Tharu organisations join forces against proposal for two-province Terai

Eight organisations representing the indigenous Tharu community have announced bandh (shutdown strike) in Terai, protesting the proposal to create two states in the plains.

Jointly organising a press meet at the Reporters Club Thursday, representatives of eight Tharu organisations including Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha (TKS), Nepal Democratic Tharu Association, Nepal Autonomous Tharu Association and Democratic National Tharu Association announced bandh in Terai on March 14.

The Tharu organisations have been saying there should be more than two states in the Terai to ensure the representation of different communities including indigenous groups and Muslisms.

Speaking at the press meet, TKS general secretary Raj Kumar Lekhi said while 12 states have been proposed in the hills, only two states in Terai region, whose population is almost equal, will not be justifiable. He also mentioned that four to five states should be created in the region. nepalnews.com