Nepali Times
From The Nepali Press
No to one region



After years of autocratic Shah rule, people in the Tarai are eager to set up their fortune and future through CA polls. They have been trying to free themselves of the discrimination to which they have been subjected. However, the violence and ethnic intolerance that has spread to divide the country is not acceptable to the people of the Tarai. If the CA polls cannot be held on time, the Madhesis will be responsible for it.

Two of the demands made by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) are impractical and objectionable. Asking to declare a vast stretch of 800km from Mechi to Mahakali as one region is objectionable. A region should be divided in terms of lingual, cultural and historical and developmental infrastructure. And if the government consents to the demand for one region, the country will have to face unimaginable rebellion.

In the Tarai there are different traditions and beliefs in terms of history and culture. In the last 5000 years, the region has never been under a single rule.Even in terms of today's situation, both developmental and socio-economical, the demand is not possible. If the basis of 'one Madhes one region' is purely geographical, we cannot ignore the possibility that another, larger, plains area, might cite similar geographical arguments for 'one area, one region' at a later time.
If the UDMF is not willing to give up its demand, it should let the people decide on it in the CA polls. The front can raise the one region as its main issue and resolve it through public polls. Similarly, it is politically harmful for a party to ask for an exclusive principle. While the agitating parties are asking for greater inclusion for themselves, at the same time they are trying to exclude other original inhabitants of the Tarai, janajatis, women and dalits.

Although some of the uprising in the Tarai is based on real issues, emotions and provocation are also involved. Certain quarters are trying to use the Madhesi uprising to imply that the monarchy is the only possible symbol of unity.

It is no secret that the Tarai has been looked down upon by the state. Tarai people are deprived of self-rule and social justice. The election is the only way to iron out the differences. Anyone who is against the CA polls is undermining the attempt to resolve the discrepancy.



LATEST ISSUE
638
(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013)


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