Pokhara, January 29:

Human rights activist Krishna Pahadi today said the Maoist-led government had failed to take forward the peace process.

Speaking at a programme organised by Human Rights and Peace Society here, Pahadi said, “The government is promoting violence and killing rather than working for peace. How can people believe in the Unified CPN-Maoist when it rewards a person involved in a crime with promotion to its central committee?”

The civil society would launch an agitation soon so as to press the political parties to ensure people’s independence, draft new constitution on time and work for the welfare of the people, he said. “The Maoists are in illusion that they reached to power with war of weapons. But the reality is different. They are in the government because of the understanding and agreement among the political parties.”

The import of small weapons in galore is an indication of civil war, he said. “Some political leaders are provoking for militarisation in the country.” He asked the political parties to forge an environment for consensus.

Gopal Raj Parajuli, chief justice at Pokhara Appellate Court, said democracy would be at stake if attempts were made to weaken the independent judiciary.