. KATHMANDU — Dalit Citizens Campaign Nepal has been formed under the leadership of Constituent Assembly member Binod Pahadi.
Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he said that the campaign has been established to raise a strong voice against caste-based discrimination, untouchability, violence and social injustice. Binod
Pahadi, coordinator of the campaign, expressed his disappointment over the persistence of discrimination and injustice against the Dalit community in practice even though the Constitution of Nepal has recognized caste-based discrimination and untouchability as punishable crimes. He said that a new campaign has been launched saying that the constitutional and legal provisions have not been implemented effectively. Stating that the political parties, human rights and constitutional bodies are also silent on the issue of Dalits, Pahadi said, “It was only after the formation of this government that a dozen people including Shree Krishna BK and Ganesh Nepali were killed unjustly. Dalit activist Keshav Pariyar claimed that the campaign was not of any political party or faction, but a common liberation movement of the entire Dalit community.
According to the proposed organizational structure, a 51-member central coordination committee will be formed under the coordination of Pahari, 29-member provincial committee in all seven provinces and 17-member district coordination committee in 77 districts. In the first phase, network expansion and public awareness campaign, in the second phase, quick response to incidents of caste-based discrimination and violence, free legal aid to victims and accountability of state agencies have been included in the proposal. He also said that in the third phase, pressure would be exerted on the government and parliament for the effective implementation of Articles 24 and 40 of the constitution and a national debate would be held on the issue of necessary constitutional amendment.
According to the preamble, the first national gathering will be held on September 28. The gathering will endorse the campaign’s long-term policy, statute and manifesto and elect a new working committee.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्
