Big three propose a joint mechanism with Madhesi Front to solve disputes

The big three political parties have proposed a joint mechanism with the agitating Madhesi Front to prepare a draft of agreement to clear the deadlock. However, the Front has said it would respond to the proposal after holding discussion within the Front parties. Meanwhile, the leaders of the big parties have argued that the meeting held at Prime Minister's residence, Baluwatar, till late evening on Sunday, was very positive. They said an agreement was made in principle to sort out disputed issues through the joint mechanism. The 3-member mechanism formed by the NC, CPN-UML and the UCPN (Maoist) some days back would have one member from the Front as per the agreement. Currently, the mechanism has the members- Mahesh Acharya from NC, Bhim Acharya from UML and Krishna Bahadur Mahara from UCPN (Maoist). Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-Chairman of the UML, Bhim Bahadur Rawal, said meeting was very positive, for both sides openly expressed their stances. Similarly, NC Vice-President Ram Chandra Poudel said they discussed thoroughly on constitution amendment and delineation of province, and finally agreed to advance the talks by forming a joint mechanism. Leader Hridayesh Tripathi from the Madhesi Front however said the meeting did not discuss thoroughly on the 11-point demand the Front had put before the three parties. RSS