Serious difference to proposal for compulsory military training for 18-year-olds

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 June: Differences have erupted at the constituent assembly (CA) over a Maoist proposal for compulsory training for all 18-year-olds in Nepal to be incorporated in a propose constitution.
The proposal prepared by a national right protection committee was tabled at the CA Sunday for discussion.
The committee is one of 11 subject committees proposing drafts for a constitution which has to be drafted by May 2010; other committees are yet to submit their drafts.
The drafting has been delayed by differences between Maoists and other major parties,
Committee members from the ruling coalition partners CPN-UML and Nepali Congress also objected to the description of former Maoist combatants as ‘People’s Liberation Army {PLA)’.
Bhim Rawal (CPN-UML) argued the country will be militarized through compulsory military training adding the description of Maoist combatants as PLA is against the peace process; he proposed a peace zone.
But Khim Lal Debkota of Unified CPN (Maoist) said military training was necessary for the country’s defence claiming the country was declared a republic because of the Maoist army.
“Opponents of a republic and supporters of military supremacy are now attempting to erase history,” Debkota said.” Until the day a person with interests to fulfill foreign concerns heads the council of ministers, sovereignty will be jeopardized.”
He added: ”Those who minimize the PLA are opponents of a republic and constituent assembly.”
The main drafting committee is now without a chief after Madhav Kumar Nepal was elected prime minister 10 days ago.
With only three ministers, the country is without a full government.

Baman Prasad Neupane transferred to the office of the prime minister

Kathmandu, 1 June: Baman Prasad Nurpane has been transferred to the office of the prime minister and council of ministers through a cabinet decision Wednesday.
Maoists transferred Neupane to the reserve pool from the defence ministry charging him for non-cooperation at the height of bitter relations between the army and the Maoist-led government of Prime Minister Prachanda.
There’s speculation he could be reinstated as defence secretary.
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