KATHMANDU, Feb 19: International Crisis Group (ICG), a Brussels-based international think-tank, has issued a stark warning that Nepal’s peace process is facing its “most severe tests yet” and adds that the onus to bring the things back on track lies on Maoists.
“Challenges to the basic architecture of the 2006 peace deal are growing from all sides,” said the 45-page report made public on Thursday. “Major issues remain unresolved: there is no agreement on the future of the two armies, very little of the land seized during the conflict has been returned, and little progress has been made writing a new constitution.” The report has examined the fragile state of the peace process.
Let’s live in peace and embrace diversity
The report has pointed out that the acrimonious relationship between political parties, especially between the ruling Maoists and main opposition Nepali Congress has led to the current situation of uncertainty. “Key political players, particularly the governing Maoists and the opposition Nepali Congress (NC), urgently need to rebuild consensus on the way forward.”
ICG’s South Asia Deputy Project Director, Rhoderick Chalmers, said in a statement that the Maoists must take the first steps to restore trust by proving their commitment to non-violence and political pluralism. “In turn, their opponents should offer constructive criticism within the framework of the peace process rather than spoiling for its own sake.”
ICG has also analyzed that Maoist’s six-month long rule has been “frustrating”, while stating that Maoist commitment to political pluralism is “highly questionable”. It also said NC is in “organizational and political disarray”.
Resolving the row between the Maoists and the Nepal Army and implementation of federalism remain other key challenges Nepal faces, the report said, calling on the international community to recognize the fragility of the peace process. “The need is for carefully targeted assistance and political pressure,” said Robert Templer, ICG’s Asia Program Director, in the statement.
