Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday renewed his commitment to take the constitution drafting and the peace process into a “logical conclusion” under any circumstances, adding that for this integration and rehabilitation of the former Maoist combatants is a main pre-requisite.

Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal waves to supporters at Khula Manch in Kathmandu where the party organised a mass meeting as part of its nationwide rallies commemorating the Democracy Day, on Monday, Apr 06 09. nepalnews.com/NPA

Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal waves to supporters at …
Addressing a mass meet organised by the Unified CPN (Maoist) at the Open Air Theatre of the capital city to commemorate the popular movement of 1990, PM Dahal, who is also its chairman, said that those who oppose army integration are not “true democrats”.

Main opposition Nepali Congress and top coalition leaders argue that the integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepal Army will not be in the best interest of the country, even warning that it will lead to civil strife.

Appearing in dark suit with his dark hair combed backwards in his first public appearance after arriving from his visit of Norway and Finland, PM Dahal also requested political parties not to obstruct the normal proceedings of the House as it would only hamper the constitution drafting process. Clearly hinting at the Nepali Congress, he said “few power centers” are intent on not allowing the new constitution to be drafted on the leadership of the Maoists and asked all to remain ever aware about this. The Maoists are organizing mass assemblies in the capital city including Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Nepalgunj, Dang, Kalaiyaa and Kanchanpur to mark the day when the 1990 popular uprising reached its peak which eventually led to fall of the oppressive Panchayati regime. Likewise, few central committee members of the Maoist party also addressed the assembly at the Open Air Theatre. However, the participation of the people in the assembly was less than expected due to the nationwide general strike called by few left parties.

Similarly, Maoist Parliamentary party deputy leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha and Secretariat member Lila Mani Pokharel addressed the assembly in Pokhara and Biratnagar respectively.

Meanwhile, PM Dahal intensified consultations with political parties today as well following threats from major parties like UML and Nepali Congress that they would disrupt normal business of the House. The two parties accuse Maoists of continuing with their excesses and trying to impose totalitarianism.

In the course, PM Dahal held discussions with the Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP) in the afternoon and assured that the government is seriously considering their demands which include implementation of the party’s 13-point demands.

Prime Minister Dahal also met Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala Monday afternoon. Dahal requested Koirala not to obstruct the proceedings of the House. In reply, Koirala said, NC would not obstruct the house but the government should address the demands of the UML. PM Dahal also apprised Koirala of his Europe tour and urged NC to join the government. Koirala said, NC would support peace process without joining the government, according to a Koirala aide Dr Suresh Chalise. nepalnews.com ag Apr 06 09