Student unions affiliated to ruling parties touched the podium, which the United Democratic Madheshi Front had constructed in Itahari for organising its protest programme. Itahari is tense after the incident. Locals blazed the stage prepared for the leaders of Madhesi Morcha—Mahanta Thakur, Upendra Yadav, Rajendra Mahato, among others. Locals blocked all four entry points to Itahari by burning tires. However, a short assembly was addressed by Limbuwan Party Chair Kumar Lingden later in the day. Terming the protest against Madhesi leaders as a mistake, Lingden said, “This is an agitation to ensure everyone’s rights. If we had welcomed Upendra Yadav and Mahanta Thakur here, they would have done same to us in Janakpur.” As India’s unofficial blockadeagainst Nepal continues to cripple normal life across the country.The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamal Thapa held discussions with noted diplomats including former foreign affairs ministers, former ambassadors, former foreign affairs secretaries and representatives of different political parties’ foreign wings. Thapa has stated that India has imposed the economic embargo on Nepal because Nepal didn’t acted as committed to India in making the Constitution of Nepal. DPM Thapa also said, “India has imposed the economic embargo on Nepal because Nepal didn’t acted as per the commitment with Nepal while preparing the Constitution.”
