Maoists prepare to quit Nepal Parliament

In a clear indication that the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M) is clearly reviewing its continuation in Parliament, the party has called for major amendments in the peace agreement — something thing that is not acceptable to the partners in the Government.

The list of demands comes barely 48 hours before the session of Parliament slated for November 18. The CPN-M which has the second largest number of members in the House is also in a mood to demand resignation of Prime Minister G P Koirala if he refused to sign on the dotted line — declaration of republic Nepal, adoption of the proportional representation system of election, immediate substitution of the peace and reconstruction ministry by a high-powered peace commission to review implementation of the peace accords of the past and devise the basis for restructuring the state.

CPN-M Chief Prachanda circulated his demands in the form of a concept paper among the political parties which form part of the ruling coalition. “These are the demands which the Government can not fulfill now”, a senior minister belonging to the Congress party said, adding “Maoists are preparing ground for launching a fresh stir so that election can be stalled for ever”.