India welcomes Nepal constitution changes
The amendments, which include proportionate representation of all marginalised communities, aim to resolve the ongoing agitation by the Madhesis
New Delhi: India has welcomed Nepal’s move to amend some sections of the country’s constitution that had led to protests from almost half of its population that feared political marginalisation.
“We regard the two amendments passed yesterday (Saturday) by the Nepali parliament as positive developments," said foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup in a statement on Sunday.
The amendments were passed with two-third majority, four months after the new constitution was promulgated.
Three articles—42, 84 and 286—were amended. The amendments aim to resolve the ongoing agitation by the Madhesis. It includes provisions such as proportionate and inclusive representation of all marginalised communities, including the Madhesis, in all state mechanisms and allocation of seats in Parliament on the basis of population.
With this, the number of Parliament seats in the 20 districts in the southern plains has been significantly raised, a Press Trust of India report said.
India too has been urging Nepal to amend sections of its constitution that were seen as marginalising sections of its population, including the Madhesis who are largely of India origin.
Seven lawmakers opposed the changes and one among them was deputy prime minister Chitra Bahadur K.C.
Madhesis have been opposing the new constitution that divides the country into six federal provinces, claiming the federal structure incorporated in the new charter does not satisfy their demands.
Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with India, have been demanding demarcation of provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation. Fifty-five people have been killed in violent protests by the Madhesis since last year.
The protests of the Madhesis had sparked tensions between India and Nepal with Nepal’s government viewing India as supportive of the Madhesi stance, which they felt was fuelling the agitation and encouraging the sit-down demonstrations that led to blockage of supply routes between the two countries.
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