Kathmandu, August 6:

On the eve of World Indigenous Day-2005, eleven federal council organisations of the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities’ Students (NEFINS) have passed a no-confidence motion against general secretary Resham Gurung. The organisations, of 15 federal members of the council of the NEFINS, which is the sole governing body, have endorsed the no-trust motion. Among those who signed the motion are student bodies representing indigenous communities like Gurung, Magar, Rai, Tamang, Limbu, Sherpa, Tharu, Kumal, Thakali, Thami and Chantyal. Members of the federal council accused Gurung of going against the organisation’s policy, principles and values, causing the movement of the federation to become inactive, weak and aimless. The members accused Gurung of neutralising the reservation movement and discouraging students with irresponsible statements. Asked about the timing of the no-trust motion on the eve of World Indigenous Day, the president of Nepal Magar Students’ Association, Jhakendra Gharti Magar, said it was coincidence. As per the constitution of the federation, members who registered the motion at the Federal Council yesterday have served Gurung a three-day ultimatum to offer a clarification. Despite several attempts to contact him, Gurung was not available for comment.