News from Nepal(continued)

KATHMANDU, MAY 17 -
As the deadline of the tenure of the Constituent Assembly draws close, all eyes are set on UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s “bold move” to break the deadlock in the peace and constitution drafting processes. While Dahal has to earn trust of other parties by offering them concessions, he is under intense pressure from hardliner Vice Chairman Mohan Baidya to do the opposite.

Dahal may have got his party behind him in endorsing the line of peace and constitution last month, but he faces an uphill battle inside the party to announce his “bold move” on integration of the Maoist combatants. He will most likely have to give in to the Nepali Congress’ demands for “irreversible” concessions on the integration issue.

Dahal has two challenges—-forging consensus with other parties and taking the Baidya faction into confidence on important decisions such as army integration. Given that the hardliners have a sizeable influence over the PLA, Dahal will have to carry them along. However, he has already alienated them during the last Cabinet expansion. As a result, two ministers from the Baidya faction are yet to take oath of office.

Dahal faces competing demands from within and without his party. While the Baidya faction wants agreement on outstanding issues of constitution prior to an agreement over the fate of PLA, other parties are demanding concrete steps on integration before they commit to extending the term of the Constituent Assembly. On the modality integration, the most disputed and debated issue, the hardliners prefer a separate force of PLA. Yet, they are willing to accept the idea of a mixed force as long as the leadership of the new entity is given to PLA.

Though Dahal accepts that the new constitution will be a “compromise” document, the hardliners are rigid on issues in the new constitution. “Neither the Maoists, Congress, UML or Madhesi parties can impose their will entirely. We have to find a middle path. The new constitution will have to create a win-win situation for all. That means all parties will have to compromise and adjust,” said Dahal in an interview to the Post earlier this month.

The hardliners see it differently. “The new constitution should be ‘people’s constitution’, and on the issue of state restructuring we have to follow the report of the state restructuring committee of CA”, the political document of Baidya presented in the CC reads.

A leader said Dahal is ready to create 8-10 federal states in negotiation with NC as long as it addresses issues of oppression and marginalisation, but the Baidya faction has put its foot down on 14 federal states as suggested by the majority report of the state restructuring committee. Left-leaning analyst Shyam Shrestha said Dahal can take any decision inside the party if he wishes.

“Dahal’s position inside the party can be compared to that of Girija Prasad Koirala’s position inside NC. On crucial occasions, he has shown a penchant for risk-taking, so Baidya’s position would not stop Dahal from completing the peace and constitution if he so desires,” said Shrestha.

Maoist politburo member Haribol Gajurel said Dahal is ready to take any risk for the benefit of the nation and the people. “Certainly, there are many challenges inside the party including different dissenting views, but Dahal is ready to take bold decisions that involve significant risk,” said Gajurel.

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=31515

20 May 2011

Casino trade unionist charged for murder bid
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, May 20: Public prosecutors on Friday charge-sheeted Maoist-affiliated leader of casino workers Kalpadeep Rai and 13 others for attempted murder and demanded jail terms of 12 years.

Rai, president of the Maoist-affiliated trade union´s Casino Anna unit, has been accused of assaulting Yagyaman Dangol, treasurer of the same outfit. Police arrested Rai last week following the incident but the 13 other Maoists managed to abscond.

Differences between Rai and Dangol, reportedly over casino management, had taken a nasty turn. The two are considered to be supportive of Maoist supremo Puspa Kamal Dahal and senior leader Baburam Bhattarai respectively.

“They did not clash politically. Actually, they resorted to an exchange of blows after Dangol campaigned in favor of the old management,” said casino sources.

Casino Anna was shut for three months before the new Indian management took over a few weeks ago amid protests by Ram Krishna Chakradhar´s group. Chakradhar, backed by Dangol, was general manager of the casino under the erstwhile management of Rakesh Wadhwa.

Published on 2011-05-20 23:00:01

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/ful...&NewsID=288811

22 May 2011


Maoists suspended for threatening Bhattarai


Added At: 2011-05-22 12:22 AM

Last Updated At: 2011-05-22 12:22 AM


HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The UCPN-M standing committee meeting today suspended Janak Bartaula for three months for threatening Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai.

“Following interrogation, we concluded that Bartaula had lied when he refuted the allegation. Therefore, we decided to take action against him,” said party secretary C P Gajurel.

The meeting decided to take steps to discourage wrong attitude within the workers’ organisation affiliated to the party. The party admitted that delay in dealing with the Bartaula case and the tendency to give public statements outright, were weaknesses of the leadership. Citing damage to the party image, the meeting decided to resolve such problems internally.

Today’s meeting entrusted the responsibility of ensuring 33 per cent women’s representation in the cabinet to central office bearers after conceding that failure to comply with the interim constitution in this regard was due to weakness in the party leadership.

The meeting decided to postpone the People’s Volunteers programmes scheduled for May 22 and 24 due to strikes announced by different groups and parties.

Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal told leaders that NC president Shushil Koirala. had insisted that Maoists must show they had detached themselves from weapons, but I told him that was impossible,” He also said the PM was being pressed by the Nepal-Oli group in the UML

http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathman...ty/221921.html

21 May 2011

PLA integration: PLA, too, accepts NA-proposed modality

PHANINDRA DAHAL

KATHMANDU, MAY 20 -
A day after the UCPN (Maoist) Standing Committee decided to accept the modality proposed by Nepal Army on the integration of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) combatants, a general staff meeting of the PLA on Friday put its stamp of approval on the party’s decision.

Friday’s development is likely to provide impetus to the initiative taken by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal who is under pressure from hardliners within his party and the Nepali Congress, the main opposition party.

PLA Chief Nanda Kishore Pun, his deputy Chandra Prakash Khanal and commanders of the seven divisions of the PLA concluded that the party had made the “right decision” on Thursday. Standing Committee member Barsha Man Pun briefed the PLA brass on the decision to accept the proposal to form a separate directorate for the integration.

“There was unanimous support for the decision taken by the party,” PLA Spokesperson Khanal told the Post. “We expressed commitment to support the implementation of the decision.”

During an hour-long discussion, participants expressed dissatisfaction over the note of dissent registered by the party’s hardline faction led by Vice Chairman Mohan Baidya. “The military is a delicate issue, so it should not be dragged into the ideological differences of senior leaders,” another participant quoted the commanders as saying. “Consensus within the party and with other parties would form the very basis for the successful integration and rehabilitation process.”

The PLA commanders also suggested that there should be 50-50 representation of the combatants and personnel from other security agencies in the new directorate that would be under the Nepal Army. They also recommended that the party should ensure “fair representation” of combatants in the directorate. “We should get the leadership of the directorate,” said a participant.

Maoist leaders say all the division commanders back Dahal, who was the supreme commander of the PLA before being elected prime minister in 2008. “We are cautious about not allowing differences within the party to affect the chain of command of the PLA,” said a leader.

Posted on: 2011-05-21 08:39

but if the admin(s) see fit to remove anything, it could sensibly only be my one line comments above the news items - but not the news items themselves.

True, there's nothing wrong with your news and certainly no "party line" in these threads. But please refrain from comments like the one which started this discussion and was bound to do so. We understand the content of the news item without You're more than welcome to start a seperate thread on Nepali Maoism, discuss the latest developments and give your analysis. These news threads are not the right place to do so.

Kathmandu, May 24 (IANS) With just four days left before a potential constitutional meltdown, Nepal's communist-Maoist government Tuesday clamped prohibitions near the parliament building, banning all protests and rallies within a 50m radius.

Security forces swung into action in the morning, removing by force the various pressure groups who had been holding peaceful demonstrations before parliament for days, demanding the promulgation of the new constitution within the stipulated May 28 deadline.

Riot police carried nearly 20 struggling former lawmakers from near the building, loading them into vans and evicting them from the prohibited area.

They also demolished the makeshift canopies built by the protesters and carted away the rough mats they had used to sit.

The former lawmakers had been on a token hunger strike for 17 days.

Police also removed groups of women who had been meeting before parliament for almost a month, asking the ruling parties to conclude the peace process and ensure women's rights in the new constitution.

There have been several more protests by civil society members. One of the most moving ones saw grieving family members gathering with Mukesh Kayastha, a teen who has been in a coma since 2006, when he took part in the pro-democracy movement against King Gyanendra's army-backed regime and was badly injured by security forces.

Ironically, the same Maoist party that cracked down on peaceful protests had led much more violent and disruptive protests for nearly two years since the fall of its government in 2009, including a six-day general strike and protracted blockades of the prime minister's office and other key ministries.

The home ministry that ordered Tuesday's crackdown on peaceful protests is led by Maoist minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is seeking to withdraw criminal cases against Maoist cadres.

Mahara himself faces the accusation of having sought NRS 50 million from a China-based businessman to bribe MPs into voting for his party.

The parliament building will turn into a battlefield this week when the prime minister seeks a vote to extend the deadline for writing the new constitution by a year.

He needs the support of two-third of the nearly 600 sitting MPs but has fallen short of the required number after one of his allies split, with half of its lawmakers joining the opposition.

KATMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s political parties averted a crisis on Sunday by reaching a last-minute deal that extended the deadline for a new constitution. Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal agreed to step down as part of the deal.
Nepal has been embroiled in contentious political negotiations for more than a year over the shape of the constitution as well as the final details of a peace agreement that ended a bloody Maoist insurgency.

Once a Hindu monarchy, Nepal is now a new democracy with power divided among several major parties, including the Maoists, who have joined the political process.

The deal on Sunday prevented Nepal from tumbling into the political unknown. A special legislative body — known as the Constituent Assembly — that was charged with drafting a constitution was scheduled to adjourn if a deal had not been reached. Analysts warned of a political crisis if Nepal had been left without a constitution.

Added At: 2011-05-31 5:07 PM
Last Updated At: 2011-05-31 6:49 PM

TIKA RAM PRADHAN

KATHMANDU: Vice chairman of UCPN-Maoist Narayankaji Shrestha organised a separate gathering of party cadres affiliated to him on Tuesday at a Shantinagar based- party palace in Kathmandu.

Approximately two hundred cadres participated in the meeting.



According to a politburo member of UCPN-M, Bishwo Bhakta Dulal ‘Aahuti’, the meeting discussed the growing divergence and differences within the party. 

Various party cadres have put forth their views and suggestions in the meeting regarding the internal problems facing the party of late. 



“All the party members have emphasised the need of the unity within the party in the meeting,” Dulal said. 

He added that the meeting also decided to play an active role in bringing unity in the party by ending the current division.



Meanwhile, secretary of Bhojpura State Committee Anjana Bishankhe demanded the fulfillment of equal participation of women in the party. Speaking with THT Bishankhe insisted on the need for the implementation of the issue at the earliest.

http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/...aliPress/18248

From The Nepali Press
Living on perks, Kantipur
Saroj Raj Adhikari i, 17 May
FROM ISSUE #555 (27 MAY 2011 - 02 JUNE 2011) According to a report, made under the directive of the State Affairs Committee, state resources and privileges are being distributed to government office bearers and their predecessors without following any rules or procedures. The committee had demanded the details in order to streamline the use of the state's resources and prevent misuse. There is no standard guideline as to how these perks are distributed.
The president, as a head of the state enjoys basic privileges of two vehicles and 310 litres of fuel per month along with additional Rs 100,000 miscellaneous expense to host dignitaries in his office and residence. Incumbent ministers and the ex-ministers enjoy huge perks depending on their power and influence. In this regard, Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal tops the list. Among the ex- prime ministers, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal takes home the most benefits. The privileges given to ex-home ministers KP Oli and Bhim Rawal exceeds even those given to ex-prime ministers. Rawal got an expensive Japanese SUV for home ministry few days before he left the office and has refused to return the car. Ex-MP and influential power broker, Amresh Kumar Singh, enjoys a government privileges in the form of a luxury car, 120 litres of fuel/month and a security personnel.
"The trend of taking perks seems to be less for necessity and more to exert power," says committee chairman Ram Nath Dhakal.
Following are the officially-sanctioned perks:
Prime Minister Jhal Nath Khanal: 3 jeeps, 3 pick-ups and 2 cars, 1000 litres fuel/month, 88 security personnel
Pushpa Kamal Dahal: 1 jeep, 2 cars, 300 litres fuel/month, Rs 80,000/month house rent and electricity bill and 33 security personnel in addition to his party's security
Sher Bahadur Deuba: Two cars, 300 litres of fuel/month and 26 security personnel
KP Oli: 2 cars, 1 pick-up, 450 litres fuel/month and 27 security personnel
Bhim Rawal: 2 vehicles (including a new Japanese luxury car), 200 litres of petroland 22 security personnels


=============

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=31890

2 Jun 2011

Maoists to end dual security for leaders
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, June 2: In what may be seen as a major step toward implementation of the five-point deal reached between the three major parties for extension of the Constituent Assembly term, the UCPN (Maoist) has decided to end the security being provided to the senior party leaders by PLA personnel.

Ending the "dual security system" for the Maoist leaders was one of the major demands of the Nepali Congress (NC) while lending its support to CA term extension. Maoist leaders are being given security by both the PLA personnel and the state security forces.

A meeting of the party´s top office bearers on Wednesday took a decision to this effect through majority votes, while the party hardliners led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya registered a note of dissent.

In the seven-member office bearers´ committee, only Baidya and Secretary CP Gajurel are from the hardline faction.

"His [Baidya´s] argument was that the issue should be decided by the Standing Committee," said Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha.

It is the third time that the Baidya faction has registered a note of dissent against the party´s decision. Baidya had registered his first dissent when Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal decided to defer the line of revolt and opt for peace and constitution through a majority vote, and second when the party decided to accept the integration modality floated by the Nepal Army (NA).

According to Shrestha, the PLA personnel deployed for the security of the leaders would return to the cantonments.

There are 107 PLA combatants providing security to the leaders. Some four dozen combatants are deployed for the security of Dahal alone.

The Maoists have also decided to privatize vehicles used by the party leaders and register those used in the cantonments as government vehicles. The Maoists altogether have 96 vehicles.

Similarly, the weapons being used for the security of the leaders would be sent back to the cantonments. The Maoists have 96 weapons including AK-47s, SLRs and pistols outside the cantonments for the security of the leaders. Two of them have, however, been taken away by the Matrika Yadav faction. [...]

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=31829

31 May 2011

'Maoist brass must send children to public schools'

TEK NARAYAN BHATTARAI
PALPA, May 31: UCPN (Maoist) student wing All Nepal National Independent Students Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R) Chairman Himal Sharma on Monday said that the children of UCPN (Maoist) leaders should discontinue educating their children in private schools.

“Some leaders are trying to enroll their kids in private schools on the pretext that this was being done for them by their relatives,” he said.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Association of Revolutionary Journalists on Monday in Palpa, Sharma said contractors and the education mafia will be ready to enroll the children of the party´s leaders but that should not be allowed. Such children also should go to public schools like the children of ordinary people, he said.

“If they don´t oblige we will ask the party to take strong action against them,” he informed.

Sharma said that Moaist leaders will not be allowed to invest in private schools and colleges either and in case secret investments are made, they will expose them. He said their party has been discussing this issue as an agenda in itself. It was important that the Maoist party internalize this policy so that it would be easy to introduce and implement the same in other parties as well.

Sharma stressed that their student union will not let attempts to weaken public education and privatize it completely succeed. “If we follow Tribhuwan University´s educational calendar and strictly adhere to the dates for admissions, classes and examinations, it will be very easy to implement this plan,” he said.

Talking separately to Republica, Sharma said the student union had already submitted a memo to party Chairman Prachanda, who has promised to raise it as an agenda item at the party meeting.

Some leaders have already placed their children in public schools while those with children still in boarding schools are looking for suitable public schools, Sharma claimed.
"We can only exert moral pressure," he added.

In a different context, Sharma said that the student union is acting like a ´super glue´ to prevent the parent party from splitting.

Published on 2011-05-31 01:30:14

http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathman...em/222365.html
2 Jun 2011

[...] The PLA combatants deployed for the security of the Maoist leaders will be sent to cantonments and their weapons handed over to the Special Committee on the supervision, integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants.

Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force will take full responsibility of Maoist leaders’ security. [...]

http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headli...ts-chief-dahal
June 1, 2011

Bhattarai-Baidya duo initiate drive against Nepal Maoists chief Dahal

Telegraph Nepal
[FONT=Verdana]The ferocious of the bygone era must have begun to feel the heat from within.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Not only his political clout is taking a dangerous slide inside his own party but visible efforts are being made to completely corner him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Charges are that Pushpa kamal Dahal aka Prachanda is a self centred man and that he doesn’t listen to the views of his own immediate colleagues and acts in a manner as if the party were a private club owned by him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]No wonder then Mohan Baidya Kiran and Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai, when enough had been already enough, have joined hands to cut down the wings of their party boss-Prachanda.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Differing poles unite.It happens in politics at times. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Both Baidya and Bhattarai have initiated a signature collection campaign to let Prachanda understand as to how much he was popular in the party and how many of his own colleagues were now with him. And also to make him known as to how his solo decisions hurt the sentiments of the party colleagues. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]The signature campaign though is limited to the Maoist CA members.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]But what if this practice spreads to other wings of the party? The likelihood remains intact. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Baidya has so far collected the authentic signature of more than hundred Maoist CA members whereas Bhattarai is talked to have already received the signature of some seventy five plus CA members. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]So it must be approaching Hundred eighty or even more. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]This does speak that Prachanda will soon be cornered if he doesn’t correct his high political ambitions and ignored the views pushed by his immediate colleagues. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Reports claim that Prachanda now commands just the strength of some sixty CA members which means that power equilibrium in the party has already taken a new turn which is against Prachanda. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Prachanda is sinking. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]The general allegation against Prachanda is that he keeps himself at the centre stage and bulldozes the party’s decisions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]The idea is not to compete with Chairman Prachanda but only to press him to abide by the party’s decisions and chartered policies. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]While Hisila Yami-Bhattarai is collecting the signatures on behalf of Babu Ram then Pampha Bhusal is assisting Baidya for the same purpose. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana] Gloomy days for Prachanda begins. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Too much ambition is injurious for political health, analysts believe. [/FONT]

==========

http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/06/02/...ts/335014.html
2 Jun 2011

Consensus Govt: Campaigning to make Bhattarai PM starts

KATHMANDU, JUN 02 -

With the three major parties agreeing in their five-point deal to form a national consensus government for what they call to ensure peace and constitution, some Maoist leaders have initiated campaign to make their Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai the next prime minister.

Some influential Maoist leaders supporting Bhattarai are busy lobbying in the party to make him a prime ministerial candidate. They claim even the Nepali Congress and Madhes-based parties are positive about making Bhattarai the next prime minister. The Bhattarai faction is preparing to raise this issue strongly in a UCPN (Maoist) Standing Committee meeting on Friday.

Leaders Dina Nath Sharma, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Devendra Poudel are consulting Vice Chairman Mohan Baidya’s faction to make Bhattarai the parliamentary party leader. Even the hardliner’s faction is positive about this in order to end Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s monopoly in the party. “As Dahal is taking unilateral decisions without sufficient discussion in the party, we are mulling a change in the parliamentary party leader,” a leader close to Baidya said.

Maoist Politburo member Devendra Poudel said that formation of a national consensus government under the leadership of Bhattarai has been confirmed. “Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has also okayed the change,” he said.

Q&A: Baburam Bhattarai, United Communist Party

We don't look at the chinese as maoists'

Jyoti Malhotra / New Delhi May 29, 2011, 0:49 IST

Jyoti Malhotra met Vice-Chairman of the United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Baburam Bhattarai in Kathmandu a few days ago, where he spoke frankly about India’s role in Nepal’s political crisis.

How do you look at the political situation in Nepal today?


In the Constituent Assembly elections held in April 2008, we made substantial gains. All the major political parties such as the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) realised they would have to ally with us. Unfortunately, after the elections, India became unhappy and it was very difficult for Delhi to accept our leadership. It took us four months to form the government.

Where does the problem lie?


The problem lies both with India and us. We were too ambitious... we thought we could do things on our own, while India underestimated our strength. This came to a head over the appointment of the army chief. We wanted to establish a civilian authority and so, we wanted former army chief Rookmangud Katuwal to resign. For two years, there was a deadlock in the completion of the peace process and writing of the Constitution.

So, what are the conclusions you have arrived at?


The conclusion is that we need the understanding of all the major political parties in Nepal such as the Nepali Congress and UML as well as New Delhi.

We must abide by the 12-point understanding brokered by India in 2005.

What is your view of the Indian establishment?


We can’t change our neighbour. We have to depend upon India, both economically and geographically. There is now some tacit understanding within our party in this regard. We have reached a certain stage in the life of our movement... India helped broker the 12-point understanding between the Maoists and the erstwhile monarchy in Nepal, and, subsequently, was even supportive of the people’s wishes for a democratic and republican Nepal. This was seen during the ‘Jan Andolan’, or the people’s movement, in April 2006.

But in the last few years, there was a great deal of mistrust between the Maoists and Delhi?


Yes. When our government was forced to resign after only 10 months of being in power, we suspected undue interference from New Delhi.

And, now?


India is a regional power. It has its own responsibilities. We have tried to mend fences (with India). There has been substantial progress in recent months. All sides, including the Nepali Congress, should take responsibility for what has happened.

Who should take the most responsibility?


The onus is on us. We want to undertake fundamental changes in society and, therefore, we should take more responsibility. Accordingly, we have taken the initiative to start a dialogue with the political parties, have a national unity government and begin the process of integrating the Maoist combatants into a paramilitary force or the Nepali army.

What kind of state do you want Nepal to be in?


The Nepali Congress wants a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. We would like a federal state, keeping in mind the geo-political situation, as we are situated between two great powers, India and China, with substantial devolution of power to the provinces. However, along with federalism, we also want a presidential form of government. The problem was that in the post-conflict situation, we were the biggest party to have emerged in the elections, but this was abandoned in favour of a consensus.

Today, we still want a national unity government. We would like to extend the Constituent Assembly for another year. Even Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, the leader of UML, wants this government to continue in a national unity government. It will be good if all the parties come together, especially the Nepali Congress and the Maoists.

What should be done with the peace process?
We are ready to abide by the 12-point agreement brokered by India. The integration of the Maoist combatants into the army as well as the writing of the Constitution, both of which are stalled, should take place simultaneously. There should be no time frame. Both are part of the peace process.

How do you want to integrate the Maoist combatants into the army?


There are several modalities of integration. The democratisation of the old, royalist army and the integration of the combatants into a new force, either paramilitary or into the army itself, must happen. Nepal faces a unique situation, we have to find unique solutions.

Where does India fit in?


We want to have good relations with India. There may be ideological differences, but we have to persevere. Look at the history: less than three years after India brokered the 12-point agreement, the political understanding broke down. It failed on three fronts — army integration, power-sharing and writing the Constitution.

After relations soured, India thought we were pro-Chinese. But we don’t look at the Chinese as Maoists. There is a fundamental difference between the Maoists and what the Chinese have become today. (Once upon a time), they used to be ideologically driven, too.

The reality is that we have to deal with India. However, as Nepal is a sovereign power, we would like to deal with both India and China. How can we be anti-India? We may be against some policies of Indian government such as small border disputes, but we want good relations with India.

Do you welcome Indian investment?


Yes, of course. And, we agree that the initiative should be taken by Nepal.

In retrospect, what are the mistakes you think you may have made?


When we came to power, we should not have continued to act like an insurgent group. We could have suggested dialogue as a way to resolve issues, instead of making pronouncements from a public platform.

KATHMANDU: Unified CPN-Maoist Vice-chairman Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai said the possibility for the people's revolt has not still been ended as the constitution writing and peace process has not been taken to logical conclusion.



Inaugurating the third convention of Jagaran Media Center in the Capital today, he said the regressive forces that were for dissolving Constituent Assembly were defeated once the five-point deal was signed. However, different forces who are against the current political change might try to bring back regression that the parties should be careful while selecting the new leadership for the government.

CPN-UML senior leader Prakash Jwala said the fossil of feudal system has still been there in the country. Advocator Pushpa Bhushal said Dalit communities and woman have still been the victim of different feudal practices.

KOIRALA DAHAL MEETING
Dahal agrees to hand over weapons after categorization of combatants

KATHMANDU, June 6: UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed his readiness to hand over weapons in their possession to the government after categorization of the former combatants is concluded.

During his meeting with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala at the latter´s residence in Maharajgunj Sunday morning, Chairman Dahal said the Maoists are all set to accomplish the task of categorizing the cantoned combatants within a month. “The arms can be handed over the government once we complete categorization of the former combatants,” said a source close to Koirala.

[...] Dahal´s pledge to hand over weapons comes amidst strong opposition from within the party. Maoist leaders from the hard-line camp have maintained that the task of integrating the combatants and handing over of the weapons should go side by side.

In a one-to-one meeting between the two leaders, Dahal assured Koirala that he is committed to taking the ongoing peace process to logical end despite protests from within his party. “I am in favor of taking the peace process to a logical end despite opposition from some leaders in the party,” an NC leader quoted Dahal as saying at the meeting. [...]

President Koirala also proposed Dahal to lead the new government after concluding the management of arms and combatants and also expressed readiness of his party to join the Maoist-led government formed after concluding the peace process. [...]

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=32020

6 June 2011

============

Dahal bids adieu to PLA security guards

KATHMANDU, June 6: In an emotionally-charged environment at his residence in Nayabazaar on Sunday, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal faced a tough time convincing the PLA personnel that the party has not deviated from the goals of revolution.

But the “rhetoric" that Dahal would not betray the “dreams of the martyrs” hardly assured the politically indoctrinated combatants, who were sent back by Maoists headquarters to the cantonments where they were registered by United Nations Mission in Nepal.

“The party has played frivolity on our lives and future. The leaders have kept us in the dark by playing dirty politics,” a participant quoted one Ramita, a member of the PLA from the seventh division, as saying at the closed-door function organized to bid farewell to the PLA personnel. [...]

The PLA personnel stated that they would abide by the party´s decisions, but stated that they felt bad for being considered “redundant”.

“We think we no longer enjoy the party´s trust on us. After so many years we are no longer in the service of the party,” stated a commander at the function.

The Maoist chairman stated at the gathering that he had no option other than ending the dual security to take other political parties into confidence.

The combatants, however, stated that they have doubts if the party would fulfill the dreams of those “martyred, injured and disappeared during the People´s War.” A combatant stated that he felt the aim of revolution has suddenly received a blow after he submitted his weapons at Nayabazaar.

“I felt as if someone suddenly snatched my weapons that were gathered through the sacrifices of many of my colleagues. I don´t know why I felt so. Perhaps, I felt so because I had to lay down the arms before realizing the goals of revolution,” said Narayan Adhikari who was in the security of party spokesperson Dinanath Sharma. [...]

The Baidya faction has stated that the party´s decision to end the security being provided to senior leaders by the PLA is tantamount to surrender.

“These leaders damaged our lives. They traded our blood, sweat and sacrifice for money and power. But they will not be at peace as they have betrayed the martyrs,” said a commander who is close to Baidya.

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=32044

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/in...&news_id=32221

[FONT=Arial Black]11 Jun 2011

18 'deviations' of Chairman Dahal [/FONT] [FONT=Arial Black]

POST B BASNET [/FONT] [FONT=Arial Black]
KATHMANDU, June 11: [/FONT] [FONT=Arial Black]In a clear manifestation of the widening intra-party rifts, the hard-line faction of the UCPN (Maoist) has accused Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of serious ideological and moral “deviations” and launched a campaign against him inside the party.

The hard-line faction, led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya, has recently circulated a document among the party rank and file, which outlines 18 “deviations” of Dahal. The document, a copy of which has been obtained by Republica, is being circulated among the cadres of the party´s hard-line faction down to district level committees and also the party´s chapters in various countries. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial Black]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=Arial Black]
“On the political front, [Dahal] is seen moving toward rightist reformism and national capitulationism from his centrist oppertunitism,” states the second point of the document.

The relations between Baidya and Dahal have soured after the latter defected to the line of peace and constitution last June, deferring the official line of revolt and state capture.

The document, entitled “Problems of deviations in chairman comrade”, has charged Dahal with financial irregularities and misuse of resources.

“On the issue of financial discipline, [Dahal] is seen tilted toward corruption. [Dahal] is seen having the tendency of doing anything -- both moral and immoral -- for the sake of power, money and prestige.[Dahal] has deliberately left the party without an accounting system and misused financial means and resources in an individualistic way,” states point no 18 of the document.

On the front of party organization, the party hard-line faction has accused Dahal of “self-centric individualistic tendency”, intolerance toward those holding dissent and using his power to silence their voices.

The document alleges that the chairman has developed a “fascist tendency” [/FONT][/FONT][...]

Prachanda supporters meet to discuss party affairs

LALITPUR: Leaders and cadres close to UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' organised a meeting in Pulchowk of Lalitpur on Saturday.

The leaders close to Prachanda claimed that the meeting aimed at strengthening the party organisation and discuss its future strategy.

UCPN-Maoist secretary Post Bahadur Bogati 'Diwakar' said discussion was held to strengthen the party and make future strategy.

The meeting that continued amidst a strict security for two hours is also said to have discussed over the progress on the PLA integration.

Though the meeting was claimed to be of workers closed to the party, senior leaders and representatives of all departments of the party were also present on the occasion.

http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headli...inciple-enemy-

11 Jun 2011

Nepal Maoist Dilemma: Is India Principle Enemy?

Telegraph Nepal

“If the so-called Maoists’ ideologue Babu Ram Bhattarai recognizes India as the principle enemy of the party then he could be easily elevated to the post of Prime Minister”.

Between frying pan and fire. Options limited.

If Bhattarai rejects the proposal as it is-which is highly probable, he may have to disregard his personal political ambitions but will also prove his strong affinity to India that he has, analysts presume.

In the post monarchy Nepal, establishing close ties with India at the personal level is taken as a treachery against motherland. Yet, at the country’s level there should be no debate that India was indeed a close friend of Nepal. Conditions apply.

Great negative achievement for India after the 2006 change!

The panel led by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is planning to forward the proposal to the perusal of Bhattarai panel at the Central Committee meeting set to begin next week.

“We have no objection to elevate Bhattarai Dai (brother) as the country’s next prime minister but that will happen only if he recognizes that the party’s prime contradiction lay with India.” Soft arm twisting.

So said Gopal Kirati of the Dahal panel talking to Annapurna post June 11, 2011.

By the way, outgoing Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood is quite familiar with Mr. Kirati.

Sood had an unfriendly encounter with the Maoists cadres led by Kirati in Solukhumbu district, if he recalls.

“We would very much want to cooperate with both the neighbors, China and India. With India however, until all unequal treaties stand abrogated we will continue to struggle with the southern neighbor. If Bhattarai dai accepts this fact we have no objection. The question is whether Bhattarai is much more forward looking than Jhal Nath”, said Kirati.

Talking to Nayapatrika Daily Kirati adds, “It will be far better if he accepts this proposal at the policy level. If he rejects then what is the difference in being a Bhattarai and the others.” Perhaps Kirati was pointing figures at the Communists of the sort of K.P. Oli and Madhav Kumar Nepal.

To recall, in the Palungtar extended plenum of the party central committee Bhattarai had denied accepting India as the principle enemy. He wrote a note of dissent then.

Similarly, party general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ who is also portrayed as the prime ministerial candidate by Mohan Baidya Kiran Panel, according to the report, has assured that he will not oppose Bhattarai’s elevation.

Badal’s only condition before Bhattarai is he should accept India as the enemy.

Conditions apply.

Interesting debate that it is, say critics, much more interesting than the short-term debate the country had on whether to retain or overthrow monarchy.

Monarchy’s ouster was a minute affair because India had already “located” its principal enemy that was Nepal Monarchy which was accepted by the Nepalese parties unconditionally.

And, on the other hand, Bhattarai panel as was expected of it has retaliated in an angered mood to the strange condition forwarded by the Dahal panel.

Politburo member Ram Karki opines that recognizing a neighbor as the principle enemy means inviting war.

“If we fail to form a consensus government in a week then there is no possibility of consensus at all. It will adversely affect peace and constitutional processes,” he adds.

“This is the conspiracy to foil Bhattarai’s premiership prospect”, another leader close to Bhattarai camp adds.

“Whether India is our principle enemy or not, the issue demands debate. However, we cannot compromise our ideologies to assume the post of the prime minister”, the leader concludes.

Baidhya‚ Dahal to hold talks to remove irritants

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The two top leaders of the Unified CPN-Maoist, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidhya today decided to initiate talks to resolve their differences. 



Both the top leaders have been leading separate factions in the party, besides separate factions led by the two other vice-chairmen Baburam Bhattarai and Narayan Kaji Shrestha.



Due to factionalism, Prachanda has failed to convene committee meetings and has been postponing the meetings called earlier. 



Dahal and Baidhya met at the former’s residence in Nayabazar. Minister for Information and Communication Agni Prasad Sapkota, who reached Dahal’s residence after the meeting, said the meeting was fruitful, as the two agreed to begin discussions to end factionalism.



Sapkota said the meeting of the party’s central committee would be convened on the scheduled date, June 22. He, however, said the party would not call the standing committee meeting now.



Leaders close to Baidhya claimed that he told Dahal that he would help end factionalism in the party only if the chairman was ready to keep the revolutionary spirit of the party intact and provide respectable space to all the leaders of the party. 



The source also claimed that Dahal had agreed to correct his mistakes as outlined by Baidhya’s faction.



Regarding the scheduled central committee meeting, standing committee member Dev Prasad Gurung, however, said the meeting had no significance, as the chairman was taking decisions unilaterally.



“Even the mandate of 7,000 leaders and cadres at the Palungtar plenum was changed within no time. What can we expect from the central committee meeting?” wondered Dev Gurung.