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KATHMANDU, Feb 10 - Though the government has renewed its call for talks to the agitating Madhesi parties addressing some of their demands, leader of the newly-formed United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF), Mahantha Thakur Sunday made it clear that their proposed agitation will continue and that they will not compromise with any of their demands. The three major parties in Terai-- Sadbhavana Party led by Rajendra Mahato, Madhesi People’s Rights Forum led by Upendra Yadav and newly-formed Terai-Madhes Democratic Party led by Thakur-- announced the formation of the new front, UMDF, yesterday putting forth a fresh six-point demand that includes an autonomous Madhes state with the right to self-determination, and a provision that allows the parties which field candidates for less than 50 percent of the total CA members, not to make their lists for proportional representation inclusive. The new Madhesi front also demanded proportional representation for Madhesis, ethnic and indigenous groups, dalits, women and other marginalized communities in all state organs including the police, army and civil service. While a cabinet meting today decided to make all state organs inclusive, ensuring proportional representation for Madhesis and all other marginalized groups and communities, the government is yet to respond to the other UMDF demands. Thakur claimed that their key demands-- an autonomous Madhes state with the right to self-determination-- is yet to be addressed by the government. “Our agitation won’t be called off,” he said, “Until all our demands are met.” Saying that the government was unilaterally misinforming about the talks, he added that the Terai-Madhes people want a common Nepal, common welfare, and identity. He further claimed that the Terai people were not even ready to listen to the word ‘election’ without their demands met. “The condition of Madhes is such that the people are not even ready to listen to the word election,” he claimed, adding, “We are not ready for the fulfillment of our demands in installments.”  “All the demands can be addressed now,” he said, “If the government is determined and ready to resolve the national problem in peaceful manner, then I don’t think there is any demand that cannot be met.” If their demands are not fulfilled, the UMDF has warned to launch indefinite general strike from February 13 and blockade of the Kathmandu Valley and non-cooperation to the government in the southern plains from February 17. The other key demand includes a status of martyrs to the 45 persons killed in the course of the Madhes movement last year, and adequate compensation and free medical treatment to those injured and/or physically disabled in the course of the agitation.

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