Three indigenous protestors were arrested while preparing to burn discriminatory articles of the constitution. In Dang, six protestors were arrested even as indigenous groups burnt copies of the constitution at different parts of the country, including Itahari, according to Govinda Chhantyal, vice-chairman of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN).

NEFIN, the umbrella organisation of indigenous nationalities, has been leading protest programmes against the constitution ever since it was promulgated in 2015. Janajati leaders speaking at Basantapur raised questions over the government’s failure to amend the constitution in the four years since its promulgation. 

“On Asoj 3, discrimination was imposed on us so we cannot follow the government’s orders and celebrate this day,” said NEFIN Chairman Jagat Baram. “Prime Minister Oli talks about peace and prosperity but neither will be possible unless the discriminatory constitution is amended.”