The Madhes-based parties are mounting pressure on the government to withdraw all kinds of criminal charges against their members, claiming that the cases are politically motivated. More than 100 leaders and cadres affiliated with the Tarai parties are behind the bars on charges of crimes committed during the five-month-long Madhes movement. The agitating parties have demanded that the government release all the cadres including those arrested in connection with the lynching of a police official and a local trader in Birgunj before negotiations on the disputed issues of the constitution may be resumed. The government, which has expressed written commitment to releasing the protesters, has failed to do so due to legal complications and resistance from the police administration. Rajendra Mahato, chairman of the Sadbhawana Party, asked the government to release all the cadres immediately, withdraw criminal charges and give martyr status to the deceased protesters as per its promise. “The non-political demands should be addressed to create an environment of trust for further dialogue. We are hopeful that the government will soon address the remaining concerns,” said Mahato. On Wednesday, an internal meeting of the Madhesi parties criticized the government for not doing enough to meet the non-political demands on time. The agitating parties have also prepared a list of 54 protesters to recommend for compensation and martyr status. The regional parties are pressed by their cadres to exert enough pressure on the government to withdraw the charges. Around 60 protesters, who were allegedly involved in various criminal activities, are taking refuge in India. Sources at the Home Ministry said most of the protesters involved in petty crimes such as arson and vandalism have already been released. They said that those who are facing trial for serious crimes would be freed after the court’s ruling. “The protesters who are currently in custody were allegedly involved in lynching and murder. If the government wishes to release them, it can do so after the court ruling,” said an official. The Tharuhat/Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee has also been seeking the release of more than 60 Tharu leaders and cadres arrested in connection with the Kailali carnage which left eight policemen dead in August last year.