One Madhesh demand is against Nepal and Nepali Nationalism
Laxman Tharu Ji…tell us what promoted you to change your earlier stance? You were in fact among those who were first to summarily reject the idea of One Madhesh and you even claimed that Tharus were not Madhesis. Yet you have forged an alliance with Madhesi Forum led by Upendra Yadav? What is this all about? What have you to say in this regard?
Tharu: For your information, I must tell you that we have not given up our demand for creating a separate state for the Tharus- the Tharuhat. We have signed five point agreement with the MJF. One of the major point is to jointly fight for making a Single Tarai State to the entire Tarai belt of Nepal. We have not accepted their demand for One Madhesh State for the Tarai belt. Our agreement is only that the Tarai should be a separate autonomous state.
The country is heading for Federal Structure blaming that unitary model was inappropriate, whereas you are advocating Single State for entire Tarai Belt, are you in some way or the other accepting the unitary State then?
Tharu: The Demand for One Madhesh One Province is not demanded for the representation of unique identity…the demand is in fact against Nepal and Nepali Nationalism. Let it be clear to all and sundry that demanding Single Tarai State or Single Tharuhat is not supporting unitary-centralized state structure. Historically and on geographical grounds the Tarai is a single entity. Tarai is the place of the Tharus. Whereas people of different caste and ethnicity make their homes in Tarai…Madhesis, Dalits, Muslims, Brahmins and Chhetris all live in Tarai. Bids are afoot to split the historical land of the Tharus, which is unacceptable to us under any circumstances.
Let me add that there are Madhesis in Tarai but there is no Madhesh as such. The ancient and the traditional dwellers of Tarai are Tharus. Muslims, Dalits and some other ethnic groups have been historically marginalized. We are in favor of equal representation of all in the State structure.
Do you mean to say that the MJF has accepted your agenda?
Tharu: We have neither accepted their agenda nor they have supported our stance. We have rather agreed to fight jointly against the rulers.
It is also being said that India played vital to unite you and Upendra Yadav? What say you?
Tharu: I have also heard such gossips. The UML, NC and the Maoist always seek Indian support to solve disputes between them and they signed the 12-Points Agreement in India as well. Their Cabinet is India made, they even seek the Indian support for solutions to their internal disputes. Thus I am not surprised they too see India behind this alliance. This is not unusual for them to think on the lines as stated by you..
The 14-State Federal Model has already been forwarded at the CA? Do you accept the proposal?
Tharu: We will never accept the 14-State model; we then will go in for the final agitation. But it will be a peaceful one.
However the federation of Indigenous nationalities has already welcomed the proposal?
Tharu: Because the Chairman of the federation is a UML cadre. Thus he speaks UML language.
Comments (5)
Laxman tharu ji is not telling good
Nepali political leaders do not act decentrilization of power effectively that is why they are talking different type of gossips but if we are building new Nepal there is only way to inact currectly and honestly as decentrilization of power. The main objective should be improve the situation of grassroot levels people who are economically exploited whether different caste categories in Nepali society.
U r right. Historically,geographically and many more point of view whole tarai and inner tarai is Tharuhat. Go a head. Go a head we r with u.
This guy does not sound like an activist working for Tharu Community, rather he is running after money and power as other Nepalese leaders do all the time.
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What I have found that Tharu leaders including other indigenous leasers are still in confusion and lacking insight. Most of the indigenous leaders are affiliated with either Maoists or UML,and they cannot achieve their indigenous goals following them.However, it seems that Maoists manifesto is little bit clearer than others, however,the eastern Tharu will loose their identity and indigenous rights.