KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 13
Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal has termed the people's war 'great and epoch-making'. He said this in his greetings on the occasion of the 28th People's War Day.
On the happy occasion of the 28th anniversary of the Great People's War, which started on 13 February 1996, PM Dahal expressed his best wishes to all the Nepalis living in the country and abroad and to change-loving people across the world.
PM Dahal said, "On this historic day, I express my heartfelt tribute to the great martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives for the liberation of the country and people. I express my highest respect while remembering all the missing warriors. I wish the wounded and disabled warriors a long life with good health."
PM Dahal said the People's War, waged on Nepali soil was great and epoch-making, and that historical revolution of courage, heroism and excellence had imbibed the dream of change dedicated to political, economic, social, cultural freedom and patriotism and nationalism.
The congratulatory message says, "Following the successful culmination of the People's War to spread the spirit of liberation, change and freedom by breaking down the walls of inequality, exploitation, oppression, discrimination and injustice existing in class, caste, gender, and region, a flicker of bright political consciousness has flowed in among the neglected, oppressed classes and slums."
"In the foundation of the Great People's War, a combination of historic people's movements led to the end of feudal monarchy in the country and the establishment of a federal democratic republic. Inclusive democracy has become institutionalised."
The prime minister's message also includes the establishment of identity and rights among the oppressed classes, castes, genders, regions, and communities, including Madhesis, Muslims, women, Dalits, tribals, and Tharu communities.
The prime minister said creation and implementation of a socialist-oriented constitution with an advanced system of social justice was possible on the foundation of the people's war.
"The rights and achievements established on the foundation of the people's struggle are the common property of the nation.
Even though the CPN (Maoist) led it, the People's War is a common day for all liberating and change-loving Nepalis who want identity, rights, liberation, justice, and freedom."
"The new government is moving ahead with national consensus, and focusing on social justice, good governance and prosperity," said the prime minister.
"In view of this reality, the government of Nepal has decided to celebrate February 13 as the People's War Day and make it a public holiday. Therefore, I earnestly appeal to the entire public to celebrate People's War Day as a day of national celebration and pride by organising various creative programmes."
PM Dahal said the new government formed at a time when the country's politics and economy had been facing a crisis was moving forward with national consensus, focusing on social justice, good governance and prosperity.
PM Dahal said in the message, "The current government is determined to change the system of the people and build the foundation of socialism. Therefore, on the occasion of the 28th People's War Day, I once again express my best wishes to all the Nepali people with the hope that positive energy and inspiration will be generated among all the Nepali people to turn national challenges into opportunities based on consensus, cooperation and unity."
A version of this article appears in the print on February 14, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
