KATHMANDU: After four phases of struggle failed to fulfill its demands, the UCPN-Maoist is finally hopeful about the recently formed High-Level Political Mechanism. However, it has warned of dire consequences should the mechanism fail to address their concerns.

“Since the HLPM has begun discussions on the ongoing political deadlock with utmost priority, we are hopeful and wish to make it more effective,” said Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ during a press conference here today. “But should the mechanism fail to address our concerns, it will have dire consequences.”

The eight-day standing committee meeting, which concluded yesterday, has decided to give continuity to the ongoing movement for national independence, civilian supremacy, peace, new constitution and national joint government from February 13 to April 6.

A nationwide peoples’ deployment campaign would be the nature

of struggle, instead of bandhs and strikes. Door-to-door campaigns would be organised to promote party agenda.

The main opposition party has also stated that the movement would coincide with the functions

being observed on the occasions of People’s War

day on February 13,

Sacrifice day on February 26, Martyrs’ week from Feb 26-March 5, Labourer Women’s Day on March 8, cultural day (Anekot Massacre) on March 18 and Peoples’ Movement Day

on April 6.

The standing committee has decided to organise demonstrations and mass meetings throughout the nation. Distribution of leaflets, wall-painting, publicity shows about national independence, workshops, seminars, interactions,

cultural and literary

campaigns and march would mark the Maoist movement.

The standing committee has also decided to initiate the formation of a joint front of nationalist and republican forces to fight for national independence and civilian supremacy, among others.

According to Prachanda, the standing committee has also concentrated on making the peace process a success and drafting peoples’ federal republican constitution as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement despite the conspiracy of national and international elements to derail the peace process. He, however, said no one could go against the people’s right to revolt if the peace process derailed.

The meeting has also resolved that the army integration process cannot be isolated. “All concerned should be clear that constitution writing and army integration should be taken ahead simultaneously,” stated the release issued by the party.

Statements of the leaders that the constitution

would be drafted only after the cantonments are

emptied signalled conspiracy being hatched against the peace process.

The meeting has decided that the army integration would be concluded only after the new constitution finalises the restructuring of the state and the security policy.

Chairman Prachanda said the expanded meeting of the party’s central committee scheduled for February 13 had been postponed owing to the struggle plan and insufficient preparations.