Kathmandu, Aug. 24 -- In 2015, as the new constitution was set to be promulgated, a large section of Nepalis-Madhesis, Tharus and Janajatis-were protesting the statute on the grounds that various provisions had marginalised them and that their demands were being ignored.

Protests in the Tarai continued for days, with at least 50 people killed in violent clashes. August 24, 2015 was one of the deadliest days, when at least nine people, including a police official and a toddler, were killed in Tikapur. The clash was a result of simmering discontent among Tharus against a campaign called 'Akhanda Sudurpaschim', or Undivided Far West, which was backed by the leaders of the major parties. A clampdown and a curfew ensued. There were arbitrary ...