Brahmans, Chhetris oppose new list of indigenous nationalities

Few Brahman and Chhetri groups have opposed the new list of indigenous nationalities prepared by a high level government taskforce. Formed in April last year, the taskforce was mandated to prepare the new list of indigenous nationalities.

The taskforce has listed 85 ethnic groups as indigenous nationalities, up from 59 groups. The taskforce de-listed three ethnic groups and added 29 others. A total of 120 ethnic groups had filed application to be included in the list.

The Brahman and Chhetri groups have warned of protests if they are not included in the list. The groups have announced to submit memorandum to prime minister objecting the list prepared by taskforce led by Om Gurung.

The report of the taskforce has merged Bankariya into Chepang and mentions that the two other groups--Frees and Chhairotans-were removed because no member of these nationalities was found during field visits.

Gurung said, Brahman and Chhetris do not meet the criteria set by United Nations and thus are not incorporated. nepalnews.com