Ethnic group to stage peaceful protests for Kirat state

DHARAN, Sept 11: An ethnic group seeking to declare 16 districts of eastern Nepal as Kirat state has pledged to use peaceful means while protesting for their cause. Kirat Rai Yayokha made such announcement on Friday while declaring the organization's plans for the upcoming Kirat mass gathering on September 19.

Amidst the riots that have plagued the Tarai regions demanding constitutional recognition and ensuring rights of the minorities and ethnic groups, Yayokha says it will be supporting the protests with creative and non violent means."We are organizing the gathering to show our support for the cause of identity and rights," said Yayokhya's district chief Subha Chandra Rai.

"We demand that the 16 districts in Eastern Region be declared Kirat state. We will pressurize the authority to address our demands but will not resort to violence and strikes for it," added Rai.Yayokhya is an umbrella organization of the Rai community residing in eastern Nepal. They have been conducting publicity campaigns to persuade the people of the region to support their cause.

"Our protest is to show solidarity to the demands of identity and rights put forward by Limbuwan, Madhesh and Tharuhat groups," added Rai.

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