English - Support to Participatory Constitution Building in Nepal ...

discouraged traditions, cultures, languages
and practices that differed from those of the
Hindu Khas people. Mr. Tamu showed how
the state, and not the Brahmin or Chhetri
communities, has been responsible for
discouraging the varied traditions, cultures
and religions of the country. He stressed
that the rights of indigenous people should
be ensured by the state. He mentioned the
collective efforts and awareness campaigns
of the Sherpas, Tamangs, Magars, Gurungs,
Rais and Limbus.
To ensure their right to their own cultures,
indigenous people have been involved in
the indigenous movement and sought to
establish a federal system
in Nepal. However
there are two extreme
positions among the
indigenous and other
people concerning the
practices of federalism.
One extreme argues
against the formation of ethnic provinces
and the other extreme favors the formation
of separate states by using the right to selfdetermination.
These extremist views do
not support the creation of a strong nation.
Mr. Tamu made it clear that the creation of
Tamuwan province does not mean that only
Gurungs can rule in this province. All the
people living in this province will have the
opportunity to govern.
Tamuwan province should extend to the
Budi Gandaki in the east, the Kali Gandaki
in the west, the Nepal-Tibet border in the
north and Nawalparasi and Chitwan in the
south. The following eight districts of the
current Nepal fall within Tamuwan: Mustang,
Manang, Kaski, Syangja, Parbat, Lamjung,
Gorkha and Tanahun.
Provinces created on the
basis of ethnicity do not
provide enough attention to
accessibility.
- Khadga Bahadur Nepali
Mr. Tamu noted that Tamuwan province is
required only to recognize the identity of
the Gurung community, and to ensure them
representation and access. This might not be
required after 10-15 years. To maintain the
social harmony in the state, governance in
the Tamuwan province should be decided by
the democratic process
through
proportional
representation and in an
inclusive way. This can
be also addressed by
providing autonomy in
the autonomous regions.
Mr. Tamu discussed the positive economic
prospective of Tamuwan Province. Good
opportunities exist for the production and
export of various agricultural products,
including fruit and vegetables, herbs, and
wool. Likewise, there is a great potential for
tourism, particularly after the completion of
the currently proposed international airport
at Pokhara. Hydropower production and
mining are other possibilities.
Elaborating on the geographical history of
the Gurung people, Mr. Tamu stated that
according to Prof. Dor Bahadur Bista and
Prof Narayan Gurung, the Gurungs have their
origin in Tamuwan Province. Based on the
opinion of national and international experts
As for challenges, Mr. Tamu identified
possible dissatisfaction with the name
Tamuwan among non-Gurung communities
living within the province. He recommended
consensus building on this issue and said that
an alternative name could also be sought.
22 Federalism Dialogues Series 5