Kathmandu, October 24:

Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP) today criticised the Maoists for opposing parliamentary democracy and their bid to integrate the politically-indoctrinated People’s Liberated Army combatants into the national army.

“There can be no alternative to parliamentary democracy. Any other model will only give birth to authoritarianism,” RJP chairman Surya Bahadur Thapa told a press conference. “The public are by and large aware of the modus operandi of parliamentary democracy,” he said.

“Inducting Maoist combatants into the Nepal Army would prove to be fatal and counter-productive to the nation, nationality, democracy, peace and stability. They should be adjusted in other sectors,” said the RJP chairman.

Thapa appealed to all to come together and form a democratic force to overcome the dangers

that have been looming large over sovereignty and nationality. He wanted the government to stop using the state exchequer to line up the Young Communist League cadres and the party rank and file’s pockets.

“This practice will have a serious impact on the peace process. It can contribute to a conflict of a new kind.”

He saw the Maoists’ ploy in appointing commissions to return properties seized by the ex-rebels.

Thapa urged the ruling Maoists to desist from politicising the state machinery, including the judiciary, constitutional organs, civil and armed service and public enterprises.

“A failure to rectify these malpractices is fraught with danger. A third force will stand to benefit from the prevailing confusion,” the former PM added.