People enthusiastically attended programmes and provided their inputs for the new constitution. A large number of citizens spoke for religious freedom while several ethnic groups demanded their identity to be enshrined in the new national charter.

Public opinion collection programmes went peaceful in nine constituencies of Morang. In Ilam, people were excited to present their views to Constituent Assembly members and officials. Some of them also presented their suggestions in writing.

People in Kalikot demanded Karnali Zone as a separate state, seeking special rights for the people there. They want a north-south state stretching from Humla in the hills to Banke in Tarai.

People in Kalikot suggested guaranteeing free education up to Grade 12. Local Development Officer Tikaram Gyawali of Kalikot said the country should be a federal state as sought by the people. Yamuna Bam, acting chairperson of the Kalikot Teachers’ Association, suggested carving out five states from the five development regions. In Tikapur, participants demanded an undivided Far West and a Tharuhat State. Indigenous minorities in Dhankuta, Ilam and Jhapa districts want the new constitution to recognise their identities. Bikash Aathpahariya of Dhankuta-11 said no one had sent the draft to them. “We have nothing to say since we don’t have the draft to read,” said Sanjita Aathpahariya.

In Ilam, Lepcha Utthan Manch Chairman Bir Bahadur Lepcha said the community needs its identity in the new constitution.

“The constitution should provide for equitable development of the Lepcha community,” he said. Former lawmaker Tikaram Lepcha said the rights of indigenous minorities should be listed as fundamental rights. “We need quotas in state services and opportunities,” he said.

Narayan Munda of Mechinagar-11 in Jhapa said they had no idea about the contents of the proposed constitution. “I don’t know what type of constitution is being made,” said Munda. He wants the new charter to promote welfare of deprived minorities. Chilo Kisan and Jingni Kisan of Mechinagar-4 want measures to improve their lifestyle.

As landslides obstructed road networks in Parbat district, lawmakers were unable to reach villages for people’s feedback. They were stranded on the way. Lawmaker Arjun Prasad Joshi said the Silmi-Thulipokhari road section was impassable due to landslides. When lawmakers reached villages in Sarlahi district with copies of the constitution draft, farmers were working on their farm. Shyamlal Mahato of Haripur said he had no idea about the process. Few villagers found time to provide their inputs.

In Nuwakot, locals suggested incorporating an educational qualification to be a lawmaker. They asked CA members to guarantee press freedom, religious freedom and to reduce the number of states from the proposed eight.

(With inputs from our district correspondents)