The final days of constitution drafting has turned the nation into a battleground with various groups calling for simultaneous mass demonstrations and Nepal bandas, while security forces are gearing up to maintain law and order. 
The districts of Tarai, in particular have suffered multiple and overlapping bandas called by UDMF and Upendra Yadav led Broader Madhesi Front . Jhapa, Sunsari, Morang, Siraha, Saptari, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Dhanusha, Rautahat, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Parsa and Bara have been hit by indefinite strikes. The mid and Far-West districts like Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur were affected by clashes between Tharuhat activists, 'undivided Far-West’ movement activists and security forces. The 19 day long banda enforced by the Undivided Far-West struggle committee ended after the parties signed an agreement to ensure multi-ethnic federal states but the Tharuhat activists are still agitating.
Similarly, the capital is witnessing one of its largest demonstrations by indigenous groups in recent times. According to Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), the umbrella organisation of indigenous groups, thousands of people belonging to various indigenous communities are expected to take to the streets on Saturday in what is being called a ‘show of strength’ to warn the parties from going against ethnic federalism. The gatherings taking place at various places in the valley will then lead to a rally before culminating into a mass meeting at Tundikhel. The Newars have started gathering in Khulamanch, Magars in Kalanki, Gurungs in Balaju, Sherpas in Chabahil, Tamangs in Gausala, Tharus and Sunuwars in Tinkune, Rais in Koteswor and Limbus in Satdobato. The groups have warned that constitution sans clearly delineated federal states with names would be unacceptable.
The security in the capital has been beefed up and the Armed Police Force have been heavily deployed around the city to prevent untoward incidents. The area around the Constituent Assembly hall in Naya Baneswor has been declared a restricted zone and the police have barricaded all access points. Other places like president's residence in Shital Niwas, vice-president's residence in Kantipath, prime minister’s residence in Baluwater and Singha Durbar, the area from Maitighar Mandala to Padmodaya school, Bhadrakali, Ratnapark and Basantapur have all been declared a restricted zone. There are less vehicles on the streets, riot control squads have been stationed at sensitive areas as the capital bears the look of a battle field.
Meanwhile, meeting between the three major parties held at Baluwatar on Saturday morning to review the 11-state model ended inconclusively after the NC and UML leaders refused to reconsider the model, following which 300 lawmakers from various parties belonging to indigenous and Madhesi background have started collecting signatures against the model. Yesterday, the Upendra Yadav led Broader Madhesi Front had agreed not to stall the parliamentary procedure after PM Baburam Bhattarai agreed to ask parties to review the 11-state model. The legislature parliament is meeting today to finalise amendment of the interim constitution, which will shorten the procedure for constitution formulation and the meeting of the CA is also scheduled for later in the evening.
Anurag Acharya