Series of Interactions were held in Kailari, Bhajani and Janaki Municipalities of Kailali district in Sudurpashchim Province—a part of the traditional lands of Thru Indigenous Peoples. The interactions were all about the legal recognition of Bhalamansha —customary self-governing and judicial mechanisms of Tharu.
The interactions revealed that the Kailari Rural Municipality has already legislated the law to recognize the Bhalamansha but the regulations to implement the law are in the process of drafting. The head of the local government of Bhajani Rural Municipality is committed to bring law to recognize the Bhalamansha. In addition, the Janaki Rural Municipality is in discussion on the draft bill with the Tharu traditional leaders.
Similarly, interactions were held in Bardiya district where 5 municipalities (Barbardiya, Madhuwan, Bansgadhi, Rajapur and Badhaiyatal) brought the laws to recognize the Barghar (they call it Bhalamansha in Kailali district and Barghar in Bardiya district) and 4 Municipalities (Gulariya, Bhurigaun, Thakurbaba, Geruwa) are in the process of legislating the laws.
Intensive discussion was held in Geruwa Municipality on the draft bill where Indigenous experts and lawyers have provided feedback on the draft bill considering the frameworks of Indigenous Peoples rights to self-determination and jurisprudence. Local government members, traditional leaders of Tharu, Indigenous lawyers and members of political parties, development professionals and leaders of the representative institution of Tharu called ' Tharu Kalyan Karini Sabha' participated in the interactions.
The local governments and Tharu leaders requested LAHURNIP to provide technical support in the process of law drafting. The interactions were held from 27 February to 4 March 2023 under the leadership of LAHURNIP and respective local governments.
