Dahal disclosed that the party had faced serious rift 14 years back too. He warned that people will punish those attempting to split the party.[break]
"We had rifts when we were not in open politics," Dahal said, adding, "Internal rifts have surfaced in our party at present but the party will remain intact." Dahal was speaking at a function organized in memory of Maoist cadres--Suresh Wagle alias Basu and Bhimsen Pokharel alias Bairagi, who were killed during the insurgency.
"I will leave no stone unturned to maintain unity in the party," he added, "Martyrs won´t forgive those who attempt to split the party. Kiran, Baburam and Prakash should remember that the martyrs will warn us from their cremation site if we attempt to split the party."
Maoist Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya, Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who is also the prime minister, Narayankaji Shrestha and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa were also present at the function.
Dahal admitted that the party had confronted even more serious rifts 14 years ago. Dahal also urged senior vice chairman Baidya not to scheme to split the party and be honest with the people.
"I request the general public to act as judge and evaluate the present government´s activities," Dahal said, "People should judge as to who attempts to obstruct government´s move toward peace." Dahal said that the entire Maoist party is ready to sacrifice to make the present government successful.
Addressing the function, Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai said that he entered Singha Durbar as the representative of poor, peasants, laborers, Dalits, Janajatis, women and deprived communities.
"Smear me with soot and march me around town if I fail to work in the interest of the people and the nation," Prime Minister Bhattarai said.
Bhattarai also dismissed any speculation about split in the party. "The Maoist party is not a house of cards," Bhattarai said, "We struggle but remain united."
A Maoist conflict victim breaks down.
Speaking at the same function, Senior Vice-chairman Baidya said that there is a need to put constant pressure on the Maoist senior leaders as it still remains uncertain whether a constituiton of the people will be promulgated. "There is no certainty about the government, its moves, directions and the peace process," he added, "The party must remain intact to foil conspiracies."
Another Vice-chairman Shrestha said the party will move ahead with unity. He claimed that the present government will accomplish the tasks of peace process and constitution-writing.
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