proportional representation of Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits and other marginalised groups in state organs including the Nepal Army. nepalnews.com Feb 14 08