Kathmandu, October 1:

Human right activist and president of Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala, Padma Ratna Tuladhar, said today all the ethnic communities should be prepared for a new constitution. Speaking at the inaugural function of the fourth national convention of Newa Dey Daboo (Newar’s National Forum) here today, Tuladhar said: “People, and not the monarch, should draft the new constitution.” He said that all the ethnic people should step ahead for their rights. “Nepali indigenous nationalities have been deprived of using their languages right after the intervention of King Prithvi Narayan Shah in Nepali politics some 227 years ago,” he said.

General secretary of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Dr Om Gurung, accused that the rights of the indigenous nationalities are being curbed gradually. He suggested that Newar community should move ahead and formulate a strategy for the revival of democracy. President of NDD, Malla K Sundar, said the Newar fighting in the streets should head towards acquiring their state. The presidents of some 25 different Newar organisations of the nation inaugurated the convention. Aadibasi Adhikar Ra Janapairavi, a book penned by Malla K Sundar, and the souvenir of NDD were also released at the function. Laxman Rajbanshi of the central region, Torendra Man Singh Pradhan of the eastern region, and Sarbagya Man Pradhananga of the Western region were felicitated for their contribution to conserve and promote Newari art and culture.