Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kiranti, has expressed displeasure over the naming of Province 1 as 'Koshi'.
Addressing the Policy and Legislation Conference of the Federation of Nepali indigenous Journalists (FONIJ) held at Hariwan in Sarlahi on Sunday, Minister Kirati expressed his displeasure at the naming of 'Koshi Province' by the majority of the Province 1 Assembly.
He expressed his displeasure saying that those who do not like the identity contrary to the sentiments of the local people have named Koshi to reflect “totalitarianism”.
He said that because they do not like federalism and identity, the province was named against the sentiments of the people on the strength of the majority.
"Trying to name Province 1 is not a straight trip, but a reverse journey," Minister Kirati said.
Even while it is required to respect the decisions made by the provincial assembly, which has sovereign authority, Minister Kirati claimed that if the name "Koshi" is retained, the identity movement will continue.He expressed his belief that now the identity movement will assume a bigger shape.
A general strike was held across the province on Sunday against the nomination of Koshi. Minister Kirati also emphasized that the protest of identity supporters should be peaceful and non-violent.
Kirati expressed his solidarity with the ongoing identity movement in Nepal, saying that world powers like America and China are also fighting for identity.
"Identity strengthens internal nationalism," said Kirati, "In order to strengthen internal nationalism, the identity of the citizens should be established." This is the essence of federalism.
Erasing the identity of citizens does not strengthen internal nationalism.
He emphasized that federalism with identity is necessary in Nepal even if it is not recognized on the world map.
"People's representatives who won by asking for votes and giving their votes have erased their identity," said Kirati, "Now all the citizens who voted for them should also review." It is time to review yourself.
Due to narrow-minded and prejudiced people who cannot understand the picture of the country, identity has been erased in Province 1.
He emphasized that those who run the identity movement should also proceed cautiously when the unitary centralized state power is federal.
