Press Trust of India
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 (Kathmandu):
Nepal's Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Wednesday night declared that Nepal will be a federal state.
Koirala said the major political parties, including the Maoists, have unanimously agreed to meet the key demands of the protesters of Terai region.
In his address to the nation on conclusion of the eight-party meeting, Koirala said the government will immediately amend the Constitution to fulfill the genuine demands of the Terai people.
Koirala also called the agitating groups in Terai to withdraw their movement and come to the negotiating table for resolving the issue through peaceful means of dialogue.
He said the government will delineate the constituency on the basis of population and geographical specialty and increase the seat for Terai during the Constituent Assembly election on the basis of increased population.
The prime minister said that arrangement will be made to give equal share to all sections of society including Madhesis, Dalits and various ethnic groups in all the structures of the state.
2 comments:
Promise of federalism is partial victory till modalities are in favour of Madhesis and others. So, spirit of movement must be towards raising consciousness. Recent survey has shown that majority of Nepalis are clueless about CA itself. Present protagonists of Madhesh movement need to look into that direction. Further pressing the movement would turn into Separatist movement which no one of us likes. Better to use both dialogue and public campaign. Of course, new political outfit can come into existence but it is better if has national base.
S.B.Shrestha
I think this is generally a good thing. Terai-basis have been discriminated against for far too long, about time they felt that they have a seat at the table. When one is poor and really poor, it is interesting that one clings to identities of race, culture and religion. I don't know the last time rich people rioted over similar things. Here's to hoping Nepal moves to a fair and democratic state of affairs where the people have the right to vote the bastards out every now and then - madhesis, pahade, bhotia, etc. etc. etc. ...
It seems like Nepal is trying to make up for lost time. Good thing. I think they should just adopt the US constitution.
cheers
Bhushan M
SF
Post a Comment