Madhes-centric parties have stressed that at least “a tentative deal” on demarcation of federal boundaries was necessary

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Madhes-centric parties have stressed that at least “a tentative deal” on demarcation of federal boundaries was necessary to end the current Tarai standoff, even as the major parties try to get a buy-in of the agitating parties on the two amendments to the constitution.
They argued that major parties’ reluctance to discuss the issues of demarcation has disrupted the talks. They accused that the major parties have been deliberately prolonging the crisis by running away from talks. The United Democratic Madhesh Forum has reiterated its demands for two provinces in the Tarai along with amendment to disputed clauses pertaining to proportional and inclusive representation, election, and citizenship. The Sushil Koirala-led government had registered bills at Parliament, seeking a guarantee on inclusive and proportional representation of Madhesi communities in all state bodies and delimitation of electoral constituencies based on population. Madhesi leaders have agreed to accept the proposals if some of the wordings used in the amendment proposal are changed. During informal talks with the UDMF, leaders of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Unified Maoist have said they are ready to make necessary changes. However, major parties remain deeply divided over the demarcation. The NC and UML have insisted that the issue of demarcation would be revised later, while the Unified Maoist has been lobbying to settle all issues in a package.

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