The Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum Loktanrik has expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of the party in the ongoing informal negotiation to resolve the Madhes crisis.

MJF-L Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar warned that the constitution amendment could lead to further turmoil if the government failed to offer a lasting solution. He said that the government should hold consultation with all the relevant parties, including his own for the broader ownership of the statute.

“The constitution should be amended. But the government should reach out to the main opposition and other parties concerned for the purpose if it is serious in resolving the crisis,” he added.

Despite being the second largest regional force representing the Tarai plains, the MJF-L has not been involved in the informal negotiation. The role of MJF-L is going to be crucial in finding a solution to the dispute over the federal boundaries as the party has good support base in Tharu stronghold of Kailali and Kanchanpur, according to political analysts. The party had won two seats in the second Constituent Assembly election in Kailali, the epicentre of last year’s protest.

Tharu leaders affiliated with the MJF-L are again working to spearhead another round of protest in the Farwest after being left out of the ongoing negotiation. They are, however, in talks with other fringe parties.

MJF-L General Secretary Ram Janam Chaudhary said that the Tharu groups would sit in negotiation once the government releases those arrested during last year’s protest. But they would launch a protest if the government fails to resolve row over Kailali and Kanchanpur.