Three Madhesi parties today formed a new alliance, United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), and announced a protest movement.
Organising a press conference in Kathmandu, leaders of three agitating regional parties – Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP) and Sadbhawana Party (SP) – said they had joined forces to take the movement of Madhesi people to a decisive stage.

The UDMF has put forth six demands, which 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.

The Front has planned protest rallies across Terai on February 11 and 12 while an indefinite strike will be imposed from February 13 throughout the country followed by a shutdown strike in government offices on February 16 and blockade and non-cooperation protest from the next day.

Addressing the press conference, TMLP chairman Mahantha Thakur said the Madhesi parties were ready for dialogue with the government over their demands even when the agitations would go on.

He also said the government must address the issues raised by Madhesi people if it expects them to take part in the constituent assembly election. nepalnews.com mk Feb 09 08