ILAM: UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today said his party was committed to peace and democracy. Addressing a mass meet in Tundikhel in Ilam headquarters, Prachanda said his party was cautions about writing the new constitution in order to respect the votes cast by people during the CA election.

"The people's movement is closely tied with the peace process and the CA election. We love peace process and Constituent Assembly," he explained, accusing the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML of not being serious about the two. "Had they loved peace process and Constitution Assembly, they would not have spared the president for his unconstitutional deed," he added.

The Maoist supremo added that his party would establish civilian supremacy by means of a peaceful agitation. "Our agitation will involve playing music and dancing," he assured. "In case our agitation is undervalued and suppressed, we will create a storm unable to be stopped by any power of the world."

Stating that people's unity would be essential for drafting the statute, Prachanda said plots were being hatched to fragment the country and destroy it. He said the statements of the ministers were akin to those of the former king regarding quelling the agitation and mobilising the army.

On the occasion, party secretary CP Gajurel said the ongoing agitation would fulfill the aspirations of the people. This was the first public address by Prachanda in Ilam. A large number of people were present to listen to the former rebel commander. Maoist activists, who had been queuing up for hours to greet their boss with garlands and flowers, were disappointed when Prachanda made his beeline for the programme venue in his vehicle.