UML held its meeting of National Representative Council in Kathmandu from 4 to 6 March, 2012. In the opening ceremony held in the Khula Manch in Kathmandu, UML senior leaders accused UCPN (M) of being the main obstacle against the peace process and constitution-drafting. They stated that they would now take the leadership in the peace process and constitution-drafting and also announced the end of internal conflict in the party. They also demanded the resignation of prime minister Baburam Bhattarai accusing him of being a failure in all aspects.
In the closed session of the Council meeting, chairperson Khanal presented his political report and declared that the government has lost its legitimacy. Commenting on the government, Khanal said, ‘The government has shown apathy on the peace process and constitution-drafting but has also backtracked on the 7-point agreement and has lost its legitimacy. Therefore, there is no alternative for this government other than to resign and pave the way for a national consensus government to conclude the peace and constitution-drafting process’.
Khanal also expressed his scepticism at completion of constitution-drafting without concluding the peace process. In his report, he mentioned that there are still no clear indications to complete the constitution-drafting and conclude the peace process. ‘In this scenario, the danger of the country and people facing the challenge of a new dictatorship and anarchy is not over’, states Khanal in his report.
After two days of deliberations among the representatives, UML demanded the resignation of prime minister Bhattarai. The official report endorsed by the party states, ‘The present government has lost its legitimacy because it was formed through a 4-point agreement which is against the country and people, instead of seeking a consensus among the major political parties. Therefore, this meeting asks the present failed prime minister to resign and pave the way for a national consensus government’.
Similarly, UML also raised questions on the peace process—‘UCPN (M) has raised obstacles one after another going against past consensus, understandings, agreements, and decision. Going against the 7-point demand of November 1, 2011, it has been demanding various ranks in the Nepal Army, which will affect the Army’s professional and non-political character and neutrality. This has not only added complexity to the issue of integration, but also invites the danger of disputes and politicisation in the Army’. Expressing serious concern over this, the meeting has ‘demanded that the integration be done within the 7-point agreement and conclude the remaining work in the peace process’.
In the meantime, despite discussions among UCPN (M), Congress, and UML, there was no agreement on the commission for the disappeared and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Constituent Assembly chairperson Subash Nemwang met prime minister Bhattarai and asked him ‘take the peace and constitution-drafting process forward’. In his response, prime minister Bhattarai said that the ‘integration process will be completed by March 13’. Congress president Sushil Koirala warned of seeking an alternative to the government if there was no progress by then. UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal accused Congress and UML of trying to derail the peace and constitution-drafting process because UCPN has not splintered. He also said that because of Congress and UML, the possibility of promulgating the constitution by May 27 is slim.
Meanwhile, the leaders of United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) met prime minister Bhattarai and UCPN (M) chairperson Dahal accusing the government of not taking initiative to address the Madhes issues. The leaders agreed to amend laws to provide citizenship by descent to the children of parents who had got citizenship through birth. There was also an agreement to take the process of recruiting Madhesi youths into the Nepal Army. Opposition parties Congress and UML opposed the agreement between the two governing coalition partners. They insisted the government should run according to the ‘7-point agreement and rule of law’.
Major Developments
March 4 |
Meeting of National Representative Council of UML starts in Kathmandu. Mass meeting in Khula Manch. Senior leaders claim that they will take the leadership of the peace process and constitution-drafting. Announcement to make UML the largest party. |
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March 5 |
UML chairperson Jhala Nath Khanal presents his political report to the meeting of the party’s National Representative Council. He states there are no clear indications that the peace process and constitution-drafting will be concluded by Mary 27. |
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March 6 |
The meeting of UML National Representative Council concludes; demands resignation of prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, accusing him of having lost legitimacy. |
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March 7 |
Congress president Sushil Koirala states that if the peace process is not concluded by March 13, a Congress-led government will be formed. |
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March 8 |
Meeting between UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Congress president Sushil Koirala. Discussion on the peace process and constitution-drafting. UCPN (M) chairperson Dahal states that the peace process will not be stalled again. |
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March 9 |
Meeting of Lumbini Development Directorate Committee. UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal announces the visit of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in April 28, 2012. |
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March 10 |
Maoist combatants vacate satellite camps. |
