Indigenous Peoples Discontent with the Constitution of Nepal

Indigenous Peoples of Nepal are searching for the state which recognizes and reflects their identities. Exclusion of indigenous peoples in the ruling apparatus and from resources of the “modern states,” and absence of their representation and belongingness to its structures and processes have been sources of conflicts. Indigenous peoples are engaged in resistance movements as the state has been active in destroying, instead of building, their political, economic and cultural institutions. The new constitution of 2015 failed to address the issues, hence the ongoing struggle for political, economic, and cultural rights and democratization of the country. If the country belongs to all, if the people have democratic values, the indigenous peoples’ agenda would become a common agenda of all. If the state is democratic and inclusive, it would address the issue of justice to all. With these premises, this book presents the concerns of the indigenous peoples from a new angle, asks new questions on distance and disagreements between the state and the indigenous peoples, and opens up a debate for creation of a new state structure, relationship, and culture in the country.