HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

Poudel calls upon Maoists to eschew politics of violence

Musikot (Rukum), Sept. 5 (RSS): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Ram Chandra Paudel who is also looking after the portfolios of the Prime Minister, has said that if the persons who follows the wrong path corrects his mistakes and works in the interest of the people, democracy and the nation, they would be given a chance for improvement as democracy is a liberal system.

At a mass meeting organised by Nepali Congress Rukum District Working Committee here today, chief guest Paudel said that those believing in bullets and swords will destroy themselves and called upon them to eschew the politics of violence and murder, follow the path of peace and move forward in a democratic manner.

Stating that violence and murder were not in the interest of democracy, the nation and people including those involved in it, he said that all were free to win the hearts of the people to form government in a democratic system.

He said, "This is the age of democracy. Democracy may be suppressed for a while but not forever. A person may be deceived but not all the people. The days of dictatorship are over."

Deputy Prime Minister Paudel made it clear that HMG was about to introduce integrated development programmes in the five districts of Rukum, Rolpa, Salyan, Jajarkot, and Kalikot and it had been the aim of the government to ensure development, economic equality and social justice to the people.

Calling upon all the political parties, the people’s representatives, civil servants, intellectuals and the public at large to join hands to implement the development endeavours to eliminate the evils of poverty and unemployment, the Deputy Prime Minister said, "Then only can the pace of development gain momentum and tremendous changes take place."

Under the programme, development of transport in districts would be given top priority followed by agriculture, education and health sectors, he said, adding that after the announcement of the programmes to be introduced, attention had been focused in the five districts.

He pointed out the need for all the political parties not to be entangled in short-term benefit and work for the interest of the nation, people and democracy.

Stating that it would be very unfortunate for the country if murder and violence led to a situation of civil war in the country, Mr Paudel urged all concerned to be alert in this regard.

MP Keshar Man Rokka emphasised the need to formulate programmes for the persons displaced as a result of violence, complete the Salyan-Musikot road within the current fiscal year and make the telephone services more reliable.

Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel said that HMG aimed to eliminate geographical remoteness and social inequality in the five districts through integrated development programmes.

Speaking from the chair, president of the NC Rukum district committee and former MP Gopalji Jung Shaha demanded the re-establishment of the removed police-posts and further cooperation to the persons hit hard by the terrorists.

Meanwhile in Musikot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Poudel, has said that since, development, peace and security are independent, the government is launching an integrated development programme in the five districts most affected by Maoists activity, along with concrete development work and sustained relief.

Speaking at an all party meeting held here by the District Development Committee Rukum, he expressed the view that as this programme embodies social justice and humanity, foreign aid can be attracted towards it if it is handled in a proper way.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need for involvement of the DDC and VDC and contribution from the MP’s contituency fund. He disclosed that efforts are under way to release a budget from the Prime Minister’s Cooperation Fund and to start a food for work programme.

He called on one and all to participate in the programme in view of the enthusiasm shown towards development work carried out under it and said the people can derive much benefit if limited budgets can be invested in a concrete programme on a priority basis.

Development not only relates to the budget, what the government Wants and is committed to is expediting development work on a war footing, he added.

The people are fed up with arbitrary violence, he said and underlined the need for bringing about progress and prosperity in the country through the strength of its people and by rekindling hope and confidence among them.

He also made it clear that the present government does not intend to centralize the budget and powers of the local bodies but is trying to benefit the people with solid development work.

MP Keshar Man Roka observed that a programme that bears fruit should be continued and as for others which turn out unfruitful their budgets should be kept in the integrated fund.

Another MP Tirtha Gautam said that as the budget apportioned for the district is minimal, it should be raised and a special programme package introduced where the Maoists movement is at its peak .

Member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Jagadish Chandra Regmee said that the government intends to accelerate the pace of development in five districts which are sensitive from the point of view of peace and security through the integrated programme.

Rukum DDC president Khem Man Khadka from the chair presented the annual report of development work in the district.

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