Settlements with Chhantyal majority proposed to be declared special zone

Babiyachaur –The Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality in Myagdi has recommended two wards with majority of Chhantyal population here for announcement as a special, protected and autonomous zone.

The rural municipality said Gurja and Malkwang where the Chhantyal people listed as minorities of Nepal reside in the majority have been recommended for declaring the special zones. The recommendation was made as per the Local Governance Operation Act-2074 BS. 

The Thursday meeting of the rural municipality's executive decided to propose the province and federal governments to specially treat the village, as stated by executive body's spokesperson Jhak Bahadur Chhantyal. 

The Chhantyal community, an indigenous group, has distinct language, lifestyle and culture and it resides in geographically remote areas in this district of Province 4. 

The Gurja is home to 191 households while Malkwang is home to 304 households and Chhantyals make up over 90 percent of the total population.---