Madhesi Communication: Madhesi Movement

Thank you Ram Sahji. Thank you Satya Narayan Chacha. Both of you exemplify the best of the Madhesi diaspora and the Madhesi in Nepal respectively. I would like to throw in my few cents worth.

It is very important to not let the momentum break. A Madhesi Movement that is a few decades, a few centuries too late, is finally here. It has been hard to get it started. To try to calm it down would be like trying to calm down the April Revolution on its third or tenth day. We can not let that happen.

On the other hand, we can not let it run like a wild fire. It has to be guided, it has to be lead. What to do? Money, message, organization.

Organization: We need a Madhesi Movement Coordination Committee. This would be an umbrella organization of all Madhesi groups in the country.

Message: Round 1 has to be upto the constituent assembly elections. I propose we have a simple common minimum program of two points: (1) citizenship papers to all Madhesis without failure. (2) 205 constituencies based on equal population.

The rest of the Madhesi agenda we are going to have to get through the constituent assembly.

Once a Madhesi Movement Coordination Committee is formed, it will only make sense for all the big names in the Madhesi diaspora to fund it. Ram Sah is in a perfect position to spearhead that effort.

We have to warn that we will not allow the constituent assembly elections to be held unless these two demands are met. And if need be, we have to carry out our threat by organizing a Terai Band for a week during the constituent assembly elections.

It is very important that we form a seamless communication between the Madhesi in Nepal and the Madhesis all over the world. And the internet is how you do it.

We should videoblog all aspects of the Madhesi Movement. I propose we use YouTube extensively. We are in a fight to mobilize world opinion on our behalf. And nothing works like video.

Jai Madhesh.
Madhesi Adhikar: Abhi Nahin To Kabhi Nahin.

ANTA
Terai News
DFN

Long term though, I propose we all get around to this Proposed Constitution. I personally don't want a separate Madhesi state, I want Madhesis to rule over all of Nepal.

िफर से कह दो एक बार इन्िकलाब
New Jersey Madhesi Gathering: Photos

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Dear All:

I had discussions with many of you regarding Madhesh issue at different times. The issue evolving in Madhesh is the result of discrimination against Madheshi people by the state and exclusion of Madheshi from the positions of power in Nepal. My experience as a person of Madhesh is that Madheshi were made to feel in Nepal that they were not as good as Pahadi. Comments have been made that Madheshi were not the only discriminated groups in Nepal--gurungs, magars and many other communities were also discriminated against. This argument is true but there was a huge difference in which Madheshis were treated compared to even the most discriminated groups of hills. Although Madheshi's have been in Madhesh since the time Janak and Buddha (compared to approx. 200-year history of most Pahadis who were immigrants from India), but they were made to feel that they were not true Nepali but Indian immigrants. Madheshis were not given equal representation in 1990 democratic constitution. When they are being deprived of equal representation even today, there is reason for them to be angry.

Country needs to create laws and policies that offer (a) equal opportunity, (b) equal representation, and (c) avenue for seeking justice if one is denied of either a or b. This is necessary for assuring durable peace and national integrity. Ignoring situation and letting it go is not in the interests of either Pahadi, Madheshi, Business communities, or non-resident investors. As long as Madheshis feel alienated and Nepal ignores it and that results in the polarization of Madheshi and Pahadi communities, neither Pahadi will feel safe in Madhesh nor Madheshi will feel safe in Pahad, and there will be no assurance of safety of either individual, business or investment in either part.

Here is my suggestion to the people to deal with the current situation:

1. Provide forum for the people of Madhesh to express their grievances. This is necessary for eventual healing process. National/International Terai forum/conference along with an internet-based Madhesh group (as suggested by someone) and a Madhesh-oriented major news paper will be helpful in this respect. Non-resident Nepalese should help fund these things.
2. Empower people of Madhesh so that are able to demand and take equitable share in constitution of Nepal. Equal representation and equal opportunity in all aspects of nation are basic requirement for democracy. We non-resident Nepalese should provide moral support to persons or groups engaged in this endeavor.

I appreciate hearing your comments.

Thanks,

Ram N. Sah

Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 6:31 AM

Subject: Madheshi Andolan

Dear Mr. Upendra Jee

Namaskar

I have already had a telephone conversation with you last night. In addition to that I have few opinions in my mind which I want to share with you. My intention is to strengthen the movement effectively so that eventually it touches our common goals. My view points are as below;

1. Yesterday's meeting was very successful and effective but we have to retain, and strengthen it otherwise there are chances that it will turned into a whimsical act. To avoid such situation we have to be very careful, sensitive as well as strategic.
2. There were few young people who were trying to hit the vehicles and abuse passers by ( pahadi).
3. The participation is increasing every day. This is quite natural because every body (Madheshi) is oppressed by the rulers of Nepal. We can not stop it, rather we should not do it in any case but we have to be careful that the strategies are not played by opportunist (even if Madheshi).
4. Some of Phadi are in feeling that this is a communal and separatist act. Whereas in my view we are not against any Pahadi commoner. We are against the rulers who do not believe in equality. We are demanding equal human rights as others are enjoying in this country.
5. We do believe that the deprived people should be given priority whether they are Pahadi or Madheshi.
6. The Government is giving lame excuse that Himali zones are less developed hence they should be given preferences. But the reality is different if there is a question of development the government should come up with such development policy. I don't think any one will deny but so far the human right, citizen rights are concern every one should be given equal weights.
7. Our main strategy should be to go ahead with HARMONY IN THE SOCIETY and GAIN SUPPORT FROM OTHER COMMUNITY. It must be NON-VIOLENCE.

I think some of the immediate further actions should be as below;

1. Distribution of Hand bills, Poster and banners mainly saying that the movement is not against Pahadi it is for the demand of equal right for all the deprived citizens of this country.
2. Few action groups should be formed at different part of the country so that well organized and well communicated actions are launched further.
3. The politicians from political parties are also joining hands to day, in this situation to value them; one central level action committee should be formed.
4. Any mass program should be predetermined and that should be followed by every participant. The slogans should also be predetermined. Otherwise it becomes directionless mass.
5. After every program there should be review meeting of core group and bring change in the strategy if required.
   

Hope you will think over the above points.

Further we can discuss more as the time requires.

Regards

Er. Satya Narayan Shah,

9851004366

snshah@wlink.com.np

er.snshah@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Prabhat

Regards

I understand your feelings very well. it is not only your feeling but it represents many of us. Here at this moment, we must think coolly and take actions ahead. Let me give you one example. You might have experienced the hurtfulness when your pajama gets multiple knots on you pajama and on the otherside you are in hurry to release your pressure in the toilet. In that case you have to unknot the pajama one by one then only you can release your pressure. Otherwise you have to be ready to face atleast two consequences; one you spoil your pajama and secondly you tear your pajama and release your pressure. It all depend on you how do you want to solve your problem. In my view it is wise to unknot the pajama one by one. In my opinion we must maintain harmony in our society. We can not achieve any thing if we disturb the social harmony. We should always keep one thing in our mind that few people want to give communal color to this movement. It depends on us whether we want to continue the Madhesh Mass Movement or end up with a fruitless communal riot. let us all try to make it COMPLETE NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENT then only we can achieve our political goals.

satya narayan shah


Ask Pahadis MPs from Madhesh ti quit.

1. Pahadis can not represent Madheshis. Can They ? They adjactly represent Pahadis who envaded Madhesh and continuously exploited in their interest. Ask to quit if they are representing Madhesh.
2. Madheshi Mps with some of their Pahadi masters are crying for peace, harmony etc.Why they are not speaking for madheshis rights? The all 37 signed to insult Madheshi activists are swindlers.

Prabhat.