What is the population of Muslims?
According to the 2001 census, there are 1.2 million Muslims in Nepal. We are the majority in some districts of the western Tarai.

What do you think of ethnic provinces?
Various ethnic communities have been demanding separate ethnic provinces but not us. We want identity. Madrasas, mosques and Kabrastans should be recognised. A high-level commission should be formed to address
the issues of Muslims. We have been marginalised for too long.

Are you Madhesi or Muslim first?
Definitely Muslim.

A CA committee has already proposed 14 states.
Creating ethnic provinces is a ploy to divide us and create chaos. This will weaken national unity and benefit others. There are more than 14 ethnic communities. Isn't this map unfair to others? Federalism won't succeed by heaping injustice upon injustice.

What can be done then?
Those who don't get a province will revolt. Therefore we should be alert and take measures to preempt possible disharmony.

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Constitution 2010, Nepali Times coverage of issues related to writing the new constitution