Nepali Times

"There are caste systems within all ethnic communities"

Final session of Constitution Yatra

Constitution Supplement
Constitution Supplement | From Issue #487 (January 29 - February 4, 2010)

The final session of Himal Khabarpatrika's Constitution Yatra took place, fittingly, in the Kathmandu Valley. A lively debate ensued between those in favour of federalism and those who felt the decision to implement federalism was too hasty. But there was a consensus on the pitfalls of ethnic federalism.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA
On the constitution-writing process

Keshar Bahadur Bista (Rastriya Janashakti Party): Federalism is understood in writing but not reality. While many good things occurred after the historic movement, some decisions were taken hastily, like the decision to write the constitution in two years. In fact, only two countries in the world have completed a constitution through a CA within two years. It usually takes 4-12 years. We have only five months left but the constitution-writing process has just begun. We should seek the help of experts and complete the task. Nehru appointed constitutional expert Ambedkar, who was not a member of the CA, and his team completed the constitution in four years. America, India, Australia took a long time not because their CAs were weak or incapable, but because a lot of deliberation went into constitution-writing. If the constitution is written in hurry, it might cause conflicts in the future.

Lokesh Dhakal (NC): Talking about federalism, we wonder how many states Kathmandu will have. Political parties jumped to federalism without discussing its pros and cons in a country with diversity in ethnicities, languages and geography. But we cannot go back on our commitment. It is unlikely the constitution will be written on time given the pace and current situation of the country.

Rameshwor Phuyal (UML): The peace process benefited only the rebels. We are in this situation because political parties weren't far-sighted after mainstreaming the rebels. The PLA integration process was not completed in the stipulated time. We could not safeguard the achievements of 1950 and 1990 in the past and what if we fail to safeguard the achievements of the Jana Andolan this time?

On the capital and federalism

Keshab Man Shakya (Nepa: Rastriya Party): The voice of federalism was raised to end the colonisation of one caste, language and culture for 240 years. However, federalism is not the solution until cultural discrimination is resolved. With the Shah dynasty gone, Bahun rule has begun. We need federalism in order to avert future conflict.

Raj Kaji Maharjan (UCPN-M): The point of federalism is to challenge a feudal unitary state, and resolve ethnic problems, not worsen them. It should be based on culture, georgraphy, economy and population. Giving privilege to a particular caste will not resolve the problems. Newars are in majority in the capital but it does not mean Bahun, Chhetris and other castes will be banished. It is their right to lead in the region where they are a majority.

Kaushar Shah (Muslim Association): The constitution-writing process has been delayed due to the Maoists' greed for power. As they failed to implement the 12-point agreement, there is no decline in the incidents of murder, violence and intimidation. Federalism should end gender, social, geographical, lingual and cultural discrimination. Muslims are natives of the capital as they have been living here for over 700 years, and their contributions should be acknowledged; what would they do in a Newar state?

Narayan Koju (NPWP): Ethnicity should not be the basis for state restructuring. We should make sure that natural resources are distributed evenly. No one caste is dominant everywhere, and not all conflicts are caste based. Last year, Gurungs murdered Gurungs for yarshagumba in Manang.

Nirmal Pode (Dalit): Provinces should be based on natural resources, not caste. There are Brahmins, Chhetris, Baishyas and Sudras within the Newar community. How ever much we deny it, caste systems prevail even in this community. What will happen to those who are discriminated within communities in new Nepal?

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Comments (Archive)

  • Anuj

    Somebody told me, NT is biased when it reports about ethnic issues. This is proved beyodn doubt, NT utilizes systematic and calculated onslaught to Adibasi Janajati's issues. This suplement of constitution yatra is one example among many that we have read.

  • Arthur

    What a surprise! There are people in Kathmandu who feel it would be "too hasty" to abandon Kathmandu centric government. Isn't it wonderful to have such insights revealed to us by the fearless journalists of Nepali Times.

  • R RAI

    I found the title rather misleading. Newar ethnic group is well known to have caste system but other ethic groups like Rai, Limbu etc. do not have caste system and surely are not castes. Also, the writer has often used the term Caste to mean ethnicity!

  • Anuj

    I agree with R RAI. Muluki AIN Muluki Ain 1854, 1963, 1990 and 1992, which is a form of social code promulgated by ruling government, was responsible for deep rooted system of social discrimination against lower caste untouchables, ethnic and religious minorities as "traditional practices" under the patronage of rulers. This was historical mistakes on the part of rulers. In Newar community, there is caste system based on Hinduistic orientation. Even in Gurungs, if i am right, there was some degree of influence of caste system. However, the caste system was not and has not been socially accepted among Gurungs. While in other in ethnic communities, I don't see " untouchables" among Rai, Tamangs, Tharu, Magars, Sherpa, Thakalis and so on. Before dispatching such statements in media, I think, author has moral responsibility to give evidences for such an existence of caste system based on Hindu orientation among non - Hindu communities. Lastly, the word COMMUNITY is better than CASTE. Now caste should not be uttered any more. We had enough of this CASTE. hell with CASTE...

  • V.K.

    Does fedralism really solve anything? In either case aa strong central government is required...or are we breaking up into many small failed states of nepal, UFSN...United Failed States of Nepal....im all for local givernance, local developement is best done by local empowerment, yet a central system must exist and work...its not. Its like talking about sun when its raining and while standing outside without umbrella.

  • bikash

    many small failed states of nepal, UFSN...United Failed States of Nepal....im all for local givernance, local developement is best

  • asoke

    People of Nepal who categorize themselves within the Hindu religion can be lumped into the CASTE SYSTEM. However, the non-Hindu and the 'so-called arya' Hindus are absolutely separate in that their genes differ, races differ and their culture too. Other than Brahmins, Chhetris and Untouchables being HINDUS all the other inhabitants of Nepal are either descended from the northern mongolian race or from the southern austric - mundic race. Therefore the word ethnic or indigenous is used to describe them even if not totally correct. R.Rai's comment should also be considered and what he is saying is a reality that has been burdened on the non-Hindu people of Nepal for convenience to suit the 'so-called arya' people. It is fact that the Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Magar and other such people do not fall within the four varnas which are the backbone of Hinduism. Therefore the title 'There are caste systems within all ethnic communities' seems to be a someone groping in the dark.