Kathmandu, November 27

Janajati leaders representing Indigenous Nationalities National Movement led by Padma Ratna Tuladhar today submitted a 14-point memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, demanding 10 territorial and one non-territorial provinces as suggested by the erstwhile State Restructuring Commission.

According to INNM Spokesperson Om Gurung, the Janajati group told the PM that they would be compelled to resort to movement if their demands were not met.

Gurung said the four-point constitution amendment bill would not satisfy the agitating forces.

“Past governments did not honour the erstwhile State Restructuring Commission’s report and the current government talks of forming another commission. How can we trust that another commission’s recommendations would be honoured?” he wondered.

INNM also stated that local bodies should be formed as per provincial laws and special and autonomous areas should be created to protect the interests of indigenous nationalities.

The Janajati group also demanded that all state organs be guided by multi-lingual policy.

The group also demanded that in the case of naturalised citizens who have acquired Nepali citizenship on the basis of matrimony, the provision of the Interim Constitution should be retained in the constitution.

The group said secularism should have no condition in the constitution and proportional inclusion should be guaranteed in all organs of the state.