| In his first press conference in the capital, Maoist supremo claims November 8 agreement as a victory for his party By SANJAYA DHAKAL
Less than 15 hours after he signed the agreement with the seven party leaders in Baluwatar, Maoist chairman Prachanda – accompanied by his trusted lieutenants including Dr. Baburam Bhattarai – made a striking entry into the premises of Hotel Yak N Yeti.
Welcomed by hotel workers with red vermillion marks (tika) on their forehead, the visibly pleased band of Maoist leaders held their first official press conference in the capital. Addressing the packed hall, Prachanda made a lengthy remarks touching upon all issues and agenda. He, however, emphasized that his party termed the agreement as “victory.” That is why, he said, the Maoists decided to cancel the planned mass meeting in Kathmandu and instead go for victory rallies across the country. It seemed that the Maoists had to wait for over six months to celebrate the success of People’s Movement since other seven parties had celebrated it on April 25 itself. In a barrage of criticisms against the monarchy, Prachanda said that the November 8 deal between the SPA and his party has, in essence, put the monarchy virtually under the state of suspension until constituent assembly polls and made clear that the Prime Minister of the interim government would be the de facto head of state. The rebel leader said the agreement, which states about keeping the King powerless till the elections of Constituent Assembly, has suspended the institution. Demonstrating his party’s willingness to abide by the agreement, Prachanda said efforts to establish cantonments for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would begin immediately. Prachanda also seemed pleased that he was invited to speak at a program organized by The Hindustan Times in New Delhi . He said he intends to travel to New Delhi to attend the Leadership Summit on November 17-18. When asked if he would meet with Indian leaders there, Prachanda replied, “As Indian PM Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi will be in the same panel, I am likely to talk with them.” In a characteristic flamboyant style, Prachanda also made a blistering attack against what he called “a section of international community” (referring to the United States ). He accused the US of looking at the problems of today through “the glasses of 20 th century.” He said there could still be conspiracies to sabotage the peace process by the feudal elements and those who are unhappy with the SPA-Maoist deal. He, however, praised the cooperation of India . The leader of the party, which started the People’s War in 1996 after its 40-point demands were not met by then government and whose major demands then included terminating 1950 peace treaty with India and all other unequal treaties with India, was heaping praises on the facilitation accorded by New Delhi in bringing the 12-point agreement to fruition last November. Prachanda, addressing the press meet, also lent a glimpse about what agendas his party would pursue in the forthcoming CA elections. “We will campaign for republic. We will advocate federal system, as well as radical socio-economic transformation along with land reform and inclusion.” And, with the aim of winning the heart of Nepalis, Prachanda stated that Nepal can become developed country in the region within 10 years if the political forces become able to change their mindset and utilize the “historic opportunity.” “We have abundant human and national resources and we can take Nepal on top of South Asian level within 10 years if we adequately mobilize the resources we have,” he said. As he seems to be taking first steps towards participating in open politics, Prachanda will have tough days ahead to translate his words into actions. He may then realize that picking up gun was easier.
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