I am not a tharu but I signed in the petition. I then checked the comments section; I'd say over 90% of the supporters were Tharus. You might say this is not surprising but it does sadden me a little to think that only the group that is facing the unjust is the one making noise. If we think their agenda is right, then we should all be supporting it.

As for Sojoketo's comment on racism, I don't get that feel. The petition itself is for a certain ethnic group hence ethnic groupism is bound to be seen, but I won't call that racism, specially when no other race is being prejudiced. They aren't asking for a divided Nepal, or their own state; they are asking to preserve their identity that they take pride on. That's a legit request IMHO. The comment you refer to is comment from one of the supporter and the petition shouldn't be blamed for that comment.