Rupandehi, December 17:

CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda said today he would opt for constituent assembly polls if his party reached an understanding with the nationalist, pro-change and pro-republican forces.

Speaking after the inauguration ceremony of Radi Jagaran FM 93.6 in Butwal, Prachanda said, “We will go in full force for elections after we reach an understanding with nationalist, pro-change and pro-republican forces.”

He said the peace process had gained momentum and that the 12-point agreement also was on track.

“Consensus has been reached on the maintenance and upkeep of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army, relief to the families of those slain during the conflict and a commission for locating the whereabouts of those missing,” he added.

He also warned that the Maoists would launch a fresh agitation if any force tried to defer the CA polls scheduled for Chaitra and that they would install a new government that would hold the CA polls. He added that the CPN-Maoist did not go for polls, as it feared that the polls would be similar to the civic elections staged by king Gyanendra.

Expressing dissatisfaction at the seven parties’ working, Prachanda said the Maoists would remain a separate entity from the alliance until peace concerns were met.

He added that 80 per cent of the property and houses of civilians seized during the conflict period had been returned and added that the government had kept only 20 per cent of its bargain on the comprehensive peace treaty.

Speaking on the occasion, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Sherchan objected to the proposed figure of 601 for the constituent assembly. Rastriya Janamorcha president Chitra Bahadur KC also objected to the figure.