"The questions we have raised are not just to do with ethnicity"

Constitution Supplement
"The questions we have raised are not just to do with ethnicity"
Lokendra Bista Magar, Chairperson, State Restructuring and Sharing of State Power Committee (CPN-Maoist, Rukum)

FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Even though it was said provinces would be formed on the basis of identity and self-sufficiency that did not happen.
These days many seem to be suffering from blindness. Identity includes ethnic, linguistic, cultural, geographic, territorial and historical bases. Self-sufficiency includes economic interrelations and resources, physical infrastructure, access to and availability of natural resources and administrative accessibility. These principles were passed unanimously by the committee. You cannot support the passage of these principles then protest when the committee produces a draft paper based on this.

What is the basis for Jadan and Sherpa provinces?
They are based on identity, self-sufficiency and geographic qualities. Jadan may not be self-sufficient right now, but it will become the most affluent in the future.

Don't you think the committee's proposals will divide the nation?
Those who warn ethnic provinces will lead to violence and conflict are themselves engaged in spreading violence and conflict. Nations like India have created provinces on the basis of ethnic identity. What are Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharastra and West Bengal? There is no harm in granting rights to ethnicities.

But conflicts remain unresolved in Indian states designated on the basis of ethnicity?
Problems may arise. There is no need for us to do what India does as we have different qualities that demand different thinking. We cannot ignore our multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural situation. We have to grant identity, participation and access to disadvantaged communities without repressing other ethnic groups.

Are we creating a constitution for ethnic management or for the nation?
This is not merely a question of ethnic management but also that of ethnicity. Ethnicity and nationality are the same. Nationality can be internal and external. Internal nationality is freedom among ethnic groups. Until this is strong, external nationality will not be sound. So, we are talking about nationality, not just about ethnicity.

Can the idea of giving political prerogatives for two terms be democratic?
Not just two terms, political prerogatives must be enshrined in the constitution for about 15 years. Only then can we talk about general democratic participation.

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

1. anuj

It seems and has always been that NT lobbies against Adivasi janajati peoples asipiration and demands. However, that is not a problem. The problem is the kind of fatalistic ideation that NT is spreading against state restructuring based on identity, self-sufficiency and geographic qualities. So, more than ever, it is proven beyond doubt based on the content and the meaning of questions put forwarded. May be NT could ask:

1. Why Adivasi Janajati people are demanding ethinicity based provinces,where appropriate?

2. How are provinces based on identity, self-sufficiency and geographic qualities going to function and help Nepal in the direction of progress and positive development?

Posted on: 26 MARCH 2010 | 12:08 AM NST

2. sushil kushum
Ethinicity is the major basis of restructuring the state. Provinces should be line accurding to identity of ethinicity, language, and geographically. Incusion and self governance is not same only similar. Self governance is the strong structure for inclusion.We should solve the problem of exclusion through self governnce based political system in new federal republic state.

Posted on: 27 MARCH 2010 | 3:06 PM NST

3. toksang tamang
Yest the question is not to do with ethnicity, the question is to do with liberation of the people. People in every nooks and corner of Nepal is fed up with Centralist controlling them, telling them what to think and how to live.

especially with the remains of Monarchist, Bhaunism which is rampant in this country, Regions and people want to be in control of their lives and thier region and thier politics.

The concept of Nepal perhaps then will make sense to them. We don;t want Bhaunism telling us what Nepal is. They never represented the interest of the common citizen,

Thanks with respect

Posted on: 30 MARCH 2010 | 10:14 PM NST