In recent practice, we have seen a fight to list all cast and creed to janjati’s list where I never had an idea about the true definition and meaning of a janjati. Now when I have an idea I get a true understanding why the Bahuns and Chhetri wanted to list themselves as Janjatis and to the logic it is admissible.
Most of the elite Clan (caste) of Newars, Magars, Limbus who have been living in the city and using the top notch government facilities and infrastructure are not janjatis neither they can be called that. In true meaning janjati(Indigenous) is a state of living whose habitat is reserved in local state separating themselves from any facilities and development process.
“RAUTE” in a true sense is the example of Janjati(Indigenous) who have been holding there identity disrespect to any development or influence. There living standard and ways of life has whatsoever no influence in any way from modernization and there recent demand for securing their identity and habitat was in a true an issue of janjati.
According to Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), the definition of Janjati or indigenous people are those who are not listed in below category:
- First settlers prior to the formation of Gorkha and Nepal state.
- Dominated group and no representation in state organs
- Not included in the Hindu cast system.
- Own language, culture and religion different from the rulers.
- Listed by Nepalese Government Indigenous Act 2002.
I believe all cast creed people who are deprived from the facilities are janjati’s but using this as a political agenda and manifesto is wrong.
Doing politics in the name of janjati is wrong…………………….