Language Debate in Nepal
Row Over Use of Hindi By Newly Elected Vice President
On Wednesday July 23rd, Nepal’s newly elected President and Vice President took oath of office, this historic event was supposed to show the world a picture of new Nepal, instead by the end of the day the country was broiled in a bitter language row.
Root of the Row
Vice President Parmanada Jha, who hails form the Terai region, took the oath of office in Hindi, a language largely spoken in northern India and parts of Terai, instead of Nepali-Nepal’s main language or Maithali-his mother tongue. Enraged students and political activists took to the streets to protest against Mr. Jha’s decision to use a “foreign” language.
As the week progressed, protests turned violent. Several people were reported injured, cars were set on fire and some Terai based political parties offices were attacked. Nepalese media was gripped by bitter debate on language and what it means to be a Nepali.
Vice President Apologizes
On Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 Vice President Jha apologized to the people, saying that he did not mean to insult or hurt anyone. He respects national sentiments and expressed regret for this action.
Activists organizing the protest against Mr. Jha have now cancelled their agitation plans. But the incident has started off long due debate on language, patriotism and status enjoyed by Nepali language in the country and it is unlikely to end anytime soon.
Another Storm Brewing
The language row has calmed down for now and another storm is already brewing for Nepal. The country has been functioning without a government after it was declared a republic in May.
Former Maoists rebels are the single largest party at the Constituent Assembly, but they refused to form the new government after their candidates lost the President and Vice President elections held earlier this month. Nepali Congress candidate Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was elected the President after defeating Maoist candidate Ram Raja Prasad Singh. Maoist candidate for Vice Presidency lost to Parmananda Jha, candidate representing a small Terai based party.
In ensuing bitter exchanges, Prachanda, Maoist party chairman, accused the Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist and Leninist)-second and third party at the Constituent Assembly- of conspiring to stop the former rebels from forming the new government.
On July 30th, 2008 AFP reported that the deadlock could be settled after President Ram Baran Yadav asked the Maoists to form a new government within seven days. The Maoists are said to have set forth several “conditions” before they accept the President’s offer. They are demanding that if they form the government, other parties should let them govern for at least two years that the major parties agree to allow the government to implement their basic programs including land reforms.
