Nepal’s Maoist chief warns of ‘conflict’ over charter, presses for strike
20 Jan 2015 12:16 AM GMT
The Maoists have ordered factories, schools, colleges and public transport to shut down on Tuesday to protest at what they say are the ruling parties’ plans to hold a parliamentary vote on disputed issues in the draft constitution.
The Maoists, now in opposition, say discussions must continue until a deal is hammered out -- even if that means missing Thursday’s deadline.
“We are trying to forge consensus... there has to be consensus,” said Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known better as Prachanda, at a press conference.
“If the coalition takes a forceful step towards a (vote)... the country will move towards political conflict, and we cannot let that happen,” Prachanda said.
Nepal has endured prolonged political limbo since 2006, when the Maoists ended their decade-long insurgency and signed a peace deal which paved the way for elections two years later.
Despite extensive discussions since a November 2013 election and the appointment of a new prime minister last February, political parties have failed to make headway on disputed issues in the national charter.
The Maoists, now in opposition, say discussions must continue until a deal is hammered out -- even if that means missing Thursday’s deadline.
“We are trying to forge consensus... there has to be consensus,” said Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known better as Prachanda, at a press conference.
“If the coalition takes a forceful step towards a (vote)... the country will move towards political conflict, and we cannot let that happen,” Prachanda said.
Nepal has endured prolonged political limbo since 2006, when the Maoists ended their decade-long insurgency and signed a peace deal which paved the way for elections two years later.
Despite extensive discussions since a November 2013 election and the appointment of a new prime minister last February, political parties have failed to make headway on disputed issues in the national charter.
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