Maoists in government must for peace in Nepal, says CPN (UML) chief
In the backdrop of opposition Maoists threatening a 'people's revolt', Chairman of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal has sought their inclusion in government as a must for lasting peace.
In the backdrop of opposition Maoists threatening a 'people's revolt', Chairman of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal has sought their inclusion in government as a must for lasting peace.
Khanal who is also part of the high-level political mechanism (HLPM) among ruling Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and the opposition Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, "It is necessary to have Maoists in government for political stability and logical conclusion to the peace process," he said. "That is the need as well as compulsion because without their cooperation there would be no peace and no constitution."
Khanal stated that in order to bring incidents of anarchism by Maoists to an end within the four months left for drafting the constitution, political parties must find a way to include UCPN (M) in a "national government" as soon as possible. On Saturday, UCPN (M) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had threatened to launch a people's revolt against national regressive forces and foreign powers trying to destabilize the peace process.
Since stepping down from power in May last year over the President's refusal to approve sacking of the army chief, Nepal's largest party in parliament has launched a phase-wise agitation seeking 'civilian supremacy' and against foreign powers (read India).
"Formation of HLPM is a major step in bringing about understanding among the three major parties. But we must use it to reach a good understanding with Maoists. Otherwise no peace can be achieved in Nepal," Khanal stated.
Terming the recent anti-India tirade by the Maoists as "mistakes" made by the party as part of its transition from armed struggle to the "democratic path", he also sought review of the 1950 treaty of peace and friendship between both countries. "We may have some problems with India, but they have to be addressed in a fact-based and practical way. But marching towards Kalapani and Susta would not solve the problem. It would only aggravate it," said Khanal.
