Prachanda consults with PLA commanders

CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda has said that the party is engaged in "last minute preparations" for the formation of a new government under its leadership and that the process of army integration would begin immediately after that.

Prachanda gave this assurance during discussion with the divisional commanders of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the party's military wing, in his residence at Nayabazaar Tuesday morning.

This remark by Prachanda who is also the supreme commander of the military outfit that was in a decade long war with the state has come when the seven-party meeting scheduled to be held on Friday is believed to determine the composition of a "government of consensus" that would be formed soon.

The role of the Maoist PLA combatants in the changed context, their thoughts (suggestions) on army integration including other pertinent matters were also said to have been discussed during the meeting. Senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattara and four deputy commanders and heads of seven divisions of the PLA were present at the meeting.

"He (Prachanda) directed the Maoist People's Liberation Army to remain prepared to move ahead in a new style and manner," head of Maoist sixth division Pratik said quoting Prachanda.

CPN-Maoist party which is likely to lead the new government following its surprising victory in the recently concluded polls, has put army integration after 'democratising' Nepal Army and making PLA 'professional' on top of its priority list.

Prachanda had issued another directive to Young Communist League (YCL) cadres yesterday, asking them to avoid intimidations and attacks against the activists of rival political parties as it could tarnish the image of the entire party. nepalnews.com ag May 06 08