Friday, May 11, 2012

There is a big portion of Nepal that DOES want federalism on ethnic lines--What do we tell them? 

While the talk about moving beyond identity politics brings me to tears..... What? It really does. It's emotional appeal misses the point. Identity politics is a reality. I hope it wasn't, but it is. Forget all the normative mumbo-jumbo for a while. There is a big portion of Nepal that DOES want federalism on ethnic lines, and denying them that so close to the formation of the constitution is bound to have repercussions.  Who did what, when and why can we discussed later and appropriately punished at the voting booth; right now it's more important to find a middle ground.

Here is what I think. The ethnic minorities demand that their culture and language gets promoted. Agreed. That must be done. It's high time we move beyond what we have always thought of as a singular Nepali narrative to construct a more inclusive definition of Nepal. Unity through diversity.

Next, they want a propositional representation (PR) in elected bodies. That too sounds fair. PR works best for both minorities as well as the majority.

Next, they want preferential rights in their ethnic state. This is where it gets tricky. Preferential right is a euphemistic term and a gateway (I hate that word) for discrimination. Propositional representation should ensure that the rights of the majority are safeguarded, while not discriminating against the minority....having both is like having your cake and eating it too. Unfair.

Next, come the the questions of economic viability and the name of the state. Regarding the former: any person who can think beyond tomorrow will agree that just having states for the sake of saying "i have a state" is idiotic. You want a state because you think people in the region can prosper. Economic viability of the state in its self and its impact on the larger nation-state must be an important factor. Any state -ethnic or otherwise- not formed on the bases of economic viability is short sighted.

Regarding the latter: we all agree names are important but in the sprite of solidarity can we not keep such ethnocentric names. How about names of landmarks, or rivers, or more neutral names?

There is a problem, I think we all can acknowledge that. What's the solution? And remember their is significant portion of the population that has been hopefully expecting that which you do not want. However, some things are non negotiable: This country will not tolerate separatist movements, and disintegration. And we will not compromise on that!  

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Regarding the latter: we all agree names are important but in the sprite of solidarity can we not keep such ethnocentric names. How about names of landmarks, or rivers, or more neutral names?"

Very true. I don't know why people are always after names and not the actual problem.

The Friar said...

Long time Rashika. What's up with your blog? Did you change it?

Anonymous said...

It's never too late to reply in a blog, unlike facebook...

Yes, changed it a bit but haven't added anything new yet...lekhne kura haru fureka chainan... :)

Anonymous said...

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व्यक्तिगत व्यवसायका लागि ऋण चाहिन्छ? तपाईं आफ्नो इमेल संपर्क भने उपरोक्त तुरुन्तै आफ्नो ऋण स्थानान्तरण प्रक्रिया गर्न
ठीक।