"The current demarcation of the provinces is against the principals and policy of federalism," said Bhim Subba, co-principal of Bhadrapur-based Mechi Multiple Campus. "It is wrong to demarcate the provinces without first studying local traditions and the economic, social and ethnicity background of the locals," he added.According to Subba, the provinces should be demarcated scientifically on the basis of the traditions and social identities of the locals and on economic considerations.
Gopi Lal Limbu of Kakarbhitta, who has done an in-depth study of Kirat history, opined that those three districts should not be included in province number 2. "Historically speaking, Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari should not be separated from the eastern hills. Each of these has its own unique identity. The province divisions should not rob them of their identities," he added.
Locals, Dalits and the Muslim community of Jhapa have also expressed similar sentiments, claiming that the demands made by UDMF for inclusion of the three districts in province no. 2 is "unreason".
"The UDMF demand should never be fulfilled. It is totally wrong," said Sirfraj Ali Khan, a local youth of Birtamod. "Majority of locals in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari are from the Koch community. Even if we base provincial divisions on history, the three districts cannot be included in province number 2. Doing so will only erase their historical identity," he claimed.
Along with the Koch community, Gangains, Dhimals, Santhals and Rajbanshis along with people from other communities have been living in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari.
"The living style and culture of the locals of Koshi Zone are different from that of others," claimed Bilas Malik, a local Dalit leader. "We will not stay in province number 2. Our inclusion will be more suitable in province number 1," he said.
Stating that geographical disparity and communal harmony are the basis for prosperity, Malik added that UDMF is hatching a plot to erase ithe dentities of the locals of Mornag, Sunsari and Jhapa.
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