Nepali Congress vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel on Tuesday said the Maoist People's Liberation Army can't be integrated with the Nepali Army as the former is loyal to a political party.
Speaking at a programme organised by the party at its central office to mark the 95th anniversary of late B.P Koirala, Poudel reaffirmed his party policy, saying that cadres of political parties can't be inducted in a national army, which is carrying out its duty of safeguarding the nation by remaining [politically] impartial.
He also accused the government of utterly failing to provide succour to the flood victims of Koshi disaster, which in its aftermath has claimed the lives of 36 people so far, and rendered more than 50,000 homeless.
Assuring that Nepali Congress would assume a role of a "responsible opposition party", Poudel said that it would not engage in "a game of pulling down the government".
Poudel's remark came in response to warning by Prime Minister Prachanda that the country would face a great catastrophe if there is any efforts to topple his government.
At the end of the programme, Poudel garlanded the statue of late B.P Koirala erected at the party office premises.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Prachanda to visit India on September 14th
Prime Minister Prachanda visit to India has been fixed for September 14.
The Kantipur daily quotes Nepali ambassador in New Delhi Durgesh Man Singh as saying that PM Prachanda will reach New Delhi on September 14 and return on 18.
This will be his first visit to India after becoming the first elected PM of the federal republic Nepal.
Prime Minister Prachanda will also travel to New York to attend the general assembly of the United Nations in the third week of September.
Nation will plunge into disarray if new govt fails: Prime Minister Prachanda
Prime Minister Prachanda has warned that the country will head towards grave crisis if the new government fails, or is brought down prematurely.
"Conspiracy to topple the government is already being hatched," PM Dahal told a delegation of journalists at his official residence in Baluwatar Friday morning, adding, "The failure of the government will shatter the aspirations of the people, and such a general frustration will lead the nation to grave crisis."
"Some people are talking about brining down the government in three months...six months," Prachanda said alluding to a recent comment by Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala that the Maoist-led government would not last more than six months.
Saying he was determined to fulfill the promises he made to the people, PM Prachanda also urged all including the media fraternity to help the government in achieving its three primary goals - bringing the peace process to a logical end, writing new constitution and bring about economic prosperity
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Read the latest Issue of CPN Maoist Paper Red Star
Visit http://www.krishnasenonline.org/theredstar/Or press the Red Star Link on friends and comrades on the right of this page
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Maoist, NC leaders give opposite views on army integration
A senior commander of the Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) has warned of further conflict in the country if the parties fail to merge the two armies - Nepal Army and PLA - as per the peace accord.
Speaking at an interaction programme in the capital Wednesday, deputy commander of the PLA Nanda Kishor Pun 'Pasang' said the process of integration between the two forces would begin within three months and complete in six months. The peace process will not be successful if the two armies are not integrated, he said.
However, Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat strongly opposed the idea of merger of PLA into Nepal Army saying it would politicise the national army. He threatened that his party would take to streets if the two forces were merged. He claimed the merger of politically indoctrinated militants into the national army is against the prevailing military ethics and practices.
Retired army General C. B. Gurung said serious debate and concrete security policy are required before taking any decision on the future of two armies since the issue is a sensitive one, which is linked with national security.
Another retired Nepal Army General Gopal Singh Bohara suggested leaders to look for alternatives than to merge PLA into national army. However, security expert Indrajit Rai, who is a constituent assembly member representing CPN (Maoist), said there is no alternative to merging two armies if Nepal needs lasting peace.
Speaking at an interaction programme in the capital Wednesday, deputy commander of the PLA Nanda Kishor Pun 'Pasang' said the process of integration between the two forces would begin within three months and complete in six months. The peace process will not be successful if the two armies are not integrated, he said.
However, Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat strongly opposed the idea of merger of PLA into Nepal Army saying it would politicise the national army. He threatened that his party would take to streets if the two forces were merged. He claimed the merger of politically indoctrinated militants into the national army is against the prevailing military ethics and practices.
Retired army General C. B. Gurung said serious debate and concrete security policy are required before taking any decision on the future of two armies since the issue is a sensitive one, which is linked with national security.
Another retired Nepal Army General Gopal Singh Bohara suggested leaders to look for alternatives than to merge PLA into national army. However, security expert Indrajit Rai, who is a constituent assembly member representing CPN (Maoist), said there is no alternative to merging two armies if Nepal needs lasting peace.
Democracy and Class Struggle Televison
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Week 2 Programme Schedule
1. Zionism Enemy of the Jewish People
2. The Function of Fascism
3. The Battle of Cable Street
6 .The San Francisco General Strike
7. British Miners Strike
8. David Rovics Sings
9. Pablo Neruda Poem
Special Feature Harlem Renaissance
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“No Illusion On The Ultimate Goal Of Socialist Communism”: Prime Minister Prachanda
“No Illusion On The Ultimate Goal Of Socialist Communism”: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
In his first interview since he became the Prime Minister, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ talks to Rabindra Mishra of BBC Nepali Service about the strategies of his new government. Excerpts:
Prime Minister, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. In the past Maoist leaders had vowed not to keep any private property. They handed over their private properties to the party. Now, what will you do to your salary that you will be drawing as prime minister?
That (money) will go to the country and the people. It will be deposited in the party treasury. Except some amount for the general upkeep, the salary will be deposited in the party treasury.
Then, how can one be assured of privatization under your government when you are yourself not keeping private property?
We do not believe that private property should be abolished. But we believe that the leadership must keep away from making money to ensure that the properties of the people are protected and promoted.
What three things you will do in the next three months that will make a difference to the people?
First, a special committee will be announced to facilitate the integration (of the army) and rehabilitation within six months as part of moves to take the peace process to a logical conclusion. Second, the process of constitution making will be expedited in three months. Third, programmes to provide immediate and long-term relief will be announced.
Given that the army integration is being seen as a very sensitive issue, will you let the current army chief General Rookmangud Katawal complete his tenure?
The demand of the time is to exercise maximum restraint. The country will suffer by any move that breeds bitterness at this juncture.
So the suspicions about the army chief being sacked are misplaced? He will not be sacked, will he?
That will not happen. As long as everyone including the army, the police and the other officials remain committed to the people’s mandate on democracy, peace and change, no one needs to feel insecure. There will be no prejudice against any.
How will you handle the army integration? The Nepali Army seems to have its own thought. How will you merge your combatants into the national army?
Now that I have become prime minister I have been travelling with the army security. I have found a serious commitment and sense of responsibility in the Nepali soldiers. I don’t think that we will face any problem in taking this (integration) process to a conclusion.
If you had so much faith in Nepali Army, why did you distrust the NA and, instead, induct your combatants for your personal security?
I never showed such distrust. I never wanted to show any bit of distrust towards NA or police or PLA or armed police. Since last two years armed police and PLA personnel had been providing security to my residence in Naya Bazaar. This was an issue that needed a technical solution. I do not want to suspect anyone or make anyone feel humiliated. The PLA also should not feel that they have been orphaned now that I have become Prime Minister. I am quite sensitive on this matter. Both PLA and NA understand the issue very well.
Among the 20,000 Maoist combatants in the cantonments, how many will be accommodated into the Nepali Army. What happens to the rest?
The PLA combatants who are staying in the cantonments and who have been verified by the United Nations are all eligible for rehabilitation and integration. According to our latest understanding, each and every PLA combatant will be given the freedom to choose whether he/she wants to return home or engage in other professions. Therefore, I am not in a position to say how many PLA combatants will be integrated and how many of them will return home.
How long will the ex-King Gyanendra be allowed to stay in the Nagarjuna palace?
We are discussing this matter. The cabinet has just been expanded. It will take up the issue soon.
Will you re-open the probe into the palace killings?
This issue will be raised at the Constituent Assembly. There have been no satisfactory answers yet to the people’s serious questions about the incident.
Perhaps the people could raise similar questions about you also?
May be. But the people of Nepal have already justified our action –you call it civil war or people’s war -- through the constituent assembly verdict. Have the people ever justified the palace killings?
Do you ever feel that you hands are stained with blood?
Sometimes in the event of grave mistakes on our part, I was emotional. But what is more important is the great process of transformation and the class, ethnic, regional and gender consciousness which have come about through our movement. So I do not feel the need to repent.
Would you have visited China first if it had not hosted the Olympic Games?
Let’s not get into hypothetical questions. Since China is our neighbor and since we could not attend the inaugural ceremony of the Olympics, I went there for the closing ceremony. Anyway, it would not have been easier for me to go there first if there had been no Olympic.
Since China is the land of your inspiration Mao Zedong, you must have harbored wishes to travel there?
I would be lying if I said no.
What do you want to do with the 1950 Indo-Nepal treaty?
Nepal has become a republic passing through big changes since the Rana regime. So, the 1950 treaty should be clearly reviewed. It cannot be kept in the present form.
What are the provisions that you do not like in the present treaty?
I am engaged in consultations on my visit to India soon. So, I do not want to reply to your question at this point.
When are you visiting India?
I am going to attend the UN General Assembly. I will travel to India before that.
You used to claim that different power centers were blocking your ascent to power. Have you defeated those centers now?
I cannot use the same language as I am Prime Minister now. I have said on many occasions that had any other party won the election, nothing would have stopped the formation of new government within a week. It took four months for us.
You have defeated the King and elbowed out Girija Prasad Koirala. Do you feel that you have mastered the policy of use and throw?
I am pained by the allegations that we engage in use and throw. I never think that I have cheated anyone. But in course of advancing my cause, I might have made compromises and come closer to one or another at different times. But there was never any conspiracy there. It was our philosophy of cooperating with others to defeat the primary enemy.
There are two schools of thoughts within your party – one favoring the People’s Republic and the other favoring Democratic Republic. Which one will prevail?
That is not the case. There is no illusion within our party regarding our ultimate goal of establishing a Socialist Communism. However, in the current national and international circumstances, we have decided to move ahead by institutionalizing the federal democratic republic.
So, you want to establish a People’s Republic by means of the state of democratic republic?
We will definitely attempt to establish a People’s Republic by institutionalizing democratic republic and through the legitimate means like election. Once we attain that, we will then work to achieve socialism and communism.
Will there be a people’s republic if your party wins a majority in the next election?
Let’s not understand this in a provocative manner. We will definitely try our best to ensure that the new constitution will be as close to the ideal of People’s Republic as possible. I believe that the constitution would pave the way for a People’s Republic, Socialism and Communism.
How can it pave the way for communism when you have said there will be guarantee to all kinds of political freedom?
We have concluded that socialism without multiparty competition and political freedoms cannot survive. We have learned this from the experiences of Russia and other countries.
What are you talking about, socialism or communism?
I am talking about socialism. A lively society can be built only if there are political freedoms and competitions within socialism. Communism is something like a heaven where there is neither a class nor a state nor an army. It will take hundreds of years to reach there.
You are not in a mood to step down as party chairman even after becoming PM. Why?
Certainly, since I will not be able to devote adequate time and energy for the party after becoming the PM, other comrades will have to take more responsibility. But there is no rule anywhere in the world for the party chief to step down when he becomes PM. Besides, ours is a party that believes in central and unified leadership. So there is no question of abandoning one responsibility when taking up another.
You once publicly said that top leaders will not join the government and act like Mahatma Gandhi?
What I said will happen only after a people’s constitution and a stable government are put in place. We believe that a leader does not need to stick to the position of a prime minister or a president once the revolution is completed, constitution is written and the country cruises on a stable course.
Politicians are smart in playing with words, aren’t they?
Not at all, I have only tried to reply in a very direct manner.
How long will your government survive?
It will continue till the constitution is written and the peace process is completed. I believe our party will win majority, even two-thirds majority in the next election. Then , our government will continue for another five years. We will improve our performance during that period. There will come a situation where people will start thinking that Maoists alone can run this country. In the subsequent election, we expect to win 90 percent votes and we will continue in power for many decades.
You have high expectations. Do you believe they will be fulfilled?
Definitely. We have strong faith in people. We are devoted to the nation and the people. No one can severe our relation with the people.
Courtesy: BBC Nepali Service
In his first interview since he became the Prime Minister, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ talks to Rabindra Mishra of BBC Nepali Service about the strategies of his new government. Excerpts:
Prime Minister, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. In the past Maoist leaders had vowed not to keep any private property. They handed over their private properties to the party. Now, what will you do to your salary that you will be drawing as prime minister?
That (money) will go to the country and the people. It will be deposited in the party treasury. Except some amount for the general upkeep, the salary will be deposited in the party treasury.
Then, how can one be assured of privatization under your government when you are yourself not keeping private property?
We do not believe that private property should be abolished. But we believe that the leadership must keep away from making money to ensure that the properties of the people are protected and promoted.
What three things you will do in the next three months that will make a difference to the people?
First, a special committee will be announced to facilitate the integration (of the army) and rehabilitation within six months as part of moves to take the peace process to a logical conclusion. Second, the process of constitution making will be expedited in three months. Third, programmes to provide immediate and long-term relief will be announced.
Given that the army integration is being seen as a very sensitive issue, will you let the current army chief General Rookmangud Katawal complete his tenure?
The demand of the time is to exercise maximum restraint. The country will suffer by any move that breeds bitterness at this juncture.
So the suspicions about the army chief being sacked are misplaced? He will not be sacked, will he?
That will not happen. As long as everyone including the army, the police and the other officials remain committed to the people’s mandate on democracy, peace and change, no one needs to feel insecure. There will be no prejudice against any.
How will you handle the army integration? The Nepali Army seems to have its own thought. How will you merge your combatants into the national army?
Now that I have become prime minister I have been travelling with the army security. I have found a serious commitment and sense of responsibility in the Nepali soldiers. I don’t think that we will face any problem in taking this (integration) process to a conclusion.
If you had so much faith in Nepali Army, why did you distrust the NA and, instead, induct your combatants for your personal security?
I never showed such distrust. I never wanted to show any bit of distrust towards NA or police or PLA or armed police. Since last two years armed police and PLA personnel had been providing security to my residence in Naya Bazaar. This was an issue that needed a technical solution. I do not want to suspect anyone or make anyone feel humiliated. The PLA also should not feel that they have been orphaned now that I have become Prime Minister. I am quite sensitive on this matter. Both PLA and NA understand the issue very well.
Among the 20,000 Maoist combatants in the cantonments, how many will be accommodated into the Nepali Army. What happens to the rest?
The PLA combatants who are staying in the cantonments and who have been verified by the United Nations are all eligible for rehabilitation and integration. According to our latest understanding, each and every PLA combatant will be given the freedom to choose whether he/she wants to return home or engage in other professions. Therefore, I am not in a position to say how many PLA combatants will be integrated and how many of them will return home.
How long will the ex-King Gyanendra be allowed to stay in the Nagarjuna palace?
We are discussing this matter. The cabinet has just been expanded. It will take up the issue soon.
Will you re-open the probe into the palace killings?
This issue will be raised at the Constituent Assembly. There have been no satisfactory answers yet to the people’s serious questions about the incident.
Perhaps the people could raise similar questions about you also?
May be. But the people of Nepal have already justified our action –you call it civil war or people’s war -- through the constituent assembly verdict. Have the people ever justified the palace killings?
Do you ever feel that you hands are stained with blood?
Sometimes in the event of grave mistakes on our part, I was emotional. But what is more important is the great process of transformation and the class, ethnic, regional and gender consciousness which have come about through our movement. So I do not feel the need to repent.
Would you have visited China first if it had not hosted the Olympic Games?
Let’s not get into hypothetical questions. Since China is our neighbor and since we could not attend the inaugural ceremony of the Olympics, I went there for the closing ceremony. Anyway, it would not have been easier for me to go there first if there had been no Olympic.
Since China is the land of your inspiration Mao Zedong, you must have harbored wishes to travel there?
I would be lying if I said no.
What do you want to do with the 1950 Indo-Nepal treaty?
Nepal has become a republic passing through big changes since the Rana regime. So, the 1950 treaty should be clearly reviewed. It cannot be kept in the present form.
What are the provisions that you do not like in the present treaty?
I am engaged in consultations on my visit to India soon. So, I do not want to reply to your question at this point.
When are you visiting India?
I am going to attend the UN General Assembly. I will travel to India before that.
You used to claim that different power centers were blocking your ascent to power. Have you defeated those centers now?
I cannot use the same language as I am Prime Minister now. I have said on many occasions that had any other party won the election, nothing would have stopped the formation of new government within a week. It took four months for us.
You have defeated the King and elbowed out Girija Prasad Koirala. Do you feel that you have mastered the policy of use and throw?
I am pained by the allegations that we engage in use and throw. I never think that I have cheated anyone. But in course of advancing my cause, I might have made compromises and come closer to one or another at different times. But there was never any conspiracy there. It was our philosophy of cooperating with others to defeat the primary enemy.
There are two schools of thoughts within your party – one favoring the People’s Republic and the other favoring Democratic Republic. Which one will prevail?
That is not the case. There is no illusion within our party regarding our ultimate goal of establishing a Socialist Communism. However, in the current national and international circumstances, we have decided to move ahead by institutionalizing the federal democratic republic.
So, you want to establish a People’s Republic by means of the state of democratic republic?
We will definitely attempt to establish a People’s Republic by institutionalizing democratic republic and through the legitimate means like election. Once we attain that, we will then work to achieve socialism and communism.
Will there be a people’s republic if your party wins a majority in the next election?
Let’s not understand this in a provocative manner. We will definitely try our best to ensure that the new constitution will be as close to the ideal of People’s Republic as possible. I believe that the constitution would pave the way for a People’s Republic, Socialism and Communism.
How can it pave the way for communism when you have said there will be guarantee to all kinds of political freedom?
We have concluded that socialism without multiparty competition and political freedoms cannot survive. We have learned this from the experiences of Russia and other countries.
What are you talking about, socialism or communism?
I am talking about socialism. A lively society can be built only if there are political freedoms and competitions within socialism. Communism is something like a heaven where there is neither a class nor a state nor an army. It will take hundreds of years to reach there.
You are not in a mood to step down as party chairman even after becoming PM. Why?
Certainly, since I will not be able to devote adequate time and energy for the party after becoming the PM, other comrades will have to take more responsibility. But there is no rule anywhere in the world for the party chief to step down when he becomes PM. Besides, ours is a party that believes in central and unified leadership. So there is no question of abandoning one responsibility when taking up another.
You once publicly said that top leaders will not join the government and act like Mahatma Gandhi?
What I said will happen only after a people’s constitution and a stable government are put in place. We believe that a leader does not need to stick to the position of a prime minister or a president once the revolution is completed, constitution is written and the country cruises on a stable course.
Politicians are smart in playing with words, aren’t they?
Not at all, I have only tried to reply in a very direct manner.
How long will your government survive?
It will continue till the constitution is written and the peace process is completed. I believe our party will win majority, even two-thirds majority in the next election. Then , our government will continue for another five years. We will improve our performance during that period. There will come a situation where people will start thinking that Maoists alone can run this country. In the subsequent election, we expect to win 90 percent votes and we will continue in power for many decades.
You have high expectations. Do you believe they will be fulfilled?
Definitely. We have strong faith in people. We are devoted to the nation and the people. No one can severe our relation with the people.
Courtesy: BBC Nepali Service
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Prachanda will not take action against Nepali Army chief General Rookmangud Katawal
Prime Minister Prachanda has indicated that he will not take any action against the Nepali Army chief General Rookmangud Katawal.
"From my side, there will not be any prejudice against him or the security bodies," PM Prachanda told BBC Nepali Service in an exclusive interview, Monday.
He was replying to a question on what he will do to the army chief as he used to be critical about him in the past.
The Prime Minister also said that he attaches high sensitivity to the process of integration of army and will proceed very carefully in that regard.
He also said that the new government will soon decide how long to allow the ex-King Gyanendra to stay in Nagarjuna palace. The ex-King had been provided the palace by the previous government after he exited from Narayanhity palace.
Asked if he ever feels there are bloods in his hands, Prachanda – who had led 12-year-long violent insurgency that took the lives of around 15000 people - said he does feel so but is overwhelmed by the feeling of achievement in terms of numerous positive transformations the movement has brought about in the country.
The full interview will be broadcast by BBC Nepali Service on Tuesday night. The interview can then also be accessed at its website www.bbcnepali.com
Dr Bhattarai Finance Minister promises economic revolution
Finance Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has said that as the political revolution was almost done, the economic revolution will now be initiated.
Addressing the "Double Digit Growth: A National Commitment," – economic summit held by Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) – the finance minister said that attaining double digit growth was not impossible.
The CNI president Binod Chaudhary advised the government not to take rash decisions in the name of becoming popular.
The CNI summit is closing, Tuesday. The three-day summit held an extensive discussion about the possibility of attaining double digit growth in the country.
Experts presented dozens of papers discussing sector specific possibilities
Addressing the "Double Digit Growth: A National Commitment," – economic summit held by Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) – the finance minister said that attaining double digit growth was not impossible.
The CNI president Binod Chaudhary advised the government not to take rash decisions in the name of becoming popular.
The CNI summit is closing, Tuesday. The three-day summit held an extensive discussion about the possibility of attaining double digit growth in the country.
Experts presented dozens of papers discussing sector specific possibilities
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