The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (Nefin) has demanded that the government immediately withdraw its decision to reduce the number of public holidays.

In a statement on Thursday, Nefin Chairman Jagat Bahadur Baram urged the government to withdraw its decision that was taken unilaterally.

“The government’s unilateral decision taken without holding consultations with the members of indigenous communities gives a taste of the Panchayat-era. This will create an environment of inequality and trigger a conflict that will cause harm to the prosperity of the people,” read the statement.