Nepal, Aug. 25 -- The federal government had introduced an ordinance to 'address land-related issues', which faced opposition. Again, a bill has been tabled in parliament. This time too, Madhesh has been stirred. The debate over land, its ownership, relationships and reforms are not new in Madhesh.

Land issues are an ideological and political question. In Madhesh, the largest population of landless people are Madheshi Dalits. Commissions have been formed to address the issues of sukumbasi and unorganised settlers, but the problem of landlessness in Madhesh persists. For Madheshi Dalits, land must be understood in the context of development, poverty alleviation and livelihood. The leadership of the land rights movement in Madhesh has not ...