Nepal parties to forge consensus on Constitution amendment
Kathmandu, December 28
Three major political parties of Nepal on Monday decided to reach a consensus on a Bill to amend the new Constitution to resolve the current crisis in the country amid protests by Madhesis for greater representation and a review of provincial boundaries.
The three parties held a meeting at Baluwatar: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, UCPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda, Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala and general secretary of the party Prakash Man Singh attended it.
"A meeting of three major parties and the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front will be convened soon to make a common opinion among the political parties regarding the constitution amendment bill tabled in the Parliament and the ongoing Madhes movement," according to Prime Miniter's press adviser Pramod Dahal.
Madhesis, considered to be people of Indian origin constituting a little more than half of Hepal’s population claim they have been under represented in Nepal’s new constitution unveiled in September this year contest the seven-province structure in the new constitution. Protesters have blocked key trade points between Indian and Nepal, cutting off the Himalayan country from vital supplies. The blockade has soured ties between the two countries.
Maoist chief Prachanda spoke to Prime Minister Oli on Sunday about the need to come to an agreement on Madhesi parties’ demands at a meeting held between the two leaders.
Oli is believed to have apprised Prachanda of his meeting with senior leaders of Madhes-based parties and the main opposition, the Nepali Congress.
Oli also met vice-president of Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum — Democratic Rameshwor Raya Yadav and promised to address the crisis soon. — PTI
