Emergence of ‘the ethnic question’ in Nepal since 2006

This particular research attempts to address the current debates and discourses on ethnic issues within Nepali polity along with the ongoing constitution making process. Nepal is already a federal state, but what form of federal state Nepal should be, is still a debate. This research engages in this debate, trying to answer the question how and why the ethnic agendas received more political attention in post 2006 period of Nepal? It also attempts to highlight and bring together contrasting perspectives in the debates of ethnic federalism. The findings are based on the fieldwork conducted in Kathmandu. Findings show that long-term state domination and discriminatory constitutional practices are among the main reasons for the rise of today’s ethnic demands in Nepal. Political change, awareness, international influence, activities from the NGOs and INGOs also played important role in making the ethnic agendas more visible. Last but not least, ethnicity has been a major issue within Maoist politics, and through it, it was also introduced into Nepali politics after 2006. It was also found that the indigenous leaders are most often in favour of ethnic federalism on the basis of right to self-determination, than non-indigenous politicians, who are most often against the concept of ethnic federalism. While seeking answers to the main research questions, the research also relates some of the important theoretical concepts on ethnicity, federalism, and conflict, marginalization and inequality.