Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

“Some agitators have even asked the police to fire bullets at demonstrators so that it would provoke bloodshed and violence.’

Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, talking to a delegation of human rights activists.

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“That is a complete lie. It seems PM Thapa has lost his mental balance to be making such charges.”

Girija Prasad Koirala, former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress (NC), responding to charges made by PM Thapa, in Kantipur.

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“The government has proofs that there is Maoist infiltration in the agitation. That is why we had to impose prohibitions against rallies and demonstration in core city areas.”

Kamal Thapa, Home Minister and government spokesperson, at a press meet.

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“There is no utility of this government, which has failed to accomplish any of the tasks assigned to it.”

Rajeshwore Devkota, chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nationalist), speaking at an interaction program.

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“There is no need for a ‘jana-andolan’ at the moment when the king has announced elections. Let him hold the elections.”

Manisha Koirala, noted Bollywood actress and grand-daughter of late B.P. Koirala, speaking at a program organized by the Rotary club of Kathmandu at the capital, showing her discontent towards the movement against regression.

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“Now that the professionals have also joined the movement against regression, you should also help decide on how the movement should shape up in the coming days.”

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, former minister and central leader of Nepali Congress, addressing the reporters in response to the inquiry about the next strategy of the five party- alliance.

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“There is no involvement of the Maoists in our movement, instead the government has assigned policemen in civil dress to provoke violence.”

Yubaraj Gyawali, central leader of the CPN(UML), reacting to the allegations made by the government about the involvement of the Maoists in the peaceful movement against regression.

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“Now the minimum demand of the agitating parties should be the constituent assembly.”

Professor Dr. LokRaj Baral, senior political analyst, in Deshantar vernacular weekly.

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