Hridayesh Tripathi,

Hridayesh Tripathi (File Photo)
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Hridayesh Tripathi, said that a fresh census should be held in the country before the election to a constituent assembly.

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Tuesday, Minister Tripathi said, “The new census will bring the real picture of Nepal. This is a prerequisite to let all ethnic, regional communities, Madheshis and Dalits represent according to their population.”

He claimed that the Census 2001 is not reliable because many parts of the country could not be covered due to the conflict.

He also said the problem of citizenship should be solved before going to the election for a constituent assembly.

Tripathi also informed that he would raise the issue at the forthcoming meeting of the council of ministers.

Speaking at the same programme, UML leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari urged the SPA to do enough homework before sitting for talks with the Maoists.

“The government should be engaged in discussing about how to include indigenous people, women, Madhesi and Dalits in the election for a constituent assembly,” he said.

Arjun Narshing KC of Nepali Congress said issue of management of arms should be settled before formation of an interim government including the Maoists.

He opposed the Maoist proposal of dissolving House of Representatives saying that the present government needs a strong and sovereign parliament to show its strength and to prove its accountability.

The leaders also agreed that Maoists should not be included in the interim government before Maoists’ arms management.

Dr Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress-Democratic congratulated the Maoist leadership for showing commitment to take part in the election of constituent assembly. He also said the commitment expressed by the Maoists in the 8-oint agreement should be reflected in their actions as well. n