By Sudeshna Sarkar
Kathmandu, Sep 17 (IANS) Five dissident ethnic groups have dealt a fresh blow to Nepal’s beleaguered government by announcing an indefinite closure from next week, even as it grappled with a threat by Maoists to quit the ruling alliance and start a new revolt from Tuesday amid violence in the south after the murder of a local don.
The newly formed Sanghiya Ganatantrik Rastriya Morcha (Federal Republican National Alliance) – a group of five dissident ethnic communities – Monday said they would enforce an indefinite general strike from Sep 28.
The new alliance includes the dissident faction of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, which split recently after a pact with the government. The dissidents, united under Kishore Biswas, have condemned the pact, calling it a sell-out, and sought to continue the protests in the Terai plains.
The other partners in the alliance are the Limbu and Khumbu communities, who have their base in eastern Nepal and whose talks with the government broke down recently.
The Tamang, a Buddhist community who are active in the Kathmandu valley, are also supporting the alliance and so are the Tharus, one of the most disadvantaged communities, who have a strong base in midwest and farwest Nepal.
“All talks with the government have failed,” Biswas told IANS. “We see no point in continuing dialogue.”
The alliance is demanding the abolition of monarchy, proportional representation for the five communities in the upcoming constituent assembly, and formation of autonomous states for the communities with the right to self-determination.
The new threat of disruptions comes with a critical election just 65 days away.
Besides struggling to hold the election or lose its credibility in the eye of the world, Nepal’s government also faces the spectre of the Maoists quitting the cabinet and starting a new protest movement from Tuesday, which is almost certain to put off the polls.
In addition, it has a law and order problem in Kapilavastu and Rupendehi districts in the south following arson, looting and violence triggered by the killing of a local don Sunday.
Abdul Moit Khan, who had strong links to the palace and army and led a vigilante group during King Gyanendra’s regime that created terror in Kapilavastu, killing at least 12 Maoists, was gunned down Sunday.
After his murder, enraged supporters went on a rampage, killing a policeman, burning vehicles and attacking houses, shops and hotels.
They also called an indefinite closure in Kapilavastu.