UNMIN demand objectionable: Maoist leader Badal

Kathmandu, 26 Nov: Demand of United Nations for extension of UNMIN’s Nepal mandate that ends 23 January 2008 is objectionable, a top Maoist military leader said Monday."The present demands for the extension of tenure and jurisdiction is objectionable. The Nepali people, political parties and government should advise them regarding the extension oaf their jurisdiction as per our necessity," Ram Bahadur Thapa "Badal", one of top five Maoist leaders told The Rising Nepal in reply to a question: "What should be the role of the UNMIN?Badal is the top party military leader assisting Chairman Prachanda; Badal directed the insurgency from within Nepal during the people’s war when Prachanda was mostly directing the rebellion from India."’The UNMIN"s role has not only raised questions but also made our neighbours susceptible [suspicious].

"UNMIN’s role should be an auxiliary one, rather than behind decisive. If the UNMIN gives decisions to the political parties and the government, it would be decisive role rather than being supportive one."The decisive role would be an encroachment on our nationality," Badal said.Government and Maoists have to agree to the extension of the one-year mandate that expires 23 January 2008 following mixed reaction to the UN new Nepal operation..Even after 16 years, UNHCR hasn’t resolved the Bhutanese refugee problem of 108,000 displaced persons in east Nepal.Government Sunday assured UN it will extend the UNMIN mandate for another six months without additional responsibilities as demanded and requested with western government support and opposed by immediate neighbours India and China.India has objected to cross-border UNMIN activities. UNMIN mandate cannot be extended without Maoist concurrence yet to be forthcoming.

New Maoist condition for assembly elections

Kathmandu, 26 Nov: Maoist Chairman Prachanda Sunday apparently set new conditions for assembly elections while talking to reporters in Chitwan. "Constituent assembly elections will be held only after the integration of two armies and state restructuring," Prachanda said,Such an army will be a national army, he added. Maoists had previously said declaration of a republic and assembly vote on proportional representation were their two demands. Hours earlier, Congress leader Dr Manindra Rijal said Maoists weren’t serious about elections and were constantly changing goalposts for it.

Without mentioning Jimmy Carter, Chairman Prachanda said foreigners suggested him elections be conducted through seat allotment amid assembly election uncertainty.
"Various foreign power centers suggested to me to hold elections through seat allotment between political parties. We were assured 100 to 125 seats from 83. How can such farcical elections be held? "Maoists have 83 seats in the interim parliament. "India and USA want to finish off Maoists. USA wants to use Nepal to control India and China," he told reporters. "Maoist movement is an obstacle for imperialists and expansionists. Nepali people should consciously analyze their conspiracy," Prachanda added. "Then US Ambassador James F. Moriarty visited different places and incited people in east Nepal to create disturbances. So-called leaders of Bihar issued directives to fight to finish Maoists in Madesh," Prachanda said in Chitwan Sunday referring to the murdr of 28 Maoists in Lahan earlier this year.

Maoist leaders visit Washington DC, not only New York

New York, 25 Nov: Maoist lawmakers Suresh Ale Magar and Janardhaan Sharma have arrived in New York, Jangbu Sherpa reports in Rajdhani."We’ve come not to visit USA but the UN now matter how much the questioning [at New York by visa authorities]," Maoist lawmaker and PLA deputy Commander Prabhakar said.He said the continued US terrorist tag on Maoist is shameful.Maoist lawmaker Nandakumar Rai had arrived in USA earlier.Ale Magar and Prabhakar earlier met representatives of various Nepai organizations in Washington DC.

Laxman Aryal hits out a Premier Koirala

Kathmandu, 19 Nov: Coordinator of Interim Constitution Commission Laxman Aryal hit Monday took on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who called for former supreme court justice a ‘revolutionary’ by drafting an ‘impractical’ constitution."The prime minister said three things: the constitution was revolutionary, impractical and they [drafters] disobeyed my instructions," Aryal said putting the PM’s charges against him and others earlier this month in perspective.

"The comment shows the level of his commitment to the interim constitution. The constitutional crisis that has now cropped up is because of the insincerity of the leadership of political parties to the constitution," Aryal told Sanghu in an interview.Aryal revealed the concept on a ‘baby king’ recommended by Koirala was not incorporated in the constitution."He [Koirala] brought up the matter of a baby king. We will make the constitution; you corporate this."I told him, this will create a confusion amongst people. We didn’t agree to some things," Aryal revealed.He didn’t detail what other Koirala suggestions weren’t incorporated in the interim constitution.

‘While hair doesn’t demonstrate ability. You can’t say your hair has grayed with continued involvement in politics. The problem now is government’s commitment to the constitution," Aryal said refuting Koirala’s charge against him. "There are technical problems." "A prime minister who says the constitution is impractical should leave. Others will come who can implement it," Aryal said.‘Why did the seven parties approve the constitution. That’s my only questin," Aryal asked.

Jimmy Carter coming to push election not monitor it

Kaathmandu, 19 Nov: Former US President Jimmy Carter is coming on a four-day visit Wednesday ‘to encourage’ Nepal’s political leaders ‘to achieve a climate in which a constituent assembly election can be held’, the Carter center said Sunday.Carter who heads the Center, is not coming to monitor elections which he has done credibly in many pats of the world.The Carter Center, funded mainly by EU member states, especially Scandinavian countries that have maintained remarkable interest in Nepal- disproportionate to their world status.The Scandinavian countries have even limited influence within the EU of which they are members.The Scandinavians are using their oil-wealth to gain influence and foothold in South Asia.

Norwegians received a jolt in Sri Lanka where the peace they brokered has run into trouble; Scandinavians are pushing communism, including Maoism, and Christianity in predominantly Hindu Nepal.Carter is coming at a time when assembly elections are again in doubt mainly because of a lack of a proper environment with deteriorating law and order situation in the terai where government has ordered special security for party leaders, activists and government officials.Foreigners are pushing election at any cost—even if may cost countless lives and even with minimum popular participation.

Final effort to reach agreement; rebellion brewing in Congress

Kathmandu, 19 Nov: Amid a continuing government crisis, a top leader of Nepali Congress ruled out any agreement Monday morning at a summit of seven parties scheduled to begin at nine in the morning ahead of a regular winter session of parliament in the afternoon."I don’t think there will be an understanding in today’s meeting ," Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat told Radio Nepal."We’ve [seven parties] established a procedure for that [to declare republic through first meeting of elected members of constituent assembly]. The Maoist position that a republic I s important not the constitution has made us suspicious," Dr Mahat told state radio.

‘A republic has become the property of the parliament and people. Constitution is not important; they have been repeatedly amended in the past to accommodate political developments," Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma told state radio demanding immediate declaration of a republic even by overriding the constitution.Dr Baburam Bhattarai Sunday threatened to oust Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala if twin communist demands for an immediate declaration of a republic and assembly election through proportional representation aren’t fulfilled.When Koirala Sunday asked party central leaders at meetings of the party central committee and parliamentary party committee to be ‘flexible’ to Maoists, there was almost rebellion with influential members saying they will defy a party whip.Defiant central leaders, including Khum Bahadur Khadka, Dr Ram Sharan Mahat and Gobinda Raj Joshi, insisted general convention decision to oppose twin communist demands must be implemented fully.

"The party cannot any longer be a carrier for Maoists," Joshi said.Koirala earlier described the winter session as a ‘peace session’.Koirala told the committee meetings Sunday the summit will fix date for assembly election—Koirala has proposed the twice postponed vote should be held by mid-April 2008.Koirala is under conflicting pressures from his party and communists.Party leaders started assembling at Baluwatar from eight in the morning for the crucial summit meeting.

Nepal heading for crisis, confrontation

Kathmandu, 31 Oct: Nepal is heading for a crisis and possible political confrontation as it appears unity between the SPA is about to snap.Last-minute frantic efforts are underway to forge an understanding between six parties and Maoists to avoid a division in the special session of parliament Wednesday on a Maoist motion to demanding an immediate declaration of a republic through parliament and assembly election through proportional representation not mixed election as earlier agreed.The motion will be put to vote—probably later Wednesday-- after remaining 28 members speak in the third day of the Wednesday.

Nepali Congress and Maoists have said they won’t compromise on the opposing stances.‘Today’s political situation in Nepal is like a meandering hill tracks.Voting is not the only solution. Country’s problems like loktantra, changes, assembly election are serious," said CPN-UML leader Jhalanath Khanal."The only solution is the implementation of the constitution in letter and spirit," he said." "There’s no alternative."Nepali Congress has ordered its lawmkers to be compulsorily present for possible voting in parliament Wednesday; if put to vote, the Maoist motion will be defeated at the former rebels don’t have the required two-thirds majority to get the motion approved.
A split in the SPAM engineered by New Delhi in 2006 is imminent and certain if Maoist motion is put to vote; the result—a split in the coalition and confrontaion.Maoists have threatened an urban movement without returning to the jungle.Seven student unions affiliated with government and Maoists are to deliver a warning letter to the parties through the speaker not to break unity and the alliance.

Fears loom large of split in SPA

Kathmandu, 29 Oct: Fears of a split loomed large in the SPA as parliament meets later Monday to debate a Maoist motion to immediately declare a republic through parliament and conduct assembly election through proportional representation and not mixed election as agreed earlier by the ruling alliance.Maoists have withdrawn from the alliance after joining in on April Fool’s Day.A special session of parliament is scheduled to meet at 11 in the morning after the extended Dasain holidays when no compromise was found by major stakeholders.

Negotiations to end a protracted political deadlock collapsed Sunday night when Maoists rejected a request by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to withdraw their twin demands for an outlet; Koirala-led Nepali Congress is prepared ready for a division in parliament on the Maoist motion.

Maoists even said they would support Koirala as the country’s first president."Political polarization will begin after the voting. It’s clear. There’s a possibility of a conflict. One end will opt for a republic and proportional representation election, a group we represent. Another edge will be non-republican group supported by Congress," Maoist Spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara told mouthpiece daily newspaper Janadisha Monday.

"Don’t call for a division. If there is a division unity will be broken," former speaker Daman Dhungana reflecting the general feeling of EU member states and UN in particular said.Maoists, even with support of other communist parties in the 240-member parliament, don’t have the two-thirds to get the motion through the house."The two demands are dead issues. Maoists will be trapped because of their contradictions. They have been caught in a quicksand."Election dates should be announced . Maoists have their feet in two boats. They will make new demands when elections are announced after present demands are met."But a dialogue should be maintained," KP Oli, former deputy to Koirala, in the previous government said.

The 22, including the two major Maoist demands, had been met by the previous government, Oli told Radio Nepal Monday morning."Maoists have retreated from agreements. They talk of necessity of violence and openly advocate overthrow of government. They talk of a revolution; this should be understood," Oli said.Oli blamed Congress, his own CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist) for the country’s ‘ill health’.He blamed them for pushing only party instead of national interest, ‘cheap talk’,"Parties aren’t understanding problems. Real problems aren’t being addressed. Only superficial issues are being propelled,’ the former foreign minister said bluntly.

CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal said foreign aid will stop if if the deadlock is not ended, Nepal Samacharpatra said.Nepal said this was conveyed to him by representatives of aid donors, the newspaper reported in its Tuesday editions.

Congress asks Maoist to withdraw twin demands

Kathmandu, 23 Oct: Nepali Congress of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala again asked Maoists to withdraw twin demands for the immediate declaration of a republic and assembly elections on proportional representation.CPN (Maoist) is unlikely to oblige the Koirala Congress and other ruling alliance members. The demands have created a political crisis and a deadlock in national politics.The demands will be discussed when a special session of parliament meets Monday after the Dasain holidays to discuss the demands.

Top Congress leaders Monday rejected a CPN-UML request to be flexible to Maoists; in an inconclusive meeting, Congress leader Sushil Koirala told CPN-UML Chief Madhav Kumar Nepal Maoists were escalating their demands and Maoists weren’t interested in assembly elections.Acting Congress President Koirala said Monday parliament will reject the Maoist demands and asked the party that has withdrawn from government to help resolve a national crisis through conciliatory politics.

Koirala said Maoists don’t have the required two-thirds majority in the 240-member legislature to successfully push their demands; Maoists have only 84 seats in the interim parliament.CPN-UML which has 83 seats in parliament, is also opposed to the Maoist demands, like the Nepali Congress.

Nepal held discussions with Chairman Prachanda before meeting Sushil.Sushil Koirala reiterated Congress won’t renegade on an agreement to .conduct assembly elections through mixed vote; the cousin of the government and the party chief also said the NC sticks to its position that the future of monarchy should be decided by the first meeting of an elected constituent assembly.

The vote for the 22 November assembly was pushed back for the second time.Premier Koirala said the immediate task of the government after the Dasain was to fix new date for a vote.Peace Minister Ram Chandra Paudel and fourth-ranking leader Congress leader charged Maoists are helping conservative forces by insisting in their twin demands.India has asked government to hold elections to untangle the crisis.New Delhi is currently reviewing its failed Nepal policy after election was postponed for the second time questioning the legality of the Koirala government which has failed to conduct a promised vote.

Maoists are taking on India which forged a deal in New Delhi in 2006 between SPA and Maoists propelling them to Singha Durbar by toppling the King.The real challenge for the government is to create a proper environment for the vote which the government was finally pushing under foreign pressure although conditions weren’t conducive for it.

Govt. in crisis after Maoists set two preconditions

Kathmandu, 17 Sept: Government is in a fresh crisis.Maoists Monday decided to quit government if two of 22 demands, aren’t met by Tuesday in an effort to pressure a weak Koirala government that has adopted an appeasement policy.Last-minute efforts are being attempting to same the government.The prime minister is attempting to appeal to Maoists through a national appeal.
Koirala is interested in prolonging the live of his coalition government even without parliamentary elections.Koirala has said the eight-party alliance should continue for another eight years.It’s not certain when parliamentary elections will be held even if assembly elections are held 22 November.Maoist leader CP Gajurel said after the meeting Monday government must meet demands for an immediate declaration of a republic and election on proportional representation basis.The declaration of a republic by parliament will have to be endorsed by a constituent assembly.An emergency unofficial meeting of CPN (Maoist) discussed leaving government Monday for more than two hours.Maoists plan a public meeting in the capital Tuesday to announce detailed protest plans in demands aren’t met.

"We will leave government if two of 22 demands aren’t met by Tuesday," Gajurel told Radio Nepal.Gajurel quoted Peace Minister Ram Chandra Paudel as saying government won’t accept the two main Maoist demands.Only 65 days remain for election.There’s no election wave and security ahead of election.Communal violence broke out in Kapilvasthu and Rupedhani districts Sunday killing at least four persons.Armed groups set off bombs explosions in various parts of the country Monday.Election Commission will enforce a code of conduct for government and semi-government officials from Tuesday.Government can’t promote and transfer officials after the enforcement.Home Ministry, under the control of Nepali Congress, has already effected major transfers.India pressed elections despite adverse circumstances when Indian Foreign Secretary Shib Shankar Menon visited Nepal.US Ambassador Nancy J Powell said Monday there was no security and an election wave while noting candidates in her country where already canvassing for the 20008 presidential vote.

Yet she said election should be held.

She was not clear in an interview with The Kathmandu Post whether her statement was a general support for a vote or election at any cost to save the unelected Koirala government and the movement with Maoist involvement Washington supported against the King in 2006.

Maoists announcing movement Thursday after roundtable conference

Kathmandu, 11 Sept: Quoting unnamed Maoist sources, CPN (M) mouthpiece Janadesh reported Tuesday a broad roundtable conference will be held this week to declare a movement।The detailed movement is being launched to prepare conditions for a constituent assembly elections.The conference will form a joint front to go for constituent assembly elections by announcing a republic.The assembly election will be conducted on proportional representation basis and will push ethnicity, regionalism and autonomy.

The movement will wipe away status quoists, the newspaper reported.Leftists, republicans, representatives of civil society, Madeshis, women, Dalits, agitating Janajatis, class and regional organizations have been invited for the conference.The conference will prepare a common understanding; a joint front is being created to implement the understanding, the newspaper reported.Maoist have threatened to launch a movement from 18 September if 22 demands aren’t met.The roundtable conference is being held Thursday, Kantipur reports.Rebel Madesh Janaadhikar Forum, Limbuwan, Tamlasingh, Janamorcha Nepal, CPN (United), MLM Central and others have been invited, the newspaper said."All preparations for the movement have been completed. Only the formal announcement of a withdrawal from government remains," Kantipur quoted central committee leader Barsha Man Pun ‘Anant’ as saying.Although Congress has opted for a republic, election without declaration of a republic is meaningless, Pun said."Election cannot be held because the demands of Madesh, adibashi janajatis, Dalits and others haven’t been met," a newspaper quoted an unnamed Maoist leader as saying.Maoists have called for a new agreement with seven parties to replace a 12-point agreement.The international community has been informed of the Maoist decision.

Army promises held for election

Kathmandu, 10 Sept: Although government has decided not to deploy the Nepal Army for the uncertain 22 November assembly polls, top army officers trooped to Baluwatar Sunday and offered Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala ‘ possible army help’ for the elections.The Army offered help amid widespread feeling work of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in maintaining law and order situation for election is inadequate.Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rookmangud Katawal, department, division and Valley chiefs, briefed Koirala on the security situation work and action plans.Koirala, who is also defence minister, ordered the officers to ‘be prepared to face any challenge for the protection of national integrity and promotion of democratic system in the country," a Defence Ministry announcement said.

Koirala assured top generals the 22 November poll will be held.Details weren’t released.Top army officers briefed Koirala on the country’s security situation after a review meeting in the capital Thursday and Friday.Maoists are opposed to the deployment of Nepal Army for election even as they demanded the deployment of YCL for the vote.The top officers held discussions with Koirala as Maoists have threatened to opt out of government and launch urban protests from 18 September if their 22-point demand for assembly elections aren’t met by 17 September.Maoists have called a roundtable conference to discuss their demands, including the declaration of a republic and election of proportional representation basis.Parties opposed to the election have been invited by Maoists for the roundtable conference.

Another force without a vote: SB Thapa

Kathmandu, 23 Aug: Six-time former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa Tuesday warned ‘another force’ will emerge if 22 November election isn’t held to draw the country out of the current deep political mess."Let’s not think of consequences without elections. Another force will arise," Thapa warned forces trying to abort an assembly vote."Without elections major issues can’t be settled. But we are confused. There are obstacles. People have suspicions election will be held; they are losing faith in politicians."Election should be held. There’s no other solution," the veteran politician and chief of the Rashtriya Janasakti Party (RJP) Tuesday told state-owned Radio Nepal now under Maoist control."Politics is being conducted for personal, party and group interest. It must address national needs."Politics right now is confused. Long-term decisions couldn’t be taken in the past. Politicians are acting with selfish one-sided interest. This is not hidden. "Politicians, like me, cannot shy away responsibility," Thapa added.‘Now in politics, Rasputins are playing. I don’t want to say more than that," Thapa, who is close to India observed.He hinted such elements are in and outside the palace, including political parties.Thapa said the King can’t be ignored in present politics."The King has big role," Thapa said.

"Aberrations have surfaced in politics without balance and coherence. Personal, party and group interests are being prioritized. Party and personal interests are being mixed in politics."National interest isn’t being given priority or focused. We are, as a result, facing the consequences."Thapa added: ‘The main players in politics should understand this. They have to make a promise to the people election will be held. Small fries don’t matter. If they’re honest, there’s no question of election not being held."

Cosmetic govt. effort to placate Maoists

The Koirala government was looking for a dramatic ploy to placate aggressive Maoists who one week earlier threatened to walk out of the 22 November elections to which Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was paying only lip service.At least that’s the Maoist charge and the perception of many independent analysts.Maoists presented Koirala with a set of 22 demands including fulfilling calls to declare a republic through parliament and nationalization of royal assets.Koirala surrendered to Maoist pressures last Thursday and nationalized seven palaces, including Narayanhiti Royal Palace, where the King and Queen reside. Four palaces in the Valley were transferred to the government Monday.The King and Queen are presently residing at Nagarjung.

Three palaces: Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbars are UNESCO heritage sites of archaeological and historical importance.Only rare, ceremonial state functions are held at Hanuman Dhoka where Dasain pujas are conducted as well.Palaces in Patan and Bhaktapur are hardly used by royal family members; they, in fact, house government offices and museums. The palaces are monuments that attract tourists—must see and visit sights in the Valley for them.It has now come to light government took over Nuwakot palace 14 years ago and ‘nationalized’ it for the second time in as many years.Local political party leaders in Nuwakot were shocked by the government decision Thursday, The Kathmandu Post reported.The Nuwakot Land Revenue Office, following directives from the then His Majesty’s Government, on November 4, 1993, registered Nuwakot Palace in the government’s name.All proof, the government acted in haste and without adequate homework.Following the announcement Thursday, local leaders in the adjoining Nuwakot district have been raising questions regarding the government’s ‘irresponsible’ act, the newspaper added.
The palaces and other assets are and were owned and held legally under the laws of the land, including the basic law—the 1990 constitution which has been thrown into the wastepaper basket and replaced by an interim constitution by an interim government.The royal property was seized by a government whose chief faced charges at the CIAA for possession of assets incommensurate with his income. Koirala never presented himself before the investigating agency to offer an explanation.The agency hasn’t yet explained why it withdrew or shelved charges against Koirala after he was propelled to power in April 2006 through street protests.The agency has lost moral authority to continue more so when other constitutional bodies envisaged in the 1990 have been demolished; how and why does the CIAA continue?

An unaccountable elected government with unlimited authority but with only a limited mandate does not have the moral authority to do what it’s doing.A government that hasn’t been elected is taking sweeping decisions in the name of the people when constituent assembly election is less then 90 days away.Government couldn’t wait for assembly elections to elect people who would have had the popular mandate to suggest sweeping changes for a ‘New Nepal’. Why the haste?The very persons who charge the King are misusing state assets to manipulate elections [justifying their nationalization of royal assets] and are in a mad race to go to or retain seats in Singha Durbar for manipulation. Party rulers are abusing state power and authority to acquire wealth every day to misuse influence elections; the nationalization is driven by a conspiracy desire to create additional hatred against the King and monarchy to influence the outcome of elections.

Government and ruling parties had to create a fresh issue to face the people in elections after failing to deliver in the last 16 months.The assets were held by the members of the royal family during successive governments headed by the present ‘revolutionary’ rulers from 1990 to 1 February 2005 when the King took-over for three years.While government seizes royal property, it criminally legalized motor vehicles stolen by Maoists, even from government, or cars and jeeps smuggled in from India.Maoists drive around in these vehicles freely now throughout the country to influence voters.While Koirala treats others like criminals, his government threw aside suggestions and recommendations of the EU, UN, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch not to enact laws amnestying Maoists especially for grave crimes against humanity.

The government withdrew 59 criminal cases against Maoists at courts this week, including Prachanda, insulting victims of Maoist atrocities and security agencies deployed by the government headed by leaders in the present parliament against the former rebels during the people’s war.Prachanda, not Koirala, is in government’s driving seat. Government has asked banks to freeze the accounts of the King.Koirala and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula turn a blind eye to daily Maoist extortion.Government can if wants to, though.It dissolved parliament last week to enable lawmakers to go to constituencies to create an atmosphere for a vote despite Maoist opposition.

Maoists approach former rebel group for reconciliation

Kathmandu, 25 Aug: Maoist leadership has been making various attempts to regain a foothold in Madesh five months after the Gaur massacre, Bishwamani Pokhrel reports in Samya.Matrika Prasad Yadav will be sidelined and founding chairman of Janatantrik Mukti Morcha Jaya Krishna Goit and some central committee members will be welcomed with a red carpet if current moves succeed ; Goit rebelled four years ago.Yadav resigned as minister of agriculture and was removed from the Morcha two months ago.Maoists have adopted a strategy to woo Goit and other rebels following a party plenary session and a call for a roundtable conference is part of the strategy.Maoists have developed contacts and dialogue with political persons of the Goit group is on.

Central leaders Post Bahadur Bogati ‘Divakar’, CP Gajurel, Marika Yadav and Hari Bhakta Kandel ‘Pratik’ were in Barmajhia, Dhanusha, as guests 19 August to mark the death anniversary of Maoist martyr Ram Brikshya Yadav.Without letting Yadav know, Divakar and Gajurel talked from Dhanusha with second ranking Morcha leader Ram Bilash Yadav in Patna.Ram Bilash has been talking to his friends in CPN (Maoist) saying he has contacts with Maoists.Bogati visited Madesh for the first time after taking over responsibility of Madesh for the first time; Maoists have now split into three: Mithila, Bhojpur and Abhad.According to security sources, Bogati talked indirectly with members of the Goit group through Gajurel.

Parliament prorogued amid Maoists oppose

Kathmandu, 24 Aug: Budget session of parliament was prorogued Friday by a majority decision of four parties amid Maoist opposition.The budget session was also the second session of the interim parliament.There was no agreement between ruling eight parties to prorogue parliament even as they unanimously agreed one day earlier Thursday to nationalize nine royal palaces, most of them historical sites, in the King’s name.Congress, NC-D, CPN-UML and United Left Front agreed to prorogue the legislature as Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party and NSP and Janamorcha backed CPN (Maoist) Maoists by demanding parliament session should go into recess only.Four parties said parliament should be prorogued to enable lawmakers to go to their constituencies to prepare the country for the 22 November assembly elections still doubtful because of a bad law and order situation.Critics argued Maoists didn’t want assembly elections to which Maoists replied by saying Congress was encouraging secession in terai.Maoists demanded parliament should continue to discuss important issues, including declaration of a republic.

Lawmakers against suspension argued opponents of elections could conspire to foiling elections in the absence of parliament; Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala again reiterated Friday election will be held on schedule.There was no consensus between eight parties despite a five-hour effort to forge a common eight-party approach on suspending the interim parliament’s budget session.Twenty-three bills and the budget were approved by the legislature.Parliament can be recalled if demanded by one-fourth members.Speaker Subash Newang said the 54-day session was historic and important.Home Minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula told parliament any assets held by Late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya and their family members before 1 June 2001 have been frozen.Their sale and transfer has been stopped through notification to the Land Reforms Ministry, Shitaula said.Shitaula was furnishing details of a government decision to nationalize assets of the King and other members of the royal family.Critics said the move to nationalize palaces was only cosmetic because some palaces were either in the name of the government or were buildings of national and cultural importance.

The King and Queen will continue to reside at Narayanhiti Royal Palace until another arrangement.Shitaula told parliament the next cabinet will discuss how to handle forests held by Late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya.Communication Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said Friday his party will launch movement the next day if constituent assembly isn’t held 22 November.Dr Shekhar Koirala, Congress central committee member and nephew of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, said in Biratnagar Friday Congress will approach assembly election with federal republic agenda.

MAOISTS ACCUSE USA, INDIA

‘There’ll be no need for the UN to continue in Nepal if the constituent assembly election does not take place," weekly newsmagazine Nepal quoted Chairman Prachanda as saying Sunday.Prachanda said New Delhi has designs on Nepal and Madesh"Had India wanted, definitely such a situation wouldn’t have cropped up in Madesh," Prachanda said in reply to a question if discussions had been held with India on the terai situation."They say this is happening because of the open border. But there’s no basis to accept this. It looks like a strategy to foil Nepal’s revolutionary movement. Second, majority of Nepali people know there’s a bid ‘design’ on the part of the Indian ruling class to extend its influence in Nepal and especially Madesh. We’re countering this as well," Prachanda said."India didn’t do good. We feel, India has played a big role in minimizing our role in terai," Prachanda added. " After we came to government, we didn’t work that way [to work for Indian interest]."Prachanda there a’ big conspiracy’ by foreigners against Nepal’s integration and sovereignty; Americans first started a drive to sideline Maoists in terai.Prachanda claimed ‘American representatives’ went to Madesh and ‘incited’ people there against Maoists after the former rebels decided to opt for constituent assembly elections."Americans started the move to sideline Maoists in Madesh. Second, Indian ruling class consisting of some expansionists have also started planned activities," the Maoist chief said.‘That’s [Indian Ambassador Mukherjee’s statement election should be held at any cost, despite problem in terai or any other problem] very objectionable. The language used is against the people of Nepal and Nepal’s independence. It’s clear India is trying to ‘dictate’. There’s a whiff somewhere of former US Ambassador Moriarty’s language," Prachanda said.If assembly election isn’t held, Prachanda said Nepal may turn into a 21st century Vietnam."Nepal can turn into a 21st century Vietnam, not Iraq or Afghanistan," he said.

Prachanda rejects Koirala proposal for joint appeal

Kathmandu, 19 Aug: Maoist Chairman Prachanda Saturday rejected an appeal of ailing Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to launch a joint appeal to conduct 22 November constituent assembly election." The appeal was made at a time when people are confused in the election will be held at all," leader of the United Left front CP Mainali told Radio Nepal Sunday.Koirala briefly made the appeal at a summit of the ruling eight-party alliance that met for the first time in five months, indicating the deep differences in the alliance; Koirala returned to his bedroom immediately after a brief appearance at the summit.

"Yes, there was no agreement on the appeal. We proposed a republic be declared before the assembly elections. Congress didn’t agree," Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai said," What is the point in issuing a joint appeal where there is no agreement?"The leaders of the eight parties agreed to meet again Thursday to approach the people jointly for assembly elections.

Maoists presented a 18-point agenda at the meeting.

In return, Congress charged Maoists in the three-hour meeting for not implementing the 12-point peace accord, including the return of seized assets, involvement in anarchic activities and appearing in public in combat dress.

MAOIST STUDENTS ON STRIKE

Meanwhile, Maoist students announced an indefinite strike in educational institutions from Sunday demanding release of 54 colleagues arrested last week for attacks on rival Congress students and engineering campuses; Maoist students have been nabbed under the Draconian state offence act for disturbing peace."The goal of all political parties is to hold constituent assembly polls. If any group or party stages agitation before the polls, it will obstruct the vote," Education Minister Pradip Nepal warned."The Home Ministry’s silence at a time when CDOs are being thrashed frequently by the cadres of a ruling party clarifies that there is no atmosphere for the assembly polls.

"How can the polls be held at a time when the CDOs themselves are not secure?" Chairman of the conservative RPP, Pashupati Shumshere JB Rana asked.A little known group calling itself the Nepal Mukti Morcha set off five bomb blasts at Malangwa in Sarlahi; there were no casualties in the central terai district blasts Saturday.The current budget session of parliament is being prorogued Monday evening to enable lawmakers to proceed to villages to create an environment for the vote that probably won’t be conducted for the second time. The historic vote to draft a constitution for a ‘New Nepal’ was first scheduled in June.Election is only 95 days away and there’s no election wave at all as political party leaders are confined to the capital in the monsoon.

Another hill resident killed in Terai; UN comes under govt. fire

Kathmandu, 18 Aug: A vegetable vendor of hill origin was murdered by a group of two dozen people in Bardhibas, Mohottari, Friday prompting authorities to slap an immediate curfew to stop the spread of violence.

Chure Bhavar condemned the murder of the third person of hill origin in the terai; Bhabar, which suspended talks with government, charging it for failure to protect lives of Phahadis in the terai, had earlier called off anti-government protests at the call of the UN and government to facilitate relief work for floods and landslide victims.

Police fired in the air and lobbed teargas shells to disperse crowds that attacked a police station and set ablaze a vehicle.The violent rebellion in the terai is taking a serious communal turn; two activists of the Jwala Singh Group of JTMM were lynched in Parsa the same day.

The 22 November assembly election is uncertain with the continuing violence in the region bordering India even as the government says it’s committed to hold the poll.More than one dozen armed groups, some calling for a separate state by splitting the hills and plains, have been direct cross-border operations from across the border—mainly from the states of Bihar and Utter Pradesh.

UNMIN Chief Ian Martin reiterated Friday: "The conduct of election in a conducive climate in still a major challenge।"Martin said the situation in 20 terai districts isn’t favourable.

"A favorable environment is the chief challenge. Election won’t be difficult with a positive outcome," Martin added.

Martin said there should be a breakthrough in talks between government and rebel groups in the Terai to ensure the 22 November polls. A constitution is being drafted for the first time by elected representatives to draft a constitution for what has been called a ‘ new Nepal’; previous constitutions were either gifted by the King or promulgated by him after being drafted represented by mostly non-elected representatives of society.

The summit of eight ruling parties, including Maoists, delayed for five months is being held later Saturday to discuss assembly polls and other political issues। The extended delay in holding summit talks amongst ruling parties reflected deep differences in the alliance.UNMIN, for the first time, came under heavy fire from a top government minister Friday for what he called failure

"Combatants registered at camps are freely roaming outside. How many are in the camps and now many are to be paid? Where’s the monitoring ?" Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat asked."More than half the combatants are walking the streets as YCLs because UNMIN monitoring isn’t regular and effective," Dr Mahat charged.

UNMIN minitors the Maoist combatants at 28 camps and cantonments.Dr Mahat said Maoists had not accounted for Rs 260 million released by government as monthly remuneration at Rs 3,000 per fighter for 31,000 combatants।Previously, only Maoists criticized UNMIN for harsh questions asked during interrogation of combatants to determine whether they joined the PLA after 25 May 2006 or were child soldiers.Nearly 3,00 of 3,100 combatants at a camp failed the tests; Maoists called UNMIN US imperialists warning they would be returned from Nepal where they were invited in 2006 by government and Maoists to manage the peace process and oversee assembly elections.

Fears of Maoist communist revisionism; assurance Maoists won’t disrupt newspaper publication

Kathmandu, 16 Aug: Maoist leadership came under heavy pressure and criticism at the just concluded 5th plenum as delegates asked the party not to abandon radical communism as the party joined the mainstream in April 2007 and government five months ago.Nearly 2,200 plus delegates exerted pressure at the extended session warning the CPN (Maoist) not to turn into a revisionist party even as similar pressures have come from Revolutionary International Movement (RIM) and Naxalites in neighbouring India.Delegates urged CPN (Maoists) to immediately quit government and topple the government through a popular rebellion. The leadership has answered through confused messages.The leadership, still under the firm grip of Chairman Prachanda and Dr Baburam Bhattari, is blowing hot and cold assuring the party rank and file that it will quit government this month if demands aren’t met while at the same time arguing it should continue in office for strategic party interest.

The plenum called for an immediate declaration of a republic and election on proportional representation basis.

"Don’t consider otherwise. There’s nothing but rebellion in my mind. I’ve been leading the party for 25 years; I won’t turn into another Khruschev."We can’t even conceive of being another CPN-UML. We’re ready for a repeat the events of the ‘Paris Commune’ by capturing power even for one day through armed conflict " Prachanda assured delegates.CPN-UML, Nepal’s biggest parliamentary communist party, is called revisionist by critics. Like the Maoists, they launched the party from Jhapa in the 1960’s through armed rebellion which they later abandoned as impractical for Nepal.He gave the assurance to delegates of the CPN (Maoist) at the 5th plenum that concluded during the weekend in the capital.Tears welled down his eyes as he wiped it away with a handkerchief.

"I feel encircled from all four sides."I request you not to even suspect the party will turn Right; have faith in headquarters," he asked rebellious delegates."We’ve been saved from being a Peru; but the danger of turning into a Nicaragua remains," Prachanda explained confirming the party is under heavy national and international pressure even charging there were ‘national and international conspiracies’ against it.

To recall, the communist rebellion was crushed in Peru and in Nicaragua, communists were toppled from government.A central committee meeting Wednesday retained Prachanda and Dr Baburan Bhattarai as top two party leaders.

Mohan Baidya ‘Kiran’, CP Gajurel and Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ were inducted into headquarters previously run only by Prachanda and Bhattarai.The addition by the central committee of three more members in headquarters in confirmation they are the top five leaders in the secretive party. ‘Kiran’ and Gajurel were released from a jail in India earlier this year. Sweeping organizational changes were introduced ahead of the 22 November assembly election to conduct elections smoothly and help direct a possible movement.

"Command and bureau systems have been replaced to make it easier for the party to go for elections and run a movement," Minister for Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara said.Thirteen state committees have been formed by abolishing autonomous regions formed largely along ethnic lines abolishing two and five bureaus as well.Maoists disbanded autonomous regions at a time when demands are being made by residents of both hills and terai for federal autonomy along ethnic lines.

Many fear the division of the country along ethnic lines will ultimately split the country.

Prachanda continues to head the military bureau and Bhattarai has been retained the chief of the Revolutionary People’s Council which, in effect, is the Maoist government.Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador Shib Shankar Mukherjee said Wednesday in another controversial statement assembly elections must be held 22 November despite law and order or terai problems.

Indian diplomacy has received a severe setback when Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala failed to conduct assembly elections first in June and the vote may not be held even in November with the continued bad security situation.Unrest in India’s backyard is already having a destabilizing effect on the states of Utter Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh. Unrest and instability will delay the formation of an elected government

with which India wants and has to negotiate to secure deals on water resources by tapping Nepal’s river systems for flood control and hydro power to feed energy-starved north India.Floods this year caused widespread devastation in north India forcing state leaders in IP and Bihar to ask the government in New Delhi to strike deals with Nepal to reduce the ravages caused by inundation.Ambassador Mukherjee said the June election should have been held even Kashmir or Assam-style; the vote never materialized."It [vote] must be held, no excuse can be given for not holding CA polls on time," Mukherjee as saying Wednesday.

The comment reflected India’s desperation for non-elections in Nepal.

But the outgoing envoy said firmly Premier’s secret plan to announce a republic through parliament by converting it into a constituent assembly won’t have any legitimacy.‘It is the election that would provide legitimacy to the constituent assembly. Without legitimately elected assembly, there will always be a question mark on any constitution," Mukherjee said.

Maoist assurance publishing houses won’t be closed down

Maoists Thursday assured publishing houses won’t henceforth be closed down as they have under heavy national and international criticism for obstruction the publication of The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post—two leading newspapers published from Kathmandu.

The assurance came in a statement Thursday from Salikram Jamarkattel, Chairman of All Nepal Trade Union Federation." We want to assure that in the coming days other forms of movement will be adopted during a movement without closing down newspapers or their distribution while keeping the sensitivity of the media," Kattel said.He asked striking workers and organizations not to obstruct the publication and distribution of the two newspapers.

In a page one write-up entitled "THANK YOU", The Himalayan Times wrote: "It has once again vindicated our faith in Nepal’s democracy and the democratic institutions in the country, especially its fearless and extremely fair judiciary."We are also very glad to see the responsibility with which leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and its affiliated union have behaved to resolve the deadlock."

The two newspapers hit the newsstands Thursday six days after Maoists forced their closure for the second time in three months.Management and Maoist representatives reached agreement late Wednesday to remove hurdles.Patan appellate court Wednesday issued a stay order asking a trade union close to Maoists not to obstruct printing and distribution. A petition was registered by the newspapers at the court.

WOMEN IN BRITISH GURKHAS

Women will be recruited into the British Army for the first time from 2009. Great Britain, impressed by the bravery of Nepali soldiers during Anglo-Nepal war before 1815, started recruiting men from Nepal’s hills into the British Army.The tradition still continues’ Gurkhas are fighting alongside with their British counterparts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Unlike the men, the Nepali women will be recruitment for non-combat jobs only.‘The Brigade of Gurkhas has not historically recruited women, however, under the new Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service announced on March 8, 2007, Nepalese women will in future be considered for non-infantry posts within the British Army’s Bridage of Gurkhas," British Gurkhas Nepal said.

Annually, 300 plus male Gurkhas are recruited to replace retiring Nepali soldiers; women are preparing to join the British Army preparing by attending training schools not recognized by the British government; girls have been discouraged from joining such training such schools that aren’t recognized.

MAOIST DEFECTION

Maoist YCL Sunday captured but didn’t hand over Raj Kumar Regmi ‘Sandesh’ to district authorities in Nuwakot after he defected with a group of more than 20 supporters three days earlier forming a rebel group ‘Janabadi Yuba Samuha’.Maoists handed over only two of three 303 rifles and one pistol defectors snatched from police after overrunning a police outpost Thursday; Maoists didn’t return a third seized pistol as they couldn’t nab all defectors.The latest rebellion was short-lived because it didn’t last more than three days.

The group of four fresh rebels was nabbed at Bhanche.

Defector leader Regmi attended the opening of the 5th plenum at Balaju Wednesday before defecting in disgust rushing back to his district Wednesday.‘We’ve started not only a political but also a military rebellion by attacking the police outpost."Issues raised during the people’s war weren’t implemented until now. I raised this matter inside the party without a hearing. Plans were being hatched to demote me in the party. I then started plans to rebel."Most party workers in the district are running after position and money," Regmi told a reporter before he was nabbed by Maoists.CPN (Maoist) has been plagued by defections as rebels formed or joined armed rebel groups in the south from where they have been displaced by new militant groups—some calling for the independence of the region from Kathmandu.

Congress unity put off

Kathmandu, 12 Aug: Unification between of two Congresses that split five years ago has been put off; a livid NC-D President Sher Bahadur Deuba said Saturday a miscarriage will be announced within two days."Now a miscarriage will be announced within two days," the former prime minister predicted."How long are we going to talk unity? We have been treated like children. We couldn’t organize waiting for unity," an angry Deuba said.NC-D central committee will met this week will formally announce the miscarriage and go on a campaign to organize for the 22 November assembly election which may not be held.Deuba told the same programme in which he forecast the abandonment of unity talks, the first historic assembly election won’t be held because of continued Maoist excesses.Deuba charged the Congress and its leader Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala for wasting his time in creating expectations for unity." We’ve been treated like children."Deuba said nominations for candidature for elections have to be filed by the first week of September and homework will start immediately after unity talks are abandoned."How long are we going to wait for talks," an irritated Deuba asked.Deuba, demanded second position in the united party below Koirala; he asked for an honourable unity wile accommodating his colleagues in powerful party positions.Koirala’s critics charge the ailing government chief for nepotism trying to secure the party for his daughter, Sujata, and cousin, Sushil, after his political eclipse.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel Sunday asked Koirala to create an environment as technical preparations and work at headquarters have been completed.The commission will now proceed to districts and villages to prepare for elections.

Nepal Himalaya Daily Ramblings

Maoists have started a concerted campaign to throttle a free and independent press as the country is preparing to hold the country’s first constituent assembly elections to first determine the future of the 238-year-old monarchy.The assembly also has the responsibility to draw the parameters for a ‘ new nepal’ as the government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has demolished established institutions and suspended a constitution replacing it with an interim’ basic law.Everything is interim in Nepal right now a cynic said and nobody knows how longthe transition and dangerous void will last –two three eight years.Maoists have been targeting critical broad-sheets to silence them—a charge denied by Maoist Minister for Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara.Maoists bicycle distributors Saturday for the second time in two weeks didn’t lift newspapers from the printing presses for delivery to subscribers. The distributors work for a Maoist front and not the publishing house that owns the newspapers.

The bicycle boys are demanding they be enrolled by the publishing as employees—a demand rejected by the daily newspaper owners.Copies of The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post were lying at the printing presses.The bicycle boys earlier exerted similar pressures on Kantipur, The Kathmandu Post and Nepal Samacharpatra; HBC FM that broadcasts news every hour on the hour has also been victimized.The publishers have united and threatened to permanently close down newspaper publication without succumbing to Maoist pressures.The FM radio station has also closed down because of sit-ins staged by employees.

CARTER CENTER comes down heavily on Nepal Government, Maoists

The Atlanta-based Carter Center headed by former President Jimmy Carter has come down heavily on government and eight ruling parties telling them to demonstrate firm intention to conduct the 22 November constituent assembly polls.The Center, funded mainly by EU member states, particularly peripheral oil-rich Scandinavian states are attempting to seek a foothold in the strategic Himalayan state, through the Center by using Carter’s international stature as a campaigner for freedom and human rights.

There’s very little funding for the Center from within the USA.The Center, releasing a report Friday on the outcome of Carter’s Nepal in mid-2007, said the time now has come for government and ruling parties to demonstrate genuine intention to hold the historic vote to decide the future of monarchy.‘Now is the time for the government of Nepal to demonstrate its genuine intention to hold the CA election on November 22."A common commitment of the political parties hasn’t come and commitments made haven’t been implemented," the Center’s Nepal office said in the report.The call comes amid credible and consistent reports Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is attempting to convert the interim parliament into a constituent assembly and declare a republic without going for the vote which many say won’t be held because of the deteriorating law and order situation.

Koirala is attempting to expand the parliament by including armed rebel groups in the terai in an attempt to defuse the seven-month rebellion that is taking a separatist and communal turn.The Madeshis in the south are deliberately targeting hill people in their deadly attacks as the people from the north flee the region bordering India.India and influential western countries have opposed Koirala’s conspiracy with the Maoists who don’t want elections; they, like Koirala, want to declare a republic without a vote.

Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel said this week security situation hasn’t improved since June when the vote was first scheduled.Goit group of JTMM Thursday shot dead a Pahadi and Dalit leader Purna Bahadur Sunwar in Kapilbastu warning people from hill to leave the south immediately.Terai has become a killing field and killings have become a daily occurrences ; government officials and hill people have been targeted.‘However, as time is short.. and another electoral delay may undermine the legitimacy of the present interim government….
People doubt the commitment of all ruling parties to the November 22 election date."People have a lot doubts with the continued Maoist violence and aggressive behaviour, " the Center said.The Center said new Maoist preconditions for election—a roundtable conference, election on proportional representation basis and declaration of a republic before a vote—makes election still more uncertain.

Nepal could split like India, Yugoslavia and Soviet Union: Upendra Yadav

Kathmandu, 10 Aug: Madesh Janatantrik Forum Chairman Upendra Yadav warned Friday Nepal could split up like India, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union during the transitional phase.He asked the transition should be handled ‘intelligently’ and with ‘competence’ currently lacking in government."During the transitional phase, India split, Yugoslavia split and politically the Soviet Union under Gorbachev’s leadership also split. Nepal can also split or turn into a failed state if we aren’t serious and honest," Yadav said in an interview in Samya newsmagazine Friday.Yadav called for a roundtable conference involving all sides to stop the slide to prepare a ‘common modality’.

He suggested the coming elections should be both for parliament and a constituent assembly for a five-year term.Yavad warned Nepal will split without the resolution of the Madesh problem.‘Election in November is impossible. It may be possible tow or four months later. Before that, there should be some agreement," Yadav said."Minister Paudel has made the environment even more complex by expanding the government dialogue team,’ he said.Government added Maoist minister Deb Gurung and two more members to the negotiating.Jhalanath Khanal of the CPN---UML, added to the team, also criticized the expansion without summit consultations with the ruling eight parties.

Laxman Chaudhary ‘Roshan" who split from the CPN (Maoist) said he quit the party with 3,000 combatants because Prachanda has turned into an agent of India and USA."We presented two points to Prachanda—either say the 10-year people’s war was a mistake or accept it was a mistake to abort the revolution by surrendering to Girija, India and USA. They said both were correct and with which we differed," Roshan said explaining why he deserted."He [Prachanda] wants both- he doesn’t want to leave power and the revolution. This can’t last,""Not a word was mentioned about the people’s war in the plenum. They are trying to give a spin by hoodwinking the PLA and party workers," Roshan added.

Another Moist rebel group launched, attack police outpost

Kathmandu, 10 Aug: Another group has defected from Maoists embarrassing the former rebels now in government by attacking a police outpost in the neighbouring district of Nuwakot Thursday.Deserters led by district member Raj Kumar Regmi ‘Sandesh’ and Bam Bahadur Tamang formed a new group called ‘Rebel Maoist’, attacked a police post at Phukiri VDC-4 and decamped with weapons and bullets.Twenty-three rebels seized one pistol, two 303 rifles and 114 rounds of bullets.

A group member telephoned government news agency RSS and claimed they rebelled to ‘oppose the Maoist treachery against the blood of martyrs’.Maoists deceived a group of eight policemen manning the outpost telling them a person had been murdered in neighbouring Bhelchi VDC; deserters overpowered remaining three policemen and seized weapons and bullets after deceiving five security policemen who rushed to the neighbouring village to investigate a murder that never took place.

The strength of the new rebel force wasn’t known as yet.Leaders of the rebel group had recently been expelled from CPN (Moaist) who denied involvement in the attack on the police outpost—a serious violation of the peace agreement.The attack was timed with the 5th plenum held after nine years and the first after Maoist joined the peace process in April 2006 to determine peacetime party strategy.The plenum was also aimed to unite restless workers during the peace process after abandoning the 10-year people’s war that claimed more than 13,000 lives on both sides of the conflict.CPN (Maoist) decided to continue in government and pursue a three-S strategy to push twin demands for the immediate declaration of a republic before the 22 November assembly election that most probably won’t be held because of inadequate security.

The second demand is to conduct proposed election on proportional representation basis—a demand opponents said was aimed to bypass election.The three –S strategy is to push the Maoist demands from sarker [government], sadsan [parliament] and sadak [street]. Nearly two weeks earlier, Laxman Chaudhary ‘Roshan’, a leader of the Tharus in mid-West, also defected and formed the CPN (United Rebel Front) along with 3,000 combatants; the group says it’s active in Gorkha and Kailali districts.

Roshan said 3,000 combatants in 28 cantonments and camps under UN supervision are ready to join his group with weapons.The rebellion that erupted in the Madesh in mid-January is also fueled by the Jwala Singh and the Goit groups of the JTMM—both groups also defected from the CPN (Maoist).Chairman of the Madesh Janatantrik Morcha (MJM) Upendra Yadav defected from CPN (Maoist) and formed the Morcha.Meanwhile, the delayed verification of 31,000 Maoist combatants at two camps in Ilam and Sindhuli will begin next week Tuesday or Wednesday, according to UN and Maoist sources. Nearly 3,000 of the registered combatants have already defected—some defectors charged the leadership for ignoring their welfare.The charged the party hadn’t received a Rs 3,000 government monthly dole set aside for the fighters through the CPN (Maoist) charging the party of financial irregularities.

FAUX PAS

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Thursday committed a protocol gaffe while receiving credentials from the North Korean ambassador before UN Ambassador Nancy J. Powell presented her appointment letter to the government chief who is also head of state.Koirala invited the North Korean Ambassador for tea after receiving credentials.

The Chief of Protocol intervened and asked Koirala to first introduce senior government officials present at the elegant and recently restored Balaiti Baithak at Singha Durbar.Koirala followed the established protocol procedure after receiving an appointment letter from Powell.

Work style of Nancy P Powell being watched

Kathmandu, 7 Aug: Kathmandu observers will be closely watching the work style of US ambassador-designate Nancy J. Powell who will begin work formally by presenting her credentials to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Thursday. Powell arrived Monday to take up her assignment.She succeeds James F.Moriarty who kept a high public profile by issuing regular critical remarks against Maoists. Hours before leaving, Moriarty made a controversial personal remark against King Gyanendra; Moriarty, in effect, said it was to lake for the King to save monarchy.Moriarty made the remark even as he admitted such was not the position of his government.Maoists were equally blunt in their criticism of Moriarty accused for interfering in Nepal internal affairs; Washington often came to his rescue saying Moriarty was only stating official Washington policy.

Powell will be the second foreign envoy to present credentials to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who has also assumed responsibilities as head of state. The Chinese ambassador was the first.But Powell presents her credentials the same day the North Korean ambassador hands over official papers to Koirala.

Converting parliament into assembly will have disastrous consequences

Kathmandu, 7 Aug: Veteran politician and five-time prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa has warned converting parliament into a constituent assembly will have disastrous political consequences. Thapa issued the warning Monday as reports surfaced Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is toying with the idea as the possibility of 22 November election looks bleak with continued and deteriorating law and order situation.Maoists have said an election isn’t possible as well.They have demanded a declaration of a republic through parliament which is not elected. There’s already a provision in the constitution to declare a republic by a two-thirds majority ‘if the King conspires against election’.

Maoists and Congress have a two-thirds majority in parliament to get a republican resolution through in the 408-member legislature."There’s a wind in the air that says to change the present parliament into an assembly without holding elections. If that’s done, the decisive right of the people will be snatched and a big accident will follow," Thapa warned.If staggered elections are also held in the hills and Terai, the seed of division will be sown inviting another disaster.Government and some ruling parties are also toying with the idea of staggered election instead of a one-day 22 November poll to meet the challenge of providing security during election.An additional 70,000 temporary police force has to be assembled as government is reluctant, against Maoist objections, is reluctant to deploy the Nepal Army. Thapa also warned if a administrative and political preparations aren’t completed within two weeks the 22 November election won’t be held."CPN-UML is the only party that has started preparations for election," he said.

India rejects Koirala’s move to declare a republic through parliament

Kathmandu, 6 Aug: Constituent assembly elections won’t mostly likely be held for the second time on 22 November as well. The first scheduled vote in June was postponed largely because of inadequate preparation.Officials, both civilians and military, told Prime Minister Giraja Prasad Koirala during a weekend visit of his hometown Biratnagar the rebellion by the Madeshis in the terai and autonomy demands in the Limbuwan region of the eastern hills aren’t conducive to conduct a vote to decide the future of monarchy.But Koirala, put up a brave face, and reiterated the election will be held.Government and major parties are considering an alternative staggered poll instead of a one-day vote.This a desperate and controversial Koirala move.But Koirala is even considering a more desperate proposal to declare a republic through parliament by converting it into a constituent assembly."India has taken the lead in discouraging such a move. According to informed sources, India’s External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee spoke to Koirala, NC(D) leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and some others over the phone that such a move would destroy the legitimacy of the political system and credibility of the leaders entirely," newsfront reported in it Monday editions.Koirala discussed the proposal in detail with Maoist Chairman Prachanda.Prachanda told the ongoing 5th plenary session that a republic won’t materialize through assembly elections.Maoists have demanded an immediate declaration of a republic.

A groundwork has already been laid.

A provision has been incorporated in the interim constitution to declare a republic through a two-thirds majority by blaming the King for conspiring to derail the vote. Communists and the Congress have a two-third majority in parliament to declare a republic."We have been hearing such moves [to convert parliament into assembly] from outside. And it will be a total betrayal of the people and therefore (will) not be acceptable to our party," Minendra Rijal, Member of the Central committee of the Nepali Congress (D) told news front.Ailing Koirala is seriously toying with a dangerous option to declare a republic through parliament.That’s Koirala’s new but dangerous shortcut strategy to declare a republic to replace a 234-old institution that unified Nepal.

Elections will be held in time

Kathmandu, 5 Aug: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said the 22 November assembly election will be held.Koirala had to reiterate this as people are increasingly skeptical the historical vote, already postponed once, will be held at all with the deteriorating law and order situation nation-wide.Koirala returned to the capaital Sunday after rest during the weekend at his hometown in Biratnagar.Civilian and security officials told Koirala the ground situation in eastern terai isn’t conducive for the vote."The prime minister took our suggestions seriously," regional administrator Ganesh Bahadur Khatri said.Khatri told Koirala officials are being terrorized and officials from hills don’t feel secure; many have abandoned their posts.After VDC secretaries quit the terai following the murder of seven secretaries, government has finally opted to run local bodies, including DDCs and municipalities by appointing persons recommended by eight parties.

Koirala also said Sunday differences with NC-D were minor and unity will take place after resolving ‘minor differences’.Meanwhile, Chairman Prachanda will respond to concerns raised by 2,400 delegates at the 5th Maoist plenary session Monday.Group discussions ended Sunday.Delegated asked leadership to withdraw from government they joined on April Fool’s Day and launch a popular rebellion.Prachanda said the 22 November vote won’t take place.