Baram Community Threatens 'No Vote' in Upcoming Elections Over Unfulfilled Constitutional Demands

Gorkha. The Baram community has warned of a protest demanding the creation of a 'Special, Protected, or Autonomous Region' as stipulated in the Constitution of Nepal. In a press statement issued by Bhadrakumari Baram of the Nepal Baram Association, she announced that if their demands are not addressed, they may decide to adopt a 'No Vote' stance in the upcoming House of Representatives elections in 2082 BS.

Article 56 (5) of the Constitution of Nepal provides for the establishment of special, protected, or autonomous regions for the development of minority and marginalized communities. The Baram community alleges that the state has ignored this provision and a directive order issued by the respected Supreme Court on Poush 16, 2075 BS. The Supreme Court had issued orders for the creation of such a region, naming the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, as well as the local governments of Barpak Sulikot, Arughat, and Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality in Gorkha.

According to the National Census 2078 BS, the total population of the Baram community is only 7,859. Primarily residing densely in Gorkha district, this community is considered rich in language and culture, despite being economically, socially, and educationally backward. 'Our identity is on the verge of extinction,' the statement read, 'The failure to implement the rights granted by the constitution and the court's order is a result of the state's regressive mindset.'

The press statement also referenced the rights guaranteed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007. The Baram community complains that although the Local Government Operation Act 2074 opened the way for establishing special regions for social and cultural preservation, the implementation aspect remains zero.

The Association has insisted that candidates and political parties from Gorkha constituencies No. 1 and 2 must provide written agreement and consent regarding their demands. 

A warning has been issued that if candidates do not show solidarity on this issue, strict measures will be taken during the elections. They clarified that the Baram community has made significant sacrifices in political changes and movements over decades, and the fight now will be for their own existence and rights.