Unity For Peace
DEPUTY Prime Minister Badri Prasad Mandal, emphasising the
need of national unity and cooperation from all sectors for ending the violence and
restoring peace in the country, called upon all political parties not to obstruct the
peace process. Addressing a function in Butwal the other day, Deputy Prime Minister Mandal
said that no Nepali would ever benefit from violence, conflict and terrorism. The seven
years of violence have seen a great deal of political instability, uncertainty and
economic stagnation. As a result, all including Maoists themselves have realised the need
of peace. In view of national need and desire of the people, the government right after it
came to power started the peace process. The cease-fire between the government and Maoists
is the result of the sincere and serious efforts of the government for peace. In fact, the
cease-fire and peace process have brought joy and cheers to all Nepalese people as well as
Nepal’s well wishers abroad. The present cease-fire and peace process need to be
translated into a lasting peace for the long term interest of the country. The government
is, in deed, moving ahead very cautiously to make the peace process a success. The
government is currently engaged in pre-talks consultations with Maoists as well as leaders
of other different political parties to finalise the agenda and modalities of the peace
talks. As demanded by political parties and civil society, the government and Maoists are
preparing a code of conduct for the peace talks, which, according to Minister for Works
and Physical Planning Narayan Singh Pun, is at the final stage and would be made public
soon. In order to create a national consensus and involve all political forces in the
peace process, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has called the second all-party
meeting on Monday. All these efforts indicate the seriousness and commitment of the
government for restoring peace and stability in the country. In this critical juncture,
political parties and members of the civil society need to act responsibly for the cause
of the nation and the people and extend a helping hand to the government in the peace
initiatives. However, activities and remarks of some political parties do not appear very
responsible regarding peace, and democratisation in the country. These parties are putting
unnecessary demands and conditions, which may create a roadblock to the peace process.
Peace is the most important one prerequisite for the development of the country and
national unity and consensus are a must for this. At this critical point of history,
parties need to discourage any efforts that may derail the peace process and demonstrate a
national unity.
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