Nepal: Federalism based on Single identity doesn’t signify uniqueness of society

Ms. Nabina Lama

UML Student Leader, Nepal

Miss Nabina Lama is the Vice Chairperson of student wing of the CPN UML. Originally, Lama hails from Kavre district and is now in Kathmandu practicing politics. She represents the indigenous community of Nepal.

Sujit Mainali for The Telegraph Weekly and its online edition telegraphnepal.com approached and interviewed Ms. Nabina on several aspects of Nepal's politics. Below the excerpt of this exclusive interview: Chief Editor.

TQ1:  How you have been assessing the ongoing Nepali politics?

Lama: It is in a total mess. Political catastrophe is approaching nearer and yet the leaders are not becoming responsible to avert this looming crisis.

TQ2: How you reached to such a frightening conclusion?

Lama: The Constituent Assembly (CA) was dissolved without promulgating a new constitution. Country is now being run by unconstitutional government. Lawlessness is prevailing in the country which if not handled with care and extra sensitivity; we are bound to face unimaginable consequences.

TQ3: Why this unfortunate situation arose?

Lama: The Unified Maoist party is primarily responsible for this situation. As the largest party, Maoists failed to exhibit matured and responsible behavior. The party created political hurdle(s) due to which theory of national consensus failed to get materialized. Because of this party, CA got dissolved without completing its assigned duty.

TQ4: President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has very recently said that Nepali nationalism is in grave danger. Which factor might have made him to make such thrilling remarks?

Lama: The assessment of honorable president is absolutely correct. Strength of nationalism is always determined by the state of national politics. Now, our politics is in an unhealthy state due to which nationalism is becoming weaker. Politicians are according top priorities to themselves and the party which they represent. Regional parties and their leaders are gaining popularity in a dramatic manner. Alien forces are covertly supporting those parties and leaders for fulfilling their vested interests.

TQ5: Which alien force(s) have been found supporting fringe and regional parties of Nepal?

Lama: The parties from Madhesh are receiving such support. Beside this, the ongoing movement of indigenous community is also, up to some extent, being benefitted from different donor agencies.

TQ6: You favor single identity based federalism or federalism based on multiple identity?

Lama: My party has made its stand clear regarding this debate. Officially, the CPN UML favors and is strongly advocating for federalism based on multiple identities. I don't think single identity based federalism represents the peculiarity of Nepali society.

TQ7:  Why you are against single identity based federalism?

Lama: This type of federalism is not possible here. No any ethnic group has clear majority in any region of our country. In such circumstances, single identity based federalism is not going to maintain age old ethnic harmony, cultural cohesion and religious tolerance among the Nepali population.

TQ8: But some leaders of your own party are urging for federalism based on single identity?

Lama: The issue of single or multiple identities is under discussion inside our party. But let me make you clear that single identity can be an issue of discussion only inside the party. The party will and should not change this stand. The comrades urging for single identity must realize this fact.

TQ9: Why the issues of Madhesh usually became controversial ones in the national politics? What might be its exact reason(s)?

Lama: Open border phenomenon existing between Nepal and India has enhanced socio-cultural proximity between Madhesh and India and this proximity is responsible for frequent occurrence of controversies. For the people living in Madhesh, Gorakhpur, Raxual and Sunauli are nearer than Kathmandu. But the unfortunate thing is that India is trying to manipulate this proximity for institutionalizing its hegemony in Nepal.

Some months ago, we heard Birgunj based India's diplomat SD Mehta encouraging the Madeshi leaders to ignite unrest throughout the Madhesh for making Birgunj the major city of Single Madesh Province. This shows that India is hell bent on derailing long prevailed integrity and harmony of the Nepali society.

India is appearing on the scene and is overtly interfering in our internal affairs. But Nepal government is remaining tightlipped towards these serious issues. This silence is further deteriorating the very foundation of Nepali nationalism and making it weaker.

TQ10: What may have been the reason of this silence?

Lama: Its reason is simple. This government is being headed by the person who is the most trusted and obliged person of the Indian regime.  

TQ12: Why India prefers Baburam Bhattarai as the Prime Minister of Nepal?

Lama: During his study in Jawaharlal University, New Delhi, Baburam Bhattarai managed close relations with the Indian politicians, bureaucrats and officials of security agencies. Some sort of tacit understanding(s) may have reached between Bhattarai and the Indian officials during those days.

His long time friends are now alleging him as a traitor and anti-national. It would be better if you ask them regarding the nexus between Baburam and New Delhi. They will enlighten you with more detailed information.

TQ13: Recent media reports reveal that President Yadav is tightening his belt to take bold decision for ending the current impasse. Do you think it is necessary for the President to become active?

Lama: The lone initiation of President will not be sufficient for ending the ongoing political stalemate. The President must take all parties into confidence, or else confrontational situation will emerge here. However, President cannot sit silently folding his arms when the country is facing uncertainties.  He must take creative initiation for forging national consensus. No one should take such an initiation of President as an assertive one. However, the foremost thing to end the current deadlock is the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Bhattarai.

Exclusive for telegraphnepal.com

Published in the Telegraph Weekly September 19, 2012.

 

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Comments

  • Posted on - 2012-09-22    by     David in London
  • With leaders like Ms Lama, Nepal will be a powerful nation in South Asia It is because of this potential that India fosters ethnic federalism Nepal should go for the UK model of maximum devolution to various nationalities while remaining a unitary state
  • Posted on - 2012-09-22    by     Pawan K Chamling
  • Few visionary leaders like Ms. Lama are in Traitor parties too. I agree with Mr David that Nepal needs UK model or Japanese model of governance with full decentralization so that all 100 plus ethnicities of Nepali garden can prosper equally. Indeed, Nepalese people and late visionary King Birendra were instututionalizing this path of peace-zone, progress and prospority for all people. Meanwhile, EVIL-DESIGN managed Noida-Siliguri dwellers killed 17000 innocent Nepali lives with varu,dollar and looted money of Nepali peasants. EVIL-DESIGN penetrated into Royal palace and committed the massaccre. It sold a dream to hawaldar Girija Koirala making first President of divided Nepal and engineered 12 point pencil drafted Delhi Agreement. Tarai burning and cast based regional politics is the new design. Soon, Himalayan community is being poisoned by this design and Mustang is an example. Conscious Nepali! be aware of the EVIL-DESIGN and punish the local stooges in the Next election. Just one conscious and rational vote of one Nepali will eliminate the present chaos of IMPOSED fedarilism in Nepal.
  • Posted on - 2012-09-20    by     Suman Ghale
  • Brilliant and young leader with Nationalist vision but in a party leading by Traitors.
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