Madhesi's demand Nepal Home Minister's resignation as pre-condition for Terai talks

Kathmandu, Feb.3 (ANI): The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), which is spearheading an agitation across Nepal's Terai belt, today said that it would be willing to talk to the government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala only after the Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula resigns.Addressing a news conference here this afternoon, MJF Chairman Upendra Yadav said his organisation was ready for a dialogue with the government, but, before that, Sitaula should quit and own up responsibility for the "brutal clampdown on peaceful agitations".

"Peaceful protests", he said, would continue in Terai.

He also denied that MFJ activists had engaged in looting, vandalising of government offices and arson during the protests. He said the MJF would identify the infiltrators, if any, and punish them.

Yadav's statement came a day after the government formed a three-member talks team headed by Agriculture Minister Mahantha Thakuar. Thakur, a senior Nepali Congress leader, who also belongs to the Terai community.

Yadav had met with Koirala Friday evening to discuss the current situation in the Terai and the future talks with the government. However, the Prime Minister's Office has not said anything as to what transpired during the meeting.

At least 14 people have died in violence during protests organised by Madhesi groups in eastern and southern Terai, demanding amendment in the interim constitution to incorporate proportional representation based on population and a federal system

Meanwhile, at least one protester was killed and over dozen injured during clashes between the police and the agitating activists of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) in the southern town of Birgunj on Saturday afternoon.

Riot police opened fire to control the crowd from unleashing violence during the demonstration, reports quoting the District Police Office of Parsa said. One Dipendra Shah of Pauwaguthi, Birgunj, was killed in the police firing. Nepalnews said police also used several rounds of teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators.

Those injured in the clash have been taken to Narayani Sub-regional Hospital in Birgunj for treatment. Situation in Birgunj remains tense in following the death of the protester, reports added.

Sporadic clashes occurred around the town during the protest rallies organised by the MJF. Birgunj was under a 11-hour curfew from 8 a.m. today. (ANI)