Kathmandu, May 3 :

Leaders of political parties today said that the government and the House should be alert and work to fulfil the people’s demand of holding election to a constituent assembly and punishing the enemies of democracy.

Speaking at the Reporters’ Club here, NC leader Ram Chandra Paudel said recent political developments have proved that Nepal’s politics still lack a leader of statesmanlike stature.

“The House of Representatives should learn to accept a democratic culture,” he said, adding leaders should not be moved by the demands of the masses. Rather, the leaders should be able to convey unpopular decisions, tell the bitter truth and educate them. He added that the NC has no problem joining the cabinet as all the leaders accepted what party president GP Koirala recommended.

Dr Minendra Rijal of NC-D said that the political parties are going through tough times as they have to prove in front of the people that they are worthy of trust.

He also said that the management of arms belonging to the Maoist could be a major problem, adding that, “This was one of the points on which we differed in our 12-point understanding with the Maoists.”

“The government should also show some flexibility while inviting or holding talks with the Maoists, “ he said, adding that the reinstated House of Representatives has the mandate to go for a constituent assembly and work in cooperation with the Maoists.

Rijal added that till date, the House has been a prerogative of a certain caste and it was time to determine that it belong equally to all ethnic groups and backward communities as well as people from remote geographic regions.

UML leader Pradip Gaywali said there was a gap in the activities of the House and level of people. “The House should respect the demands of the people,” he said, adding that the parties had been successful in the movement but failed to manage its results.

He admitted that a UML control committee meeting witnessed a problem regarding participation in the government. “UML demanded fair and just participation in the government. It was not only a matter of sharing,” he said.

According to him, UML had demanded the home and defence ministries as it wanted to form a commission to punish enemies of democracy and wanted to ensure that the mistakes of the Mallik Commission were not repeated. “We also wanted to ensure the streamlining of the army by confining its mobility and authority,” he said.

Lilamani Pokharel of the United Peoples’ Front said the people’s awareness of politics was a step ahead of that of the political leaders.

“What the people are asking for is the removal of the King’s picture from government’s offices, immediate punishment to the enemies of movement and so on. Can the House decide on it now?” he asked.