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How did you come up with the idea of organising a peace assembly?
We tried to bridge the gap between the three parties by organising the 'Nirnayak Bahas' on 28 April, in the belief that the opportunity to air their views to the public would give them better mileage than a general strike. Although the leaders shook hands and promised to come to an agreement, they failed to do so.
After five days of the strike, uncertainty ruled, and clashes began to occur. The lack of agreement had generated much public frustration. We believed it was necessary to do something to avert disaster. So the peace assembly was organised to let the leaders know of the Nepali people's desire for peace, not to oppose or support any party. We wanted to say that the parties had to win the people's support through their ideas, not by force.
There was pressure from the Maoists to cancel the strike?
They were worried about the assembly being infiltrated, and asked us to postpone it by two days if we couldn't guarantee that. But if we hadn't organised an assembly someone else would have.
It's said the rally that followed chanted anti-Maoist slogans.
This is wrong. At the assembly nothing was said against any of the leaders. Once the assembly was over, those returning home participated in a rally, it was not the organisers who did so. If anyone sloganeered against leaders it was against the spirit of the assembly, and we cannot take responsibility for it. If this sort of things happen, then peace assemblies cannot be held in the future.
Following the assembly, the Maoists suspended their strike and held a meeting in Khula Manch.
By suspending the strike the Maoists have respected the people's wishes. But what we heard at the meet was disappointing. Industrialists are in favour of a strong economy and the country's development, not any political party. We want peace, a constitution and a prosperous nation, and are trying to create trust between the political parties towards this end.
What do you plan next?
We will continue to pressurise the political parties for peace, the constitution and a prosperous Nepal, and hope to avoid any adverse events after 28 May.
Are industries up and running again?
Yes, but the effects on the economy will linger, just as the impact on tourism. Everyone should be allowed to work and live if the nation is to be built, and we request all, including the parties, not to harass industrialists and businesspeople. But security must be provided. We cannot work with threats and extortion. From now on, we will not give donations to any political party, whatever happens. We will pay our taxes and create employment, but won't give in to any other threats.
What do you say to government?
We need security, but the government response has been lacking. Ministers were so scared they went to Singh Darbar at 3am. We will pressure government for security, and encourage them to move ahead through consensus.
