“We will not let the government implement its decision unless the state makes an alternative arrangement for the peasants,” Baidya told media persons in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.[break
He said it was against the earlier decision of the UCPN (Maoist) to return seized lands, claiming that the party had decided to return the lands only after making alternative arrangements for the occupants.
Baidya warned that the matter would not be resolved if the government chooses to use force. “Peace can not prevail by silencing the peasants,” he said.
When asked about Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai´s instruction to return the seized lands, Baidya said, “How can the issue be settled if only the concerns of landlords are addressed and not that of the peasants?”
He opined that the UCPN (Maoist) and the Nepali Congress would not have the moral ground to be called communists and democrats, respectively, if they force the peasants to return the seized lands.
Baidya stated that the issue of land ownership should not only be the concern of UCPN (Maoist) but also the NC and the CPN-UML.
When asked when a government of national consensus should be formed, Baidya said, “What is the point in forming a government if it can´t resolve outstanding issues and address people´s concerns?”
He said that political parties should hold discussions at the top level on who should lead a government of national consensus.
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