Nepal Adopts Constitution Amid Bloodshed and a Death

KATHMANDU: Nepal adopted its first democratic constitution on Sunday amid protests and at least one death, which took place in Birgunj in the southern part of the tiny nation.

Moments after 6 pm, when Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav signed a copy of the constitution, signalling its adoption, entire families came out to parks and roundabouts in capital Kathmandu to light candles and lamps. “We have waited for this moment for more than six decades,” said an elderly man.

During these years, the country has seen war, a palace massacre and a devastating earthquake.

But the new charter has created divisions – its framework of secular, federal system being opposed by groups who wanted to re-establish Nepal as a Hindu nation.

Another group, the Madeshis, who are culturally and ethnically closer to India, say they have been marginalised under the new constitution which splits Nepal into seven states on geographical basis. They want this done on basis of ethnicity to keep up their representation in the new parliament.

Demonstrations in the lowlands have largely been met with a tough response from Kathmandu. On Saturday, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala appealed to the agitating Madhesi and Tharu groups to come forward for dialogue.

Still, one person died on Sunday during a clash between the Madhesis and the police in Birgunj, where a curfew was declared later. Over the last few weeks, more than 40 protesters and policemen have died.

The unrest troubles India, which on Sunday urged Nepal to resolve differences through dialogue. “We are concerned that the situation in several parts of the country bordering India continues to be violent,” a statement from the External Affairs ministry said.

The Nepal government says an imperfect document is better than nothing, and the constitution can be amended to reflect the aspirations of dissenting groups.

The work on the constitution had started in 2007, but the constituent assembly could not complete in time. Finally the three major political parties of Nepal came together to break the logjam and agree on a common draft.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala is expected to stand down to allow a new government under the charter. He may be replaced by KP Oli, from a moderate Communist party.

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Source:Ndtv

Nepalese constitution