Nepal Maoists inclined toward totalitarianism

Kantipur Report | Sep 10, 2008

KATHMANDU, Sept 8 – Nepali Congress (NC) has accused the Maoists of continuing their coercive measures even after formation of the new government under their leadership.

At a press conference held at the end of the party’s Central Working Committee meeting Sunday, the second largest party in the Constituent Assembly said CPN (Maoist) seem determined to increase the influence of violence and armed combatants in statecraft instead of promoting peace, friendship and reconciliation.

Unveiling the nine-point decision of the CWC meeting, NC Spokesperson Arjun Narsingh KC said, “Because of the totalitarian attitude of Maoists, the NC decided to play a strong opposition role in the Legislature-Parliament rather than collaborate with  Maoists in the government. As opposition, we will check Maoist attempts to impose their authoritarianism on all state organs.”

He also urged the two major coalition partners in the Maoist-led government– CPN-UML and Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF)– to play a proactive role inside the government and democratize the Maoists.

The CWC meeting, however, concluded that CPN-UML and MPRF had failed to judge the possible situation and could not show maturity and farsightedness while deciding to join the Maoist-led government.

NC has held the Maoists responsible for breaching past agreements to form a government based on national consensus and politics of unity and collaboration.

Urging Maoists to translate the letter and spirit of past pacts and understandings into practice immediately,  NC has strongly opposed the idea of reintegrating “politically indoctrinated” Maoist combatants in Nepal Army, police and other security agencies. It said this would adversely impact their professionalism and impartiality. NC also urged the Maoist-led government not to politicize the bureaucracy, judiciary and security forces, and said any attempt to interfere in such state organs would not be acceptable to the party.

NC, however, vowed to play a constructive role in facilitating the CA to write a new democratic constitution for the sake of people’s sovereignty, constitutional supremacy, territorial integrity, human rights and freedom of expression, and to bring the peace process to a logical end. The party also decided to collaborate with all democratic and progressive forces in and outside the CA.

The party  has also decided to form two panels comprising experts to draft the party’s views on federalism, restructuring of the state and writing a new constitution.

Acting President Sushil Koirala said, “We will support and oppose the Maoist-led government based on its merits and demerits.”

Replying to a query, spokesperson KC said the NC would not be involved in toppling the government but “it would remain an alternative force”.

It has also decided to launch nationwide campaign to strengthen the party’s organizations.