The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on Friday gave an ultimatum to the CPN(UML)-led government to address their demands within a week or face a third round of agitations.
Concluding the second round of agitation demanding restoration of civilian supremacy, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” said if the government did not address their demands to by November 20, they would launch a third revolt.
The Maoists have been demanding a discussion in Parliament on President Ram Baran Yadav’s move to reinstate the then Army Chief Rookmangud Katawal who was sacked by the Maoists six months ago. But the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress are against it. The Maoists also want a new national government under their leadership to replace the present coalition.
The Maoists term the present coalition government a puppet of India.
Unequal treaties
In another context, Mr. Prachanda said though his party wanted to maintain good relations with China and India, unequal treaties signed in the past should be rescinded. “Till the time the unfair treaties exist, Nepal cannot be independent,” he said. “That’s why we want the history to be evaluated.” His party firmly stands against the 1950 Nepal India Friendship Treaty which allows free movement of people between Nepal and India.
“We don’t accept treaties signed during the Rana regime or monarchy; we will accept only those signed after the country turned republic,” he said adding that only the new treaties would make Nepal a really independent country.
