Taplejung, 19 June: Leaders from the Dalit community in Taplejung have expressed concern that caste-based discrimination and untouchability still persist in society. They complained that the Dalit community continues to face both direct and indirect forms of discrimination and exclusion.
Speaking at a program organized on Thursday at the administrative center of Meringden Rural Municipality in Santhakra, Dalit leaders stated that caste-based discrimination and untouchability are still prevalent in society. During the “Meringden Media Conference for Ending Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability,” Dalit leader Netra Nepali remarked that caste-based discrimination remains a reality in the community.
Netra Nepali, a resident of Nalbu in Meringden Rural Municipality–6, expressed sorrow that caste-based discrimination and untouchability still persist even under a federal democratic republic. He lamented that although the constitution prohibits such discrimination and laws exist to punish offenders, these legal provisions are not being effectively implemented. He emphasized the need for increased public awareness and stressed that everyone must act within the framework of the rights guaranteed by the constitution and the law.
Likewise, Dhan Kumar Khati, a local resident of Thukima in Meringden–5, also stated that caste-based discrimination and untouchability continue to exist in society. He expressed disappointment that regulatory bodies often remain passive, even when individuals engage in caste-based discriminatory practices in violation of the law.
Similarly, Dalit youth Biraj Khati from Santhakra in Meringden–2 voiced his concern that caste-based discrimination and untouchability have still not been eradicated.
Leaders from the Dalit community participating in the program remarked that although caste-based discrimination and untouchability are not as widespread as in the past, discriminatory behavior still exists in society. Surya Man Baraili, a local Dalit leader, expressed sorrow that even after nearly 20 years since Nepal was declared an untouchability-free nation, caste-based discrimination continues to persist.
While Dalit leaders voiced their grievances over the continued existence of caste discrimination and untouchability, the chief guest of the program, Khagensingh Hangam, Minister for Industry, Agriculture, and Cooperatives of Koshi Province, stated that the implementation of laws is more important than their mere existence. Minister Hangam emphasized that not only caste-based discrimination laws, but many other legal provisions are not being fully enforced, which is a matter of concern.
Minister Khagensingh Hangam stated that, as a resident of Meringden, he had allocated budget from the provincial government for agriculture and enterprise-related programs targeting the Dalit community in the area. He further expressed his commitment to support the creation of dedicated enterprises for Dalits and to continuously contribute to the development and upliftment of the Dalit community.
Chairperson of Meringden Rural Municipality, Yukhangbir Hangam (Dambar), also stated that he is committed to making the municipality free from untouchability and discrimination. He explained that the media conference was organized specifically to hold open discussions on how to eliminate caste-based discrimination and untouchability, with a particular focus on the Dalit community.
During the media conference, panel discussions were held on various themes, including legal provisions on caste-based discrimination and untouchability, the role of religious leaders, the state of caste discrimination in Meringden, and how to ensure that the younger generation does not experience such discrimination. Subject experts, activists, and responsible authorities shared their views during the group discussions. Questions raised during the sessions were answered by regulators, concerned officials, and legal experts.
Key participants included Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma, Vice-Chairperson of the Rural Municipality Durgaprasad Sireng Chongbang, Taplejung Police Chief Ved Prasad Gautam, and District Legal Aid Officer and Advocate Jharna Angdembe. Other speakers included ward chairpersons, religious activists, Dalit youth, and teachers.
The media conference was conducted with facilitation by Janakari Media Pvt. Ltd., coordination from the District Administration Office, and organization by Meringden Rural Municipality.
