MAOIST CHIEF THREATENS REVOLT

MAOIST CHIEF THREATENS REVOLT
Kathmandu, 21 March: Chairman of the Unified CPN-Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said none should obstruct the ongoing peace process and constitution writing, RSS reports.

Speaking at an interaction on 'National Seminar on Dalits' Rights in New Constitution' organised on the occasion of the 47th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination here today, Chairman Dahal argued that the peace and constitution writing could have progressed if the political parties had worked seriously like the UCPN-Maoist.

He further said the peace process would be concluded within few days. If any conspiracy was hatched against the peace process, the UCPN-Maoist would take up people's rebellion against this.

The Maoist party was for empowering Dalit community, he said, reminding that his party had done lot to make Dalit people politically aware during the decade-long insurgency. But time has come to be aware again against disintegration in the name of rights, he stressed.

Similarly, leader Dahal pointed to the need of vigorous people's struggle for special rights to the Dalits.

On the occasion, Vice-President of the Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Poudel said the peace process and constitution writing would be concluded soon.

The recent intensive discussion held among the parties has instilled hope that the peace process would be concluded soon, he added.

Stressing that the Maoists, being the important part of the peace process, should responsibly engage its efforts to accomplish the peace process, he further said, 'The tasks of peace and constitution-making would take strides if the UCPN-Maoist is seriously presented to that end'.

The Nepali Congress has been waging struggle for the rights of Dalit since 2007, he claimed, admitting that the party has not been working as anticipated in this connection.

He stressed the party would not leave any stone unturned to enshrine Dalit rights in the new constitution.

On the occasion, CPN-UML Chairperson Jhalanath Khanal said the party is effortful to empower Dalits.

The constitution-writing task has not seen any progress due to stalled peace process, he said, stressing the need to go for referendum if dispute persisted on federalism.

Underlining the urgency to explore Nepalese context-friendly federalism, Khanal claimed the provinces, if carved out without considering identify and power, would not be sustainable.

At the programme, various party leaders including CPN-ML General Secretary CP Mainali, Secretary of CPN-Integrated Sitaram Tamang pledged to work for the guarantee of Dalit rights.
nnnn
CONSTITUTION SHOULD ADDRESS ASPIRATIONS OF ALL NEPALIS SAYS NILAMBAR ACHARYA
Kathmandu, 21 March: President of the Constitutional Committee, Nilamber Acharya said the new constitution should address the demand of all Nepali people rather than the interest of any individual party alone, RSS reports.

Speaking at an interaction on 'Peace and Society' organised by Rapti-Kathmandu Society here on Wednesday, he said the new constitution is possible within May 27 only when the political parties focus on peace and new constitution.

The new constitution will be promulgated within the extended timeframe only when the responsible political parties put national interest in the centre and were not guided by narrow mindset.

The political parties should commit themselves seriously and move forward to implement the promised commitments.

Similarly, Vice-chairman of the UCPN-Maoist, Mohan Baiddya stressed on the need to move forward by taking all parties into confidence instead of keeping doubts against each other.

Baidhya said that the new constitution should be inclusive and proportional, adding the parties should move forward giving up the earlier stance and think with a new concept.

Likewise, Secretary of the CPN-UML, Shanker Pokhrel said all political parties should be honest to implement the past agreements and promulgate the constitution in the slated timeframe.

Pokhrel mentioned that democracy faces crisis time and again in Nepal and said even the rural people should feel the changes by the democratic system ensured by the new constitution.

Likewise, central member of the Nepali Congress, Deepak Giri said the peace process needs to be concluded before promulgating constitution.

If the peace process does not conclude before mid-April, it would be difficult to promulgate constitution, he argued.

On the occasion, advocate Dr Bhimarjun Acharya said the country must not be taken hostage of transition for long.
Nnnn