The much-anticipated tripartite talks between Nepal government, Opposition Nepali Congress and Indian-origin Madhesis were cancelled on Wednesday as the agitating Madhesi leaders did not show up for the meeting to find a solution to end the nearly three-month political logjam. The meeting was deferred after the top leaders of Madhesi Front did not show up at the Prime Minister's office in Baluwater.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli wrote on Twitter that today's talk was cancelled and the next date for the dialogue will be finalised after a meeting of three major political parties tomorrow. Madhiesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, have imposed a general strike in much of southern Nepal, causing a shortage of fuel and other essential goods.
The Madhesi leaders have submitted their 11-point demand to the government and both sides held discussion in this regard. Their demands included re-demarcation of the provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation.
Meanwhile, Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister CP Mainali on Wednesday said the Madhes-based parties' agitation has created trouble to the general public and made the country captive as he called for dialogue to resolve the problems keeping in mind the national interest. He blamed India for causing trouble to the Nepali people, saying problems have surfaced at Nepal-India border points due to unofficial blockade by India and the agitation launched by Madhes-centric parties.
India has told Nepal that there is no hindrance to supplies from the country. But Nepal needs to normalise situation as soon as possible. All political parties should be serious and problems should be resolved through talks keeping in mind the national interest of Nepal, Mainali said while inaugurating the Disabled House on the occasion of the 24th International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Chautara in Sindhupalchowk district.
