Maoists threaten to begin recruitment of PLA in UN camps (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 3 March: Maoists have threatened to begin recruitment into the PLA Tuesday even as 19,000 plus combatants are in UN camps for more than two years awaiting integration or resettlement.
The processes have been delayed on whether the former fighters should be entirely integrated in Nepal Army, opposed by major parties.
PLA Chief Nanda Kishore Pun issued a statement overnight saying,” The PLA hopes to raise the number to 31,315.”
Pun said Maoists will match the recruitment by Nepal Army to fill in 2,800vacancies supported by ruling parties.
Supreme court is also considering whether the recruitment is constitutional.
Only 19,000 Maoist combatants are in 28 cantonments and satellite camps under UN watch; others were disqualified either they were child soldiers to were recruited into the rebel force after the end of hostilities breaking a deadline set by the UN.
Nepali Congress has denied a UN claim the recruitment by the army was a violation of a vague 12-point peace agreement between Maoists and seven parliamentary parties; the agreement is freely interpreted without agreement on its content.
“Our combatants have been removed citing various reasons by UNMIN. We’ve called for recruitments after recruitment by the army,” Pun told Kantipur. “This is the decision of the PLA. Discussions may be held with the party.”
Other political parties have opposed the Maoist move.
“This is a challenge to the peace process. This will invite an accident in the country,” Congress Spokesman Arjun Narsingh said.
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Maoists to propose a ban on parties

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 3 March: Maoists have proposed a ban on political parties supported by ‘feudals and imperialists’ in a proposed constitution that has to be promulgated by May 2010.
The drafting process has encountered obstacles without agreement between political parties on the basic contents in the basic law.
The country is now run by what is called an ‘interim constitution’ after a 1990 constitution drafted by present party rulers, including Maoists, was shred by un unelected parliament after April 2006 toppling monarchy.
“Article 10 sub-clause 3 [c] of the proposed constitution posted on the website of Dr Baburam Bhattarai, convener of a Maoist constitutional drafting committee says: Except for those supporting feudals and imperialists, there will be freedom organizations and political parties supporting progressive change for the people.”
Feudalism and imperialism haven’t been defined; Maoists clearly will restrict activities of parties in a set-up they seek for a new Nepal.
Maoists in the past have bracketed USA with imperialism.
Maoists have proposed a presidential system like in France opposed by main opposition Nepali Congress.
The new constitution will be imposed on people by political parties amid claims it will be drafted with popular consent.
Teams have been sent to districts to collect opinions in a Rs 400 million effort obstructed by strikes.
The effort has been hampered in the terai for the second day by a strike by Tharus demanding delisting as Madeshis.
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Nepal, Sri Lanka signing two accords Tuesday

Kathmandu, 3 March: On the second day of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s his two-day official visit, Nepal and Sri Lanka are signing an air agreement to begin direct air flights between capitals of the two countries after a 12-year gap.
The two South Asian countries are also signing an agreement to establish a joint commission headed by foreign ministers to promote bilateral ties.
Rajapaksa holds discussions with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Tuesday.
The Sri Lankan president was feted to a state banquet by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav overnight.
Rajapaksa will pay homage Wednesday at Lumbini, The Buddha’s birthplace, before flying back home.
More than 1,500 security personnel provided top security for the visiting president from a country fighting a separatist movement by Tamil rebels.
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