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| Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. Photo: RSS |
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has appealed to all members of the Constituent Assembly to help conclude the constitution writing process with composure and by internalising the sentiment of all sides concerned.
Taking part in the deliberations on the amended draft of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the CA this morning, Prime Minister and CA member Koirala said that since this a common document of all political parties everyone should play their part in making it a reality.
Stating that the shortcomings in the draft could still be amended and improved, Prime Minister Koriala said, “We need to give the people the new constitution soon, as failure to do so have been inviting unprecedented incidents.” Delivering the new constitution by maintaining law and order in the country is the primary need of the day.
“Let us all work together for peace, as disorder will lead to destruction”, the Prime Minister said while emphasizing that the constitution should be promulgated by wiping out any shortcomings on it to institutionalise peace and the changes achieved so far. RSS
Leaders calls for patience and resilience
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has appealed to all to contribute to concluding the constitution writing process with patience and resilience.
Taking part in the deliberations on the amended draft of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the CA this morning, UML Chair and CA member Oli said we are in the midst of a very unique and quality constitution making process, which has deeply internalized the norms and values of democracy.
“We are at a very historical and serious mode in terms of drafting a democratic constitution”, he said while adding that the people’s long-cherished dream of writing a constitution through their representatives was very near to be realised. The new constitution comes to us as a very important document in terms of guiding the country towards the path of development and establishing people’s rights.
He also alerted towards efforts being made to foil the constitution making process. “We are all Nepali brothers and sisters and not enemies, lets maintain social harmony, discuss and move ahead”, he said while appealing to all to become united to fulfill the duty of constitution making.
As the amended bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 has come as a document of consensus and understanding, all should understand and accept it accordingly, he added.
Also taking part in the deliberations, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said it was obvious for voices to be raised at the final hour of the constitution making process to ensure that one’s rights are codified in it.
Though the final draft has not been able to fully address the sentiment of all sides including the indigenous nationalities, the draft is the document that was possible through the present composition of the CA.
The constitution making process is at a very difficult stage of history and the Nepali people are in favour of declaration of a federal democratic constitution as soon as possible, he said while adding that it was a matter of pride that we have got such a draft from this CA. “I appeal to the federalist socialist forum, the Madhesh-based parties and other sides concerned to not leave the constitution making process, come for a dialogue and help resolve the problem”, he said. RSS
Tractor driver without driving license sentenced to two years in jail
Ilam, Aug. 26: A man who was driving without license and killed a minor was sentenced to two years in jail.
The District Court Ilam sentenced Mani Kumar Limbu of Banjho-9 in Ilam to two years in prison after finding him guilty of committing an offense as per the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, according to records keeper at the Court Jagdishwar Bhattarai.
The incident had taken place in March earlier this year, when the tractor that Mani Kumar was driving killed a minor at Sayok of the district.
Likewise, the Court has sentenced the tractor owner Sano Limbu of Sayok to two months in prison for allowing a person without a license to drive his tractor. RSS
---------
Hunuman naach in Baglung after a decade
Balewa (Baglung), Aug. 26: The Hanuman Naach, that carries historical significance, has been presented here after a gap of a decade.
The Hanuman Naach Preservation Council orgnanized a programme here on Tuesday to present the three-century-old folk culture. The traditional culture of the Newari community will be preserved through the Council, said its Chair Tirtha Prasad Shrestha. “The dance was near extinction due to lack of preservation efforts and generation gap”, he said.
Youth between 16 to 40 years of age took part in the dance here yesterday. The dance was presented at various thoroughfares of the district.
Based on the Hindu epic, Ramayana, this dance is exhibited in every odd year with 26 youth, especially Newars, taking part in it, according to researcher Prem Chota. The dance is named after Hanuman, the greatest disciple of Lord Ram in Hindu mythology. RSS
-------
Man dies of snakebite in Taplejung
Taplejung, Aug. 26: A man died of snake bite in Durgam VDC of Taplejung district.
Bhoj Kumar Rai,32, a resident of Lelep-6 in the district died after being bitten by a poisonous snake. The incident took place on August 21 when Rai had gone into a maize field.
Following the incident, Rai had been treated at the local health post. But he died after five days of treatment at the post, that later proved futile. Rai died on the way to the district headquarters, according to his sister Bhumika Rai.
Health worker at the post Ram Yadav had assured of treating Rai successfully and hence was not taken to the district headquarters on time, said Bhumika. Lelep is a day’s walk from the district headquarters. RSS
----------
Appeal to change the form of strike
Ratnanagar (Chitwan), Aug. 26: The Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appealed to all to agitators to change their form of agitation, as it was having an adverse impact on the industry and business sector.
The first impact of any agitation is on the industry and business sector, says the Chamber President Kalyan Joshi while appealing to all to not violate others rights while advocating for their own.
Issuing a statement here today, Chamber President Joshi has said that the industry and business sector had already suffered due to the earthquake, which was further deteriorating as a result of the frequent banda and strikes taking place in the final round of the constitution making process in the country. Joshi has thereby appealed to the agitating sides as well as to the local administration to take this matter seriously and change their form of protests by withdrawing all programmes of banda and strikes. RSS
------------
Tractor driver crushed to death
Gaushala, Aug. 26: A tractor driver has been killed after being crushed after the same tractor he was riding.
The incident took place on Tuesday night and the deceased has been identified as Bhogendra Das Tatma,30, of Jaleswar municipality-6, according to District Police Office, Mahottari.
Tatma was reportedly ploughing the field at Jaleswar-13 when his tractor (Ja.1 Ta. 6364) broke down. Another tractor (Ja. 1 Ta. 7759) was being used to pull his tractor, when it overturned and crushed him to death on the spot, Superintendent of Police Saurav Rana said. RSS
-----------
Deliberations on bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 begins
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: Deliberations on the amended bill relating to the constitution of Nepal 2072 began at the Constituent Assembly this morning.
This is the final draft of the new constitution including 37 parts, 302 articles and 9 annexes. The draft was tabled by the CA Constitution Drafting Committee before the CA plenary on August 23 and then three days were allocated for CA members to study the same.
The deliberations over the next three days will take place for 11 hours every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, according to CA Chairman Subas Nembang. Every CA member expressing their views on the final draft will be awarded five minutes to do the same. There are presently 598 members in the CA.
Seeking time at the beginning of today’s meeting, leader of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Ashok Rai said his party has been expressing its disagreement with the ongoing constitution writing process, which, he said, was without the soul of federalism. “The existing unitary system of governance has just been covered up by the tag of federalism”, he said.
Following the statement, CA member Rai left the CA hall declaring that his party has boycotted the meeting.
Prior to this, Chairperson of Constitution Drafting Committee Krishna Prasad Sitoula tabled a proposal seeking consideration on the amended bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072.
On the occasion, CDC Chair Sitoula appealed to all CA members to not leave the CA but contribute to finalizing the new constitution. “As it is the constitution of the country and people, we as CA members must fulfill our pledges to give them a new constitution”, he said. RSS
----------
Curfew to continue in Dhangadi today as well
Dhangadi, Aug. 26: The curfew order in Dhangadi, the headquarters of Kailali has been continued today as well in order to ensure that the situation of law and order does not deteriorate further following the Tikapur incident. The curfew shall come into effect in Dhangadi market area from 11 am this morning to 6:00 pm in the evening.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the District Security Committee on Tuesday, according to District Administration Office. The curfew was enforced on Tuesday as well. RSS
-----------
Hold dialogue, whet discussions, make violence a history
(Narayan Prasad Ghimire)
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: Flurry of ire, angst, castigation, condemnation, sympathy, suggestion and recommendations have flooded the media, especially the social media after the Monday's unimaginable scourge at Tikapur in Kailali, a district in west Nepal. On the social media, political parties and their leaders have been highly castigated. Some have even particularized the political leaders behind the horrendous incident - excruciating killing of security persons including senior superintendent of police and a toddler.
However, some political leaders argue that such an act could never be a political struggle but only a crime. A day after the incident, some political parties and leaders have even begun alleging one another for provoking and inciting violence that actually led to the unfortunate and unprecedented incident. Putting blame of anything wrong on the other is however a long-standing culture of our political parties/leaders.
A committee has meanwhile been formed to probe the incident and let’s hope that we will soon know who actually is responsible behind such carnage- political stands, security agency, failure of intelligence, incendiary remark makers, infiltrators or other reasons.
It may however be noted that few days back, the Legislature-Parliament was resonated with the demand to take action against the political leaders who made incendiary remark in Kailali district thereby provoking communal hatred and conflict.
The violence that spread both in the hills as well as the plains of the western region of the country followed the proposal of the six-province model by the major political parties- Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Democratic)- having more than 90 percent representation in the CA on August 9. The demarcation of federal units had come in response to people's feedback during their submission on the draft constitution on July 20-21.
The draft constitution had put aside the naming, numbering and delineating of provinces, one of the most debated and controversial issues in constitution writing for nearing a decade now, as per the 16-point agreement the big four inked. It was to be later decided by a federal commission and endorsed by the parliament.
However, the four parties’ consensus on the six-province model was taken as a great achievement by many, reasoning it would clear the impasse, and lead to the new constitution being promulgated soon. Astonishingly, as the draft constitution bill provisioning six provinces was tabled before the CA and passed for discussion by a majority, some CA members in the back benches disapproved the developments by tearing the draft copies within the CA hall.
The six-province model was also heavily criticized by the people in different parts especially in the far and mid-west of the country. The banda (general shutdown) again became normal, including in the capital city. The political parties then considered issues/demands of the Karnali people more pressing than that of the Tharus in the southern plains of the far-west, resulting in the decision of seven provinces. Yet again, it got both reactions- welcomed by the Karnali people, but criticized again by the indigenous Tharu people in the west plains and the Madhes-centric parties in the central plains. Against the seven-province model, a separate autonomous Tharu province was demanded by the agitators mobilized by the Tharuhat Struggle Committee.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the carnage, the Tharuhat Struggle Committee that was leading the protests in the western plains, has put the blame on government while also expressing the possibility of infiltration in their struggle. On Monday evening, a Tharu leader, Dhani Ram Tharu, told in a radio interview, "It was not the agitating indigenous Tharus to take on spear, sickle, axe and other homemade weapons and attack security personnel. The attackers were infiltrators."
Reasons abound from different sectors and parties including from the allegations as mentioned above to the sympathy to particular community. Yes, there is no doubt that the Tharu is the indigenous community which is also a long-time oppressed community in Nepal. Not a long back, the Tharu people in the west Nepal were liberated from bonded labour. Still, they are backward for lack of access to, and representation in politics, policy, and government bodies. At such, their grudges are normal, and their genuine demands need to be addressed. The political parties therefore should adopt right measure to hear the grievances. Their empowerment is essential.
But, is making a separate autonomous province dedicating to Tharu community is the solution of the present problem? If the big political parties sat again and allocated an autonomous Tharu province covering the Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur, would it be justice to them, setting a precedent for others to follow. Or, will it lead to copycat demands for similar provinces in the southern plains in the central and eastern Nepal?
When inquired on the fresh violence after the proposed seven-province federalism, constitutional expert Dr Bhimarjun Acharya flatly rejects the idea of adopting federalism in Nepal. Why? "Because federalism is against inclusive system which Nepal is advocating; there are no evidence to suggest that federalism will prosper diversity in our country; and Nepal lacks robust economy, lacks able leadership/statesmanship, and has no strict rule of law," argues Dr Acharya.
Moreover, the constitutional expert said the 16-point agreement the big political parties had made before bringing the draft constitution was judicious to some extent, as it had sought experts' commission on delineation of provinces. In the recent 25 years of history, no country in the world has been successful to bring constitution in the way Nepal has adopted, he said, adding that federalism will be a very costly system for Nepal.
-: 7 :-
Then what's the solution? Dr Acharya precisely suggests, "Either postpone or do away with federalism if we are to bring the new constitution."
Similarly, senior journalist Dev Prakash Tripathi argues the country failed to make ample debate and discussion on federalism. "The concept of federalism- its merits and demerits- did not percolate throughout the country. I see the fresh violence over seven-province model of federalism has the root cause on it. If the country had fully implemented decentralization, the forceful concept of federalism would not enter in Nepal. Intention behind foisting federalism was not clear."
Both of them admit that Nepal has numerous problems as of caste and ethnic discriminations and oppressions, but are univocal on the matter that federalism is not a solution to the problem- be it to quill fresh violence or long term addressing of discrimination and suppression. Senior journalist Tripathi suggests immediate postponement of the constitution-making process, holding of dialogue and percolating debate on federalism as a measure to hear grievances.
On the other hand, the indigenous leaders and some Madhes centric parties are still advocating of continuing agitation till their demands are met- autonomous Tharu province and separate Tarai/Madhes province.
At such moment of uncertainty, making any recommendation is difficult. Although today's suggestions turn irrelevant tomorrow, it may not be unfair to say- the pressing need is the dialogue- first the dialogue with disgruntling sides/political parties to quell the unrest then the broader dialogue on the pressing issues of constitution. Nepal has the history- once the consensual move through dialogue was adopted, the decade-long conflict came to an end.
Giving up individual, and party interests are obviously the best measures to seek short and long-term solutions. And importantly, are we linking country's development and people's interest and welfare to the goal of federalism or not? It is a vital question to our political parties. Any political maneuvering against people's interest not only disrupts communal harmony but also flares wider conflict. Given the recent turmoil, political parties can take time on constitution writing but must not hurry for bad curry. It is high time the political parties both in the CA and out held serious dialogue with disgruntling sides, whet discussion and make violence a history. RSS
Taking part in the deliberations on the amended draft of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the CA this morning, Prime Minister and CA member Koirala said that since this a common document of all political parties everyone should play their part in making it a reality.
Stating that the shortcomings in the draft could still be amended and improved, Prime Minister Koriala said, “We need to give the people the new constitution soon, as failure to do so have been inviting unprecedented incidents.” Delivering the new constitution by maintaining law and order in the country is the primary need of the day.
“Let us all work together for peace, as disorder will lead to destruction”, the Prime Minister said while emphasizing that the constitution should be promulgated by wiping out any shortcomings on it to institutionalise peace and the changes achieved so far. RSS
Leaders calls for patience and resilience
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has appealed to all to contribute to concluding the constitution writing process with patience and resilience.
Taking part in the deliberations on the amended draft of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the CA this morning, UML Chair and CA member Oli said we are in the midst of a very unique and quality constitution making process, which has deeply internalized the norms and values of democracy.
“We are at a very historical and serious mode in terms of drafting a democratic constitution”, he said while adding that the people’s long-cherished dream of writing a constitution through their representatives was very near to be realised. The new constitution comes to us as a very important document in terms of guiding the country towards the path of development and establishing people’s rights.
He also alerted towards efforts being made to foil the constitution making process. “We are all Nepali brothers and sisters and not enemies, lets maintain social harmony, discuss and move ahead”, he said while appealing to all to become united to fulfill the duty of constitution making.
As the amended bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 has come as a document of consensus and understanding, all should understand and accept it accordingly, he added.
Also taking part in the deliberations, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said it was obvious for voices to be raised at the final hour of the constitution making process to ensure that one’s rights are codified in it.
Though the final draft has not been able to fully address the sentiment of all sides including the indigenous nationalities, the draft is the document that was possible through the present composition of the CA.
The constitution making process is at a very difficult stage of history and the Nepali people are in favour of declaration of a federal democratic constitution as soon as possible, he said while adding that it was a matter of pride that we have got such a draft from this CA. “I appeal to the federalist socialist forum, the Madhesh-based parties and other sides concerned to not leave the constitution making process, come for a dialogue and help resolve the problem”, he said. RSS
Tractor driver without driving license sentenced to two years in jail
Ilam, Aug. 26: A man who was driving without license and killed a minor was sentenced to two years in jail.
The District Court Ilam sentenced Mani Kumar Limbu of Banjho-9 in Ilam to two years in prison after finding him guilty of committing an offense as per the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, according to records keeper at the Court Jagdishwar Bhattarai.
The incident had taken place in March earlier this year, when the tractor that Mani Kumar was driving killed a minor at Sayok of the district.
Likewise, the Court has sentenced the tractor owner Sano Limbu of Sayok to two months in prison for allowing a person without a license to drive his tractor. RSS
---------
Hunuman naach in Baglung after a decade
Balewa (Baglung), Aug. 26: The Hanuman Naach, that carries historical significance, has been presented here after a gap of a decade.
The Hanuman Naach Preservation Council orgnanized a programme here on Tuesday to present the three-century-old folk culture. The traditional culture of the Newari community will be preserved through the Council, said its Chair Tirtha Prasad Shrestha. “The dance was near extinction due to lack of preservation efforts and generation gap”, he said.
Youth between 16 to 40 years of age took part in the dance here yesterday. The dance was presented at various thoroughfares of the district.
Based on the Hindu epic, Ramayana, this dance is exhibited in every odd year with 26 youth, especially Newars, taking part in it, according to researcher Prem Chota. The dance is named after Hanuman, the greatest disciple of Lord Ram in Hindu mythology. RSS
-------
Man dies of snakebite in Taplejung
Taplejung, Aug. 26: A man died of snake bite in Durgam VDC of Taplejung district.
Bhoj Kumar Rai,32, a resident of Lelep-6 in the district died after being bitten by a poisonous snake. The incident took place on August 21 when Rai had gone into a maize field.
Following the incident, Rai had been treated at the local health post. But he died after five days of treatment at the post, that later proved futile. Rai died on the way to the district headquarters, according to his sister Bhumika Rai.
Health worker at the post Ram Yadav had assured of treating Rai successfully and hence was not taken to the district headquarters on time, said Bhumika. Lelep is a day’s walk from the district headquarters. RSS
----------
Appeal to change the form of strike
Ratnanagar (Chitwan), Aug. 26: The Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appealed to all to agitators to change their form of agitation, as it was having an adverse impact on the industry and business sector.
The first impact of any agitation is on the industry and business sector, says the Chamber President Kalyan Joshi while appealing to all to not violate others rights while advocating for their own.
Issuing a statement here today, Chamber President Joshi has said that the industry and business sector had already suffered due to the earthquake, which was further deteriorating as a result of the frequent banda and strikes taking place in the final round of the constitution making process in the country. Joshi has thereby appealed to the agitating sides as well as to the local administration to take this matter seriously and change their form of protests by withdrawing all programmes of banda and strikes. RSS
------------
Tractor driver crushed to death
Gaushala, Aug. 26: A tractor driver has been killed after being crushed after the same tractor he was riding.
The incident took place on Tuesday night and the deceased has been identified as Bhogendra Das Tatma,30, of Jaleswar municipality-6, according to District Police Office, Mahottari.
Tatma was reportedly ploughing the field at Jaleswar-13 when his tractor (Ja.1 Ta. 6364) broke down. Another tractor (Ja. 1 Ta. 7759) was being used to pull his tractor, when it overturned and crushed him to death on the spot, Superintendent of Police Saurav Rana said. RSS
-----------
Deliberations on bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 begins
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: Deliberations on the amended bill relating to the constitution of Nepal 2072 began at the Constituent Assembly this morning.
This is the final draft of the new constitution including 37 parts, 302 articles and 9 annexes. The draft was tabled by the CA Constitution Drafting Committee before the CA plenary on August 23 and then three days were allocated for CA members to study the same.
The deliberations over the next three days will take place for 11 hours every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, according to CA Chairman Subas Nembang. Every CA member expressing their views on the final draft will be awarded five minutes to do the same. There are presently 598 members in the CA.
Seeking time at the beginning of today’s meeting, leader of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Ashok Rai said his party has been expressing its disagreement with the ongoing constitution writing process, which, he said, was without the soul of federalism. “The existing unitary system of governance has just been covered up by the tag of federalism”, he said.
Following the statement, CA member Rai left the CA hall declaring that his party has boycotted the meeting.
Prior to this, Chairperson of Constitution Drafting Committee Krishna Prasad Sitoula tabled a proposal seeking consideration on the amended bill relating to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072.
On the occasion, CDC Chair Sitoula appealed to all CA members to not leave the CA but contribute to finalizing the new constitution. “As it is the constitution of the country and people, we as CA members must fulfill our pledges to give them a new constitution”, he said. RSS
----------
Curfew to continue in Dhangadi today as well
Dhangadi, Aug. 26: The curfew order in Dhangadi, the headquarters of Kailali has been continued today as well in order to ensure that the situation of law and order does not deteriorate further following the Tikapur incident. The curfew shall come into effect in Dhangadi market area from 11 am this morning to 6:00 pm in the evening.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the District Security Committee on Tuesday, according to District Administration Office. The curfew was enforced on Tuesday as well. RSS
-----------
Hold dialogue, whet discussions, make violence a history
(Narayan Prasad Ghimire)
Kathmandu, Aug. 26: Flurry of ire, angst, castigation, condemnation, sympathy, suggestion and recommendations have flooded the media, especially the social media after the Monday's unimaginable scourge at Tikapur in Kailali, a district in west Nepal. On the social media, political parties and their leaders have been highly castigated. Some have even particularized the political leaders behind the horrendous incident - excruciating killing of security persons including senior superintendent of police and a toddler.
However, some political leaders argue that such an act could never be a political struggle but only a crime. A day after the incident, some political parties and leaders have even begun alleging one another for provoking and inciting violence that actually led to the unfortunate and unprecedented incident. Putting blame of anything wrong on the other is however a long-standing culture of our political parties/leaders.
A committee has meanwhile been formed to probe the incident and let’s hope that we will soon know who actually is responsible behind such carnage- political stands, security agency, failure of intelligence, incendiary remark makers, infiltrators or other reasons.
It may however be noted that few days back, the Legislature-Parliament was resonated with the demand to take action against the political leaders who made incendiary remark in Kailali district thereby provoking communal hatred and conflict.
The violence that spread both in the hills as well as the plains of the western region of the country followed the proposal of the six-province model by the major political parties- Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Democratic)- having more than 90 percent representation in the CA on August 9. The demarcation of federal units had come in response to people's feedback during their submission on the draft constitution on July 20-21.
The draft constitution had put aside the naming, numbering and delineating of provinces, one of the most debated and controversial issues in constitution writing for nearing a decade now, as per the 16-point agreement the big four inked. It was to be later decided by a federal commission and endorsed by the parliament.
However, the four parties’ consensus on the six-province model was taken as a great achievement by many, reasoning it would clear the impasse, and lead to the new constitution being promulgated soon. Astonishingly, as the draft constitution bill provisioning six provinces was tabled before the CA and passed for discussion by a majority, some CA members in the back benches disapproved the developments by tearing the draft copies within the CA hall.
The six-province model was also heavily criticized by the people in different parts especially in the far and mid-west of the country. The banda (general shutdown) again became normal, including in the capital city. The political parties then considered issues/demands of the Karnali people more pressing than that of the Tharus in the southern plains of the far-west, resulting in the decision of seven provinces. Yet again, it got both reactions- welcomed by the Karnali people, but criticized again by the indigenous Tharu people in the west plains and the Madhes-centric parties in the central plains. Against the seven-province model, a separate autonomous Tharu province was demanded by the agitators mobilized by the Tharuhat Struggle Committee.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the carnage, the Tharuhat Struggle Committee that was leading the protests in the western plains, has put the blame on government while also expressing the possibility of infiltration in their struggle. On Monday evening, a Tharu leader, Dhani Ram Tharu, told in a radio interview, "It was not the agitating indigenous Tharus to take on spear, sickle, axe and other homemade weapons and attack security personnel. The attackers were infiltrators."
Reasons abound from different sectors and parties including from the allegations as mentioned above to the sympathy to particular community. Yes, there is no doubt that the Tharu is the indigenous community which is also a long-time oppressed community in Nepal. Not a long back, the Tharu people in the west Nepal were liberated from bonded labour. Still, they are backward for lack of access to, and representation in politics, policy, and government bodies. At such, their grudges are normal, and their genuine demands need to be addressed. The political parties therefore should adopt right measure to hear the grievances. Their empowerment is essential.
But, is making a separate autonomous province dedicating to Tharu community is the solution of the present problem? If the big political parties sat again and allocated an autonomous Tharu province covering the Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur, would it be justice to them, setting a precedent for others to follow. Or, will it lead to copycat demands for similar provinces in the southern plains in the central and eastern Nepal?
When inquired on the fresh violence after the proposed seven-province federalism, constitutional expert Dr Bhimarjun Acharya flatly rejects the idea of adopting federalism in Nepal. Why? "Because federalism is against inclusive system which Nepal is advocating; there are no evidence to suggest that federalism will prosper diversity in our country; and Nepal lacks robust economy, lacks able leadership/statesmanship, and has no strict rule of law," argues Dr Acharya.
Moreover, the constitutional expert said the 16-point agreement the big political parties had made before bringing the draft constitution was judicious to some extent, as it had sought experts' commission on delineation of provinces. In the recent 25 years of history, no country in the world has been successful to bring constitution in the way Nepal has adopted, he said, adding that federalism will be a very costly system for Nepal.
-: 7 :-
Then what's the solution? Dr Acharya precisely suggests, "Either postpone or do away with federalism if we are to bring the new constitution."
Similarly, senior journalist Dev Prakash Tripathi argues the country failed to make ample debate and discussion on federalism. "The concept of federalism- its merits and demerits- did not percolate throughout the country. I see the fresh violence over seven-province model of federalism has the root cause on it. If the country had fully implemented decentralization, the forceful concept of federalism would not enter in Nepal. Intention behind foisting federalism was not clear."
Both of them admit that Nepal has numerous problems as of caste and ethnic discriminations and oppressions, but are univocal on the matter that federalism is not a solution to the problem- be it to quill fresh violence or long term addressing of discrimination and suppression. Senior journalist Tripathi suggests immediate postponement of the constitution-making process, holding of dialogue and percolating debate on federalism as a measure to hear grievances.
On the other hand, the indigenous leaders and some Madhes centric parties are still advocating of continuing agitation till their demands are met- autonomous Tharu province and separate Tarai/Madhes province.
At such moment of uncertainty, making any recommendation is difficult. Although today's suggestions turn irrelevant tomorrow, it may not be unfair to say- the pressing need is the dialogue- first the dialogue with disgruntling sides/political parties to quell the unrest then the broader dialogue on the pressing issues of constitution. Nepal has the history- once the consensual move through dialogue was adopted, the decade-long conflict came to an end.
Giving up individual, and party interests are obviously the best measures to seek short and long-term solutions. And importantly, are we linking country's development and people's interest and welfare to the goal of federalism or not? It is a vital question to our political parties. Any political maneuvering against people's interest not only disrupts communal harmony but also flares wider conflict. Given the recent turmoil, political parties can take time on constitution writing but must not hurry for bad curry. It is high time the political parties both in the CA and out held serious dialogue with disgruntling sides, whet discussion and make violence a history. RSS
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