Why Madhesis of Nepal are agitating?

India being a democratic country should extend to us moral support and have a positive approach towards the problems the Madhesis are facing in their country.

Report by Arabinda Ghose

Because of inadequate coverage about the activities of the "Madhesis" of Nepal at least in the Indian print medium, there are widespread confusion about not only the origins of the Madhesis but what precisely their demands are from the central government of Nepal at Kathmandu. Some of the widespread misunderstandings about them is that the Madhesis are immigrants from India. Secondly, they want separation from Nepal. Thirdly, the RSS and the Hindutva forces in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, bordering the Madheshi -dominated territories of Nepal are fuelling disaffection among the Madhesis against the Maoist dominated government based in Kathmandu.

Probably, the biggest confusion in the minds of Indians in general is about who these "Madhesis" are.

At an intimate and frank interaction at a venue in New Delhi where only two media persons were present among others-one being this reporter- Upendra Yadava, Chairman of the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum clarified that the Madhesis (meaning people living in Madhyadesh, between the mountains of Nepal and the plains of India) were fighting "against those who had occupied our territory 238 years ago".

This was an allusion to the historic fact that when the Mughal Empire was crumbling during the latter half of the eighteenth century, powerful feudal lords would occupy some territory in the Bihar- Bengal- Avadh areas where the English too were making forays. Prithvi Narayan Shah, chief of a hill principality called Gorkha (name of a place, not of a community) occupied certain areas on the northern fringes of Bihar and Avadh, under the British and under the Nawabs of Oudh respectively. The Gorkha Durbar had engaged itself in two wars with the British in order to retain the territories on the northern fringes of today's Bihar.

After the two Anglo-Gorkha wars, the Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1815 after which the southern, eastern and western boundaries of Nepal were drawn, which today form Nepal with an area of 141,181 square kms. Within this boundary came people living in the northern fringes of today's Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They, therefore, became citizens of Nepal that is Nepalis. Yadava emphasized that his forefathers were already living in the area now called Madhesh since much before the forays by Prithvinarayan Shah and his descendants. (Prithvi Narayan Shah had first occupied Kathmandu Valley from the Newars in 1769, which was 238 years ago). The Madhesis are not immigrants from India, he emphasized.

Replying to questions, Yadava denied allegations that the Forum had sought secession from Nepal." We want to remain in Nepal and we do not want separation .We, however, would like to have our separate State within the federal structure of Nepal " he said. Yadava, however, added that "India being a democratic country should extend to us moral support and have a positive approach towards the problems the Madhesis are facing in their country. "Moral support is a big factor", he said.

Referring to certain tricky conditions set for granting of citizenship certificates to Madheshis - you must own some land in order to qualify for citizenship and on the other hand you can own land if only you are a citizen - Mr.Yadava said the Madhesi state within the federal structure would be an autonomous entity which will determine the criteria for grant of citizenship.

On the wider level, he said that proportional representation in the Constituent Assembly first and then the national parliament after the two general elections must be ensured for Madheshis.

Recalling the discrimination the central authorities practiced against the Madhesis, Mr Yadava said that of the 205 seats in the recently-dissolved House of Representatives Madhesis accounted for just 38 seats from various parties although the strength of the Madheshi areas -geographically speaking - was 84 Members. This despite the fact that the Madheshi share in the population of the country about 2.70 crores, totaled 1.30 crores, almost half the country's population. He agreed with the view that there had been systematic shift in the population from the hills to the Terai in order to reduce the majority status of the Madhesis in the Terai areas. For example, he said that in the Terai district of Jhapa (bordering north Bihar and West Bengal), the Pahadi (hill people) people accounted for as much as 85 per cent. In Chitwan in central Terai region, the percentage of Pahadis was 90. He recalled that in the first census in 1950-51, the Pahadi population in Madhesh was only three per cent. It was about 40 per cent now.

Lastly, on the question of monarchy if they would support monarchy in any future set up in Nepal. Mr. Yadava shot back: "Why should we support the monarchy?. What has the monarchy done for us? They had occupied our territory in the first place 238 years ago, he stressed again in order to emphasize that the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum was not in favour of any form of monarchy in the future set up for Nepal.

NPA

http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070517/1705303.htm

"India being a democratic country should extend to us moral support and have a positive approach towards the problems the Madhesis are facing in their country."

Its is not in their interest to solve Madhesi problem. Just take a good look at Sri Lanka and what India did to them with the Tamil Tigers. Its been what 15-20 years now ? I see a lot of similarities here.

Madhise haru agitate huna ko karan they dont feel that Nepal is their Country. So they want to own part of it.

But they don't realize that they are being used as pawns by the mighty puppet masters of India. JUST LOOK AT THE TAMILS OF SRI LANKAN ORIGIN. THEY ARE NEITHER SRI LANKAN NOR INDIAN. THAT IS EXACTLY WHERE THESE MADHESIIS ARE GOING TO END UP IF THEY KEEP UP WITH THEIR ANTICS TOO. But they don't seem to realize that. They are blindly following leaders who have their own personal agenda than just the Madhesi one.

Upendra Yadava, Chairman of the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum clarified that the Madhesis (meaning people living in Madhyadesh, between the mountains of Nepal and the plains of India) were fighting "against those who had occupied our territory 238 years ago".

I'd argue that is an exaggerated if not outright fictitious claim. In case Mr Yadav forgot, the Madesh was much more sparsely populated for a long time - mostly by Tharus. Hill people and plains people - the former from the the hills of Nepal and the latter from the plains of India moved in subsequently - in larger numbers after the alleviation of malaria in the region. I don't have the population stats in front of me and I doubt if any existed at that time, but 238 years ago there probably weren't too many Yadavs in the densely forested Nepali Terai either. To make outlandish statements like that is irresponsible demagoguing that indicates a desperate lack of ideas and vision on the part of such leaders.

That's not to say the concerns of the Madesis are unjust or should be minimized. If we have learnt anything from the past, it is to make sure we as country treat all citizens fairly and with dignity. I just don't think the MJF way is the way to do it.

Rhetorics of Yadav and others aside, Tharus were/are not the only indigenous inhabitants of Nepali Madhesh. Tharus mostly occupy the Western Terai; and then there are Bhojpuris, and, most importantly, Maithilis in the East. Ancient Maithili Kingdom was well-known to have flourished both politically and culturally in their times. Janaki Mandir is a prime example of fine ancient Maithili architecture.

That said, historical facts aside, we cannot deny that blatant and loathsome prejudice against the Madhesis still exists in Nepal. Whopping 40% of the Nepali population is Madhesis; and where are they in thenational political/social structure? In the army? In the police? In the beaureaucracy?

As children, were we not told to stay away from the "Madsya" because they would kidnap us, cut our arms and legs and force us to beg in the streets of India? exceptions aside, was it not the general attitude of the Pahadi populace to blatantly disgrace the paan-walaas, the riksha walaas, the sabji walaas, the khaali sisi walaas, and other street vendors simply because most of them "looked like" Indians?

Forget the attitudes, vast majority of them aren't even granted the citizenship, which obviously precludes them from any services that the state can offer it's citizens. As one Madhesi friend of mine put it eloquently, "You Pahadis must recognize us as humans first before you can even begin to talk about compromises -- you cannot engage in talks with sub-humans."

I say, disturbing rhetorics of Madhesi groups, and some similar actions, are not helpful. However, if we are to bring an end to those separatist sentiments being entertained by possibly opportunist Madhesi individuals, then we must begin to recognize the Madhesi populace at large as equal human beings. Pride of a nation cannot be enforced -- it would be a farce even if attempted -- it should be nurtured in each and every of the citizens of a country. That can only be done by making them feel unequivocally equal to the rest of the citizens.

You R right CH. They should fight for their rights. They should Fight if they have been discriminated by other societies. But should not fight for a different country. If they do so then they should be eliminated from Nepal.

Poonte,
Of all the discussions/ jhagadaas/ blame game, etc, on this issue of madhes, you seem to make the most sense and seem to be to the point. I agree, unless and until all ethnicities are treated humanely and provided equal opportunities in the social/ political structure of the country, there will always be issues like this haunting the country forever.

Poonte dai -

I agree with everything you said. I wish Mr Yadav had the same sense in him that you do. The one thing that caught my eye is the 40% number you mentioned. Just curious what the source of that is. Also, does that number include people from the hills who have settled in the Terai? I have seen different numbers and my question is purely an academic one and not intended to bolster or counter an argument.

Also, a point on the larger topic, I feel if we look at this issue in terms of who came first, it will be very hard to find a solution. Our forefathers all came from somewhere at sometime, the important thing is we are all here now and need to learn to live together. The Madesi issue has received a good deal of attention in terms of brining the problems to light, the focus now should be on the solution.

Poonty
The most developed part of the country is Tarai. Most of the part has got roads and electricity. Then Why the fuuuc((kk you are talking this shiiit? Oppertunity is given equally to all citizen of the country, it makes the difference when and how they grab it . Why the fuuuc((kkk they say they are not much in Army. One need courage to be in army. they should apply to be in army first. Why the fuc((kkk they say they are not in the beaureaucracy? they need knowledge for that. madhise are also given oppurtunity to acquire education. if you go to the Pulcjhowk college you can find most of the madhishe students. if you go to medical college most of the students are madhise then why the fuc(( cckkk are you talking like this. They donot want to involve much so they do not have any thing and now they want a part of country. fu((ccckkk them up. This is not a matter of madhesi and pahade but is the matter of people of Nepal.

Cappy,

I cannot bring you the specific source of 40% off-hand, but that number is generally used by many scholars engaged in the Madhehi issue. One good place to look for might be Mahendra Lawoti's book "Towards a Democratic Nepal", which deals with issues of democratization of Nepal vis-a-vis the rights (or the lack thereof) of marginalized groups of Nepal.

One of the key in resolving social problems is distinguishing between the DEMANDS and the CORE. Demands ("what") are usually peripheral to the problem; and if one can identify the CORE, i.e., "why", then it becomes easier to resolve the issue.

For instance, all the demands being put forth by the Madheshi groups are there, from citizenship rights, to separate Madheshi state, to radically-charged separate state. In the process of attempting to resolve the problem, if we focus on those demands ("WHAT") only, I am afraid, there will be a lot of back-and-forth, laden with charges and counter charges, and we may never get anywhere.

On the other hand, if one begins to focus on the "WHY", i.e., WHY the Madhesis are putting forth WHAT they want, we can see that the issue becomes that of equality and dignity. If then the state begins to recognize and address the WHY part, I believe the WHAT part begins to be pacified. Therefore, the Madheshi militancy is obviously not good, but bringing an end to it requires that we as a nation begin to treat the Madheshi Nepali with equal dignity, as real human beings.

Thanks Poonte dai.

I also agree with the second bit of analysis. Dignity and equality have always been a big part of this and similar struggles both in Nepal and elsewhere.

That is very naive of you guys to think that way. he he You really think once they have equal rights they will just give up the fight just lke that ? he he And India will stop meddling with our internal politics ? C'mon now be realistic..... Just take a good look at India's neighbours. DO YOU SEE ANYTHING SIMILAR ? SRI LANKA, BANGLADESH, and NOW NEPAL. They wouldn't dare mess with the Pakis cause they got a dictator and Nuclear warheads. IT SURE IS WISHFUL THINKING ... :-)

Hey there BC -

If we solve this problem, and if India is indeed meddling, wouldn't it be one less way for India to meddle?

Just a thought.

Hope all is well with you.

It has scientific explanation rather than political.

have you guys heard of bug named AGITATORACH.
well, it is estimated that it is highly dominant in madesh region of indo-nepal border.
What it does is it crawls and bites in People's ass So people get agitated .Mostly madeshes are bitten in ass by these agiatatoach thats why they are agitating.


Solution: Solution is being made in HNL:hindusthan negibours laboratory.Soon,these will be in market when HNL supplies the insecticides.

Till then recommeded scientists recomment not travelling to terai unless you want agitatorach biting u :D

OK Capn'
We give them equal rights, dignity, and oppertunity fine. But what guanrentee is there that that would settle them down ? I donot see any light at the end of the tunnel unless you goto the root of the cause. Which is India, you want to solve the problem goto the source.

No disrespect to you Poonte. What you are suggesting is just a patching the whole on the wall. Just like your Ganatantra antics you never cover all the bases but just come up with half assed solutions. What !! You will give them their rights & dignity and everyone wil live happily ever after ? he he Cmon now. Just like you said "Once the king resigns everything will be fine" because it was the people's wishes. WELL .... IS IT TODAY ? India used Maos as pawn before now they are using Madhesi's. Get the picture.

Why after about 250 years they are crying and saying we want separate land ? These indian looking black people living in our terai by our grace, they are asking more than what we can give them. Call me racist, madise bhaiya's should go back to india and ask india what they want not nepal. we got nthing to do with those madhise bhaiya's in nepal. u were never nepali, so u never fought for nepal and u also speak hindi, indian language. so by all means those who are madhise bhaiya's u look like indians, u speak like indians, u eat like indians, and u even behave like indians, u need more dowry, u eat pan and speat paan anywhere u like, u watch hindi movies, u go to the south for little shopping, u like to use IC, u were never nepali and i don't want those indian looking black bhaiya people asking my land for them.


these black bhaiya's from south are giving lots of trouble for us.

.Just compiling some of my views shared with Sajhaites for past couple of months.

Nepe



Two glorious achievements of the "first round" of Madhesi movement and it's degradation in it's "second round"

March 9, 2007:
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/openthreadall.cfm?StartRow=21&PageNum=2&forum=2&threadid=42633#394556


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"नेपालको अखण्डता पहिलो र अन्तिम शर्त हो । ती दुई अग्निरेखा बिचका सबै भौगोलिक यथार्थ, सबै भावनात्मक वास्तविकता, सबै आकांक्षागत विविधता, सबै महत्वाकांक्षागत उचाई स्वीकार्य हुनुपर्छ । कुरा त्यत्ति हो ।"........

"अब मधेसी प्राज्ञिक नेतृत्वले पिडितवाद (victimhood) को घुम्टो ओढेर सबै दायित्वबाट बच्ने होईन मधेसी आन्दोलनलाई रचनात्मक अधोगतिमा पुग्न नदिन आत्मसमिक्षा गर्नुपर्ने बेला आईसक्यो । नत्र भने पहाडी-प्रधान केन्द्रले आफ्नो खटनमा मधेसी समुदायलाई दिएको ईज्जत र अधिकारमा चित्त बुझाउने पर्ने अवस्था आउन सक्छ ।"

March 10, 2007
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/openthreadall.cfm?StartRow=41&PageNum=3&forum=2&threadid=42633#395056


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"स्वतन्त्रता र न्यायको पथमा टेकिसकेको आजको नेपाललाई न त अहंकारी पहाडियाले प्रतिनिधित्व गर्छ न त निराशावादी मधेसीले । अहंकारी पहाडिया र विखण्डनवादी मधेसीलाई उनीहरुको आफ्नै समुदायले आगामी चुनावमा लात खाँदेर राजनैतिक रछानमा फालिदिनेछन् ।"

March 10, 2007:
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/openthreadall.cfm?StartRow=61&PageNum=4&forum=2&threadid=42633#395223


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"मेरो विचारमा तराईको अशान्ति मधेसीहरुको यो वा त्यो बुँदागत राजनैतिक माँगभन्दा बेसी आजसम्म मधेसी समुदायले बेहोर्नुपरेको अपमान र तिरस्कारप्रतिको विद्रोहले अनुकुलता वा संजोगवश मुखरित हुनपाएको घटना हो । त्यो विद्रोहलाई मौलिक रुपमा शब्दबद्द (articulate) गर्न नसकेर मात्र केही नेताहरुले केही तैरिईरहेका बुँदागत राजनैतिक माँगहरुलाई अभिव्यक्तिको साधन बनाएका हुन् ।"

Feb 3, 2007:
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=2&ThreadID=41185#376499


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The "first round" of Madhesi movement concluded making the government PANICKING.


"I felt that the government, instead of getting
enlightened by Madhesi's movement and start working vigorously to work
out a "samyantra" (system) to deliver justice to ALL exploited/
marginalized groups, appeared making decisions for Madhesi group only
out of PANIC. Of course there were things to panic about and to
address them without losing a single possible minute (violence, loss
of lives and properties, growing mistrust). But there were also things
(important not only to Madhesi but also other groups) that were
needing a broad based (participated by non-Madhesi groups as well)
discussion."

Feb 12, 2007:
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=2&ThreadID=41185#380633


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And finally, my latest poetic banality:

May 15, 2007
- http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=2&ThreadID=22320#433680


फूलै कहाँ मागें आँकुरा भए पुग्छ
अकुण्ठित ऋतुका कुरा भए पुग्छ

नदेऊ आश्वासन नयाँ दिनदिनै
पुरानै आश्वासन पुरा भए पुग्छ

काठमाण्डु तिमीसंग रिस छैन
तिमीजस्तै जुम्ला बाजुरा भए पुग्छ

मैदान बन कहाँ भनें सगरमाथा
मधेस गर्वको चुचुरा भए पुग्छ

खुकुरी नदेखाउ, नतिखार भाटा
विचार, तर्क, बहस छुरा भए पुग्छ

ठूलो गाली गर्ने जिब्रो अब थन्क
सानो काम गर्ने पाखुरा भए पुग्छ

__________________________________________

अरु कुरो जान्दिन, पहिलो मधेसी आन्दोलन चाहिं यो थ्रेडमा लेख्ने केहि असभ्य मान्छे जस्ता नेपालमा भएका मान्छेलाई सभ्य बनाउन भएको थियो। आफुभान्दा बुढो मान्छेलाई पनि 'धोति' 'मधेसी' भनेर हेप्ने हरुले गर्दा देश पनि कमजोर हुन्छ। तिनिहरु आफ्नै जीवन पनि के गतिलो हुन्छ र, रेसिस्ट भएर बाच्न त? जहासम्म दोश्रो र तेश्रो मधेसी आन्दोलनको कुरो छ त्यो पनि भा'छर? मधेसीहरुले पहाडिआहरु बाट सिकेको कुरो फुट्न हो, र इण्डियनहरु सँग सिकेको कुरो डाँका स्टाइलले अपहरण गर्न हो। त्यो दुइटै मिसाएर गोइत र ज्वालाले जग हसाइराख्याछन।