- Strike paralyzes Valley life, dozens of vehicles vandalized
- Political, economic, cultural precedence for Newars: Hit Man Shakya
The most well-known among the organizations in JACNAS is the Newa Rastriya Mukti Morcha aligned with the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
The Morcha was active in the capital even during the insurgency and its leaders including current general secretary Pawan Man Shrestha and vice-president Dilip Maharjan were arrested in India in 2004. The Morcha is currently led by Maoist parliamentarian Hit Man Shakya, who also chairs JACNAS. Maoist lawmaker Hisila Yami is also a vice-president of the Morcha.
Another group in JACNAS is the Nepal Loktantrik Newa Sangh aligned with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). A UML leader told Republica that the Sangh’s point of concurrence with JACNAS is limited to the declaration of a Newa autonomous state in Newar-dominated areas and opposition to a bill for urban development around Kathmandu that, the leader argued, favors centralization at a time when the country is headed for a federal setup.
“Despite calling the shut-down in 12 districts Monday, the demand for an autonomous Newa state is not clear as to how big or how small the autonomous state should be,” the UML leader said.
A political party, Nepa Rastriya Party, represented in the Constituent Assembly by Buddha Ratna Manandhar, who was elected under the proportional system, is also in the JACNAS fold.
Another powerful body in JACNAS is the Newa Dedabu, an umbrella organization of all Newar social groups in the country.
Other groups in JACNAS are the Newa Mukti Mankadabu, Newa De Guthi, Nepal Mandala, Newa Jagaran Manch and Jyapu Mahaguthi, apart from another new entrant.
Party workers of the Nepali Congress who are from the Newari community are also associated with JACNAS, though in a low profile.
Related story
Heart to Heart with Malvika
