The leaders made such announcement in the 10-point declaration paper at the closing of the three-day international conference on right to self determination and autonomy in Dharan on Saturday.[break]
The indigenous leaders also pledged to work together for right to self determination and autonomy in the country.
“We will not accept the new constitution if it does not guarantee right to self determination and autonomy,” reads the declaration, adding, “We the indigenous people are ready to exercise the rights through our own mechanism.”
The declaration paper has praised the caucus in parliament saying the group has played a positive role for the rights of indigenous groups.
The groups have also demanded that the government honestly implement previous agreements between the government and organizations representing indigenous peoples.
Speaking at the function, Dr Om Gurung, a leader of an indigenous group, warned the government not to take their causes lightly.
“We have not fallen asleep. We are closely watching the activities of the government,” said Gurung, adding, “We will achieve our rights through a decisive movement.”
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