Nepal’s political crisis has deepened with the Communist party of Nepal (Maoist) on Friday wrapping up a series of unilateral declarations of ethnic autonomous states around the country and preparing for a general strike this weekend.
The strike, set to run until Tuesday with the threat that it will resume on an open-ended basis later, is likely to squeeze fuel and food supplies to Kathmandu, the capital. In the past, the Maoists have blocked roads into the city.
The strike, set to run until Tuesday with the threat that it will resume on an open-ended basis later, is likely to squeeze fuel and food supplies to Kathmandu, the capital. In the past, the Maoists have blocked roads into the city.
Maoists on Wednesday announced the seizure of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu declaring it an autonomous region, after storming into heavily guarded Durbar Square, in a development that could trigger a new political confrontation.Waving red flags, 5000 militant cadres forced their way into the Durbar Square city centre where their chief Prachanda declared Kathmandu valley as the Newa Autonomous State. The Maoists, who have already announced formation of parallel governments in nine districts and paid little heed to warnings by the Nepali Congress, to desist from such tactics as it may lead to “biggest political and social confrontation”.
Though the Maoist takeover was more of a symbolic nature, their choice of the capital city sent shock-waves in the ruling CPN-UML-led 22-party alliance. Prachanda lit a traditional lamp to declare Kathmandu as Newa Autonomous State by flying a banner that read “Newa Autonomous State” as hundreds of balloons were let off.
A gun salute was also given and the city declared an autonomous state amidst performance of traditional music.
“Our move is not intended to disrupt the peace process or block the constitution making task,” Prachanda proclaimed adding it was to “make people aware about federalism and strengthen the republican system”. The Maoist leader claimed that “regressive forces were hatching a conspiracy against the republican system and trying to reverse the change”.
Other Maoist leader who spoke on the occasion defended their move to declare various areas as autonomous regions rejected the claim that it would derail the peace process and lead to disintegration of the nation. The party is planning to declare altogether 13 autonomous states in the country by December 18.
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