On the eve of the Christmas, the Christian community of Nepal has appealed both the government and Maoist rebels to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
In a statement, Christian Efforts for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation (CEJPAR)-a faith-based organisation, said the Maoist problem was a political issue and hence should be resolved through political means. “All parties in the conflict as well as the civil society must be willing to discuss the agenda put forth by the Maoists namely round table discussion, interim government and election of the constituent assembly,” the group said.
The Christian community has also called for an international mediation/facilitation in the future talks between the government and the Maoists.
“Since the present constitution of Nepal does not guarantee all fundamental rights of the Nepali people including the religious freedom and these rights can not be guaranteed through mere amendment of the constitution, the Christian community in Nepal is in favour of a new constitution,” the statement signed by Dr. K. B. Rokaya, national coordinator of CEPJAR, said.
Human rights violations must stop and both sides must respect the Geneva Convention common article 3, the group said. It has also demanded that there must be representation/involvement of the religious communities in Nepal in the future talks between the government and the Maoists.
“Nepal’s Christian community is always for peace and is always in favour of a healthy competitive democratic political system and is opposed to any form of dictatorship,” the statement said.
The above agreed position evolved during a gathering of the Christian leaders in Nepal at Nava Jeevan Church in Kopundole, Lalitpur, early this month, the statement said.