Federalization is a Tool of Conflict Resolution : A Case Study of Nepal

Abstract

Nepal was enduring with a perpetuating conflict due to class, ethnic, linguistic, regional and other discrimination created by a unitary and centralized state structure. Regional autonomy, identity, decentralization of power and preserving the right of minorities were major demands of the movements. The political change of 2006 along with the restoration of democracy built the strong ground for the federalism in Nepal. After this, the state promulgated a new federal constitution on 20 September 2015. The regional, ethnic and class conflicts are being managed with the implementation of the federalism. In federalism, the rights of minorities get preserved than in the unitary system of government. The provision of right of the minorities in the central, provincial and local level helps the assurance of their right. While the governing community does not behave with justice the minorities may demand for separate region, so they are alert for well being of the minorities. Thus federalism is considered to be one of the most important tools for establishment of peace. In this article I argue that the federal system has played an important role for conflicts resolution in Nepal which was active since decades. A major and common demand of various conflicts in Nepal was autonomy which is assured by the federalism. Protection of minorities’ rights, recognition of all linguistics, ethnic, religious, minorities’ identity and power sharing from central to local level through constitution has led to the long felt conflicts towards solution. Thus, federalism has played the vital role for power-sharing and assuring the autonomy for minorities groups in Nepal. It seems to be important tool for the ending Maoist, ethnic and regional movements in Nepal.