Nepal observers 1st Constitution day, Madhesis plan protests

Nepal today began three-day celebrations on the first anniversary of the promulgation of its new Constitution, a year marred by crippling protests by Madhesis demanding key amendments to the statute.

The main celebrations will be organised tomorrow for which the government has declared a public holiday.

President Bidya Bhandari in her message to the nation today said that the occasion would bring joy, peace, progress and prosperity for all Nepalese people.

Nepal's Parliament had promulgated the first constitution of the country written by the people's representatives on September 20, 2015, which falls on Asoj 3, 2072 B.S. As per the Bikram Era (Hindu) calendar.
 

However, the Madhesi parties, the ethnic group representing southern Nepal, had walked out of the Parliament while then President Rambaran Yadav promulgated the statuette last year.

Since then, over 50 people have died in the months-long agitation by the Madhesis, who are protesting the seven- province federal model enshrined in the Constitution which, they say, will marginalise them politically.

The Federal Democratic Alliance, that includes the Madhesis, has decided to organise a black flag demonstration tomorrow in Maitighar Mandala near the Singhdurbar secretariat, the main administrative building of the government that also houses Prime Minister's office.

The government held a few rounds of talks to resolve the issue and Prime Minister Prachanda had assured that he would address the Madhesi demands through constitutional amendments after he returns from India.

Prachanda returned home earlier today concluding his four day official visit to India.

In a joint statement issued by both the governments on conclusion of the visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the efforts made by Nepal government to take all sections of the society on board for effective implementation of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the US President Barack Obama also congratulated Nepal on the occasion of the first Constitution Day of Nepal.

Obama wrote to his Nepali counterpart President Bhandari on the eve of Constitution day extending his wishes, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy here.