Hetauda, August 15:

The Chepangs, one of the indigenous nationalities of the country, have demanded action against those who call them ‘Praja’. The Chepangs were speaking at an interaction in Makwanpur yesterday.

Chepangs say late King Mahendra had begun addressing them as Praja some four decades ago. We would like to be addressed as Chepangs and not Praja, the speakers said. ‘Chepangs are also known as Praja, Bankariya and Bhujel,” said Dal Bahadur Chepang, chairman of Chitwan chapter of Nepal Chepang Association.

CA member Govindaram Chepang said the Chepangs should be given the right to self-determination.