DOCSLIB.ORG

Quest for Identity: Re-Examining the Process of Federal Restructuring of the Nepali State

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Quest for Identity: Re-Examining the Process of Federal Restructuring of the Nepali State ISSN: 2705-4853 | e-ISSN: 2705-4861 Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research 2020, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 12-37 https://doi.org/10.3126/sijssr.v2i2.33043 Open Access Article History: Received: 10 July 2020 | Revised: 01 September | Accepted: 05 September 2020 Theoretical Paper Quest for Identity: Re-Examining the Process of Federal Restructuring of the Nepali State Asis Mistry Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India Email: [email protected] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6933-1946 © 2020 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC-BY-NC-SA) International Public License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), which permits non- commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited and such creations are licensed under the identical terms. Quest for Identity | 13 Abstract The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, political leaders and civil society activists in Nepal. The restructuring of Nepali state became a central component of the 2006 peace deal. Federalism was, however, included in the interim constitution as a binding principle for the Constituent Assembly on the verge of violent protests in the Tarai in 2007. The fundamental question during the Maoist insurgency remained whether federalism based on ethnic affiliation will be materialized. But after the Madhesh mutiny, the question that dominated the public discourse was whether “ethnic federalism” can be materialized as a mean to achieve more inclusive, institutionalized and sustainable democratic polity in Nepal. This article re-examines the process of federal restructuring of Nepali State on the backdrop of contemporary politics of identity. Keywords: Identity Politics; Nepal; Ethnicity; Federalism Introduction to the subaltern ethnic groups came into public debate and discourse since the On the aftermath of the Janaandolan-II, restoration of multi-party democracy in the predominant public discourse 1990. In fact, the federal restructuring favoured federal restructuring the state of the state has been the core demand of and thereby transform feudal Nepal into ethnic groups in post-Madhesh uprising “naya Nepal” based upon secular and politics in Nepal. The urge for democratic federal principles. The federalism was not only for the articulation of federalism has caught decentralization of power but also for a much attention than other issues wider agenda of inclusion that because of the varied context of encompasses other institutional reforms ethnicization and regionalization (Baral, to ensure proportional representation of 2012, p. 266). Nonetheless, the all the ethnic groups and recognition of restructuring of Nepali state by the ethnic and cultural diversity by providing autonomy based on identity redefining Nepali nationalism. The Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research, Volume 2, Issue 2, 2020 14 | A. Mistry ethnic groups also demanded the attention and priority over each other introduction of affirmative actions to (they need not always, since there may guarantee proportional representation of be no conflict between the demands of marginalized groups in government and different loyalties), the person has to administration. The Maoists‟ promoted decide on the relative importance to for ethnicity-based federalism or “ethnic attach to the respective identities” federalism” by renaming provinces after depending on a certain context (Sen, the most numerous ethnic and regional 2006, p. 19). However, two distinct groups. Few indigenous groups claimed issues are to be carefully addressed in preferential rights to natural resources this connection – one, “the recognition of the region they live and priority that identities are robustly plural, and entitlement to political leadership that the importance of one identity need positions in the future provinces. Many not obliterate the importance of others”; people from CHHE, conversely, two, “a person has to make choices – protested the introduction of ethnic explicitly or by implication about what quotas and federal restructuring relative importance to attach, in a although their resistance was mostly certain context, to the divergent unorganized and fragmented. Open loyalties and priorities that may opposition only came from a fringe of compete for precedence”.10 Identity the political left who feared Nepal‟s movements express two complementary unity. The Pro-monarchy groups and the types of collective demands – the Hindu rights, less concerned for protection of interests and the federalism than with the republic and promotion of rights of certain groups of secularism, opposed the redefinition of individuals who feel discriminated Nepali nationalism. against, and the search for symbolic recognition by a significant other. Making Sense of Politics Identity movements defend the of Identity interests, world visions, and values of groups of individuals or communities Making sense of identity is essential in defined by such characteristics as our day-to-day life. We simultaneously phenotype (or race) and ethnicity; sex; belong to divergence category of language; sexual orientation; mythical identities based on different contexts. origins and ancestral territory. When these identities “compete for Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research, Volume 2, Issue 2, 2020 Quest for Identity | 15 Recitation of the Idea of mono-national federalists and multi- Federalism ethnic federalists. The former argue that the primary objective of federalism is to Federalism is a normative political “unite people living in different political philosophy that recommends the use of units, who nevertheless share a common federal principles – combining joint language and culture”. The latter, on action and self-government. “Federal contrary, advocate federalism to “unite political systems” are a democratic people who seek the advantages of catch – all terms for all political membership of a common political unit, organizations that combine “shared rule but differ markedly in descent, language and self-rule”. There are, however, three and culture”. A remarkable change was different perspectives dealing with the witnessed in 1990s both in established interrelationship between federalism as well as new democracies in the and nationalism. The first one holds that World commensurate with the ethno- federalism and nationalism are mutually cultural composition. The constitutions exclusive. French Jacobins, for instance, of many Third World countries believed that federalism was hostile to attempted to address the issue of multi- the necessity of linguistic ethnic nature of the polity. Furthermore, homogenization, a roadblock in the path the Latin American experiments with of authentic, indivisible, monistic “multi-cultural constitutionalism” have popular sovereignty. Federalism, successfully transformed many therefore, belongs to an entirely “divided” Latin American societies into different co-operative philosophy - a peaceful multicultural polities. The non-nationalist logic of legitimacy and/ salient features of this multi-cultural or the anti-dot of nationalism. The model were “formal recognition of the second perspective, by sharp contrast, multi-cultural nature of their societies holds that federalism and nationalism and of the existence of indigenous are synonymous. The third perspective, people as distinct, sub-state social however, unites the perspectives viz, collectivities”, “recognition of “federalism and nationalism can indigenous peoples‟ customary law as intersect and be compatible” and “not official public law”, “collective all federalisms are compatible with all property rights with restriction on the federalisms”. This agreement, although, alienation of division of communal marks an important difference between lands”, “official status for indigenous Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research, Volume 2, Issue 2, 2020 16 | A. Mistry languages in territorial units”, “a kind of federation is in Belgium, guarantee of bilingual education” Australia, Brazil and Switzerland. The (Khanal, 2011, p. 167). federal form where works are divided level-wise between the centre and the In the federal system, there will be state is called cooperative federal generally two governments – the state system. In this duties and rights are and central governments. The foreign, distinctly divided between the centre monetary, defence are under the central and the state. The states also equally government whereas the local participate in formulating the policy of government is responsible for local the centre. In such countries the centre security, development and other local formulates policy and makes laws and issues. The constitution delineates the acts and the agencies lower than this duties and jurisdiction of the two implement the same. Cooperative governments. Federal system is called federal structure is in Germany, citizen oriented as it is likely to provide Ethiopia, South Africa, and Canada. At services promptly and embrace this point, the question remnants what diversity. If equal powers are given to kind of modular form of federalism is the constituent states, then such suited to Nepal considering the nature federations are called symmetric of prevailing identity politics. federation. Australia is an example of a symmetric federation. If distinction is Contextualizing made between states,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Agreement Between the Gon and Madheshi Janadhikar Forum, Nepal Realising the Sentiments of the Movement of the Madheshi People
    Agreement between the GoN and Madheshi Janadhikar Forum, Nepal Realising the sentiments of the movement of the Madheshi people as a continuity of the historic People’s Movement of 2006/07, and in order to end all forms of discrimination against Madheshis, Adivasi/Janajatis, Dalits, women, backward classes and minorities, including the Muslim community, practised by the centralised and unitary state for a long time and to create an environment enabling all Nepalese people, inclusive of Madheshis, to join the single national mainstream and move forward by restructuring the state as an inclusive democracy and federal structure, the Government of Nepal and the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum [Madheshi Peoples' Rights Forum], Nepal, today, conclude the following agreement: 1. To immediately implement the government’s decision to honour all Madheshi activists killed during the Madhesh movement and to provide compensation to their families. 2. To provide relief to those injured, rendered blind and disabled during the Madhesh movement and to provide immediate medical treatment for all injured people who are yet to receive treatment. 3. To withdraw all cases filed against the leaders and activists of the Forum during the Madhesh movement. 4. To ensure proportional representation and partnership of Madheshis, Adivasi/Janajatis, Dalits, women, backward classes, disabled people and minority communities, including Muslims, who have been excluded for generations in all organs and levels of government and in power structures, mechanisms and resources. 5. To immediately establish a commission of experts for state restructuring and ensure that its constitution is inclusive. 6. While restructuring the state, provision shall be made for a federal governance system with autonomous provinces/states, while keeping the sovereignty, national unity and integrity of Nepal intact.
    [Show full text]
  • Civil Society Spotlight Report 2020
    Voluntary Peoples Review of SDGs in Nepal Amplifying Voices of the People: Closing the Gaps of SDGs Civil Society Spotlight Report 2020 SDGs National Network Nepal (A common platform of independent Civil Society Major Groups and Stakeholders) Voluntary Peoples Review of SDGs in Nepal Amplifying Voices of the People: Closing the Gaps of SDGs Civil Society Spotlight Report 2020 SDGs National Network Nepal (A common platform of independent Civil Society Major Groups and Stakeholders) I Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC) Nepal Civil Society Spotlight Report 2020 Publisher SDGs National Network Nepal Secretariat-National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal Print Year July 2020 Print Quanity 1000 Pcs Design and Layout Mr. Nirmal Gaire II Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC) Nepal Contents CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Context 1 1.2 Objective 2 1.3 Methodology 2 1.3.1 Key Activities of VPR 2 1.3.2 Scope and Limitation 3 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF PROGRESSES 5 2.1 Institutional Mechanisms 5 2.2 Implementation Status 6 CHAPTER III: PROGRESS IN GOALS 8 Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere 8 Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 11 Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 14 Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 18 Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 26 Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 31 Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 35 Goal 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Identity-Based Conflict and the Role of Print Media in the Pahadi Community of Contemporary Nepal Sunil Kumar Pokhrel Kennesaw State University
    Kennesaw State University DigitalCommons@Kennesaw State University Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects 7-2015 Identity-Based Conflict and the Role of Print Media in the Pahadi Community of Contemporary Nepal Sunil Kumar Pokhrel Kennesaw State University Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/etd Part of the International and Area Studies Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, and the Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons Recommended Citation Pokhrel, Sunil Kumar, "Identity-Based Conflict and the Role of Print Media in the Pahadi Community of Contemporary Nepal" (2015). Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects. Paper 673. This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@Kennesaw State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Kennesaw State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. IDENTITY-BASED CONFLICT AND PRINT MEDIA IDENTITY-BASED CONFLICT AND THE ROLE OF PRINT MEDIA IN THE PAHADI COMMUNITY OF CONTEMPORARY NEPAL by SUNIL KUMAR POKHREL A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Conflict Management in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia March 2015 IDENTITY-BASED CONFLICT AND PRINT MEDIA © 2015 Sunil Kumar Pokhrel ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Recommended Citation Pokhrel, S. K. (2015). Identity-based conflict and the role of print media in the Pahadi community of contemporary Nepal. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, United States of America. IDENTITY-BASED CONFLICT AND PRINT MEDIA DEDICATION My mother and father, who encouraged me toward higher study, My wife, who always supported me in all difficult circumstances, and My sons, who trusted me during my PhD studies.
    [Show full text]
  • Constituent Assembly Restructuring of the State and Distribution of State Power Committee
    Constituent Assembly Restructuring of the State and Distribution of State Power Committee Report on Concept Paper and Preliminary Draft, 2066 Constituent Assembly, Restructuring of the State and distribution of State Power Committee Singha Durbar, Kathmandu Email:[email protected] Website: www.can.gov.np PREFACE The Constituent Assembly, which is the result of numerous struggles of the Nepalese people since a long time, the armed revolution, peaceful movement, People’s War and 19 day People’s Uprising, Madhesh Movement and several movements launched for justice by different groups, ethnic groups and communities, has been continuously carrying out its activities. Clause 66 of Constituent Assembly Regulations 2065 has defined the terms of reference of the Restructuring of the State and Distribution of State Power Committee. Structure of the federal democratic republics of the state Principle and grounds for delineation of federal units, Demarcation of every federal unit and giving them names, Distribution of power between the legislative, executive and judiciary of the different levels of government of federal units, List of the power of different levels of federal units and determine the common list, Determine the inter-relationship between the legislature, executive and judiciary between federal units. Determine the resolution of disputes that may arise between federal units and Other necessary things relating to the work of the Committee. The role played by honorable members and all others is commendable in discussing the issues relating to the role, responsibility and authority of the Committee and working out the timetable, areas requiring experts and collecting the list of experts and for actively participating in the discussion relating to its working areas in various workshops, seminars, interactions and discussion programmes as well as for seeking clarification and additional information from paper presenters and commentators.
    [Show full text]
  • F OCHA Nepal - Fortnightly Situation Overview
    F OCHA Nepal - Fortnightly Situation Overview Issue No. 28, covering the period 29 May œ 10 June 2008 Kathmandu, 11 June 2008 Highlights: • Food crisis worsens in drought affected areas, while overall price increases affect Nepal‘s poor • Fuel prices increased by up to 27 percent; transporters increase prices by up to 40 percent • Formation of new government makes slow progress; election of a President stalls • Operational space remains affected by security concerns, fuel shortages • Resettlement of Bhutanese refugees continues, while tensions remain • Flood preparations under way in most Terai districts as monsoon season is imminent CONTEXT The Tharu Kalyankari Sabha (TKS) on 29 May announced a Political situation series of protest programs against what it said was the provision in the Interim Constitution regarding ”Tharuhat Following the declaration of the republic on 28 May, the Terai‘ as ”one Madhesh‘ region in an attempt to pressure the CA Constituent Assembly (CA) decided on provisions for the post not to approve the Madheshi People‘s Rights Forum (MPRF‘s) of President, as the new head of state, and a Vice-President. demand of ”One Madhesh-One Province‘. If the CA fails to The CA held its first meeting without the 26 members that are address the Tharu community‘s demand, the TKS would launch yet to be appointed by the Council of Ministers. The deposed another movement in Terai. king agreed on 1 June to peacefully leave the royal palace and live as a common citizen, while the Government has decided to The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has treat him as a former head of state.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright © and Moral Rights for This Phd Thesis Are Retained by the Author And/Or Other Copyright Owners
    Hohman, Kathryn Mary (2014) Postconflict borderlands : the micro-dynamics of violence in Nepal's central- eastern Tarai, 2007-2009. PhD Thesis. SOAS, University of London. http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/id/eprint/20347 Copyright © and Moral Rights for this PhD Thesis are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non‐commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This PhD Thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder/s. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. When referring to this PhD Thesis, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the PhD Thesis must be given e.g. AUTHOR (year of submission) "Full PhD Thesis title", name of the School or Department, PhD PhD Thesis, pagination. Postconflict Borderlands: the Micro-dynamics of Violence in Nepal’s Central-Eastern Tarai, 2007-2009 ______________________________ Kathryn Mary Hohman Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Submitted 11 September 2012 Resubmitted with examiners’ suggested revisions: 15 July 2014 Declaration for PhD Thesis I have read and understood regulation 17.9 of the Regulations for students of the School of Oriental and African Studies concerning plagiarism. I undertake that all the material presented for examination is my own work and has not been written for me, in whole or in part by any other person.
    [Show full text]
  • Inclusion in Politics of Madhesh
    INCLUSION IN POLITICS OF MADHESH Mukesh Jha Daayitwa Fellow with Hon. Abhishek Pratap Shah, Member of Legislature Parliament of Nepal DAAYITWA NEPAL PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOWSHIP SUMMER 2014 ABSTRACT This report focuses on inclusion of Madheshi, indigenous people of southern plains of Nepal. This report focuses on the representation of Madheshis in political parties, Constituent Assembly and investigates if the representation has been effective enough to voice the agendas of Madheshi people. CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 4 1. 1. SOCIAL STRUCTURE 1. 2. METHODOLOGY 2. REPRESENTATION OF MADHESHI 5 2. 1. CONGRESS 2. 2. C PN-UML 2.3. UNITED COMMUNIST PARTY OF NEPAL (MAOIST) 3. HOPES, PROSPECT AND FUTURE 8 3.1 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 3.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. INTRODUCTION The genesis of word "Madhesh” is said to have its roots from the Sanskrit word "Madhya Desh” which implies "country in the middle”. Some historians also trace its origin to `Matsya Desh’ which means "country of fish”. Madhesh lies in the southern plains of Nepal and shares around 500 miles of long border with India. Historically, Madhesh is believed to be a part of great "Magadha Empire” which includes almost present day Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. In ancient times, King Janak (the mythical hindu figure) is believed to be the ruler of Mithila Kingdom(the eastern part of Madhesh) with Janakpur its capital. His daughter "Sita” is worshiped by the Hindus as the ideal of womanhood. 1. 1. SOCIAL STRUCTURE The social structure of Madhesi community is a heterogeneous mix of different caste. Brahmins, Rajputs, Bhumihars and Kayasthas are said to so called upper caste.
    [Show full text]
  • India's Economic Miracle & Nepal
    India’s Economic Miracle & Nepal | 1 India’s Economic Miracle & Nepal Hari Bansh Jha Executive Director, Centre for Economic and Technical Studies Kathmandu, Nepal © Vivekananda International Foundation 2020 Published in 2020 by Vivekananda International Foundation 3, San Martin Marg | Chanakyapuri | New Delhi - 110021 Tel: 011-24121764 | Fax: 011-66173415 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vifindia.org ISBN: 978-93-90061-04-4 Follow us on Twitter | @vifindia Facebook | /vifindia All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher Contents Foreword ....................................................................................... 5 Preface .......................................................................................... 7 Part - I India’s Economic Miracle: How Can Nepal Benefit from It? ...........11 Part II India needs to revamp its working style in Nepal .............................79 Modi’s Cultural Diplomacy: Bearing Fruit in Nepal ........................83 Modi in Janakpur: Cementing bilateral ties .....................................87 Mahakali Treaty: Now, Implement It ...............................................90 Evolving Nature of Nepal-India Relations ......................................93 India, Nepal Need to Plan a Joint Strategy to Tackle Floods ...........97 Visakhapatnam Port: More Beneficial to Nepal
    [Show full text]
  • Madhesh / Tarai : Quick Facts
    MADHESH / TARAI : QUICK FACTS Location: South Asia – Southern part of Nepal bordering India Terrain: Plain low-lying land, includes some valleys Climate: Hot and humid subtropical summer, mild winter Area: About 23,068 sq. km Population: About 12 million (2009) Language: Madhyadeshiya (Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Maithili etc.) Famous Places: Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha, UNESCO World Heritage Site), Janakpur (Hindu Pilgrimage Site) History: Madhesh/Tarai handed over to Nepal by British in 1816 and 1860 MADHESH / TARAI PROFILE Separate from Nepal even from sky: Satellite Image of Madhesh / Tarai (The low-lying land appears in green and yellow in the map.) Geography Topography Madhesh or Terai lies at the foothills of Himalayas. It is mostly the plain land on the southern side of Siwalik range in Nepal. It is situ- ated in the Outer Himalayan Zone, and has been created by oro- genic activity as well as by alluvial action in the Siwaliks and the Himalayan ranges (Spate and Learmonth, 1967). In addition to the plain land, it includes some low lying inner valleys, north of Si- waliks, and is referred as „Vitri Madhesh‟ (Inner Madhesh). Its total area is 23,068 square kilometres Climate The climate of Tarai is subtropical, similar to northern plains of In- dia. The hot and humid summer lasts from March to June, and the monsoon from late June to late September. The winter from No- vember to February is mild, though bouts of cold waves hit the re- gion. Demography The estimated population of Madheshis is 12 million. Madheshi community includes many indigenous people such as Tharus and Rajbanshis.
    [Show full text]
  • Country Programme Between Finland and Nepal
    EVALUATION Evaluation Country Programme between NE p AL COUNTRY pROGRAMME pROGRAMME AL COUNTRY Finland and Nepal Development evaluation P.O. Box 451 00023 GOVERNMENT Telefax: (+358 9) 1605 5987 Operator: (+358 9) 16005 http://formin.finland.fi Email: [email protected] Evaluation report 2012:2 2012:2 MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF FINLAND REPORT 2012:2 Country Programme between Finland and Nepal REPORT 2009:4 Meta-analysis of Development Cooperation on HIV /AIDS ISBN: 978-951-724-987-4 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-988-1 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 ISBN: 978-951-724-769-6 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-770 2 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 REPORT 2012:1 Country Programme between Finland and Nicaragua REPORT 2009:3 Support to Development Research ISBN: 978-951-724-983-6 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-984-3 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 ISBN: 978-951-724-755-9 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-756 6 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 REPORT 2011:5 Junior Professional Officer Programme of Finland REPORT 2009:2 Agriculture and Rural Development. A Preliminary Study ISBN: 978-951-724-966-9 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-967-6 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 ISBN: 978-951-724-746 7- (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-747 4 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 REPORT 2011:4 Finnish Aid for Trade REPORT 2009:1 Finland´s Development Cooperation in Central Asia and South Caucasus ISBN: 978-951-724-964-5 (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-965-2 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 ISBN: 978-951-724-728 3- (printed), ISBN: 978-951-724-729 0 (pdf), ISSN: 1235-7618 REPORT 2011:3 VERIFIN Training Programme on Verification of Chemical Weapons
    [Show full text]
  • Sikkim University
    The Madheshi Question in Nepal: Implications for India-Nepal Relations A Dissertation Submitted To Sikkim University In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy By Rasik Rai Department of International Relations School of Social Sciences February 2017 Gangtok 737102 INDIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A note of gratitude to a number of people, whose genuine support and encouragements made this dissertation a successful work. The dissertation began and ended with the dedicated guidance and enormous help of my supervisor Mr. Ph. Newton Singh. Sir, without whom it would be almost impossible for the completion of the same. I would like to express my heartiest thankfulness and acknowledge him for the guidance and enduring support he bestowed upon me throughout. I also express my sincere thanks to the faculty members of my Department (International Relations), Dr. Manish, Dr. Teiborlang and Dr. Sebastian N. for their valuable suggestions. One of the major resources throughout the dissertation writing has been the library of Sikkim University and Central Library of Sikkim. Therefore, I am thankful to all the concerned authorities of these libraries who provided me access to the library and procure relevant materials during the course of my research. In the end, I extend my thanks to the entire family members especially papa, friends and relatives who believed on me. It was indeed their constant support, encouragement and patience which contributed at large in the process of this research. Rasik Rai Lists of Abbreviation
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Identity Politics in Nepal: Madhesh Uprising and Their Rise As One of the Major Players in National Politics
    Contemporary Identity Politics in Nepal: Madhesh Uprising and their Rise as One of the Major Players in National Politics Journal of Living Together (2017) Volume 4-5, Issue 1, pp. 193-203 ISSN: 2373-6615 (Print); 2373-6631 (Online) Contemporary Identity Politics in Nepal: Madhesh Uprising and their Rise as One of the Major Players in National Politics Kumar Khadka School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development, Kennesaw State University 193 Contemporary Identity Politics in Nepal: Madhesh Uprising and their Rise as One of the Major Players in National Politics Journal of Living Together (2017) Volume 4-5, Issue 1 Abstract Within the last two decades, Nepal experienced some violent political uprisings. Madhesh (also known as the “Terai” region of Nepal) launched a violent political movement called Madhesh Uprising in 2007. The silence of the interim constitution of 2007 on federalism, representation and an inequitable electoral system made Madhesh unhappy. Madhesh demanded complete regional autonomy, rights of self- determination, and a single Madhesh province. The Uprising was considered as the representative voice of entire Madhesh/Terai region due to the active participation of millions of Madheshis (the inhabitants of Madhesh). As a result, political parties registered from Madhesh during 2008 constituent assembly election won majority of seats. Political parties of Madhesh became the fourth and fifth largest political parties in Nepal’s first constituent assembly. They changed the political landscape of the country. Due to their majority, the mainstream political parties were forced to choose Madheshi candidates in the presidential election. What happened next became the history in Nepalese politics.
    [Show full text]