?People can interpret the state of emergency as it suits then, but what is clear here is that it is a constitutional compulsion. It is also clear that the emergency is associated with the mobilisation of the army. Similarly, there is also little disagreement that the emergency was imposed to disarm the Maoists and restore law and order in the country. So, if we want peace and security, there is no reason to suspect or doubt the purpose of having an emergency in force. It is impossible to end a six- or seven-year-old Maoist problem within three months. All political parties that believe in the parliamentary system have denounced the Maoist insurgency and are worried about its impact. Since we all agree that this problem needs to be ended, why can we not agree on the steps that must be taken to address the problems created by the insurgency? This is a vitally important question today. The emergency must be directed against the Maoists, and it must not affect the daily lives of other people, or development work in the country.

The entire country wants peace. Without peace no political or development activity can gather momentum, and that is why all must support every effort to make peace. It is wrong to be confused about the need for peace, and so, by extension, it is wrong to be in two minds about ratifying an extension of the emergency. Yes, the government needs to take seriously the reform proposals put forward by the opposition parties, but it is simply not right to countenance opinions that could disrupt the peace. Several political party meetings have been held, as well as all-party meetings. Now it is necessary to come to a solid conclusion. It must be clarified what reforms are possible in the political, economic and social spheres and what are not. If necessary, there should be more discussions, and each side needs to be clear on what it believes are the possibilities or otherwise. We need understanding and coordination?only they can take us toward a solution. Thus the need to ratify the emergency and get on with other reforms. The general feeling today is that there should be productive debate leading to a solid conclusion in parliament.