Identity activists renew protests against naming ‘Koshi’ province

KATHMANDU: Identity activists in Koshi province have announced a renewed wave of protests.

In a meeting held in Phungling, Taplejung, on Sunday, the Province No. 1 Renaming Joint Struggle Committee decided to resume their agitation.

The committee, chaired by Federal Chairman of the Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Prem Yekten, concluded that the provincial government and province assembly have ignored their movement and decided to intensify their campaign to abolish the ‘Koshi’ name starting this December.

The meeting resolved to launch a new phase of the protest with a public demonstration in Biratnagar on Sunday, December 2.

Additionally, the committee decided to study and prepare for implementing parallel governance at the local level, criticizing the ruling parties and leaders for not addressing the renaming issue based on identity.

They also resolved to pressure the 82 provincial assembly members who voted for the ‘Koshi’ name, and three leaders who labeled the protest leaders as ‘communal’, by appealing to their families and relatives.

The meeting also called on all residents of Koshi to refrain from inviting provincial assembly members to public events.

The committee expressed disappointment that the political and peace dialogue team formed by the provincial government was led by Ram Rana Magar, who proposed the name ‘Koshi.’

Finally, the committee decided that any future negotiations should involve leaders of existing parties, including the Chief Minister.