The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, on Wednesday served a seven-day ultimatum to the government to postpone local level elections called for May 14.  It has warned of withdrawing support to the government and launching anti-election campaigns if its demands including “immediate postponement of local polls” are not met.

Through a five-point memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday morning, the Morcha has also demanded immediate implementation of the three-point deal reached between it and the Maoist Centre-Nepali Congress alliance on August 3—the day Dahal was elected the prime minister with a promise to amend the constitution.

Morcha’s ultimatum to the government comes two days after three of its supporters died in police firing at Maleth of Saptari while protesting against the CPN-UML’s election campaign. The fourth protester died on Wednesday.

The Morcha has also accused the government of trying to infringe upon the jurisdiction of provincial governments, which will be formed after provincial elections, by declaring local level polls. “We have been saying that federal and provincial polls should be held first. But the concerns of Madhesi, Janajati and other agitating communities over the constitution should be resolved first,” said Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Co-chair Rajendra Shrestha.

During their meeting with PM Dahal and leaders of the governing coalition, Madhesi leaders also demanded formation of an impartial committee to probe into the “excessive use of force”. The Morcha has also demanded martyr’s status to the deceased, compensation to their families and treatment of those injured in Monday’s clashes, said Sadbhawana Party Co-chair Laxman Lal Karna.