Nepal adopts Constitution amid bloodshed and a death

mangaloretoday.com

Kathmandu, Sept 20:  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. The wait for a modern state came after 65 years, during which the country has seen war, a palace massacre and a devastating earthquake.

But the new charter has created divisions, with clauses over citizenship in the country of 28 million people being some of the most contentious. Critics say they discriminate against women who marry foreigners, and that their children are denied equal access to citizenship.

 

The framework of secular, federal system it has created, is opposed by some groups who wanted to re-establish Nepal as a Hindu nation, and others who feel it is unfavourable to people in the plains, near India.

Demonstrations in the lowlands have largely been met with a tough response from Kathmandu, which ordered in the army after protesters attacked and killed police.

But on Saturday, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala appealed to the agitating Madhesi and Tharu groups to come forward for dialogue, saying the outlet to all problems can be found through agreement and co-work.

Still, one person died and three were wounded on Sunday when police fired at people trying to break a curfew in Birgunj. 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. "We urge that issues on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation."

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

Earlier today, Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav promulgated the charter intended to unite the country amid scenes of emotion and elation. In capital Kathmandu, a crowd of more than 2,000 people cheered and took pictures of the constituent assembly building decked out in red and blue Nepali flags.

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.

China has welcomed the new constitution, saying as a "friendly neighbour" it hoped for increased stability and growth.