Alliance will make the general strike a success: Leaders

March 30, 2006
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Notwithstanding the warning by the government to take strict measures to check the Kathmandu valley centred agitation announced by seven party alliance, leaders of the alliance have said they would take to the streets even if the government imposes curfew or resorts to stricter measures to foil the general strike scheduled on April 6 to 9.

Speaking at an interaction at Reporters’ Club acting president of Nepali Congress-democratic (NC-D) Gopal Man Shrestha said, “We are ready to bypass all obstructions, including curfew, in a peaceful way and conduct our declared protest programme.”

Stating that the general strike has been called by the seven parties, he assured, “It will be non-violent and Maoists will not infiltrate.”

The leaders, however, admitted that the Maoists will provide moral support to the seven parties’ programme.

They urged the Maoists to declare a unilateral ceasefire to ensure the success of the parties’ non-violent stir.

Bharat Mohan Adhikari of the CPN-UML said the parties are ready with a plan to make the general strike successful if the government imposes curfew. However he said, “I cannot disclose the plan right now.”

He further said that the parties would make the general strike successful with massive support from the people. He also urged Maoists to declare unilateral ceasefire to assist the alliance.

Joint General Secretary of Nepali Congress Dr Ram Saran Mahat dismissed Home Minister’s fear of Maoist infiltration in seven-party rally. “If the Maoist Special Task Forces are in Kathmandu, then why have they not been arrested?” he questioned. He added that the Maoists are only providing moral support to the parties’ agitation.

Pari Thapa of Janamorcha Nepal blamed the government of acting with defeated mentality. “Our programmes will be successful despite the government’s threats, and the democracy will be established,” said Thapa.

Meanwhile, the meeting of the central task force of the seven-party alliance took decisions on how the agitation will fan out in the days ahead.

The alliance has identified about 15 venues where the demonstrators will assemble on appointed days to avoid bloodshed and ensure that the demo is peaceful.

The Home minister has warned to take strict measures to check the mass meeting of the seven political parties saying Maoists would infiltrate in it.