Many people all across the country are planning to celebrate the promulgation of new constitution on Sunday. But in several parts of the country, especially in the Tarai districts, there are groups who are trying to make sure the day won’t be observed with pomp and excitement, for they think the constitution approved by the Constituent Assembly does not address the concerns of Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims and other marginalised groups.

 “It’s not wise to promulgate the constitution just for the sake of promulgation. Demands of many groups have not been addressed in the new constitution. This could have bad consequences in the future,” said Upendra Jaisawal, a resdient of Bara district.

Anil Kumar Sada, a lawyer from Dhanusha district, said the major political parties disregarded the demands of Madhesi and Tharu people while drawing up the new constitution. “The constitution will be accepted by all only if the parties adress the demands of disgruntled groups,” he said.

Another lawyer from Siraha district, Birednra Kumar Singh said it was sad the way the major political parties outright ignored the disaffected groups who are still demonstrating in various parts of the country to have thier demands addressed through the new constitution. “The marginalised communities, including Madhesis, Tharus and Muslims, have been distraught by this treatment. They wanted a constitution that was approved in consensus of all parties,” he said.

Meanwhile, people in Palpa, Kavre, Dhading, Sangjya and Sindhuli districts are excited about the promulgation of the new constitution. They have also requested the parties to address the concerns of disgruntled groups and work towards development of the country once the new constitution is adopted.

Sanjeev Neupane of Kavre said the parties should try to address the demands of the Madhesi and Tharu communities after the constitution has been issued. “The country’s development will only be possible only if we give everyone equal opportunities and rights,” he said.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that the demands of the disgruntled groups will be addressed by amending the constitution. Addressing an interaction over telephone in Jhapa on Friday, the UML chairman assured that the demands of

agitating groups will be addressed after the promulgation of the new constitution. “To that end, the government and the major parties are trying to negotiate with the disgruntled groups,” Oli said.