The Ethical and Historical Aspect of Nepalese Citizenship: A Path to a Unified Future

Nestled between the Himalayas and the Indo-Gangetic plains, Nepal has a rich tapestry of history and culture. Yet, with its current policy of granting citizenship to illegal Indian immigrants, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. Will we, and our descendants, ever forgive ourselves for distributing Nepalese citizenship to those who do not deserve it? This question touches upon a deeper ethical and historical dilemma, one that echoes through generations and resonates with the essence of nationhood.

Historical Ancestry and Citizenship

It is a well-known fact that over two-thirds of Nepalis can trace their roots back to India. The Bahuns, for instance, are known to have origins in the ancient Rishis of the Ganga plains. Once immigrants from India settle in Nepal, they seamlessly integrate, often becoming indistinguishable from the local population within a few generations. While this integration is a testament to cultural blending and acceptance, it raises critical questions about the distribution of citizenship to those who may not have the same historical connection to the land.

The Question of Citizenship

Who distributed Nepalese citizenship to illegal Indian immigrants, and when? This question brings to light the complexity of immigration policies and the challenges they pose. There is no clear record or directive on who granted these citizenships, and when. The lack of transparency in such decisions complicates the situation further, raising concerns about the ethical implications of such actions.

Conscience and Responsibility

The pain of realizing that we might be responsible for actions that our children and grandchildren will forever remember embodies a profound ethical dilemma. Our conscience is the very essence that separates us from mere entities such as insects, which live and die without reflecting on their actions. It is our duty to ensure that our actions, or lack thereof, do not condemn future generations to a less stable and secure nation. The sacrifices made by our ancestors, with their unwavering persistence and effort, built the foundation upon which we stand. We have no right to undermine this legacy for short-term gains or expedient solutions.

Just as the patriot Serchan wrote:

Hamile khane pratek gasma ragat cha sahidko. So we might be paying for the gas, but the food we eat is because of the martyrs that sacrificed their life for us. Hamile ferne pratek sansma ragat cha sahidko. So we might be breathing the air while they are not, but the oxygen we breathe is free because of them. We owe every moment of our happiness to the martyrs. And we would not be here if not for them.

These words should serve as a stark reminder of our obligations and responsibilities. Our ancestors did not merely build a nation; they created a home and a heritage that we must preserve for future generations.

National Identity and Diversity

The question of national identity in Nepal is not straightforward. It encompasses not just those born in Nepal, but also those who have migrated or relocated over time. For example, people from Sikkim and Darjeeling who are ethnically Nepali but live outside Nepal still claim a national identity that is integral to Nepal. Similarly, Madhesis, while not recognized as ethnically Nepali by some, share a deep connection to the nation.

Nepal faces two primary options:

Accept the diversity that exists within the nation, embracing the idea that ethnically Nepali does not necessarily equate to nationally Nepali. Define and dominate Nepal’s identity as an ethnic entity, much like Bhutan’s approach, which has led to the exclusion of people of Nepali ethnicity.

Choosing the first path would involve recognizing that the concept of Nepal is fluid and evolving, and that by accepting and integrating all Nepalis, regardless of their origins, we move towards a more unified and inclusive nation. The second path, while simpler, risks repeating the historical pitfalls faced by nations that prioritize ethnic purity.

In conclusion, the decision to grant citizenship to illegal Indian immigrants is not just a legal or administrative task, but a deeply ethical and historical one. Our actions today will shape the future of the nation, and our children and grandchildren will judge us on the choices we make. It is our duty to ensure that our actions honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and pave the way for a prosperous and unified Nepal.