KATHMANDU: Seventeen members of civil society today submitted a memorandum to Constituent Assembly Chair Subas Chandra Nembang, urging him not to shorten time for public feedback on the draft constitution.

Civil society members said participation of ordinary citizens in the constitution-making process and citizens’ ownership were important aspects of the entire process, which should not be ignored.

“At a time when it is expected that forces outside the Constituent Assembly would also be taken on board the constitution-making process, it is unfortunate that the constitution-making process does not enjoy the support of the parties that have representation in the CA,” read the memorandum. These civil society members have said that the fast-track process would deprive citizens of their right to be the part of the constitution-making process.

In the wake of the 16-point agreement signed by four major parties, the CA now is in fast-track mode, with an aim to promulgate the statute by August 15.

Those who have signed the memorandum include former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana and civil society members Sundar Mani Dixit, Birendra Prasad Mishra, Bhoj Raj Pokhrel, Charan Prasai, Subodh Raj Pyakurel, Kedar Narsingh KC, Sharmila Karki, Gajadhar Sunar, Binod Sijapati, Baburam Giri, Dinesh Tripathi, Ganesh Mandal, Birendra Thapaliya, Chandra Adhikari, Kabindra Raj Sharma and Ashik Ram Karki.