Constitution amendment through due process, not by force: DPM Singh

Published On: August 9, 2024 07:06 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 9: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has stated that the constitution amendment process would be advanced by following proper procedures.

In his address at a program organized by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NFIN) on the occasion of the 30th International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Singh emphasized that the amendment would be conducted through legal processes, not by the imposition of a majority.

"The rights and welfare of indigenous nationalities will be addressed during the amendment process," noted DPM Singh, who is also a senior leader of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC).

He clarified that the constitution would be amended to address the issues and dissatisfaction arising in society.

"Attempts are being made to create a false narrative that constitutionally-bestowed rights will be curtailed, which is incorrect," he said, adding, "The amendment is necessary for the full implementation of federalism, democratic republic principles and inclusiveness that we have fought for."

He also called for unity in protecting and implementing more rights. "To safeguard our rights, we must not forget our past. We must express our dissatisfaction according to the rules and procedures."

NFIN President Gelje Lama Sherpa drew the government's attention to the issues of climate change and major development projects forcing indigenous people to migrate from their homes. He demanded the implementation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of indigenous people, who constitute 36% of the country's population.

Sherpa also urged the government to make the Language Decade initiative effective and to prevent youth migration abroad.

World Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated every year on August 9. The day was observed in Nepal today, with indigenous people celebrating it as an occasion to affirm their ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious identities.

At the program organized at Nepal Academy, indigenous languages, folk songs, cultural processions, exhibitions of tribal artwork, and various ethnic costumes were showcased.