Maoist spokesman, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, has said the on-going anti-government demonstrations being launched by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) since last week is in fact a joint programme between his party and the SPA.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC Nepali Service on Monday, Mahara insisted that the fresh agitation being launched by the Alliance since last Thursday was, indeed, based on understanding reached between the two sides in the recent past.
“Obviously, it is a collaboration. After the 12-point understanding (reached in November last year), we have been coordinating our programmes,” said Mahara. He added that his party had suspended all of its military actions in the capital valley with a view to help the popular movement being launched by the opposition parties. He claimed that Maoist offensive at Malangawa, Butwal and Kapilvastu had provided energy to pro-democracy activists in Kathmandu and elsewhere.
Mahara wondered why the opposition parties were shy to admit that the on-going agitation was, in fact, a joint agitation. “Not only this, we want to move forward with a joint programme, joint front and joint slogan. They (the SPA) need us and we need them,” he added.
Responding to a query, Mahara said the agitation was now moving towards what he called a “people’s republic.” “Common people will not accept if this movement is brought to an end into a comprise as happened in 1990. Even if that happens through some conspiracy, people will march ahead,” he added.
Mahara even claimed that his party and the SPA had reached into an understanding and agreement to end the monarchy. “At present, two currents are flowing against the monarchy. The essence of the 12-point understanding is that monarchy can be ended by joining both these currents,” said Mahara. “The peaceful agitation alone can’t bring about the end of monarchy,” he added.
Meanwhile, talking to BBC Nepali Service on Monday, the seniormost leader of the SPA and president of Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala, refuted that the on-going movement was, indeed, a joint one with the rebels. “I don’t know what he (Mahara) said. It is our own movement and we are launching it standing on our own feet,” he added.
When asked if the Maoists’ latest claim had put them into a difficult spot, Koirala said adding, “All sides are putting us into difficulty. The government too has pushed us into difficulty.” He also blamed the security personnel of terrorizing the people (for supporting the movement).
Koirala repeatedly denied allegations that the SPA and the CPN (Maoist) had joined hands as being claimed by the royal government. “There is no involvement (of the Maoists) in the on-going agitation. There has been no collaboration with them,” said Koirala. “I don’t see the need to respond to anybody. We are accountable to our movement only,” he added.
“I haven’t hidden anything. We have entered into an understanding (with the Maoists) and there hasn’t been any agreement,” the former premier said.
When asked if the alliance leaders would go for dialogue if the king invited them, the octogenarian leader said, “No, I won’t. The king must create an atmosphere (for talks) and return to his previous position. I don’t want to go like a dog with (its) tail between two legs,” he added.
Koirala said, “The king should understand the situation. If he doesn’t, God save the king.”
In response to a query, Koirala said he had held talks with the Maoists as well as with the international community based on some basic principles. “These are: end of autocratic rule, peace, full-fledged democracy and independent, sovereign and prosperous Nepal. Go and ask with the Maoists, I have held dialogue with them within the parameters of these principles,” he added.
Earlier, Home Minister Kamal Thapa had alleged that the anti-government agitation being launched since last week was indeed a Maoist programme. “The Maoists have controlled and are leading it,” he had said.
Mahara’s latest interview became public at a time when the opposition leaders were refuting such allegations. nepalnews.com by Apr 11 06