TIRTHA SIGDEL

Following the 11 December declaration of the Kochila Autonomous Province, which includes Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari, there were many allegations that the Maoists were forming a parallel government and leading the country towards fragmentation, or even war. The Maoist Kochila Province is headed by CA member Purna Singh Rajbanshi. Gopal Gartoula from the Nepali Times asked him about his party's intentions.

Nepali Times: What is the population and area of the Kochila Province?
Purna Singh Rajbanshi: I'm not sure.

Now that Kochila province has been declared, what will be your job?
Look, we've already declared this province. The other parties should see this as our commitment and also as a challenge to them. We will now debate this in front of the parties and the people. This is our work now.

Do you mean to say that this is just a proposal? If so, who's going to ratify it?
We will take it to the CA and leave it to the central leadership.

Is there any possibility of working with the other parties, then?
I don't think so. But if they have some better ideas for a scientific proposal for federalism we will think about it. But we know we are the biggest party, and therefore our proposal is naturally the strongest.

And if the other parties also start declaring their own provinces one by one like you have?
They should understand that we have called this a strong progressive move. There is no need to panic. If the other parties are responsible they should also come up with ideas.

There are already groups that question your boundaries, won't this invite conflict between ethnic groups?
Only those who are against federalism or want to dilute it say that. Such thinking is completely wrong. If the demands of marginalised ethnic groups that are on the verge of extinction are addressed that is all for the common good, it is not against anyone.

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