Maoist chief sets the Nepal political ball rolling

In a significant development, outlawed Maoist group chief Prachanda has asked seven pro-democracy parties to constitute a ‘‘team&#...

In a significant development, outlawed Maoist group chief Prachanda has asked seven pro-democracy parties to constitute a ‘‘team’’ for finding a democratic way to resolve the political stalemate in Nepal. He has made it clear that the Maoists are willing to talk to the United Nations or ‘‘anyone’’ from the world community in pursuit of Nepalese wishes for peace, democracy and progress.

The statement follows a broad understanding between the Maoists and the seven political parties opposed to the royal takeover of February 1 at New Delhi’s initiative last month. ‘‘Our party appeals to the seven parties to hold a dialogue through an officially constituted team which would explore a democratic way out and create effective pressure for the purpose,’’ a statement issued by Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) supremo Prachanda said.

The statement comes at a time when UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s special envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, is in the capital for a first-hand account of steps taken by the King for restoration of democracy as ‘‘promised by him to the UN Secretary General in Jakarta.’’

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This is the first time that the Maoists have committed themselves to peace, democracy and progress but they have taken an equally hard line against the ‘‘absolute monarchy’’.

‘‘We are very positive to Nepali Congress party chief G P Koirala’s public call on behalf of seven political parties. We have taken the stand that we would be part of a united and strong movement together with the parties opposed to the royal coup,’’ the statement said.

It is not immediately known how the present regime led by King Gyanendra with ‘‘absolute power’’ would respond to the new development, but a key aide of the king, Gen Sacchit Shumshere Rana (Retd) has called for declaring all these parties ‘‘anti-national’’ if they ever joined hands with the ‘‘Maoist terrorists’’.

The choice of words like fight against ‘‘absolute monarchy’’ and for peace, progress and democracy mentioned in the statement give a clear indication that the Maoists have accepted the condition laid by the pro-democracy political parties that there could be no struggle together if the Maoists do not renounce violence. Prachanda reiterated that the Maoists would not ‘‘kill’’ workers and supporters of the seven parties. ‘‘We will strengthen the basis of mutual trust through this dialogue,’’ the statement added.

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