Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has emphasized the significant role played by indigenous nationalities and Madhesi communities in transitioning the country into a federal system. This transition, he noted, was made possible through their persistent struggles.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Gurung, speaking at a programme organized by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities on the 31st International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, highlighted that the federal democratic republican constitution, promulgated by the Constituent Assembly, has granted substantial rights to these communities. He pointed out that indigenous nationalities have secured linguistic identity and rights related to language and culture, though he acknowledged these rights are not yet fully realized.
Minister Gurung stressed the importance of managing potential conflicts between newly empowered indigenous nationalities and historically privileged communities. He argued that true rights will only be guaranteed with the participation of indigenous nationalities at both the policy level and within implementing bodies. Expressing satisfaction with the growing participation of indigenous communities in policy-making, he underscored the need to scrutinize the effectiveness of their representatives’ roles.
The event also featured CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Suresh Ale Magar, who advocated for renewed efforts from indigenous communities to establish ethnic identity-based federalism. Ale Magar emphasized the dual focus needed on promoting ethnic identity and continuing the struggle for rights.
Additionally, Nepali Congress leader Sita Gurung warned of potential threats to indigenous rights through constitutional amendments. She urged the government to implement ILO Convention 169 and uphold other rights recognized by the UN for indigenous communities.
Leaders from various political parties, including CPN (UML) leader Sher Bahadur Tamang and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Durga Rai, also addressed the gathering. They called on the state to prioritize the rights of indigenous nationalities, who are facing challenges such as climate change and the over-extraction of natural resources.