Jwala Singh demands separate, independent Terai state Jwala Singh, the coordinator of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM - Singh faction), has said that his party demands a separate, independent Terai state. In what possibly could be his first interview, Jwala Singh told Headliners of Kantipur FM that his party is against the rule of Pahade (people from hilly origin) on Madhes (Terai region). "We want an independent and separate state of Terai. Of the total population of Nepal, 14 million are Madhsis. We have certain geography and certain income source," he said, in what could be the first clear pronouncement of the separatist shade of JTMM's movement. Rejecting charges of spreading communal feelings between people of hill and Terai region, Singh said, "We are not against people of hill. But we are against the system of unitary communal hill state power." "When there are differences on appearance, culture, tradition, rituals and language, it will only invite tension and bloodbath by remaining together," he further added. Singh whose real name is Nagendra Paswan and who is said to be a former journalist, had split from JTMM led by Jaya Krishna Goit six months ago. Both factions of JTMM are raising similar demands and engaging in violent activities in Terai region. The JTMM, in fact, had split from Maoists two and a half years ago. "I still consider Goit as our supreme leader. But he is very old and not in good health. And this is the time for fight and sacrifice, so we had to part ways," Singh said, clarifying why he split from Goit. But he added that cadres of both factions of JTMM were working together. Like Goit, Singh has also condemned the interim constitution. "The day of its promulgation is going to be Black Day for Madhesi people. The interim constitution lacks even a single word in favour of Madhesi people," he accused. Refuting charges that his party is guided by palace and India, Singh said, "The King is the main leader of hilly people, so there is no question of us supporting him or his action. As far as India is concerned, some of our leaders are in jails in Bihar. I totally refute this charge." Singh also rejected accusations that his party is full of people from criminal background. "These accusations are made by our enemies." While revealing that his party has company-level military organisation of what he termed as Terai Liberation Army in three to four districts, Singh refused to divulge the actual number of his cadres or the districts where his military organisation are located. Singh said that his party has already put forth 9-point demands including declaration of independent Terai; delimitation of electoral constituencies based on population; holding of census in Terai under leadership of Madhesi people; filling up the positions in army, police and administration in Terai by Madhesi people; cessation of Maoist atrocities and return of seized lands; compensation to Madhesi martyrs, among others. He said that they are willing to sit for talks if the parties give written assurance of fulfilling their demands and involve UN in mediation. On the issue of constituent assembly elections, Singh warned that they would work for boycotting it if their demands are not met. nepalnews.com Jan 15 07