Nepal PM Prachanda cancels UN visit due to concerns over Constitution

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda on Monday cancelled his scheduled visit to the UN to address the concerns of ethnic groups over the new Constitution, which he said must be open to amendments as Madhesis were still dissatisfied.

Prachanda was supposed to fly to New York on Monday to take part in the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, leading the Nepalese delegation. He had returned home on Sunday, after a four-day tour to India.

“The Prime Minister decided not to leave the country, after voices were raised from several quarters that he is required to work towards addressing the concerns and grievances raised by the Madhesi, Tharu and ethnic minority groups,” reads a statement issued by the PM’s Office.

On behalf of the government of Nepal, Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat will lead the country at the UN, it said. Sources said it was high time that the Prime Minister focussed on the implementation of the Constitution and carried out reconstruction of damaged structures, so he decided to cancel the trip.

Meanwhile, addressing a programme at the Nepal Army pavilion here to mark the Constitution Day, Prachanda said the statute can mature only after timely amendments to cater to the needs of the people.

The Constitution must be open to amendments as the Madhes-based communities are still dissatisfied with the existing one, he said. 

The Madhesis, who are mostly of Indian-origin, say that the Constitution is discriminatory to their interest and marginalises them politically.