The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) has decided to launch a sterner protest after the promulgation of the new constitution if their concerns were not addressed. The major parties have decided to promulgate the new constitution on September 20.

The Morcha reached the decision at a meeting of four Madhesi parties held at

the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party office in the Capital where they also decided to mark the date as “black day”.

In a press statement issued after the meeting, the SLMM has claimed that it will continue to protest for the rights of Madhesi people in the new constitution.

The alliance of four Madhes-based parties, who have been protesting against major parties for disregarding the interests of the Madhesi and Janajati peoples along with those of other marginalised groups, had boycotted the vote on the constitutional draft.

Morcha leaders have, however, decided to keep its door open to discussion with the major political parties on the new constitution.

“Major parties are not sincere to resolve the conflict through talks. They are determined to suppress our voice,” said Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N) Chairman Upendra Yadav.

The Madhes party leader, however,  added that the Morcha was still open to meaningful talks.

Besides Yadav, Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahanta Thakur, Mahendra Yadav of Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party and Manish Suman of Sadbhawana Party were present in the meeting held at Thakur’s residence. Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato was not present in the meeting.

“The constitution has given continuity to age-old history of inequality and oppression,” reads the statement.

 It also denounced the killings of small children by security forces. Morcha leaders said that they will unveil the further programmes of protest following consultation.