Nepal Times
UCPN (Maoist) has given indication that the party may adopt a clear position in favour of multiple-identity based federalism. had not pushed for the agenda of a single identity-based federalism. Addressing a meeting of the party’s Young Communist League (YCL) at Paris Danda on Saturday, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that parties has no alternative but to adopt federalism based on multiple identity as the opposition parties have failed to understand the aspirations behind the demand for single identity and that the party was under attack for the same. “The media and the opposition have shown us in a wrong light blaming us for inciting ethnic tensions.” Dahal said.
If the party officially adopts the line of Maoist supremo, it will forge a basis for consensus with the opposition, which could then pave way for reinstatement of the CA for promulgating the constitution. However, the position could also distance the party from its ruling allies Madhesi Front and the popular support the party enjoys among the janajatis.
The Maoist chairman also warned at the program that if the former combatants were not integrated in the Nepal Army as per the agreement, the party would send them for voluntary retirement and put the weapons in the museum. However, the chairman said he was confident that the parties were inching towards consensus and that the new government would be formed very soon.
Rubbishing the latest reports in the media that China was concerned over possible foreign intervention in the name of state restructuring, Dahal said as a friendly neighbor China supports Nepal’s peace process and it is not against federalism. “ We have their best interests at our hearts but they (India and China) should not interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs,” he said.
Dahal was reacting to CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya’s statement upon his return from China visit that Beijing was concerned over possible foreign activities in the name of federalism.
Addressing the meeting YCL leader Chandra Bahadur Thapa said the YCL was going to disband its militant youth wing and turn it into a regular political body which would engage with the youths and carry out related activities.
