The Madhesi Morcha has attempted to prevent the Nepali Congress (NC) from holding local party committee elections in Janakpur on Sunday, leading to a clash with police.
Madhesi protesters pelted stones and petrol bombs at police who were escorting NC leader and legislator, Lila Koirala, to the election venue. Police opened fire and threw tear gas shells to disperse agitators. Several protesters were injured in the clash, according to the Morcha.
The main opposition NC is now holding elections for village, municipality and district committees in the run up to its 13th general convention, slated for March 3-6 in Kathmandu.
The NC recently appealed to the Morcha to not disrupt its local party elections in the Tarai, where Madhesi parties have been agitating against Nepal’s new constitution since August last year.
The Morcha did not officially respond to the NC’s appeal. Madhesi leaders said they would not disrupt any party’s general convention but warned of negative consequences if the NC tried to show its strength in the name of organising party programs in the Tarai.
The Tarai region has always been a stronghold for the NC. But it has apparently antagonised Madhesi people by leading the constitution writing process. Madhesi parties fear that the NC could succeed in restoring its relations with Madhesi people in the process of holding a general convention.
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It is unofficial blockade by India today. Tomorrow will be official blockade by Madhesh province if we submit to Madhesh’s persistent demand.