KATHMANDU: Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang today claimed that the country cannot step back from secularism and federalism.

“Nepal is a secular and federal democratic republic and nobody can reverse the decision now,” Nembang said while inaugurating

a three-day long seventh general convention of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous

Nationalities (NEFIN).

He also claimed that movement of indigenous nationalities for their rights can never

be undermined. Nembang further said

the role of indigenous nationalities could

be significant in institutionalising the federal democratic republic. Underestimating

the role of indigenous people could be counterproductive, he reasoned.

Meanwhile, claiming that regressive forces have become active against secularism, federalism and republic, leaders of indigenous nationalities warned to counter them strongly.

Earlier various indigenous organisations affiliated to NEFIN had organised a rally from Sundhara. The rally converged at the Bhrikuti Mandap after going through major thoroughfares of the city. The convention will conclude on Monday electing a new leadership.

Naresh Tamrakar, president, Newa Deya Daboo, Raj Kumar Lekhi from Tharu Welfare Society and Raj Bahadur Rai of Kirant Rai Yayokkha are contending for the post of NEFIN chairman.