JHAPA: Nepali Congress President and former premier Girija Prasad Koirala on Saturday said that those trying to erase the history would be perished themselves.

Addressing a programme organised to unveil Jana Andolan Monument here in Birtamod of the eastern district of Jhapa, the former premier blamed the Unified CPN-Maoist for misusing the principles of agreement, cooperation and unity.

“Downfall of the Maoists is inevitable if they continue using these principles as a mere strategy for attaining their petty interests,” the octogenarian leader warned.

“The monarchy collapsed as it tried to erase the history. And, same is the case

for others if anyone tries to do the same,” Koirala said,

pointing at the Maoist cadres who were showing black flags to him at the programme

venue.

Koirala also expressed regret over the Maoist cadres’ act of obstructing the sacred task of unveiling the monument.

“The past and present reflect future,” the NC leader said, referring to the Prachanda’s videotape made public shortly after the Unified CPN-Maoist stepped down from the government.

“We can predict the Maoist’s future with the

content of the videotape,” Koirala said, urging the Maoists to work for a bright future by properly assessing the past and present.

Speaking on the occasion, CPN-UML standing committee member, KP Sharma Oli, expressed anger over the Unified CPN-Maoists.

“The Maoists who were used to taking bombs and guns are carrying stones

to disrupt democratic practice now. Let’s hope the former rebels will come

to the democratic system gradually,” he said.

Central committee member of the Nepali Congress, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, said, “I doubt whether it’s the beginning of their (Maoists’) downfall as they are creating obstruction in such a sacred task of unveiling the monument constructed in memory of the Jana Andolan II.”

The monument has been constructed at Muktichowk in Biratmod in commemoration of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Jana Andolan II.

A total of Rs 2.3 million has been spent for the construction works.

Meanwhile, Birtamod bazaar remained tense throughout the day today, after the local Maoist cadres, in their attempt to foil the programme, staged demonstrations by burning tyres.

They maintained that the monument defamed the martyrs.

The Police charged batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitators. Ten persons were injured in the ensuing clashes.

Maoists cadres attack NC gathering in Jhapa

JHAPA: As many as 12 cadres of the Unified CPN-Maoist and two Nepal Police personnel were injured in a scuffle that ensued while a rally taken

out by the Maoist activists attacked a gathering to be addressed by president of the Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala at Mukti Chowk of Jhapa district today.

While Maoist cadres pelted stones at the gathering which was held to unveil a monument, the police had to charge batons and fire six rounds of tear gas shells to take the situation under control. Maoist cadres including Hari Dahal, Bishnu Bhattarai and Dilli Baskota were injured in the clash.

According to Area Police Office, Birtamod, Inspector of the Armed Police Force (APF), Dinesh Acharya and Head Constable Nanda Bahadur Tamang were also injured. While Acharya sustained serious head injuries in the scuffle, Tamang was injured on the chest.

They are undergoing treatment in a local hospital. According to sources at the Maoists’ district office, eight Maoists cadres who have also sustained serious injuries are undergoing treatment in a local hospital. "We disrupted the Nepali Congress gathering as it was organised without inviting the UCPN-Maoist leaders. Moreover, the Nepali Congress has neglected the martyrs of the past political movements, " said a Maoist leader requesting anonymity. Maoist cadres had blocked the roads in town since early morning. However, the situation has now returned to normal. RSS