MAKWANPUR, Sept 20: The Government of Nepal, as well as the provincial governments, observed Constitution Day on Wednesday, marking the third anniversary of the promulgation of the new constitution.
While the day was said to be historic and worthy of celebration as a national festival, there were also those marking it as a black day. The government has not yet been able to appease the disgruntled elements demanding amendment of the 'discriminatory provisions' in the constitution. It is especially groups in the Terai region and the ethnic-centered political parties that strongly oppose the constitution. Many from these groups boycotted the celebrations. The coordinator of the District Coordination Office, Sarlahi, boycotted government celebrations for the day. Methur Chaudhary stayed away from a function organized at district headquarters Malangawa.
Black is bold
However, he was seen actively engaged in a protest program organized in the evening by Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN), the main disgruntled group.
Later, Chaudhary said that his principles did not allow him to attend the celebrations. Student unions, clubs and various other entities in the district also opposed the celebration of the Constitution Day.
Although RJPN is a key coalition partner in the Province 2 government, it had called on its supporters to mark the occasion as a black day. The party has been very vocal in demanding the amendment of the constitution, especially regarding the recognition of ethnic languages and the demarcation of the federal units.
Meanwhile, Province 3 Chief Minister Dormani Paudel said the Constitution Day marks the journey to prosperity and urged everyone to support it. Addressing a function held in Hetauda, he said the constitution has paved the way for realizing the slogan of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.
