SUMMARY
MJF (Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum) –also known as the MPRF (Madhesi People’s Rights Forum) in English- is an ethnically based political party in Nepal, formed from the advocacy group of the same name. MJF was formed in 1997, at that time labelling itself an NGO. In April 2007 the group converted into a political party, in order to stand for the 2008 elections. When transforming into a political party the group was lead by Jai Prakash Gupta (who left the group in June 2007) and Upendra Yadav.
“Madhes” is the traditional name given to what is more commonly known as “Terai”, the flat and fertile low-lands of southern Nepal. Around 30% of Nepal’s population are of Madhesi ethnicity and reside mainly in the Tarai plains, which are also home to 50% of the country’s total population. The fertile plains and the access routes to India are of great importance for the Nepalese economy. The majority of the Madhesi are Hindus, with smaller groups of Buddhists, Muslims and Christians also being part of the group. The Madhesis are linguistically diverse, speaking –among others- the Maithili, Bhojpuri and Awadhi languages.
MJF evolved from its initial status as an advocacy group for Madhesi issues from 1997 and onwards. Initially the group focused on promoting venues for discussing Madhesi concerns, publishing books and papers, and spreading awareness. By the mid-2000s the group came to be seen as a leading force for Madhesi issues, and transformed itself into a political party. Although the group seeks to build a wide Madhesi base its leadership mainly consists of upper and middle caste Hindus.
In 2007 the leaders of the newly founded MJF party claimed that the Madhesi people have continuously been neglected by the central authorities, mainly in terms of political representation but also in the spheres of culture and economy. Another grievance has been the fact that many Madhesi, who are often seen as being of Indian origin, lack citizenship and voting rights. The group’s main demands have thus crystallised into a mix of self-determination rights and autonomy for the Madhesi people, a nation-wide system of proportional representation and the creation of a federal system in Nepal. In general, demands that the Madhesi should have their fair stake in the country’s political system. The group’s focus on regional and communal issues has brought it into conflict, including armed non-state conflict, with other political entities in the Terai.
MJF to a large degree resembles an umbrella group for Madhesi interests, not being organised as a unitary militant movement. The group has been involved in non-state conflict, but its violent actions have been carried out by armed activists rather than trained combatants. The number of activists it controls is unclear. In early 2008 the MJF created a coalition with the Sadbhavana Party and the Tarai-Madesh Loktantrik Party. The UDMF (United Democratic Madhesi Front) was an alliance for contesting the 2008 elections.
The group has no known links to rebel groups or neighbouring states.
MJF has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.
