State restructuring on ethnic identity will invite civil war: PAPAD
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, May 11: Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD), an association of doctors, engineers, journalists, teachers, lawyers and professors, have suggested not to delineate federal states based on ethnicity, warning that will invite civil war in the nation.
Speaking at a press conference organized at the Reporters Club on Friday, they also said the government should promulgate constitution within the stipulated deadline - May 27.
“Since most of the people in Nepal are Hindu, federal restructuring based on ethnic identity is not suitable for us,” said Mohan Gyawali, president of Nepal Teacher´s Association, adding, “The state should be restructured on a basis of available natural resources and other potentials.” He also opined that the government should address demands of Far-West as soon as possible.
General Secretary of Engineer´s Association Hari Darshan Shrestha remarked that the ongoing problem emerged as parities linked politics with the issue of federalism.
Speaking at the program, President of Democratic Lawyers Association Yadu Nath Khanal said, “The issue of ethnic-based state restructuring has raised a serious question on national integrity.” He added promulgation of constitution within the stipulated deadline was essential to address demands of people.
Likewise, former president of Nepal Medical Association Kedar Narasingh K.C said that there is no alternative of forging consensus and promulgating new constitution within the deadline. “The state shouldn´t be restructured on an ethnic basis, restructuring should rather include all ethnic groups,” he said. K.C even warned that the nation could plunged into civil war if the present situation continues.
Meantime Prem Bahadur Khadka, president of Nepal Bar Association,said, “If political parties follow all the agreements that have been signed, promulgation of new constitution is possible within the next 17 days.” He also opposed the idea of state restructuring based on ethnic identity.
Urging the government to immediately put efforts to call off ongoing strike, human rights activists Charan Prasai and Subodh Pyakurel said state restructuring on ethnic basis is not a solution problems.
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State Restructuring On Ethnic Identity Will Invite Civil War: PAPAD
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