Kathmandu, May 1:

Representatives of civil society today urged indigenous communities of Nepal to continue with their stir to guarantee their participation in the upcoming election to a constituent assembly.

“Nepali janajatis should continue their stir in order to fulfil their demands through a constituent assembly,” said Shyam Shrestha, editor of Mulyankan monthly while speaking at an interaction on “Civil Society on the solution of ethnic problems and constituent assembly”.

Addressing a function organised by the Indigenous Nationalities Peace Commission Nepal, Shrestha, who was representing civil society, said the country should have proportionate electoral and federal systems to address the age-old demands of indigenous communities. He called on all deprived communities to unite to safeguard their rights.

Dr Mathura Prasad Shrestha, civil society member, said: “We cannot tolerate any remnant of monarchy,” adding that the monarch had already surrendered to the people’s wish.

“People should raise their voice to safeguard their rights and determine the structure of the interim government,” Shrestha said, adding, the recent stir was not only of the sevenparties but also of the Maoists and all Nepalis.