JANAKPURDHAM, Jan. 20 -- It has been 17 years since the Madhesh movement heated up, raising the issue of identity and federalism for an inclusive state system. The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum at that time made waves in the Terai-Madhesh, believing that the political system adopted on the foundation of the people's movement was incomplete and neglected the Madhesi people. The Madhesh movement intensified with the promulgation of the interim constitution on January 15, 2007.

A tragic event in Lahan of Siraha on January 19, 2007, worked to add fuel to the fire when the Madhesh movement, which was earlier limited to corner meetings and slogan processions, became more intense. The then-Maoist CPN left the armed conflict and joined the peace proc...