Indigenous Commission Asks Government to Shift Fast Track Starting Point from Khokana to Dukuchhap

Kathmandu, June 18 — The Indigenous Nationalities Commission has asked Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to change the starting point of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track (Expressway) from Phudol in Khokana, Lalitpur, to Dukuchhap in Godavari Municipality-8.

During a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Singha Durbar, Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar handed over a study report to the Prime Minister. The report warns that building the expressway from Phudol could force members of the indigenous Newar community to leave their homes and violate their human rights.

It also points out that Khokana is an important cultural and religious site for the Newars, making it an unsuitable location for such a major infrastructure project. The report further recommends that the government get free, prior, and informed consent from local indigenous communities before starting any development work in their areas.

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