NEFIN drops demand for single ethnic identity based federalism

KATHMANDU, May 16: Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has formally dropped the idea of single ethnic identity-based federalism.

In a 30-point manifesto passed by its eighth national convention that concluded on May 13 in Sauraha of Chitwan district, NEFIN has remained silent about "single ethnic identity-based federalism." Instead, NEFIN has just stated that it is for "identity-based federalism." [break]

NEFIN leaders explain that "identity" does not imply just ethnicity but it could be anything like language, culture, region, history or civilization. Earlier, some indigenous leaders -- including those from within NEFIN -- said they were for "single ethnic identity-based federalism".

"We will struggle for identity-based federalism," said Nagendra Kumar Kumal, the newly elected president of the NEFIN. "But, we will not boycott other castes and communities in identity-based federal states. We will not promote politics of boycott (of non-indigenous-nationalities)."

Although NEFIN has not mentioned anything about pre-emptive rights for indigenous nationalities in its Sauraha manifesto, Kumal, while talking to Republica, said the umbrella body of ethnic organizations would fight for ensuring the rights of oppressed and excluded ethnic communities in federal states.

"This is why we have pressed for proper implementation of the ILO convention-169," said Kumal. "If the ILO convention-169 is implemented, 90 per cent of issues of ethnic communities would be resolved." The ILO convention-169 makes it mandatory, among other provisions, for the government to ensure participation of indigenous nationalities in the use of local resources.

Raj Kumar Lekhi, immediate past president of the NEFIN, who played a key role in Kumal´s victory, says this is the first time that NEFIN has formally chosen "identity-based federalism" over "single ethnic identity-based federalism".

"Single ethnic identity-based federalism was never our demand," said Lekhi. "The issue had been raised by the Maoists. We always wanted identity, which is not just ethnicity. But, there was a little confusion even among us. The eighth convention of NEFIN has succeeded in clearing this confusion."

Pemba Bhote, the newly-elected general secretary of NEFIN, said distinct identities of local communities should be given priority while naming federal provinces. "The names of federal states should reflect history and culture of local people. So, they can identify with the new federal states," said Bhote. "But, at the same time, we need to ensure that non-indigenous nationalities do not feel alienated in new federal states."

Sauraha Manifesto: Key Points