People will face injustice if proportional and inclusive system is discouraged: Minister Gurung

Patan (Lalitpur), July 4: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that people will face injustice if federalism including proportional and inclusive systems is discouraged.     

Addressing an extended meeting of the central office bearers and secretariat of the Democratic Indigenous Nationalities Federation held in Godavari, Lalitpur today, Minister for Communications Gurung said that the slogan 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis' only is not enough, peace, stability, an inclusive state with a federal structure, distribution of rights, and their own representation are necessary for prosperous and happy Nepalis.     

"Federalism is needed to build an egalitarian society in a country that believes in multiculturalism" said Minister for Communications Gurung, while adding that the identity of the indigenous peoples should be maintained within the party.     

"There are those within our party who are against federalism, who openly say that a provincial government is not needed. But if ethnic, linguistic and cultural problems are not addressed properly there will be conflict. When all ethnic groups are made to feel a sense of ownership over the state there will be no conflict, peace will be maintained Therefore, inclusive federalism is needed," said Communications Minister Gurung.     

He also pointed out the need to raise our voices for equality and rights based on awareness against class and caste-based exploitation. Emphasis should be placed on representation based on share of ethnic population.     

President of the Democratic Indigenous Peoples Federation, Pasang Sherpa, stressed the need to hold the federation's convention on time.     

The meeting is scheduled to continue until Saturday.(RSS)