Understanding reached to fulfill one half of MPRF’s demands

In the first phase of talks, the government and the Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) Friday reached in an agreement to fulfill one half of the 26-point demands put forth by the Forum.

The demands that have been met by the government team include forming State Restructuring Commission; declaring those killed during Madhes agitation as martyrs; providing compensation to families of the dead; and providing relief and treatment to those injured during the agitation.

Likewise, the government side also agreed to carry on dialogue to seek help of UN technical team in their further talks; drop charges against MPRF leaders; ensure access of Madhesis, Dalits, women, Janjatis and backward people to all organs and levels of the state; and proportionate distribution of resources. They also agreed on demands like returning seized properties by the Maoists; ensuring industrial security and declaring date for Constituent Assembly elections soon.

After the talks, MPRF president Upendra Yadav expressed happiness over the manner in which the negotiations were proceeding. He said the talks were very positive.

Yadav added that political issues will be raised in next round of talks. "Issues like autonomous Madhes province, right to self determination and census will be taken up on next round of talks," he said.

The talks had continued from 2 pm till 9:30 pm on Friday at the meeting hall of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) in Janakpur amid tight security. Future talks are expected to be held in Birgunj and Biratnagar.

The government talks team was led by Peace and Reconstruction Minister Ram Chandra Poudel and the MPRF team was led by its chairman Upendra Yadav. Poudel's team also comprised two state ministers, Gyanendra Karki and Ram Chandra Yadav. The MPRF talks team comprised its coordinator Sitanandan Raya, Mohammed Nasir Siddiqui and Kishor Biswas.