India on Sunday hailed the amendments to Nepal’s Constitution, made late the previous day, as “welcome developments”, but the Madhesi people said the changes did not meet their main demands. The Indian External Affairs Ministry extended its support for Nepal’s legislative process, and said “We hope that other outstanding issues are similarly addressed in a constructive spirit,” The Hindu reported.
The amendments included commitments to inclusive social justice, the creation of a House of Representatives and new process of delimiting constituencies. All of these were aimed at helping the Madhesis, who have been protesting for months saying they were inadequately protected by the Constitution. However, the Indian-origin group said their main demand, that is the creation of two separate Madhesi provinces in Nepal’s plains, had not been met.
“The amendment process is a step in the right direction. But it has not addressed the core issue of creating two provinces for Madhesi people on the 1200-km-long plains of Nepal bordering India,” said Rajendra Mahato of the United Madhesi Democratic Front. The Madhesis have vowed to continue their agitation.
Nepal’s new constitution came into force in September, and has since been faced with several proposals for amendment. The Madhesi agitation has led to tension between India and Nepal, with blockades along the border causing a shortfall in essential supplies to the tiny, landlocked nation.
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