Kathmandu, September 7:

Poverty, gender inequality, caste discrimination, irregular distribution of resources, and unemployment are major reasons for ongoing conflict in Nepal, a research conducted in seven districts of the country states. The research was conducted by the National Development Network (NDN). Making public the report titled ‘Reason for Conflict in Nepal and its Position,’ Ramji Neupane, the fund coordinator at the Canadian Cooperation Office (CCO), said the finding of the report should be taken into account while drafting policies and making plans.

Speaking at the ‘National Workshop on Outcomes of Local Peacebuilding Efforts’ in the capital today, Neupane said sustainable development and lasting peace can be achieved by addressing the concerns of the people at the grass-roots level. Dr Bishnu Uprety, a conflict resolution expert, said forming of alliances at local level would pave the way for sustainable peace. “External pressure and demoralisation of combatants would create a favourable environment for peace,” he said. Stating that the Maoists were moving from idealistic to realistic approach, he said the government should be pressurised to hold peace talks with the Maoists. Presenting a paper on ‘Reason for conflict in Nepal and its position” Dibya Sitaula, the NDN member-secretary, said people from aged between 25 and 40 years were found to have been involved in the conflict, meaning the potential of the youths was going waste. Charles Pradhan, fund coordinator at the CCO, said: “It is high time to evaluate outcomes and impact of 10 five-years plans.”

“Empowerment and mobilisation of civil society and advocacy for peace are some of the priorities of the NDN,” said Rajendra Pradhan, the NDN coordinator. “Formation of organisations in seven districts have fomented the issues of peace and development at the grass-roots level,” he said, adding: “People are increasingly becoming aware of their rights.”