At a meeting of Parliamentary State Affairs Committee, Nepal said that the participation of Maoist combatants in the extended plenum could have negative impacts on the fragile peace process.[break]
Earlier, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) had also drawn the attention of the Maoists that participation of the combatants in the plenum could be an act against the peace process.
Although the Maoist standing committee meeting later on Friday decided to discuss the issue with UNMIN, Maoist leader Barsa Man Pun told the parliamentary committee that the party wanted participation of a small number of combatants in the plenum.
“Issue of PLA commanders´ participation in the party´s 6th extended plenum is over publicized," Pun said.
On India´s allegation that the Maoist had trained the Indian Maoists, the prime minister said it was a serious matter that needed to be thoroughly investigated.
“Indian side has said those allegations are based on confirmed reports while the Maoist has denied giving such trainings,” Nepal said. “An investigation is going on and the facts will be made public soon.”
He also expressed surprise over how the letter sent by Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that said Nepali Maoist had imparted trainings to the Indian Maoists with the help of Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba leaked out to the media.
At the meeting, the committee members drew the attention of the prime minister over incidents of corruption and anomalies that are increasing in almost every sector in the country.
Especially, the members were concerned over reported anomalies in recruitment in police and army personnel. They also pressed PM Nepal that the government should ratify the UN Convention against Corruption.
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