Biratnagar (Nepal), Dec. 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Tuesday directed the heads of security agencies in the country's eastern region to maintain peace and security in the eastern Terai.

During a meeting with the heads of security agencies and administrators at his Biratnagar residence today, Koirala directed the concerned officials to restore normalcy.

The focus on the Maoists in the peace process has led to the neglect of other peoples and regions of Nepal, such as the Terai region and the Madhesi people who live there.

The people of Terai estimate that they comprise fifty percent of the population of Nepal, and even statistics from the government of Nepal indicate that thirty to forty percent of the population lives in the Terai region.

The term “Madhesi” encompasses many different ethnic, linguistic and religious groups that inhabit the Terai region. Despite the fact that they represent a large portion of the Nepali population, the Madhesi lack proportional representation in government and experience discrimination from the government and other Nepali people.

The failure to address these issues has caused the Madhesi to turn to violence to bring attention to their plight. Law and order has been deteriorating in the region due to the violent activities of various armed agitating groups. (ANI)