Government to address agitating parties’ demands; condemns Janakpur incident

Kathmandu / December 20: The government on Sunday reaffirmed its stance on addressing the demands raised by the agitating Madhes-centric parties through dialogue and political agreement.

At an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar, government took the decision to advance the process for passage of the constitution amendment bill for guaranteeing inclusive and proportional representation in all state organs and to maintain at least one electoral constituency in every district on the basis of population. The electoral constituencies are being fixed in the districts that were continuing to exist at the time when the constitution was promulgated.

In view of the demand for revisiting the demarcation of provincial states raised by agitating side, the government will make suitable provision in the constitution on the basis of political agreement, said Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology Som Prasad Pandey.

A political mechanism would be formed for such political agreement. It would be mandated three months to submit report. The government has reiterated that the demands including that of citizenship could be addressed through talks and agreement.

Arguing that it was committed to resolving genuine demands of the agitating parties by respecting their right to protest in lawful manner, the government called on all concerned sides to immediately withdraw protest programmes.

Moreover, the Cabinet meeting has condemned the misbehaviour meted out on President Bidya Devi Bhandari by some anarchic people. Drawing the attention of all concerned not to repeat such uncivilized behavior tarnishing country’s image, the government was firm on taking action on the guilty ones, added Minister Pandey.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa briefed the Cabinet meeting about his visit to the UK. RSS