Madhesi protesters to picket Nepal PM's residence

Kathmandu, May 16: An alliance of Madhesis and Jajatis on Monday declared they will picket Prime Minister K.P. Shar Oli’s residence on Tuesday to press their demand for greater representation in the new constitution as around two dozen protesters were injured in clashes with police here on the second day of their renewed stir. The announcement by the Sanghiya Gathabandhan came as Prime Minister Oli warned protesters that the government “will not tolerate” a standoff in the capital and reiterated his call for talks. A meeting of the alliance — which comprises of 29 Madhesi and Jajati parties and groups — here decided to picket the prime minister’s residence on Tuesday. The alliance picketed Singha Durbar, the key administrative complex of Nepal, on Sunday and Monday to protest against the constitution that they say seeks to further discrimite against margilised and excluded communities. “It is the right of citizens to hold a peaceful protest, but in the me of protest the general public should not suffer,” said Oli at a function in Kathmandu on Monday, adding that the government “will not tolerate” if there is increasing trouble to the people. The protest led to massive traffic jams on Sunday and Monday. “We need to change the form and place of the agitation,” the alliance said in a press statement while giving the reason for the change in venue. The prime minister’s residence at Baluwatar is some three km from Singha Durbar, where the Prime Minister’s Office is located. The alliance held protests around Singha Durbar on Monday. Huge deployment of security personnel was present to foil the protest, including riot control squad, for possible confrontation. At least two dozen protesters were injured in Monday’s clash between protesters and policemen while two protesters are admitted in the Trauma Hospital for treatment. (ians)