Kathmandu — Demanding an increase in the representation of the Madhesi community in the Nepal Army, major Madhesh-centric political parties, the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and the Janamat Party, have started preparations for a joint protest. These parties have intensified internal discussions with the main agenda of ensuring proportional participation in the state's security agencies.
According to sources, the JSP and Janamat Party are preparing to put forward a demand to induct a lump sum of 10,000 Madhesi youths into the Nepal Army. Making this demand the central issue, preliminary homework is underway for the protest to be focused across all 22 districts of Madhesh.
Inclusion Principle and Expectations from the Prime Minister
Madhesi leaders have long been expressing dissatisfaction, stating that the presence of the Madhesi community in major state organs, including the Nepal Army, has been extremely low. They maintain that in accordance with the principle of inclusion envisioned by the Constitution, all communities must have equal access to security agencies.
Particularly, since the country is currently under the leadership of a Prime Minister of Madhesi origin, they hold high expectations that their years-old demands will be addressed. It is understood that keeping this political suitability and expectation in mind, a strategy of joint protest and pressure has been formulated.
Upcoming Steps
Currently, intensive discussions are taking place in various phases among the top leaders of both parties regarding the date, format, joint programs, and formation of a front for the protest. Sources indicate that there is a possibility that the programs of the protest will be made public jointly soon.
