A young school boy in Dadheldura. PICS: SUNIL POKHAREL

Life has been hit hard for the last two weeks by series of bandas across the country called by various groups demanding their stake in the new constitution. From east to the far-west, normal life has been paralysed as transportation has been brought to a halt. Schools are closed and markets deserted.

On Thursday, Brahmins, Chettris and Dalits closed the entire country demanding indigenous status.  There are simultaneous movements going on in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Saptari and nine districts of the Far West.

In the Far West, protestors demanding ‘Undivided Far-West” have shut down all nine districts for the last 10 days. The bandh is being led by lawmakers from different political parties including UCPN-Maoist and Nepali Congress, which are in the present government.

Similarly, a group calling for undivided Koshi province are agitating in the Eastern region. Nawalparasi is paralysed by another banda and Chitwan has been shut down by the locals protesting the proposal to divide Chitwan between madhes and hill province in the new constitution.

Residents of Dhangadi and Attariya, who have migrated from hilly regions of Far Western Region, demanding a united Far West.

Tharu community in Attariya demanding that Kailali and Kanchanpur split from the Far West

Women in Dipayal demanding Dipayal be declared the federal capital of the Far West

People of Dadheldura demanding a united Far West. They want Dhadeldura to be the capital.

Three motorcycles were burnt beyond use near Dipayal.

The Saule-Dipayal stretch of the road is littered with logs and boulders.

Road blocked in Jhapa. PIC: GOPAL GARTAULA