Modi hails Nepal's democracy, says success depends on consensus

Appreciating Nepal's commendable progress towards democracy and federalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed out that its eventual success depends on consensus and dialogue.

"The entire world acknowledges Nepal's commendable progress on the path of democracy and federalism in last few years. But its success depends on consensus and dialogue," said Prime Minister Modi at a joint press conference with his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli here at Hyderabad House here.

"I am confident that you will take Nepal on the path of peace and stability by resolving all Constitutional issues on the basis of these principles, through dialogue and by taking along all sections, said Prime Minister Modi.

After decades of struggle, he said, the framing and promulgation of Nepal's Constitution is an important achievement. "I congratulate Nepal's Government and the political leadership as well as all sections of the Nepali society for their contributions in its development," he said.

On September 20, Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav announced that his country had a new constitution, which is the result of eight years of deliberation, including the failure of the first Constituent Assembly in 2012.

It is the seventh constitution to have been adopted by Nepal in the last 67 years and the first by democratically elected representatives

However, many Nepalese in the country's southern plains are protesting against state demarcation, citizenship and other provisions in the constitution, saying it pushes them further towards the margins. The protests, in which more than 40 people have died in recent weeks, have drawn critical attention from India, Nepal's neighbour on three sides with which it shares an open border. Here's what to know about Nepal's new constitution.

The agitators accused the Nepal government of ignoring the aspirations and sensibilities of the Madheshis, Janajatis, Dalits and women, the dominant communities from the hills, have started targeting the protesters, accusing them of being "Indian agents".

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