“Our goal is to keep lobbying for the 20-point agreement that was entered into between the government and indigenous groups in August 2007,” says Dr Om Gurung, current advisor and former general secretary of NEFIN. “None of our agreements have been implemented as of yet, far from having them legally written down in the constitution. We are doubtful that will ever happen. We are going to warn the government if they keep ignoring our demands.”
NEFIN´s movement to pressure the government continues. While one of their main demands is proportional representation of all indigenous groups on the political front, the other is restructuring of the country into 11 autonomous states in order to provide “indigenous nationalities regional autonomy with right to self-determination”.
“Our three-tier structure includes a central federal government, 11 autonomous states and local administrative divisions,” states Gurung. Among the 11 proposed states, Khasang and Western Khasang will comprise Brahmins and Chhetris as majorities. Kathmandu will fall under the Newa autonomous state. This structure is based primarily on ethnicity, language, geography and economic and cultural indicators.
Out of the 59 recognized indigenous groups, 56 are actively involved in NEFIN. Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Newars and Tharus are the top five active groups. “A high-level task force with independent scholars was set up by the government in March for further identification of indigenous groups,” informs Gurung. Its report is due on October 22.
Unlike last year´s week-long event which was full of festivities and educational programs, a one-day mass rally is set to be held at Tundikhel. Rallies will be organized in Nepalgunj, Baglung, Udayapur, Jhapa, Itahari, Butwal, Sunsari, Chitwan, Pokhara and Dhangadhi also.
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