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I've been very busy ever since I became a CA member. I have attended meetings, and feel guilty if I don't, because people ask, "you're our representative, what are you doing?" So I go to meetings even if I have nothing to get from them. I'm also busy doing work for my village.
Has your committee submitted its concept paper?
The Committee for the Protection of Marginalised Communities and Minority Rights submitted its draft in May-June, and CA deliberations on them have been completed.
It's been said that your committee submitted its draft without even defining 'marginalised community'.
No, that's not true. During CA deliberations, people said the draft would have been better if it specified which groups fall under religious, ethnic and linguistic groups. This can still be added to the draft.
The Maoists have unilaterally declared autonomous ethnic provinces. Which province are you from?
First, the Maoists put us in Tamsaling province, then in Sherpa province. According to UML's plan, I am from Sunkoshi province. But my village properly belongs to a part of Kirat province.
Why, are Jirals Kirati?
We are of Kirati heritage. Solu, Okhaldunga, Sindhupalchowk, Ramechap, Sunuwar, Jeri, Thami, Surel, Hayu, Bambule, Kirat Vaing, Tulung, TIlungka all have their own distinctive language and culture, so deserve a separate Kirat province.
But the Maoists have put you in Sherpa province?
No party is allowed to bypass the CA and declare autonomous provinces unilaterally. Only the CA has the right to create provinces.
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