Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas (PNEFA) Public Statement

Public Statement
May 5, 2009

Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas (PNEFA) is deeply concerned over
the unfortunate political developments arising out of the civilian
coup staged by President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav in connivance with the
Nepal Army General Rukmangad Katwal, who was fired by the Maoist-led
government for his insubordination to civilian authority.

PNEFA believes President Yadav's move has not only violated the
constitution but also seriously undermined the legitimate mandate of a
democratically elected civilian government. While reinstating the
fired Chief of the Army Staff the President has overstepped the
boundary of the constitution. He has acted in a regressive and
reactionary way, a move reminiscent of Ganendra Shah's assumption of
executive power through dismissal of the elected government in
February, 2005.

We further believe that the President has become a pawn at the hand of
conniving military generals, foreign stooges, and anti-national
elements positioned inside different political parties. As a result,
President Yadav has lost the moral as well as constitutional ground to
lead the office of highly respected institution of Presidency. We urge
all Nepalis who believe in democracy, rule of law, and civilian
government to condemn this unconstitutional act and demand immediate
withdrawal of his illegal move.

We also strongly condemn the act of certain foreign powers, whose
interference in Nepal's internal political dynamics encourages the
regressive forces to turn the country back to the sad condition that
existed before the last elections.

We also condemn United Marxist Leninist (UML), Nepali Congress (NC)
and other forces who sought foreign help and made themselves available
to be played at the hand of foreign power. This tactic might have
served these opportunist parties political expediency but it has hurt
the patriotic sentiment of the people of Nepal.

PNEFA welcomes the decision of Prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to
resign and congratulates for his bold action. We urge CPN Maoist to
act proactively and to carry forward the agenda of writing the new
constitution. The peace process must be allowed to work to its logical
end of full democracy.

We urge the Supreme Court to nullify the President Yadav's
unconstitutional action and restore civilian supremacy. Failing to do
so, we urge the members of Constitution Assembly to impeach the
President, safeguard national independence by saying NO to foreign
meddling in internal affairs of Nepal. We believe in the unflinching
unity among patriotic and republican democrats to safeguard national
unity and independence.

Abi Sharma
President
Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas (PNEFA)