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Maoists, UML join hands

KATHMANDU: After many failed attempts to evolve a consensus on the National Security Council’s structure and management of weapons in the Maoists’ possession, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) on Monday agreed to move ahead without the Nepali Congress (NC), if there was no consensus on these issues.

Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai, after meeting UML leaders, said: “If the NC does not clear the way for forming the government, we will have to find an alternative.” The NC has been saying the National Security Council should have leaders from the opposition party. However, the Maoists are opposed to this idea and have maintained that such a measure is unnecessary in a democracy.

NC leader Arjun Narsing K C told The Hindu that in a “special situation,” the National Security Council functioned as an important organ. “We’re integrating the Maoists’ cadres with the Army following norms stated in the Comprehensive Peace Accord. In order to ensure there is no disintegration and demoralisation of the Army, we want people from the opposition, too.” He said the NC has “almost decided” it will occupy the opposition benches.

Mr. Gurung said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala would be ousted by moving a no-confidence motion in the Constituent Assembly. NC leader Prakash Sharan Mahat said Mr. Koirala would resign “officially” only when a President is elected.

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