Various members of the House of Representatives have said that there should be an interim constitution before holding the election of the constituent assembly.
Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Monday, UML parliamentarian Jaganath Khatiwada said the government should issue the interim constitution to institutionalize the recent political change in the country.
Nepali Congress Democratic MP Ramesh Lekhak has said it would be easier to work as per the aspiration of the people after the issuance of the interim constitution.
Nava Raj Subedi, of People’s Front Nepal said election for the constituent assembly should be held to ensure that all important decisions are taken as per people’s aspiration.
Nepali Congress MP Mahantha Thakur said the government should not fear to take any decision as the reinstated parliament is very powerful.
However, speaking at the same programme, representative of civil society Dr. Sundar Mani Dixit alleged that parliamentarians had started talking lightly after entering the parliament.
By choosing the name of 84-year-old Nepali Congress-leader Girija Prasad Koirala as the new prime minister unanimously, the seven agitating parties have charted a new political course. Following the proclamation of King Gyanendra shortly before mid-night on April 24, 2006, declaring the reinstatement of the House of Representatives as demanded by seven political parties and supported by popular uprising, Nepalese politics has shifted from the street to the floor of the parliament and the annoying political wrangling has landed into a safe and stable middle road. In a country with literacy of just over 50 percent, huge unemployment, slow economic growth and ruined by decade-long insurgency, it is now a great challenge as well as an opportunity to manage the state affairs. From bringing insurgents to the mainstream politics to holding elections and to take the nation towards new course of development by providing employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands, the government has many difficult tasks ahead
By Keshab Poudel
“The middle of the road is the entire stable surface. The extremes, right and left, are the gutters,” former American president and statesman Dwight D. Eisenhower once said.
What former American president said more than five decades ago comes true in Nepal as Nepal’s political forces, too, realize that the revival of parliament will pave for the middle way course with stable surface.
Through a televised address to the nation aired around the mid-night on April 24, King Gyanendra reinstated the House of Representatives that was dissolved in May 2002, ending country’s 19-day long popular uprising. After the royal proclamation, politics has shifted from the street to the floor of parliament. In response, seven agitating political parties withdrew their street agitation and chose the 85- year-old Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala as their candidate for next prime minister unanimously.
Started from capital Kathmandu, the popular April uprising intensified throughout the country with unanticipated consequences. The popular uprising that affected public life for such a long time receded as soon as the House of Representatives was reinstated.
Koirala : Difficult times ahead.
Proposed by CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and supported by United People’s Front leader Amick Sherchan and Nepal Peasants and Workers Party leader Narayan Man Bijukcche, Koirala- who was the supreme leader of popular uprising – became the unanimous choice of seven political parties. “Girija Prasad Koirala was our unanimous choice to lead the all-party-government,” said Deuba and Nepal duo addressing a press conference. “The new government will declare a ceasefire, call Maoists for peace talks and work to settle the political dispute through constitution assembly.”
The leaders of other parties in the alliance, too, concur with the duo’s voice. “Girijababu has reluctantly accepted our suggestion as he is in no mood to lead the government,” said the leader of United People’s Front Amick Sherchan, who led the crusade against Koirala four years back. “The new government will announce everything necessary to hold the elections for constitution assembly.”
Shift of responsibility
The responsibility to run the state of affairs and fulfill the popular will expressed by the people has now shifted from the King to the political parties through three weeks long uprising. From addressing the populist political slogans like the constituent assembly to improving the ailing economic situation and maintaining social stability, the new prime minister has to deal with all kinds of challenges. In his fifth tenure as a prime minister, Koirala has burnt all his fingers and learnt the essence of state-craft.
Although Nepali Congress leader Koirala gambled his six decade long political career by taking all high risk in the uprising, he had little to lose. Had the result of the agitation gone the other way, Koirala’s image as a nationalist would have been permanently tarnished. But the politics developed in the country by the resilience on the part of King Gyanendra and peace-loving people hankering for peace in the country matched with the sincere motive of Koirala to broaden the alliance for democracy. “I will take rest from politics only after the restoration of democratic rights of the people,” Koirala had said. “My whole thrust is on pursuing the reconciliation between all political forces including the King, political parties and the Maoist.”
Demonstrations : Victorious people
With the support of all mainstream political parties, popular will of the people and the King on his side, Koirala now has an opportunity to pay a real homage to his mentor and brother late B.P. Koirala’s ideology of national reconciliation. The proposition of national reconciliation is rested on two prominent pillars of democracy and nationalism.
“The present agitation has made everyone aware of the people’s power. This was such a crisis that if it had gone unmanaged, the country could have also lost its existence and independence. Had there been such a great upheaval in other parts of the world with other forms of dictatorship or autocracy, the ruler would either have fled the country or the people would have been violently suppressed. But, it has been a long tradition and practice of institution of monarchy in Nepal to submit itself to the popular will of the people and prevent bloodshed,” said a leading political analyst.
Observing the resentments and angers expressed in the streets of Nepal on April 21, 22 and 23, the international community became nervous and expected major bloodshed in the capital. From United States- the world’s only super power-to Nepal’s neighbors and other western countries, all the countries had asked their citizens to leave Nepal. However, following the third royal proclamation in the month with the declaration of the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, the mass turned victory. After delivering the New Year’s message to the nation, a second royal proclamation followed the visit by Karna Singh- special envoy of Indian prime minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh-on 21 April.
Peaceful Nature
As usual, Nepal’s political forces and common people have once again proved that they are peace loving and have a sense of reconciliation and adjustments. Although millions of people marched into the streets of Nepal with hundreds of thousands in the capital alone, the victory rally concluded without any untoward incident on April 25.
“The mid-night royal proclamation of April 24, 2006 has ended a phase of conflict and confusion between the King and constitutional forces. After the proclamation both the forces have come into compromise and vowed for cooperation. Now, another difficult phase lies ahead where the constitutional forces have the leading role and the institution of monarchy a supporting one. Like everyone who has witnessed this agitation, the political forces also have gone through a major trial phase and a learning process,” said the analyst.
Youths : Emerging factor
When the parliament was functional, the institution of monarchy, the army and the constitution all were out of controversy. The parliament stood as a shield to defend them. After the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, the institutions have again got a shield to defend them.
Had there been such a great upheaval in other parts of the world, either the ruler would have fled the country or the people would have been mercilessly butchered. But Nepal didn’t face this misfortune as it has time-tasted institution of monarchy in the prominence.
The sky of the capital – which was full of anti-monarchy slogans – filled with slogans of victory of the people. Similar scenario was witnessed during the upheaval of 1990. This clearly shows that Nepalese people do not tolerate any kind of suppressions.
Support of Other countries
Along with popular uprising, Nepal’s neighbors and western democracies including the world’s only super power United States encouraged King Gyanendra to return his power to the people.
The changed political leaderships of India, too, had asked King Gyanendra to handover power to the political parties. Besides that the USA, EU, Japan and all other industrial democracies had been persistent in persuading the king to choose a democratic way to deal with the ongoing political crisis. This kind of support was not there during the 1990 people’s movement. The democratic west has now unanimity to support democratic systems of governance all over the world.
If there is support and assurance from Nepal’s neighbor and west, Nepalese can manage democracy as other countries. By solving the crisis, Nepal has proved that it has an in-built process of crisis management. If Nepalese are left alone, they are quite capable of resolving these controversies and conflicts. During 1990s upheaval, the constitution as well as popular representatives both were in rejection. That was just a beginning from a scratch – the old constitution was suspended and the new constitution was on the process of draft.
In the present context, a complete democratic constitution is there in the operation. There is a demand for rewriting the constitution through the ‘Constituent Assembly’ in order to accommodate the Maoists in a democratic process. Otherwise, the constitution in itself had not left any discretionary power to the King in the state affairs.
In fact, the present constitution has made the monarchy ceremonial in real sense. When asked to a constitutional lawyer what amendments in the constitution would make the King ceremonial, there was no precise answer. The royal proclamation of April 24 has concluded a phase of conflicts and confusions between the King and pro-constitution forces. After the proclamation, both the forces have come into a compromise and vowed for cooperation. Now a more difficult phase has begun with constitutional forces in the leading role and the institution of monarchy in the supporting one.
“One of the important lessons of the recent popular uprising is that no body will dare to grab power again with the backing of arms. Thanks to the overwhelming support of Nepalese people, seven political parties have been able to restore the rights of the people,” said Govinda Raj Joshi, member of Nepali Congress Central Committee. “With the leadership of Girijababu and support of Nepalese people, we will now settle all the political problems faced by the country.”
The present agitation has taught a lesson everyone. The leaders of the political parties have realized their mistakes of the past that had put the democratic process into a deadlock and vowed in public forums not to repeat them. As they have always been in contact of the general people, they should have learned how furious the mass can be if they repeat their mistakes.
Some people are still groping for the logic behind the dissolution of the House. They are still astonished to know how the house could be reinstated in the aftermath of four years of political crisis.
“The political pundits of Nepal are very curious and eager to learn about the powerful hand behind the premature dissolution of the lower house, in May 2002 and its reinstatement after almost four years,” said attorney general Badri Bahadur Karki. “On which goal and purpose did this power or the counter power reinstated the prematurely dissolved parliament remains to be known, ” he added.
When the House was dissolved, there were only four parties in the parliament. In the course of time, the MPs elected from one of these four parties have registered several different political parties. For instance, Nepali Congress has two major factions Nepali Congress Democratic and Nepali Congress. Prakash Koirala and Narayan Singh Pun, who were elected with congress’ ticket have registered two separate parties. Similarly, CPN-UML has to accommodate some half a dozens of MPs who have left their party. Rastriya Prajatantra Party has three factions with 11 MPs and Nepal Sadbhvana Party has two factions. Thus, the parliament now is going to be more complicated.
Victory march : What next?
Had there been elections for the parliament, hardly a fourth would have been reelected. Though the fresh public mandate is not in place, these experienced people will prove to be an asset in a situation like this to provide stability as the parliament has been reinstated. This is the positive side of reinstatement of the parliament.
Similarly, the King has also learnt more by his own experiences and got maturity and wisdom by burning all his fingers within a short period of time. It is very easy to sermonize others to do this and not to do in the affairs of the statecraft. The more influential position one holds, more diverse the opinions he will face.
The King has his own perceptions of the statecraft, but they were not sufficient to help solve the day-to-day problems of the country. He had G.P. Koirala, a senior and seasoned politician as the prime minister when he ascended the throne. Koirala took the oath of office of prime minister from the King on Sunday.
In these four years, both these persons have learnt lessons from their experiences of the period with maximum troubles and turmoil. The King should not have lost a prime minister like Koirala in his initial days as the King. The prime minister was more experienced and capable to defend the government whereas the King was above the controversy.
Slowly and gradually by mysterious machinations, both of them were put into head on collision. Although King Gyanendra and Koirala, both have same sensitivity and the interest towards the country, they followed different paths to promote that. Thus, the conflict between them enlarged into a broader conflict between pro-constitutional forces. The King was almost put into isolation. Though it was too late, it was the realization on the part of the King that the greatest strength of a constitutional monarch is to follow the popular opinion of the people. In the midnight on April 24, the King was very calm and composed while bowing down to the popular will of the people which was being expressed all over the country. Submitting himself to the supreme will of the people, the King enhanced his stature higher than anytime before. Some elites also appreciate the dignity of the crown with humility and courage.
King Gyanendra was similar to his sagacious brother late King Birendra while carrying out the dignity of the state and humility of the person. If he continues his dealings like this, Nepalese democratic process will permanently become stable with support from monarchy. Compared to many other conflict-ridden countries of the world, Nepal has time-tasted institution of monarchy to go along with the changing needs of the country.
King Gyanendra – who is well educated and has an impressive personality with a varied experience of public life – appears to be in the same mental make-up like his August brother late King Birendra. In the view of succession, he has capability to follow the noble tradition of his predecessors from King Tribhuwan to King Mahendra and King Birendra.
Role of Nepal’s Neighbors
Parliament : No agenda
In recent days expression leaders of both the neighbors of Nepal Indian Prime minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh and Chinese vice premier Tang Jiaxuan had expressed similar views regarding the political stability of Nepal. Nepal needs their support to make the functional democracy and economic development possible.
“Well, our role is to ensure that all elements of the Nepali polity are talking to each other. We are not dictating them. Our role is the role of a conciliator- to ensure that the democratic process is restored. Now I hope the King and the political parties will talk about the future of the country,” said Indian Prime Minister Dr. Singh in his recent interview to Indian media. “So far our position is that constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy are the two pillars of Nepali polity. There is no change in that position. No, we cannot afford to have Nepal as a failed state. We will do whatever we can do to strengthen it in every possible way as Nepal’s close neighbor . I’m not saying that Nepal is a failed state. We have to help Nepal deal with the difficulties it has got into.”
In his recent visit to Nepal, senior Chinese leaders reaffirmed their support to Nepal. “We consistently support Nepal in its effort to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We believe that the Nepalese government and people have the political wisdom and capabilities to solve their own problems. A Nepal of peace, reconciliation and amity, enjoying stability, development and prosperity servers the fundamental interest of its people and will promote regional peace, stability and development,” said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in his statement.
It is being realized very seriously in both the countries that the stability of Nepal is in their national interests. Both India and China share the views that an independent democratic and prosperous Nepal is in their interest.
(Courtesy: Spotlight magazine)
Please send your comments to [email protected] or [email protected]
(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to [email protected])
This transitional parliament must hit the ground running
By CK Lal
On Thursday, the raw energy of slogan-shouting demonstrations attracted three-year-old Arambha of Kuleswor. He insisted to be taken to the andolan. And off he went to the curfew carnival on the shoulders of his proud cousin. When he came back, he was all excitement. “I saw fire, I saw an uprising,” shouted the little boy. Nepal’s future leaders better beware of Arambha in 15 year’s time. Those who see the flames of uprising firsthand never forget its intensity.
When King Birendra bowed down to People’s Movement and announced restoration of the multi-party system on the night of 9 April 1990, firecrackers went off in every neighbourhood. Spontaneously people lit candles and earthen lamps to greet a democratic dawn in the dead of the night. Conch shells boomed and temple bells rang when King Gyanendra admitted on Monday night that his autocratic adventures had come unstuck and an unconditional acceptance of the roadmap prepared by the seven-party alliance was his last chance to save the institution of monarchy.
The palace secretariat, the Raj Parishad and the Royal Nepali Army will now have to be kept under intense public scrutiny. Since the Narayanhiti Massacre, these institutions haven’t exactly covered themselves with glory.
Restoration of democracy was certainly the rallying cry of People’s Movement II, but the motive force of the uprising was the hope of the resolution of the Maoist insurgency. Peace-building has to be the primary agenda of the transitional parliament reconvening on Friday afternoon in Singha Darbar.
Resolving longstanding conflicts in countries torn asunder by armed insurgency and ruthless counter-insurgency is challenging even in normal times, and these are not normal times for Nepal. Four years of royal rule have all but destroyed the national economy. The diplomatic debacle suffered by palace propagandists has sullied the image of the country in the community of nations. Rapid militarisation has sapped the morale of the police force. Rampant politicisation has crippled civil administration and society stands deeply divided, dangerously polarised.
The shady reputation of some of the lawmakers sitting in the reconvened parliament makes their task doubly difficult: they will be considered guilty until proven innocent as they pave the way to elections for a constituent assembly. During the transition, MPs have to ensure that an all-party government does all it can to deliver development and peace through good governance.
Parliament must hit the ground running, and mainstreaming the Maoists tops the national agenda. It will not be possible to write a new constitution without bringing the insurgents on board. No less important is the task of democratising parliamentary parties. If main parties continue with their waywardness, Maoists will sweep the constituent assembly polls even if the arms of the security forces and rebels are taken care of under the terms of a reliable international guarantee.
Formation of a high-level commission for truth and reconciliation is another important task. The excesses of some of the officers of security forces upon peaceful protesters made their own former officers hang their heads in shame. The constitution has no provision for forced exile or capital punishment, but some form of prosecution is necessary to deter responsible officers of the state from descending into lawlessness in future.
The secretariat may have to be reduced and the Raj Parishad dissolved forthwith. But the RNA will have an even more important role to play in a functioning democracy and it needs to be thoroughly overhauled and reformed for a different kind of function: security and service of the people rather than the royal family.
These are staggering responsibilities for a frail octogenarian thrust upon by destiny to correct the course of a careening country. But Girija Prasad Koirala must succeed if he is to redeem himself and find a place in the history that the children of Arambha’s generation will write and read. In the agora of time, Koirala is all set to enter what may prove to be his last show: a barefoot walk on the embers of an autocratic monarchy. Four generations of Nepalis are watching. He must not fail this time.
(Courtesy: Nepali Times)
Please send your comments to [email protected] or [email protected]
(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to [email protected])
By Pratibedan Baidya
Fragile and aged, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala has been sworn in as the country’s new premier on Sunday.
Trade unionists staging a rally marking the International May Day 2006 in Kathmandu , Monday, May 01 06. nepalnews.com/rh
His Majesty King Gyanendra administering the oath of office to Prime Minister- designate G P Koirala at the Naryanhiti royal palace on Sunday. (File photo)
After the swearing-in ceremony, His Majesty King Gyanendra led Koirala to a nearby sofa and exchanged pleasantries. He also inquired about the health of the octogenarian leader with his personal physician, Dr. Madhu Ghimire, who was accompanying the grand old man of Nepali politics.
The Nepali monarch and Koirala were arch rival until last week—both of them adamant to implement their own roadmap. But, it seems the history has asked them to work together at a time when the country is passing through one of the most difficult phases since its existence as a nation-state more than 200 years ago.
This is the fifth time Koirala has been appointed Prime Minister since the restoration of multiparty democracy in the country in 1990. His challenges this time, however, are daunting—to say the least.
Born in 1925, Koirala, is one of the pioneers of Nepali trade union movement and a senior leader of the Nepali Congress party. He was one of the key figures of historic labour movement of March 4, 1947. He spent seven years in jail in the 1960s during the Panchayat era.
“Once Koirala champions certain cause, it’s almost impossible to get him deviated from it. His weakness is his tendency to take instant decisions without realizing its long-term consequences.”
— Harihar Birahi
In 1991, Koirala headed the first democratically elected government after the popular movement of 1990 that ended the absolute rule of monarchy. He, however, dissolved parliament and called snap polls amid intense intra-party feud in 1994.
He also led governments between 1998-99 and 2000-2001. Last time, he resigned from the post of Prime Minister in July 2001 just a month after the royal palace massacre. Reports say he quit from the post after the Royal Nepalese Army reportedly refused to pursue the Maoists who had abducted nearly 90 policemen after raiding a police post at Holeri in Rolpa district.
Six years down the line, one of his priorities is to bring the RNA under the purview of the parliament. Interestingly, Maoists too have agreed to join the political mainstream as the reinstated House of Representatives has agreed to their key demand—elections for the constituent assembly to draft a new constitution.
Towering Personality: Koirala (second from right), waves to the cheering crowd along with SPA leaders a day after the reinstatement of the House in Kathmandu last week. (Photo coutesy : Kiran Pandey/Himal khabarpatrika)
While in office, he was linked to infamous Dhamija and Lauda scam, among others. Koirala refuted any wrongdoing but popular opinion was that his near and dear ones were reaping benefits in his name. The then main opposition, CPN (UML) stalled parliament for nearly two months demanding his resignation. Now, UML is a key ally in the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and also proposed his name to the post of Prime Minister.
A strong-man of Nepali politics, Koirala is undisputed leader within his party. He was elected as the NC president for the third time last year.
“We have chosen Koirala for the post of Prime Minister realizing the respect he commands at the national and international level,” said Amik Sherchan—chairman of Jana Morcha Nepal – one of the constituents of the SPA.
Ever since King Gyanedra sacked the popularly elected prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in October 2002, Koirala has been spearheading the campaign against the royal move and demanding reinstatement of the dissolved parliament.
After the royal takeover of February 2005, Koirala was able to forge the SPA and later played key role in reaching into 12-point memorandum of understanding with the Maoist rebels at the outskirts of the Indian capital in November last year.
Ever since, despite his ill health, like ‘Ekalabya’ in Mahabharata he had been focusing all his energy to bring the direct rule of the king to an end.
Though majority of his coalition partners say they believe in making Nepal a republic, Koirala has made it clear he believes in the continuity of the history.
“Our agitation is not against the institution of monarchy but it is against the King who does not want to hand over the power to the people,” Koirala said, adding, “If the King is really committed to the institution of monarchy and democracy, he can revive the House giving the reign of power to the people. If King revives the house, we will be responsible in dealing with the Maoists,” said Koirala.
With the reinstatement of the House of Representatives last week as the people’s movement culminated, Koirala has a tough job to resolve the problem of Maoist insurgency and restore peace in the country.
Narahari Acharya, a Nepali Congress leader and ideologue, who had contested for the post of party president against Koirala during the party’s 11th general convention last year said, “Koirala is a thorough politician and his continuous activeness in politics is his strength.”
When asked about criticism that Koirala always wants to be in power, Acharya said there was no ground to prove such allegations. “He has been in power as per the popular mandate only,” he added.
Acharya, however, said failure to formulate long-term vision and working accordingly are main weaknesses of Koirala.
Koirala, who suffers from heart problems, hypertension and asthma, is often criticized for not allowing any space to people who have different opinion than his.
Koirala : Time to deliver.
(Photo source : AP)
“There is no one in the Nepali Congress to challenge Koirala’s leadership thanks mainly to his untiring struggle for democracy and his active participation in the politics,” Acharya added.
Senior journalist Harihar Birahi says the strength of Koirala is his unwavering commitment to the cause of democracy and rule of law in the country. “Once he champions certain cause, its almost impossible to get him deviated from it,” he added. Koirala’s weakness, according to Birahi, is his tendency to take instant decisions without realizing its long-term consequences.
“Though Koirala may not remain much active due to his ill-health, he may still have a decisive and leading role in the government as his coalition partners have vowed to support him and he has the capability to work with a team sprit,” said Birahi.
Hari Sharma, a political scientist, who had earlier served as personal secretary to Prime Minister Koirala did not want to comment on the strength and weaknesses of Koirala. He, however, said since Koirala—a person with strong will power– has expressed his commitment to work for the sake of the country and people, he will be able to overcome most of the challenges with the popular support.
In its editorial, New hope in Nepal, Khaleej Times newspaper wrote on Monday: Koirala will have to work hard and act fast to put Nepal back on the track. (He) doesn’t have much time on his side.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is going to be sworn in at Narayanhiti Royal Palace this morning. He is then going to administer the oath of office to his cabinet members at his office at Singha Durbar.
According to reports, the cabinet is boycotting the Rajparishad and is not going to be sworn in the royal Privy Council for the first time.
The Seven-Party Alliance, which is forming the government following the historic people’s movement, has called for immediate scrapping of the Rajparishad.
Though Koirala was scheduled to be sworn in Friday, he could not do so on Friday due to his ill health. Koirala also could not attend the first session of the parliament due to his ill health.
Deputy speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav, read out the sankalpa prastab (memorandum) sent by PM Koirala, to go for election to constituent assembly in the first session of the parliament as Koirala could not attend it due to frail health.
Prime Minister Koirala, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and others leaders of the alliance will address the parliament today.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Pashupati Shumshere Rana is also expected to speak on the proposal to hold constituent assembly poll before it is passed on Monday.
However, the government is yet to fully arrive at the modalities of passing not only the agenda related to the constituent assembly but also other bills which may be moved to amend other laws which impede functioning of the government.
The government is also expected to come up with its policy paper in the meantime, with sources claiming the session may not last more than two weeks.
The parties are yet to decide about the division of portfolios. nepalnews.com pb Apr 30 06
Nine Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) soldiers, who were abducted from Leguwa in Dhankuta district on Thursday, were released from Jeetpur Bazaar at the presence of human rights defenders, Saturday.
Although the RNA’s number-2 brigade at Hile claimed the Maoists had abducted 27 of their men, the rebels maintained that they took away only nine soldiers.
Maoists were facing criticism for abducting them notwithstanding their call of unilateral ceasefire for three months.
Meanwhile, the rebels are yet to release CDO of Sarlahi, Bodhraj Adhikari, who was abducted on April 6.
In another incident, RNA launched an aerial attack on a peaceful mass meet called by the CPN (Maoist) at Sunwal area in Nawalparasi district, Saturday afternoon.
According to reports, an RNA chopper rained bullets on the mass meet organized in the jungle adjoining a settlement.
According to eyewitnesses, some people took refuge under a bridge while others took cover beside uncovered hume pipes as indiscriminate firing continued from the helicopter. A Maoist cadre sustained shrapnel injury on his nose.
The Maoists have been organizing mass meets openly at various places since they announced unilateral truce on Wednesday. They also organized a mass meet in downtown Kathmandu on Friday. nepalnews.com pb Apr 30 06
Participants of an interaction have warned that the party leaders, too, will be swept away if they tried to deceive people in any way.
Speaking at an interaction organised by the Everest Press Club in the capital on Saturday, president of the Maoist-affiliated trade union, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Shalik Ram Jamarkattel said, “People’s movement will sweep away many party leaders if they tried to deceive people,” adding, “People will punish leaders for their misdeeds.”
He also accused parties of breaching the 12-point understanding by not consulting the Maoists before welcoming the royal proclamation.
“We will watch the developmetns after the House begins to decide on crucial issues, including the Royal Nepalese Army,” he added.
Speaking at the same programme, political analyst, Hari Roka said, “If the parties compel people to launch another people’s movement, it will not only sweep away monarchy but also leaders.”
Roka further said that the parliament should immediately take a decision on major issues raised by the people including an unconditional election to the constituent assembly and it should not sit for more than seven days.
Former general secretary of Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Students Union (NSU) Gagan Thapa claimed that people close to the Palace were conspiring against the people.
“The Royal Nepalese Army is the most powerful aide to the King and the Parliament should immediately decide to keep RNA under the Parliament,” Thapa added. nepalnews.com pb Apr 30 06
After the end of the political uncertainty and the country moving towards the path of peace and stability the index of Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) registered an impressive growth of 11.4 points in its index over the week.
According to data of the Nepal Stock Exchange, the Nepse index opened at 331.88 points on Tuesday, after a 19-day general strike in support of pro-democracy movement, reached to 343.28 points on Wednesday, when the weekly share market closed.
The Nepse floor was earlier closed for 19 days as employees and brokers went on strike in support of the protest called by seven-party alliance (SPA). The strike by employees at Nepal Bank Ltd also hampered transactions at Nepse as halt in transactions in the central bank made them unable to clear and settle payment of traded shares.
The report shows that a total of 47,949 unit shares worth Rs 24.56 million were traded over the week.
According to experts, the restoration of democracy has improved sentiments of investors, promoting them to buy shares at higher prices. nepalnews.com pb Apr 30 06
His Majesty King Gyanendra administered oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala amidst a ceremony at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace Sunday morning.
84-year-old president of Nepali Congress and four-time prime minister entered the Palace in a private care at 10 a.m. and left the palace in an official car with security escort in about 20 minutes. The oath taking ceremony of the newly appointed PM scheduled on Friday had been delayed due to the ill health of Koirala.
Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Poudel, chairman of the Raj Parishad standing committee Parshu Narayan Chaudhary, chief of the army staff of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) and member of Raj Parishad General Pyar Jung Thapa were also present in the oath taking ceremony.
After administering oath, King Gyanendra stood side-by-side with Koirala for a few seconds in front of TV cameras and then led the frail-looking and weak Koirala to the nearby sofa with royal grace and humility.
As history was in the making, Nepali monarch and premier Koirala exchanged some pleasantries.
Koirala, however, did not take oath of office of Raj Parishad from his former colleague-turned-royalist P. N. Chaudhari. A former general secretary of Nepali Congress, Chaudhari had joined the then Panchayat polity after the referendum of 1980.
Talking to Nepalnews, spokesman of the Nepali Congress, Krishna Sitaula, said Koirala did not take oath of office of Raj Parishad since abolition of Raj Parishad was one of the demands of the Seven Party Alliance.
He said Koirala would assume his duties at the Prime Minister’s Office at Singha Durbar and also deliver a brief speech at the House of Representatives this afternoon.
Koirala had tabled a resolution at the House on Friday– the first day of the reinstated House– saying that the parliament would go towards holding elections for the constitutent assembly.
Discussions on the resolution will kick off at the parliament from 4:00 p. m. on Sunday. nepalnews.com by Apr 30 06
The CPN-UML has decided to go for a democratic republic through the election of the constituent assembly.
The 11th central committee meeting of the party that concluded on Saturday passed a resolution to hold the election of constituent assembly to establish democratic republic in the country.
Besides this, the party also decided to organize meeting, convention and rallies of the party committees at the local level.
The party also formed a committee comprising Ashok Rai, Guru Baral and Prithvi Subba to receive information about the family status of the people who received martyrdom in course of pro-democracy movement of the country and to keep record and provide assistance to the injured people.
The meeting demanded an independent probe on the murder of parliamentarian Hem Narayan Yadav and to take action against the culprits.
The meeting also condemned the misbehavior of some miscreants against UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal.
According to reports, groups of miscreants misbehaved with CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and some other lawmakers, including Nepali Congress vice-president Sushil Koirala, after the session of reinstated House of Representatives ended Friday night.
Some 35 persons surrounded Nepal’s residence in Koteshwor and asked him, “Are you in favour of republic?”
Likewise, another group, who claimed to be members of the civil society, expressed their rage against NC vice-president Sushil Koirala for not making public the decision taken by the House of Representatives.
According to reports, Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai made a phone call to Nepal on Saturday and expressed his concern over the incident. “Such acts are not expected by our cadres at this time given the understanding between the alliance and us,” reports quoted Bhattarai as saying.
The meeting expressed condolence to the bereaved family of Pradumna Khadka, who passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi. nepalnews.com pb Apr 30 06