Nepal’s Maoist chief warns of ‘conflict’ over charter, presses for strike
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.