The government today finally bowed to the pressure of the residents of Basantapur and neighbouring areas, who were agitating over the alleged violation of their “cultural rights”. The breakthrough came around 10.30 pm after an amicable settlement was reached.
Satisfied over the government’s decision, the residents agreed to resume the closing ceremony of the Indra Jatra, Kumari Jatra and other religious activities from tonight. The government sealed a five-point deal with the agitators.
Mohan Krishna Dongol, leader of the Pulukisi dance, Laxman Raj Ranjit, leader of the Lakhe dance, Sagar Putuwar, chief of the Aakash Bhairab Sabadhya dance and Gautam Shakya, representative of the Kumari Ghar, had submitted a 10-point charter to the government.
Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai and several members of the Constituent Assembly held talks with the local representatives. It has been decided to form a high-level committee within 15 days. An independent mechanism will be put in place to conduct cultural activities of the Newars.
Consensus has been reached to form another commission to look into the socio-cultural and religious issues of the Newars. The report will only be implemented after the commission gets the nod from the community’s representative bodies.
“The government has apologised for the inconvenience caused to the community. However, the shortcoming was not a conscious effort. We have agreed to meet their demands,” said Dr Bhattarai. He also agreed to pick up the tab for all those injured in the scuffle with the security personnel.
Mohan Krishna Dongol, who represented the Newars in the talks, expressed gratitude to the government for restoring their “cultural rights”.
Earlier today, the agitation snowballed into widespread violence in different parts of the capital. Eight microbuses, four taxis and several four-wheelers were vandalised. A taxi driver also got beaten in the melee. Tension ran high in different parts of the city, including Teku, Shahid Gate, Ghanta Ghar, Jamal and Basantapur. Copies of the eveninger, Sandhyakalin, were burnt for allegedly carrying news against the Newars.
The agitators had demanded apology from the “minister concerned” for slashing the budget that was earmarked for the cultural activities. Meanwhile, president of the Khadgi Sewa Samiti has expressed dissatisfaction over the agreement. The Khadgis, who are associated with sacrificing animals, were not represented in the talks with the government today.
Source: thehimalayantimes.com
