UDMF decides to end blockade, directs Mahato to correct

Kathmandu February 8- Three days after obstructions at the Birgunj-Raxaul Nepal-India border point were removed, the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front on Monday said it ended the blockade.

Top leaders of the UDMF constituents held a meeting in Kathmandu today and decided to postpone border blockade, general shutdown and obstructions at government offices citing “contemporary problems of the nation, needs of people and their suggestions.”

The UDMF, however, was under immense pressure to end the blockade not only from members of the public, but also from their own leaders and cadres.

The agitating alliance has also decided to continue other forms of protest besides the blockade and shutdown.

It has also decided to join hands with other parties and alliances to intensify the protests.

“The agitation will continue till our demands are addressed,” reads a statement issued after the meeting.

The UDMF for now has announced only three protest programmes including a torch rally, a lathi rally and a people’s vote collection campaign in district headquarters.

Directive to Mahato

Meanwhile, the UDMF concluded that some latest statements and activities of Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato greatly harmed the agitation and directed him not to do so in the future.

While chairpersons of Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party – Upendra Yadav, Mahantha Thakur and Mahendra Raya Yadav respectively – have signed the statement, no one from Mahato’s Sadbhawana party has signed the decision. Source: THT