PM DENIES FIXING 10,000 QUOTA FOR MADESHIS IN NA

PM DENIES FIXING 10,000 QUOTA FOR MADESHIS IN NA

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 2 Oct.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Sunday evening denied fixing a 10,000 quota for Madeshis in Nepal Army (NA) while interacting for the first time with listeners over a radio programme.
The premier was reminded repeatedly he said after assuming office he would resign in 45 days if he couldn’t complete the peace processes and constitution drafting; he has already completed one month in office.
“Priority is constitution and peace, but immediate need is relief to people first.
“To complete peace process and constitution. These are most important tasks. I have done what I can do.
“I have made specific recommendations.
“The process has been obstructed. I am hopeful of a breakthrough after Dashain.
“I am not disheartened. Revolutionaries should be hopeful. There’s no need to question my intention which is not to stay in office if peace and constitution aren’t achieved.
“I said I’ll attempt to complete the processes in 45 days. Only one party and prime minister can’t achieve that, My effort is to complete them in 45 days. Time remains. It will continue.
‘I want to be the people’s prime minister. I come from the people.
Bhattarai was asked how long trust of people in him will continue.
The premier denied a quota had bee fixed on recruitment of 10,000 Madeshis in Nepal Army when only 7,000 former Maoist fighters. according to Bhattarai, should be integrated in state army.
‘Exact numbers haven’t been agreed. The issue is not the same. Not all groups are represented. Nepal Army (NA) supported monarchy.
“Our commitment is to make NA inclusive. That programme was started by Girijubabu.”
Bhattarai said in a new revelation,” Daura and topi are national dress.’
But in same breath he said ‘national dress was dress of one jati.”
Daura and topi combination weren’t national dresses of people from HImal and terai, the premier said.
The prime minister confirmed he has recommended
Integration of 7,000 former Maoist combatants in NA with a one million rupee golden handshake for each fighter.
The second Maoist premier after Chairman Prachanda in nearly three years denied differences in his UCPN (Maoist) are main problem creating uncertainties.
“There are differences in the party. That’s not the main problem. That is not the correct protests there re protests from within the party.Charges aren’t true.
Forthcoming India visit is goodwill, he said, and added he will raise issue of harassment of Nepalis traveling across the open 1,700km Indo-Nepal border.
Premier Bhattarai interacted directly with over state-owned and controlled Radio Nepal while interacting directly with people in a first question and answer programme: Prime Minister With The People.
The programme will be aired once every month at a time convenient to the people, the radio said.
Radio Nepal said its effort was the first of its kind.
“There may me shortcomings. I am conscious,” he said of a newspaper report wife, Hishila, ordered an expensive car at government for personal even as the government chief has initiated an austerity drive.
‘She is a revolutionary woman. She doesn’t depend on me, Bhattarai said denying his wife made a request for an expensive government car.
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