The appeal was made issuing a joint statement by seven prominent figures of Nepal’s civil society on Sunday morning when major political parties are engaged in last-hour negotiations over issues surrounding federalism in the new constitution. [break]
Those undersigning the statement are Bijay Man Sherchan, Rajesh Bishwakarma, Nim Bahadur Budathoki Magar, Capt. Vijay Lama, Dr. Ganesh Gurung and Ratna Sansar Shrestha.
They have stated that federalism defined on basis of demographic diversity, history and geography will safeguard identity of all communities and brings about economic progress.
“We also believe that federalism must be shaped with humanist sensitivity and social-scientific thinking, in order to guarantee the identity and prosperity of every marginalized community,” the statement read, adding that ‘the division of provinces must not be allowed to benefit some communities while compromising the dignity and socio-economic circumstances of others.”
“In particular, when ten of Nepal’s 118 communities are seen to be privileged, there is imminent danger that the remaining communities – more than 100 in all – will feel deprived, and that communal harmony will be disturbed,” the statement read.
Saying that no adequate discussions on the issue have been held at CA and among the general public, the statement added, “Even in the final moments of the Assembly’s tenure, the voices of many marginalized and minority communities remain unheard. In other words, both within the Constituent Assembly and without, the debate on federalism are incomplete.”
It further stated that it is inappropriate to decide on the crucial and sensitive matters of the demarcation and naming of federal provinces on the last day of CA and said it will be wise for the definition of federalism to be withheld, and carried forward through an appropriate and authoritative arrangement in the days ahead.
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