Madesh groups reject talks

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 27 March: Four groups in the tarai rejected talks Thursday after government fixed the venue for it at janakpur Friday.
Government sad it would conduct talks with four tarai groups Friday in Janakpur but the groups rejected invitation for talks.
Peace Minister Ram Chandra Paudel announced the talks and said he would head the seven-member government team.
The rejection has embarrassed the government that is attempting to create an environment for the 10 April assembly elections by coming to an agreement with the armed groups that have unleased almost daily violence in the tarai to pushback elections.
The government team will consist of representatives of seven ruling parties.
The groups have demanded release of all activists and withdrawal of cases against them as pre-conditions.
.The groups said talks won’t be held until cases are withdrawn against arrested activists.
Government assured groups arrested persons will be released only after talks.
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