Indigenous nationalities announce stir

CHITWAN, July 9: The national conference of indigenous nationalities concluded in Sauraha of Chitwan on Friday by issuing a 20-point Sauraha Declaration for the welfare of indigenous nationalities.



The conference also announced 7-point protest programmes to press the parties concerned to protect their rights. [break] As per the plan, they will organize phase-wise protests from July 18 to August 15. They will organize a nationwide torch rally on August 14 and stage a blockade to the capital on August 15.



The declaration issued after the three-day conference demands to guarantee the rights of indigenous people in the new constitution. They have also demanded to publicize the work plan on constitution writing and urged the lawmakers to rise above party interests.



The group has demanded inclusion of indigenous people’s rights to natural resources as a fundamental right, provide free education higher level, and stop the border and forest encroachment.



The conference also demanded formation of a national consensus government. If the parties fail to form such government, the government should be formed under the leadership of an indigenous leader, said general manager of the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Aang Kaji Sherpa.



Around 200 representatives of indigenous people from 65 districts across the country had participated in the conference.

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