Bhairahawa, December 4
In the eyes of some Madheshi Morcha leaders, the Rupandehi-based movement against the proposed restructuring of Province 5 is futile.
Organising a press conference in Bhairahawa, Morcha alleged that the movement against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which seeks to remove Hill districts from Province 5, actually seeks to foment communal violence. It has threatened to defy the movement.
Mahendra Yadav, Morcha coordinator, pointed that the CPN-UML had not objected when Province 2 was carved out without including Hill districts. He pointed that the same party was launching a movement against removal of Hill districts from Province 5.
Ajaya Verma, president of Tarai-Madhesh Democratic Party (Rupandehi), said it is futile to turn on the umbrella in Butwal when it is raining in Rolpa.
Rupandehi is still part of Province 5, Verma said, adding that it is futile to launch a movement in Rupandehi that should actually have been launched in Hill districts.
The government move of going ahead with its plan of splitting Province 5 sparked demonstrations in Butwal and other parts of the province on November 30. Protests have been continuing since.
Rajendra Gupta, central member of Sadbhavana Party, a Morcha constituent, pointed at the use of the national flag during the movement. He expressed sadness over the use of the flag.
Srinivas Yadav, president of Tarai-Madhesh Socialist Party (Rupandehi), accused the CPN-UML of trying to spark clashes in the district.
Morcha leaders pointed that businesses, industries and proprietors of educational institutes had joined in the movement. The leaders expressed their displeasure over the involvement of businesspeople, industrialists and proprietors of educational institutes in the movement.
