Constitution amendment not by force but through process: DPM Singh

Kathmandu, Aug 9: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh said the constitution amendment process would be taken ahead by adopting due methods.     

In his address to a programme organized here today by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NFIN) on the occasion of the 30th International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, he said the constitution amendment would be undertaken not on the arbitration of majority but through process and methods.     

"The rights and welfare of the indigenous nationalities would be addressed in course of the amendment to the constitution, "noted DPM Singh, also the leader of the ruling Nepali Congress party.     

He clarified that the constitution would be amended to address the issues and dissatisfaction propping up in the society.     

"Ill-attempts are being put to make a create false narrative that the constitutionally-bestowed rights would be be curtailed, which is wrong," he said, adding, "The amendment has been realized for the full implementation of the federalism, democratic republic and inclusiveness that we had fought for."     

He also called for unity for the protection and implementation of more rights. "In order to keep our rights intact, we must not forget the background of the past. We must articulate our dissatisfaction according to the rules and procedures. ”     

Federation President Gelje Lama Sherpa drew the government's attention to the issue of climate change and major development projects forcing the indigenous people to migrate from their places. He demanded the implementation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the indigenous people, who constitute 36 per cent of the country's population.     

He also drew the attention of the government to make the Language Decade effective and prevent the migration of youth abroad.     

World Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated every year on August 9. The Day was celebrated in Nepal today.     

The indigenous people of Nepal have also been celebrating this day as an occasion to establish ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious identity.     

At the programme organized at Nepal Academy today, the mother languages of the indigenous nationalities, folk songs, cultural procession, exhibitions with indigenous tribal artworks of local and indigenous nature and various ethnic costumes were showcased. ---