Koshi State govt to hold talks with identitarian
The government and the protesting faction are scheduled to hold discussions at a hotel in Biratnagar at 3:00 PM today.
KATHMANDU: The Koshi State government is set to engage in discussions with identitarian today, following demands for the re-naming of the state based on identity rather than geographical features. The “State 1 Re-Nomination United Struggle Committee,” which has been actively protesting, formed an 11-member discussion committee earlier this Wednesday.
Previously, the Koshi State government had established a three-member committee led by Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Kamal Prasad Jabe to engage in talks with identity advocates.
The government and the protesting faction are scheduled to hold discussions at a hotel in Biratnagar at 3:00 PM today.
This development comes after the State Assembly approved the name “Koshi” for the stae during its meeting on Falgun 17, 2079 (March 1, 2023) prompting renewed demands for re-nomination from identity advocates.
The movement gained momentum following the untimely demise of Padam Limbu, a prominent figure in the identity movement. The protesters have intensified their efforts, even obstructing the movement of federal and state ministers and lawmakers in their respective constituencies.
Previously, discussions between the government, led by Chief Minister Hikmat Karki, and the protesting faction in Ashadh 4 (June 19) last year had concluded without a resolution.
Despite being invited for talks by the government on Ashadh 13 (June 28), the identity advocates rejected the dialogue, leading to escalated protests.
