Life returns to normal in Terai, Tharu group calls off strike

Life has returned to normal in 20 districts of Terai today as the ethnic Indian Tharu group in southern Nepal, demanding autonomy, called off a two-week long strike, party said.  

Agitating Tharuhat Joint Struggle Committee (TJSC) has withdrawn the strike in the changed political context, The party coordinator Laxman Tharu said.  The strike has been withdrawn keeping in view the latest political developments in the country however the group has said that it will continue peaceful programmes in other forms.  

The group had been agitating since April 21 demanding more rights and representation for the Tharu ethnic groups of Terai.  A major demand of the group is name southern part of Nepal as Terai–Madhes instead of only Terai as mentioned in the Interim Constitution.

 The strike had crippled daily life of people in the region and created a shortage of petroleum products and essentials supplies in the hilly area and Kathmandu as it has pass through the strike-affected area to reach there.

The crisis is the worst to hit Nepal as a new Constitution is yet to be framed and the old constitution is silent on the appointment of Army Chief which was the prerogative of the King.  

The crisis follows months of tussle between the Prime Minister and the Army Chief over the induction of former Maoist rebels into the Army. The Maoists have also decided to hold talks with Madhesi People's Rights Forum and other smaller parties to retain majority in the 601 member Constituent Assembly.  

Hours after Prachanda sacked Gen Katawal yesterday accusing him of defying the government's orders by reinstating eight Generals retired by the Maoist administration, the President told the Army Chief to remain in the post.  "Being the head of the state and the supreme commander of the Nepal Army I order you to continue with your duty," Yadav said in a letter sent to Gen Katawal late last night.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Prime Minister's Office and six regional headquarters of the Army.  "The dismissal of the Army Chief and the new appointment do not meet the constitutional requirements and due process," the President said.  

Meanwhile, the principal opposition Nepali Congress demanded the resignation of Prachanda, saying the Maoist Government has been reduced to a minority in the wake of CPN(UML) pulling out in protest against the decision to sack the Army Chief.