Govt says emphatic No to political demands of Maoists
Both sides commit to dialogue

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 15: The government has categorically disagreed to the political agenda of Maoists’ on the abrogation of the present Constitution, establishment of a republican state in the country and the formation of an interim government.

Both the government and Maoists made public their perceptions about the second round of talks held on September 13, 14 and 15 in Bardia through separate press conferences. The two sides had arrived in Kathmandu this afternoon by the same flight. Both the sides have said that the talks were still on, but the date for the next round will be fixed through mutual understanding.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Chiranjibi Wagle, coordinator of the government’s team for the talks, said that the government has expressed serious disagreement to the demands for the abolition of the present Constitution, establishment of a republican state in the country and the formation of an interim government.

At the press conference, other members of the government’s negotiating team, Mahesh Acharya, Bijay Kumar Gachhadhar, Chakra Prasad Bastola and Narahari Acharya were present.

Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta was also present.

Wagle said the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2047 was formed according to the wish of the people which bestowed the sovereignty of the country on the people and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution could not be taken away under any pretext.

He said, "We have a clear view that the present Constitution is flexible enough to give an exit and solution to any problem that might arise, and the people have the right to make amendments and improvement in the Constitution through its representatives."

On the Maoists’ demand for republic, Wagle said the people have given utmost importance to the institution of monarchy on the backdrop of the country’s historical, socio-cultural and geo-politics. The present constitution has also established and honoured the historical structure of the institution of monarchy. "We are committed to develop and consolidate the institution of monarchy in the country," he said and added that the government was totally against the concept of republic, which aims to destabilise monarchy.

But Wagle stressed that the government would make public according to its records within one week the condition of those in the police custody, in prison and those called as missing by the Maoists. Wagle also said that it would proceed ahead for the release of those in prison with due procedure.

Wagle also said that the government was willing to make amendments to the Public Security Regulations to match with the Constitution and laws, but he said it was impossible to scrap the Armed Police Force.

Saying that the Armed Police Force has been formed under the Constitution to control violent activities, riots and for the protection of public places and border security, Wagle said it is not and will not be directed against any political front.

Wagle said the Integrated Security and Development Package was meant to give a sense of security and to assist the implementation of development programmes, ISDP will become null and void as soon as there is improvement in the peace and security situation and the development plans start rolling unhindered.

The Maoists demands also include the abrogation of the Public Security Regulations, saying it was aimed against their ‘People’s War’, withdrawal of the Integrated Security and Development Package.

However, the government side also put forth its view before the Maoists for the creating a congenial atmosphere for talks. They include the immediate stoppage of the use of arms, their transportation, exhibition, collection and looting. Similarly, the other points raised by the government team include the stoppage of the forceful resignation, locking up of government offices, forceful collection of donations and use of public and private vehicles under threat of intimidation.

The government side also demanded that the Maoist must also release the common people, police and security personnel, and workers of political parties kidnapped by the Maoists and those unaccounted for after being detained by the Maoists. The Maoists must refrain from holding mass meetings, rallies and others, which could disrupt the environment of talks, it said.

However, Wagle told the press that there are many things in the Maoists’ demands, which could be resolved through talks and dialogue.

"It would be wrong to think that it is only the Maoists who are concerned about the social and economic issues. These are the issues which the government and all the other political parties have raised."

Wagle said they have only entered into the talks and there needs to be detailed discussions on the demands.

Answering a query about the Maoist’s rally of September 21, Wagle said that they have received information that some untoward incidents might happen at the rally.

Language is the mainstay of nation: Deuba

Kathmandu, Sept.15 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba released the "Dotyali Brihat Sabdakosh" or comprehensive dictionary of Dotyali language compiled by R. D. Prabhas and published by the Belu Bishwo Pratishthan at a function here today. The dictionary is the first of its kind in the language.

The dictionary contains 40,000 words of the language.

The dictionary also contains religious, cultural, social and historical aspects of the Dotelis riddles, proverbs, etc.

On the occasion, Mr Deuba said those who overlook their languages and culture will not be able to rise and all Nepalis should be proud of their language and culture.

The language is the mainstay of a nation and the present dictionary will significantly contribute to promoting the Doteli language, he further said.

The Prime Minister also honoured Dr Jayaraj Pant with a citation and a shawl in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of the Doteli language and literature.

Former Prime Minister and senior litterateur Lokendra Bahadur Chand spoke of the need to preserve the Doteli language since Doti is the cradle of the Nepali language.

The compiler of the dictionary said he had started the marathon task of compiling the dictionary 20 years ago.

Various other speakers including poet Madhav Ghimire, MP Tarinidutta Chataut and critic Dr Madhav Pokhrel also spoke at the function on the occasion.

Dictionary compiler Chataut, an ex-RSS representative, has 16 books to his credit.

Home Ministry appeals for peace, order

Kathmandu, Sept. 15 (RSS): The Home Ministry has, in a press release today, said attempts have been made to terrorise the people under different pretexts with the idea of adversely affecting law and order of the country, collect donations forcibly, and misuse the public property and means and resources.

The recent acts of international terrorism have made more sensitive the present challenging situation, the press release said, adding that at a time when attempts are being made to seek a peaceful solution to all kinds of problems facing the country, His Majesty’s Government makes an earnest appeal to all those concerned not to carry out any works that are likely to disrupt peace talks, close down industries, factories, schools and other educational institutions and adversely affect the public peace and order.

His Majesty’s Government has made an appeal to all political parties, organisations and civil society to help implement the decisions of the local administrations of the valley to ban assemblies, mass gatherings and processions, it is stated.

Mahara reiterates need for more talks

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 15: Nepal Communist Party-Maoist (CPN-Maoist) has said that it was serious about ending the six-year-long problem through dialogues.

Organising the first ever press conference here this evening after it launched the peoples’ war some six years ago, the leaders of the underground revolutionary party said that the struggle was their compulsion for establishing the republican system of government in the country.

Informing the press about the results of the just concluded second rounds of talks with the government at Bardia in the western Nepal, coordinator from the CPN-Maoist Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that although the two rounds of talks were not sufficient enough for ending the problem, they have made both the sides serious about each others’ demands.

"During the three-day talks we listened to the government’s preconditions and we also handed our four-page long written demands," said Mahara.

According to him, Maoists demands include immediate conditions to be implemented by the government like the release of about 72 of party workers, making public the condition of our leaders like Dandapani Neupane, cancellation of the newly introduced Security Regulation and Armed Security Force, calling back the Royal Nepalese Army to the barracks and repealing the Integrated Development and Security Programme.

Likewise, Mahara also reiterated his party’s political demand. He put forward the idea of abrogation of the existing constitution, formation of the interim government and paving ways for the establishment of the republican system of government in the country.

Similarly, in the written proposal the underground revolutionary party has asked the government to fulfil its 23 demands on matters of public concerns.

Mahara further said that the party had never resorted to extortion from anybody and any organisation. He also denied accusation made against the party that it had kidnapped any of the locally elected government representatives after the understanding reached between Maoists and the government for halting armed activities some two months back. He also said that being indulged in armed insurgency, his party possesses arms and ammunition and formation of local people’s government.

Referring to the ongoing talks with the government, he alleged government for not being forthcoming and serious about the demands and conditions of his party.

Meanwhile, he also informed that they were going to organise a mass meeting in Kathmandu on September 21 and convinced that the meeting would be peaceful and would be done as per the provisions underlined in the Constitution.

The Maoists have been fighting for the past six years for altering the present political system of the country and establishing people’s republic.

Earlier, after the conclusion of the three-day talks in Bardia’s Thakurdwara, both teams flew to the capital in the same flight this afternoon to host press conferences separately.

Maoists’ pressure against local bodies assailed

Pokhara, Sept. 15 (RSS): A two-day regional convention of the DDC office-bearers of Western Region organised by the association of district development committees wound up after denouncing the undemocratic activities of the Maoists like pressurising the elected people’s representatives to resign from their posts, locking up the offices of the VDCs and manhandling the people, and calling for ending such offensive activities immediately.

The convention welcomed the talks being held between HMG and Maoists and emphasised the need for both the parties to seriously find an amicable solution to the Maoists problems and move ahead the country’s political, social and economic fronts in a progressive manner.

Drawing the attention of the government towards the motorable road which is now under construction in Upper Mustang at the initiative of the local bodies, the convention demanded that the road be expanded by 20 km and linked with the Tibet Autonomous Region via Beni to Jomsom.

Since the integrated security and development programme is contrary to the spirit of democracy and decentralisation, the local bodies should be allowed to frame policy and carry on developmental works, the convention said the role of the security force should be confined to security only.

It also asked the government to merge the technical offices of the district into the technical division under the concerned DDC in line with the Local Self-governance Act and to enact the decentralisation action plan after incorporating the genuine demands of the local bodies by amending the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal.

The transfer of the primary education, health, agriculture and postal service offices to the local bodies made in the current budget is a laudable step, the convention said and demanded that the government provide the fund generated through tourism arrival and hydropower to the local bodies as per its commitment.

The convention presided by president of the association of DDCs Krishna Prasad Sapkota also drew the attention of the government towards the inconveniences caused to the people of Terai as well as hilly region by the Supreme Court’s decision which nullified the citizenship certificates distributed by the government five years ago.

Follow path of Buddha for peace: Bhandari

Kirtipur, Sept.15 (RSS): Health Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari has said that following the path of peace and non-violence shown by Lord Buddha is the need of the day in view of growing violence, murder and terror across the world.

Inaugurating the 58th annual general meeting of Dharmodaya Sabha here today, Minister Bhandari said as some elements are active to destroy our traditional social norms and values and human peace followers of all religions should work together for welfare and peace of the human beings.

He said His Majesty’s Government is sensitive towards the dam constructed by India at Marchawar near Lumbini, the symbol of global peace and international goodwill.

On the occasion, Mr Bhandari also released the "Original Pali" and the Gurung language translation of "Dhammapad" and the Tharu language translation of "Griha Binaya".

He felicitated the translators, Dr Rain Bahadur Gurung and Tej Narayan Panjiyar by wrapping shawls around them.

Speaking at the function, Dharmanushasak Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir said Buddhists Bhikshus or monks have played a significant role in keeping intact the religion tolerance in the country.

General secretary of Dharmodaya Sabha Subarna Shakya said the development and expansion of Buddhist religion in the world will enhance the pride and dignity of Nepal and the Nepalese.

Senior vice-president of Dharmodaya Sabha Omkar Prasad Gauchan also shed light on various aspects of Buddhist religion at the programme chaired by president of Dharmodaya Sabha Lokdarshan Bajracharya.

HR organisations express shock

Kathmandu, Sept. 15 (RSS): The political party, professional and social organisations and human rights organisations have, in seperate statements, expressed deep sadness over the terrorist attack being made at New York and Washington D.C. that claimed the lives of many civilian and caused massive loss of property and demanded legal action against the persons responsible for such inhuman attack.

The statements urges the government and the people of United States of America to exercise restraint and tolerance to tackle the unanticipated problems arising out of such a tragic incident.

The political party and the organisations expressing deep grief are CPN-Masal, University Nepal Teachers Association, Society of Environment Journalists Nepal, National Human Rights Commission, Human Rights and Democratic Study Centre, Human Rights and Peace Society, Amnesty International, Nepal Association of Travel Agents, Nepal Overseas Trade Assocation, Hotel Association of Nepal, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Central Carpet Manufacturer’s Association, Global Initiatives International Secretariat, Nepal Garment Association and Committee for Peace Action.

National PABSAN urges schools to continue classes

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 15: National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association-Nepal (PABSAN) has appealed to all the school owners not to close their schools and hamper the study of children. The organisation of the private schools has also requested to the concerned authorities to create a favourable environment for the unhindered operation of the schools.

The appeal comes ahead of much talked of national convention of Maoist-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students’ Union-Revolutionary (ANNFSU-R) beginning September 17 and a rally and mass meeting of the Maoists four days later. The Maoists have reportedly asked the schools to accommodate their activists on the days they are holding these meets in the capital.

The organisation in a press release said it was talking to different parties to reach to a positive conclusion and appealed to the guardians, teachers, students and others to assist it "to resist valiantly the elements who are trying to escalate anarchy in the education sector" and improve this sector.

National PABSAN has also called for working alliance with Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation-Nepal as well as other agencies related to private and boarding schools to resolve all the problems facing them.

SC decision on transport services to be implemented

Kathmandu, Sept.15 (RSS): After the Supreme Court upheld the government decision to make necessary arrangements for ticket booking and selling for long-distance passenger buses operating from the capital only at Gongabu bus park and Sundhara, the transport management committee constituted by the government has active in implementing the decision.

A writ petition was filed challenging the government decision.

The transport management committee formed by the Kathmandu District Administration under the traffic and transport management act has taken the decision not to open booking counters within a distance of half a kilometre inside the Ring Road except for Gongabu bus park and Sundhara in a bid to make the transport sector planned. As decided by the committee no long distance buses will depart from other places other than Gongabu and Sundhara.

The transport management office under the Department of Transport Management issued a public notice to remove the booking counters along and around the Ring Road within seven
days and to have the ticket booked through authorised employees only at the specified places.

The government has taken the decision to resolve various problems such as duping of the passengers, issuing two tickets for the same seat, traffic jam, and the buses leaving behind the passengers when booking for long distance buses is allowed at various unauthorised and unspecified places.

Meanwhile, the Central Region Bus Operators Association operating long-distance bus services has called for full implementation of the decision upheld by the Supreme Court.

Provisions have been made for advance ticket booking from specified places from September 17 for the convenience of the passengers going out of the valley on the occasion of the Vijaya Dashami festival.

The association with about 500 members operates about 100 buses daily.