News
Disagreement over Terai autonomy remains after two months in Nepal
Meetings between Nepali government, Madhesi representatives unsuccessful so far · Madhesi activists hold demonstrations, demand larger province, increased autonomy and recognition
Government and Madhesi representatives met on Monday, but said they did not reach an agreement on the Madhesi grievances. Further talks have been announced for Wednesday.
The Madhesis are one of Nepal's main peoples. They inhabit the country's southern plains, along the border with India.
According to the Constitution adopted in September, Nepal has been divided into seven federal, semi-autonomous provinces. Madhesi parties argue that some Madhesi traditional lands have been left outside the Madhesi-majority province -number 2, in yellow, on the map above.
The parties further complain that the degree of autonomy and recognition granted to the Madhesis under the new Constitution is insufficient.