India the big loser in divided Nepal - The Times of India: "Ethnic groups fighting for more autonomy are busy expanding their areas of influence. The most vociferous of them are Madhesis (Maithili, Bhojpuri, Avadhi, Hindi and Urdu-speaking people) and Tharus, who live in the terai bordering Bihar and UP. In the hills, Limbus, Khambus, Magars, Gurungs, and Tamangs (Nepalis of mongoloid stock) are equally restive. These groups, along with Khasas (hill Nepalis of Aryan origin), have been serving the Nepali, Indian and British armies for generations.
In addition, sections of Nepalis, mostly Bahuns-Khasas, and some madhesi groups have been clamouring for a Hindu state. But the Nepalis of mongoloid origin, who follow Buddhism or animism, oppose this demand.
Madhesis, who take pride in having "roti-beti ka rista" (socio-economic relationship) with India, have suffered discrimination. Suspicious of their loyalty, Nepal's former ruling elite and sections of hill Nepalis looked down upon them. Nepalis of mongoloid origin, too, have been marginalised for centuries. A majority of Bahuns and Kashtriyas (the two communities that mainly comprised Nepali's elite) are equally poor. Tharus, most of whom were bonded labourers till the turn of the century, were the worst sufferers.
READ ALSO: 'Not imposed any blockade on Nepal'
Comprising almost 30% of Nepal's population, madhesis are in a position to fight for their rights on their own. Their home — the terai — is known as Nepal's granary and houses most of the country's industrial units. The madhesis first began to talk about their rights in 1990 when King Birendra reintroduced multi-party democracy after an agitation by Nepali Congress and United Left Front.
The madhesi movement got a boost when the Maoists made autonomy for all ethnic groups a major issue during its 10-year-old "people's war." After the end of monarchy, some madhesi extremists picked up arms to fight for their cause and got wiped out quickly. The terai, a narrow strip of flat land 20-40km in width, running from east to west, was not suitable for such an armed struggle."
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In addition, sections of Nepalis, mostly Bahuns-Khasas, and some madhesi groups have been clamouring for a Hindu state. But the Nepalis of mongoloid origin, who follow Buddhism or animism, oppose this demand.
Madhesis, who take pride in having "roti-beti ka rista" (socio-economic relationship) with India, have suffered discrimination. Suspicious of their loyalty, Nepal's former ruling elite and sections of hill Nepalis looked down upon them. Nepalis of mongoloid origin, too, have been marginalised for centuries. A majority of Bahuns and Kashtriyas (the two communities that mainly comprised Nepali's elite) are equally poor. Tharus, most of whom were bonded labourers till the turn of the century, were the worst sufferers.
READ ALSO: 'Not imposed any blockade on Nepal'
Comprising almost 30% of Nepal's population, madhesis are in a position to fight for their rights on their own. Their home — the terai — is known as Nepal's granary and houses most of the country's industrial units. The madhesis first began to talk about their rights in 1990 when King Birendra reintroduced multi-party democracy after an agitation by Nepali Congress and United Left Front.
The madhesi movement got a boost when the Maoists made autonomy for all ethnic groups a major issue during its 10-year-old "people's war." After the end of monarchy, some madhesi extremists picked up arms to fight for their cause and got wiped out quickly. The terai, a narrow strip of flat land 20-40km in width, running from east to west, was not suitable for such an armed struggle."
'via Blog this'
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