Madhesi Front protests against Nepal's local body polls

Kathmandu: Nepal's Madhesi Front demanding early amendment of the country's Constitution today burnt Prime Minister Prachanda's effigy during their protest against government's decision to hold crucial local body elections in May.

The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), an alliance of seven Madhesi-based parties took to streets in Birgunj area in southern Nepal.

Supporters of Sadbhawana Party gathered at Ghantaghar area of Birgunj and burnt Prachanda's effigy.

The front had announced a 16-day-long protest, including a bandh in Terai region to disrupt the local body election announced by the government yesterday.

"The imposed election would not bear any significance," said Ishwor Yadav, Vice Chairman of Sadhbhavana, a member of the front.

He said the UDMF would not let election happen in the Terai-Madhesi region.

During a cabinet meeting, the government yesterday announced to conduct the local body elections on May 14.

UDMF in a statement had announced to stage torch rallies across the country today and shut down 20 districts of southern Nepal tomorrow.

Public meetings and rallies will be organised to expose the government from February 23 for two weeks, as per the protest programmes, the front said yesterday.

The front said, it would announce further protest programmes after two weeks of the initial protests.
They were seeking to amend the constitution to address their demands before the announcement of the election date.

"We had already told the Prime Minister that we would be compelled to launch protests if or concerns are not addressed," said Ashok Rai, a leader of Federal Socialist Party.

The front had supported Prachanda during the Prime Ministerial election.

However, Prachanda's chief political advisor Chakrapani Khanal had said "the constitution amendment bill will be forwarded and endorsed before the local polls," adding that "the Front should cooperate the government's move instead of announcing agitation."

Federal Alliance is a grouping of Madhesi parties and ethnic groups that have been demanding more rights and representation for the marginalised people.

India and Nepal witnessed unease in relationship due to Madhesis' agitation over Nepal's new Constitution. Nepal had accused India of interfering in its internal matter, a charge denied by New Delhi.