Rupandehi, August 9:

UNMIN Nepal chief Ian Martin today welcomed the accord reached on Tuesday between the government and Janajatis’ Federation for inclusive constituent assembly (CA) polls.

Speaking at a function to mark the Nepal Adivasi Janajati Mahasangh Day, he urged the government to accord the same treatment to all indigenous, Madhesi, and Dalit sections of the society. He urged political parties to create a conducive atmosphere for the CA polls and called upon security agencies to ensure that the polls are held in a free and fair manner. “It is the wish of all Nepalis to be represented fairly in the constituent assembly. That wish ought to be respected and fulfilled,” said Martin. He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Stressing that the CA polls should be held on time, Martin called for better understanding between the political parties and civil society. Talking to reporters later, he said that the second phase of the verification of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fighters will begin in a few days. “Let the PLA brigade commanders return to the camps once the Maoists wrap up the proceedings of their fifth plenum and we will get down to business, “ he added.On the issue of Maoist PLA fighter deserting their camps, Martin clarified that over 12 per cent of the PLA personnel were on home leave. Those in the camps were staying put, he added.

Speaking about UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon’s message, Martin said, “Today is the day of the Janajatis in the UN. Nepal’s indigenous people and janajatis have also described the UNMIN, ILO and the UNHRC as their sanctuaries.”