KATHMANDU, Aug 23: United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of the government in addressing their demands.

A meeting of the UDMF secretariat on Monday reviewed recent government decisions regarding their demands and decided to urge the government to speed up the remaining tasks.

"We will soon remind the government about its promise for constitution amendment," said Manish Suman, general secretary of Sadbhavana Party which is one of the constituents of the UDMF. Leaders in the meeting expressed dissatisfaction over delay in starting discussion for the constitution amendment.

"We had voted for the government during the prime ministerial election in the parliament after the ruling coalition agreed to address our demands immediately. Though the government has taken some crucial steps, we felt that the pace is quite slow," added Suman.

The government on Thursday had decided to declare 52 individuals, including 11 security personnel, who were killed during the Madhes protests last year as martyrs. Though the Madhes-based parties had proposed to declare 68 individuals who died during the movement as martyrs, the government approved the names of only 52 people.

Likewise, the government has announced Rs 1 million to the families of those who died during the protests and has ensured treatment and financial support to those who sustained injuries.

"The government is yet to declare martyrs to a significant number of individuals, who died during the movement. Though the government has decided to form a judicial probe commission, it is yet to get a full shape," said Suman.

The government had decided to form a seven-member commission under the chairmanship of former justice Girish Chandra Lal to investigate incidents of vandalism and excessive use of force during the Madhes protests. The government had assigned the home ministry to appoint other members of the commission.

"We are collecting data and details of individuals who sustained injuries, as well as information about the status on whether reparation is provided to martyrs families or not. Likewise, we are preparing details about the court cases filed against our cadres. After collecting all the data and information, we will provide it to the government through our top leaders," said Suman.

 
• united democratic madhesi front
 
• slow pace
 
• promises
 
• sadbhavana party