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NC, UML lawmakers raise objection to PM’s remarks; Maoists blame NC overarmy integration row

The special hour of the Constituent Assembly, sitting in its capacity of legislative assembly, on Sunday, saw lawmakers trading accusations over Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent remarks and the issue of army integration.

Lawmakers from the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) took strong exception to Prime Minister’s statement that there will be armed resistance if attempts are made to subvert the political changes in the country.

UML leader Bhim Rawal said the Prime Minister’s remarks will only add to the [political] uncertainty, suggesting that the Prime Minister refrain from speaking anything outrageous.

He said Dahal’s comments have only weakened the possibility of national consensus for which he should have taken initiatives. Likewise, NC lawmakers Kamala Thapa and Kalyani Rijal demanded clarification from the Prime Minister over his remarks. They were of the view that the Prime Minister’s warning of armed revolt might have been intended to bully other parties.

MJF’s Jitendra Sonal also demanded a clarification from Prime Minister Dahal, accusing him of making things complicated especially at a time when he is required to have balanced approach to bring the peace process to a logical conclusion and write new constitution.

On the other hand, Maoist lawmakers came down heavily on the Nepali Congress party, accusing it of trying to obstruct the army integration process by refusing to join the Army Integration Special Committee formed weeks earlier. CPN-Maoist’s Indrajeet Rai claimed that the NC is not cooperating in the peace process as it has been trying to create hindrance in the army integration process.

Another Maoist lawmaker Ishwori Gyawali insisted that Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala is hatching a plot to send the Maoists back to thejungle. nepalnews.com mk Dec 14 08