LNDS rally against anti-federalists

KATHMANDU: Limbuwan Nagarik Dabab Samuha (LNDS)-a pressure group for the establishment of Limbuwan state-today organised a motorbike rally to warn the opponents of federalism claiming that they were heightening their activities in recent days.

The rally that started in Nakhipot of Lalitpur went through various thoroughfares of the Valley including Satdobato, Jawalakhel, Pulchowk, Maitighar, New Baneswor, Old Baneswor, Maitidevi, Dillibazar, Putalisadak, Bagbazar, Shahid Gate, and New Road before converging into a corner meet at Basantapur.

During the inaugural speech, former general of Nepali Army and former parliamentarian Kumar Fudung, said the "pre-occupied Brahmanism mind" was still at work, so, indigenous nationalities should continue their fight for their rights."

Various Limbuwan leaders offered garland and vermillion to the martyrs of the Limbu communities before the rally.

Hundreds of motorbikes with Limbuwan's flags and placards on them demonstrated with slogans: 'We want Limbuwan! Beware federalism opponents!

Addressing the mass meet at Basantapur Durbar Square, Tanka Fombo, president of Limbu Students Forum, said the Limbuwan should include all nine districts lying east of Arun/Koshi.

President of Federal Democratic National Forum Laxman Tharu claimed that conspiracy was afoot at the Constituent Assembly to exclude indigenous nationalities from exercising their rights.

"Indigenous nationalities are for unity and peace instead of disintegration.

They would write their own constitution if leaders tried to establish unitary system once again," he added.

Coordinator of the rally and convener of the LNDS Subash Palunga mooted the concept of a "working alliance" among the indigenous groups to counter 'some parties' and 'organisations' going against federalism.

He said the Samuha has handed over a memorandum to CA chairman Subash Nembang demanding the latter not to fragment the Limbuwan and recognise its historical facts.

CA member Raj Kumar Nalbo warned that the opponents of federalism are working on to restore Hindu state and re-establish a unitary system which he said must be watched with caution.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same occasion, General Secretary of Federal Limbuwan State Council Padam Adhikary said one Kali Baba has been used in a well-coordinated way to re-establish Hindu state.

He claimed that the people have become suspicious about the activities of the Constituent Assembly (CA) and said the latter was leading the nation towards civil war.

Spokesperson of FDNF Chhabi Sambahamphe came down heavily on Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala demanding that NC should call her back.

"Sujata has no right to speak against the history of others," he said, adding that the indigenous people could begin struggle against her irresponsible statements on secular state.