Maoists’ marginal halt on stir

Roshan Sanwa/ Govinda Chhetri

ILAM/JHAPA: Bowing to sustained pressure from rival parties and international community, the Unified-CPN-Maoist has called off its proposed declaration of autonomous republican states across the nation.

The Maoists, who started the second phase of their agitation to restore 'civilian supremacy' on November 1, have drawn flak for 'violation' of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and Interim Constitution. Speaking at a press meet in Ilam this morning, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' informed about the party's plan to revoke its announcement of autonomous republican states on November 9.

“We felt that a declaration would tantamount to mere publicity. But, we'll go ahead with the rest of our protest programmes as per the schedule,” he said.

Earlier this week, the Maoists had also called off their plan to halt flight services at the Tribhuvan International Airport on

November 10. Prachanda hailed the recent statement of United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, who had urged the formation of a unity government in Nepal.

The Maoist boss, while in agreement with the UN chief, reiterated that the unity government would be formed under the leadership of his party. The ex-rebels, he said, would continue to agitate till they became a part of the unity government, and the President's 'unconstitutional move' on reinstatement of the then Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal was rectified. As of now, the party plans to adopt a two-pronged strategy. “Protests and talks will continue simultaneously. The government will have to pay a heavy price if our peaceful demonstration is thwarted,” he said.

Later this afternoon, he accused lack of unity among the coalition parties.

“In all practical purposes, the 22-party government is a myth. There are only 10 parties that are in the fray. Besides, the present government doesn't have the moral authority to urge us join the coalition since it is both unconstitutional and undemocratic,” he added.

Dr Bhattarai calls on GP Koirala

KATHMANDU: Dr Baburam Bhattarai, vice-chairman, Unified-CPN-Maoist, who is also the coordinator of the Joint National People's Movement, called on Nepali Congress (NC) president Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter's residence in Maharajgunj on Friday.

Koirala urged the Maoists to call off their ongoing agitation, and invited them for talks to end the political impasse.

The veteran NC leader struck a conciliatory note. “There is no alternative to peace and unity,” Koirala told Dr Bhattarai.

The meeting comes in the wake of Thursday's 22-party coalition partners' talks, where the Maoists movement was dubbed as a flagrant violation of the CPA. Dr Bhattarai said that his party was in search of a middle path to resolve the crisis. “However, the ruling coalition partners should discuss the President's move to reinstate the then Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal,” he said.

The duo also discussed at length the civilian supremacy issue, a sticking point between the main opposition and its

rivals. — HNS