NC has asked the Maoist leadership to bring a proposal to at least ensure categorisation of the combatants based on those joining the security forces and those taking the rehabilitation package before May 28 - the deadline for promulgating the new constitution. The categorising process will also address the number and modality issues.[break]
Senior NC leaders said they have conveyed to the Maoist leadership that based on their proposal the NC would make public its official position in regard to extension of the CA´s term, through a mass rally to be held at Khulla Manch on Friday.
“We have told the Maoist leadership that it would be difficult to change the party´s position once it is publicized through a mass rally,” said a leader asking to remain unnamed.
NC has maintained that the parties should agree to form a national consensus government once the categorization of the combatants is accomplished.
NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula said Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been saying publicly that they can determine the number of combatants to be integrated in the security agencies and categorize them within five days. “We are waiting to see if the Maoists will keep to their word,” he said.
Sitaula complained that the Maoists had not brought any formal proposal on the management of their combatants even as party Chairman Dahal assured them during a meeting held two weeks ago that they would complete the categorising process within 10 days.
“Nepali Congress will make its official position on peace and democracy public after evaluating the political situation that develops by May 19,” he said.
NC has decided to adopt a common position on the conditions for extension of the CA´s term after holding talks with various political parties in parliament. NC held talks with CPN-ML, CPN (Samyukta), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), RPP-Nepal and Rastriya Janashakti Party on Monday. The party is scheduled to hold meetings with Nepal Workers Peasants Party, Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Aanandidevi), Rastriya Janamukti Party, CPN-Socialist, Dalit Janajati Party, Nepa Rastriya Party and independent lawmakers on Tuesday. There has already been an understanding with Madhes-based parties that the CA´s term cannot be extended under the status quo.
Monday´s meeting was attended by party President Sushil Koirala, senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel and Dr Ram Sharan Mahat.
NC Vice-president Paudel told Republica that the meeting was held to discuss the unilateral move of the government to table a bill proposing extension of the CA term by a year. “The parties have agreed to our stance that there should be concrete progress in the peace process and constitution drafting. The proposal to extend the term won´t be endorsed by parliament unless tangible progress is made on these issues,” he said.
Chairman of CPN-Samyukta Chandra Dev Joshi said there has been an understanding that the CA´s term should not be extended unless tangible progress is made in the peace process and a calendar of events prepared in regard to promulgation of the new constitution. “This is the official stance of the party since long back. We assured them that our position would not change just because we support the current government,” said Joshi.
CPN-ML Chairman C P Mainali said NC leaders sought their opinion on the extension of the CA´s term. “We have asked the NC leaders to work out their stance and share it with us. We will then give our official response,” he said.
Likewise, RJP Chairman Surya Bahadur Thapa had suggested that the NC not to go for extending the CA term. He argued that there is no point extending the term as it is not going to deliver peace and a new constitution.
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