Kathmandu, July 1 :

Inclusive democracy should be based on the theme of “identity” instead of political ideology, under which Karnali zone should be given autonomy, said former MP Hikmat Bahadur Shahi today.

Democracy cannot be complete just by making some superficial changes, said Shahi, demanding that Karnali zone be transformed into “greater Karnali” with full autonomy. “Nepal should remain on the world map and international pressure should end,” he said at the 104th death anniversary function of martyr Dashrath Chand.

Democracy will always be under threat in the absence of an inclusive state mechanism, said Ramesh Lekhak, minister for Labour and Transport Management. He stressed the need to create a new Nepal through a Constituent Assembly.