Following a series of discussions of top leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha with the Indian establishment and leaders of various political parties in New Delhi, talks between the Madhes-based parties and three major parties are likely to resume in Kathmandu on Thursday.But there is a cautious optimism.While the government seems hopeful of striking a deal, the Morcha still seems to be harbouring some doubts about an early agreement.“The government is hopeful of striking a deal with the Madhes-based parties,” said Prime Minister KP Oli’s Chief Political Adviser Bishnu Rimal. In their efforts to assuage the concerns of the Madhes-based parties, the coalition partners—CPN-UML and the UCPN (M)—and the main opposition Nepali Congress have decided to expedite the constitution amendment process. The ruling and opposition parties have also agreed to express their political commitment to settle the issues related to demarcation with the target of resolving them through an all-party mechanism in three months. For this, the Morcha has been urged to call off their protests in the Tarai.
