Tamla Ukyab
Former member secretary, Adivasi Janajati Rashtriya Utthan Pratisthan
You have always been championing the cause of Janajatis. What is your take on the new constitution vis-à-vis their rights and aspirations?
The new constitution has failed to meet our aspirations. It is more regressive than the interim constitution. It has also brushed aside the past agreements between the government and Janajatis.
What do Janajatis' want in the new constitution?
The new constitution should be in tune with the ILO convention 169. It should also recognize Janajatis' rights to self-determination. We do not feel ownership over the new constitution as long as it is not amended.
But the top three party leaders have been saying that it is the best constitution in Asia and is very flexible.
What they say contradict what they do and what they think. These are the very leaders who once asked New Delhi to impose a blockade on Nepal. Madhesi political parties learn the cunning tactic to put pressure on Kathmandu in connivance with New Delhi from the three parties. They are visionless, and they lack respect to Nepal's diversity. So the new constitution cannot be the best in any way.
The new constitution should be in tune with the ILO convention 169. It should also recognize Janajatis' rights to self-determination. We do not feel ownership over the new constitution as long as it is not amended.
What do you say about the seven-province model of federalism?
It has broken ethnic clusters of Tharus and Magars. Limbus, Tamangs and other ethnic communities are also not happy. It has disregarded the essence and spirit of federalism.
What could be the way out?
Janajatis feel betrayed. And they are angry. But the ruling class still believes that Janajatis' anger is of no value. So we need to stand together. We need to fight together for our collective rights and aspirations. We wanted a constitution for peace and prosperity. But it just polarized the society and led to escalation of conflict. The constitution should have been writing on the basis of broader consensus with all communities. But it rejected Nepal's ethnic diversity. It was written by a bunch of people in a locked up room. So it cannot be accepted.
