KATHMANDU: Joint Action Committee for Newa Autonomous State on Tuesday announce bandh in Nepal Mandal, which comprises 13 districts, including Kathmandu Valley, on June 1 to press the government to declare Newa Autonomous State while restructuring the country.

Talking to this daily today, Naresh Tamrakar, secretary of the JACNAS, said the government should declare the entire Nepal Mandal as Newa Autonomous State. "All districts between Trishuli and Dudhkoshi rivers historically belong to the Newar community," Tamrakar said.

He added the JACNAS — a joint front of sister organisations of nine political parties — would organise a huge rally on May 30 and a torch rally on May 31 to prepare for the bandh. A team led by JACNAS chairman Hitman Shakya today met Constituent Assembly chairman Subas Nembang and apprised him of their demands. They urged Nembang to initiate steps to withdraw Kathmandu Valley Urban Development Bill.

According to Tamrakar, CA members Tirtha Man Dangol, Prof Mangal Siddhi Manandhar, Dilip Maharjan, Raj Kaji Maharjan, Buddha Sayami and Uma Kapali were in the team that met Nembang. Tamrakar said Nembang assured the team of taking initiatives to address their demands.