Kathmandu, November 21, 2006

The decade-old People’s War came to an end today with the signing of the Comprehensive National Peace Treaty by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda at the Birendra International Convention Centre.

After the signing of the much-awaited peace treaty, which took place at 8:29 pm, PM Koirala said the country would move through reconciliation process.

“I specially thank Maoist leader Prachandaji, Madhav Nepalji, Sher Bahadurji, other leaders and diplomats who played a significant role to materialise this.” “Many used to warn me that my effort of bringing the Maoists into mainstream will be futile,” Koirala recalled.

“But it was the responsibility of a democrat to bring even the non-democrat into democratic polity for which we have become successful,” he said. “I see many diplomats in this ceremony.

They must have been surprised by this historic event. They used to give us instances of other countries. We have set an example how peace can be restored through talks,” a delighted Koirala said amidst the applause of the audience.

He said the next mission of his life was to conduct an election to a constituent assembly.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prachanda said, “It is an end of the People’s War the Nepali people had waged in 1996 against the autocracy.”

Locals search for kids in vehicles ferrying Maoists

Locals stopped and searched 27 buses that were ferrying Maoist fighters from Chirtung in Palpa to Nawalparasi at Aryabhanjyang today.

They also staged an anti-Maoist demonstration at Aryabhanjyang chowk. Six district-based rights organisations also took part in the demonstration.

Stating that the Maoists had been taking along with them children and youths to recruit them in their People’s Liberation Army (PLA), locals searched the buses from 8 am to 12 pm.

The locals found two youths —Narayan Rana, 15, and Ram Bahadur Hitanga, 17, of Madan Pokhara, Palpa — travelling with the Maoists. Maoists have taken more than 150 children to recruit them in the PLA, locals said.

The guardians are finding it difficult to take back their wards as the Maoists have promised them many facilities, said Ruk Bahadur Hitanga of Madan Pokhara.

According to him, 10 children refused to return to their homes and instead claimed that they were associated with the Maoists for the past three years. Ram Bahadur, who returned home with his guardian, said: “I left my house without informing my family.

I was interested in going along with the Maoists.

However, I had to return after my father ordered me to get down from the bus in which I was travelling with the Maoists.” Bishnu Pokhrel said.