The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has decided to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday to draw his attention to the delay in addressing their demands.

Morcha leaders have said they will also issue an ultimatum warning that they will launch general strikes if their demands, including the revision of federal boundaries, are not met.

Morcha allies on Thursday held a meeting in the Capital to decide content of the memorandum. 

The central secretariat of the SLMM, which has been tasked with devising Morcha’s strategies, has also proposed to launch general strikes from early April if the government continues to ignore their demands. 

Leaders said that the SLMM leadership would take concrete decisions

on the proposal after returning from India. Top leaders of the constituent parties of the SLMM are scheduled to visit India beginning March 13.

“We have realised  the need of launching stern protests as this government has completely ignored us,” said Rajendra Shrestha, co-chairman of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal. 

The Morcha leaders said they would announce  their next move after analysing the recent political developments.

The agitating Madhes-based parties are also trying to form a strategic alliance with the Nepali Congress to mount pressure on the ruling coalition for a compromise on issues of federal boundaries.

The Morcha has refused to own up the political mechanism, which was formed just before PM  Oli’s visit to India on February 19.

The political mechanism, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, was formed with an aim to find ways to address the Madhes-based parties’ demand related to federal boundaries.

The SLMM, however,  has alleged that the government unilaterally formed the mechanism without seeking their suggestions or consent. The SLMM has long been seeking legality and clear Terms of Reference of such a mechanism.

A section of Morcha leaders is also anticipating change of guard.

Sharat Singh Bhandari,  a leader of one of the  constituents of the SLMM, said that the Morcha would extend necessary support  to the Nepali Congress to topple this government “if the NC agrees to support the agendas of Madhesi and other marginalised communities”.