Kathmandu, February 8

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Co-chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal today said if the government and political parties failed to abide by the spirit of the constitution and Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the country could witness the rise of another crop of Maoists.

He also warned that nobody should think that the Maoists had been finished and added that doing so would result in an unfortunate situation of another war which would be bigger and bloodier. “So the crux of the matter is we need to stick to the spirit of the constitution and CPA while formulating and implementing laws and empowering those marginalised yesterday,” he said. “If these things are taken lightly, it will lead to an unfortunate situation.”

Stating that there were only a few democratic systems in the world as inclusive as Nepal’s, he said the country had three levels of governments that had been made powerful with constitutional provisions.

“But I am worried whether we have been able to implement federalism as per the spirit of the constitution,” he said. “Are we trying to weaken local and provincial levels?” he asked. He also said that the country was headed towards a situation where one would be forced to ask whether efforts were being made to revert to the old system.

Dahal said the present political process began after he and the then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala signed the CPA against the backdrop of a feudal autocratic system, the conflict against that system, daily clashes and deaths and difficulties in travelling from one place to another.

The CPA envisioned a new era of peace and development through a unique peace process and by empowering those marginalised and involving them in the governance system. However, he said, all those involved in the war and movements had been forced to think seriously whether politics was moving ahead keeping in mind the war where thousands of people lost their lives.

“I am worried if we move ahead against the spirit of the CPA and the constitution, the country might witness another conflict even if we do not want it,” he said. “Imagine how dangerous a situation that would be. Can Nepal afford that? So we need to think about it seriously.”

He warned that if efforts were made to revive old culture, structure, working style, and corruption, there would be a precarious situation in both Madhes and hills. “That situation cannot be resolved easily like that done through the CPA,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Caracas crisis brings Dahal-Oli rift to fore
• No slip! : Dahal says party’s statement in line with his