Maoists Engaged In Strategic Homework
Analyzing that their role will be further minimized if the transitional period prolongs, the Maoists are engaged in internal homework to forge their future strategies and tactics. According to a report in Kantipur daily, the Maoists have concluded that their role could not be advanced in the government and the parliament as per their target and prolonging transition has reduced their role in national politics. The Maoists have also pointed out that Nepali Congress (NC) has 'pressed' the party the most. "NC has pressed us everywhere and the party is discussing on how to resist this," a source said. The source added that party's earlier decision to engage in struggle in the government, parliament and streets could not be implemented. The Maoists are preparing for a 'plenum' meeting of their leaders including up to district-level leaders in late July and early August. The issue of extent of flexibility is also figuring in the party discussion. "There are preparations from all quarters to cast us aside and there are increasing chances of us getting trapped amid prolonging transition. Future strategy on this is being prepared," the source added. The plenum is going to be an important gathering after the second national conference of the Maoists. Senior leaders are busy writing documents for the plenum. "During the two months of monsoon, the issue of PLA management will be more important and people, too, won't come to the streets, so it is decided to launch struggle from inside the government at this stage. The meeting will focus on the topic of inevitability of struggle afterwards," the source said. The party plenum will also take up the issue of its relations with the Revolutionary International Movement (RIM). The RIM has expressed dissatisfaction with the agenda of 'democratic republic' currently accepted by the Maoists. nepalnews.com reports
Home Minister Appeals Terai Groups To Join Dialogue
Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula has appealed to 'Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, JTMM factions and other groups' to come for talks with the government within 15 days. "Government wants to resolve the problem in a political manner," he said on July 14. Speaking at parliamentary committee, Sitaula said that issues like national integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable. He also warned that the government will start taking strong security measures in case the talks offer is not accepted. He said these measures will be aimed at creating proper environment for November elections. On Friday, Sitaula had told the CA Election Monitoring Special Committee of the parliament that the government has devised security plans for elections – including providing security to candidates, parties, voters and polling centers by deploying Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. The government also plans to recruit temporary security personnel for the purpose. Sitaula said the government had planned four tiers of security arrangements- for registration phase, election campaign phase, vote counting phase and post-election scenario. He said the Armed Police Force (APF) would be stationed in all 240 constituencies with arrangements to extend the security presence in the areas of need. He also informed that the Nepal Police would be provided with more than 550 and the APF will be given 400 vehicles for patrolling during the election period. A separate panel headed by Chief District Officers (CDO) will also be established at the district level. Leading dailies report
33 Killed In Separate Landslides
Around 33 persons have died in separate landslides that hit villages in Baglung, Bajura and Jajarkot districts over the weekend. At least 25 people have died and eight others are missing in landslides in Gwalichour and Jaljala VDCs of Baglung district. Landslides hit these villages on Thursday night and Friday morning triggered by incessant rainfall. Nearly two dozen persons have been injured in the incident. Nepali Army (NA) mobilized its chopper to bring injured to hospitals in Kathmandu. Police and social workers have gone on rescue mission. In Brahmatola VDC of Bajura district, five persons were killed in a landslide while in Bhagwati VDC of Jajarkot district three persons have died of landslide on Saturday (July 14). Leading dailies report
Maoist Ministers Lay Blame Squarely On NC
The Maoist ministers have blamed the Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) for the failure of interim government to perform as per public aspirations. Assessing the performance of the interim government on the completion of 100 days in office, Maoist ministers have conceded that the government failed to work as per the people's aspirations. "This period marked a period of experimenting and testing. People had high expectations from us, but we could not match them," said Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Information and Communication and government spokesperson, addressing a press meet by Maoist ministers on Wednesday (July 11) afternoon. Another Maoist Minister Dev Gurung, who holds the portfolio of Ministry of Local Development, went on to blame Nepali Congress (NC) for the failure of the interim government. "Although the interim constitution clearly stipulates that decisions have to be taken based on political consent, NC works as if this is a one-party government," Gurung said. At the press meet Maoist ministers also briefed about achievements made by the Ministries they lead. There are five Maoist ministers in the interim cabinet including Mahara, Gurung, Hisila Yami (Minister for Works and Physical Planning), Matrika Yadav (Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation) and Khadga Bahadur Biswakarma (Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare). Compiled from reports
PM Calls Moriarty Spokesperson Of Democracy And Human Rights
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has praised US ambassador James Moriarty as spokesperson of democracy and human rights. Addressing a ceremony of dedication of newly constructed US Embassy building in Maharajgunj on July 11, PM Koirala also urged Moriarty to leave behind the memory of attack against him by "YCL men." PM Koirala said the attack had 'humiliated' and shamed all the people of Nepal. He also praised Moriarty for maintaining his stance despite being physically attacked by YCL and also 'by some media.' Later a beaming Moriarty told reporters that he found the PM liked him more than Maoists. He hoped that YCL will learn it is not good to pelt stones at diplomat in coming days. Meanwhile, Moriarty said the new US embassy building was a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Moriarty is returning home after completing his three year tenure on Friday. "The new Embassy compound was designed by Sorg and Associates of Washington, D.C. and constructed by U.S.-based Caddell Corporation. Nine Nepali prime subcontractors and the Turkish firm ENKA provided technical and specialized skills, including soil and earthquake analysis, concrete testing, and other technical services. The new Embassy project added $15 million USD to the local economy and employed Nepali vendors to ship overseas supplies and provide local building materials such as sand, wood, and office equipment. With a total of 500 employees, including 300 Nepali and 150 Turkish nationals, the new Embassy cost more than $80 million USD. Employees of the Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Building Operations were responsible for the day-to-day management and technical oversight of the project," states a press release by US Embassy. "The new Embassy complex occupies six acres of land. With a heavily reinforced concrete design, its buildings are among the most earthquake-resistant in Nepal. The entire compound is environmentally friendly. Complying with the U.S. government requirement of the nationally-accepted standard of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the building incorporates a series of elements for sustainable energy use, such as an on-site waste water treatment plant and energy efficient light fixtures." Compiled from reports
CEC Warns Govt On Security Situation
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Bhoj Raj Pokharel has said that if the current security situation does not improve, then elections cannot be held even in November. "Election environment is still absent," he said at a meeting of parliamentary CA Management and Monitoring Committee, on Tuesday (July 10). "If government and political parties do not work to create environment even now, the situation of June can recur," he warned. The committee headed by Speaker had invited CEC to discuss about poll preparation. The committee has decided to invite Home Minister and security chiefs on Friday to discuss security issues. CEC Pokharel said that although the Election Commission needs to mobilize its officials in districts right away, it could not do so in many districts. He said that EC's technical and logistic preparations were going on smoothly. He said that within two weeks, the EC will prepare guidelines and complete party registration. He informed there will be 10,000 polling centers and 22,000 booths. He said 150,000 employees will need to be deployed on polling day who have to be given training as well. He said 20 million ballot papers need to be printed and 40 different kinds of election materials purchased and transported. Kantipur daily reports
Journo Missing; Reports Say He Has Been Killed
Journalist Prakash Thakuri who has been missing since one week from his apartment in Bhasi of Mahendranagar could not be traced till Tuesday (July 10). A three-time former vice president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)-Kanchanpur district chapter, Thakuri had been close to royal regime after February 1, 2005, according to Kantipur daily. Thakuri had been staying in the capital and had returned to Mahendranagar only a few days ago. His wife Janaki Thakuri has informed the police that he was abducted by Maoist cadres. "Maoist worker Pomlal Sharma had come and inquired about Prakash following which YCL cadres took my husband away in motorcycle," she told reporters. Based on her allegations, police has taken Pomlal Sharma under their control. Sharma later told reporters that Prakash could have been taken away by YCL cadres. Even as he conceded that Prakash could have been abducted by YCL, in a separate press meet Maoists have denied their hand in the abduction. Adding to the mystery, a hitherto unknown group calling itself National Republican Army has emailed newspapers claiming Prakash has been killed as he was involved in pro-King activities. The email signed by its spokesperson 'Krantideep', however, does not clarify where and how he was killed. FNJ has issued a statement demanding investigation of the issue and has asked the authorities and all concerned to bring out the truth. Meanwhile, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) have expressed deep concern about the status of Thakuri and have urged the authorities to seek his whereabouts. Compiled from reports
Sharan Meets With PM
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Sharan paid a brief but meaningful visit to Baluwatar last week. During his meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the latter is said to have complained about the activities of various Terai outfits, some of whom have declared secessionist movements. Sharan is said to have assured the PM that India will not allow such activities targeted at Nepal from its soil. He, however, urged the PM to address Madhesi issues and hold Constituent Assembly elections on schedule at any cost. Compiled from reports
Who is secured most?
Nepalese have shown their unique character of compromise and respect to each other. Till a year ago, Nepalese police force was the main target of Maoists and Armed Police Force (APF) was set up to fight against the Maoists. Interestingly, CPN-Maoist leader who is said to be surrounded by his cadres will now be guarded by Nepali Police and APF. With the decision of the government, Maoist leader Prachanda will get additional security of 50 armed and other police personnel along with his own militia. The new security arrangement given to Maoist leader Prachanda is equivalent to the prime minister. At a time when the country's law and order situation is deteriorating and life in southern plain is disturbing, leaders need more security. But the question is who will protect the lives of ordinary citizens. Do ordinary citizens not deserve to live in secure life? Who will secure the commoners? Compiled from reports
