Attempts to hinder the peace process include: talking about 'decommissioning', contrary to the eight-point agreement; saying the king must be given a role; not allowing the Maoists to join the interim government with their weapons in violation of the agreement to allow both armies to be placed in temporary or permanent barracks. This is a masterplan to save the monarchy and use the country for imperialist motives.

There are two armies in Nepal. That's the reality, whatever the eight-point agreement says. If issues of armies and power are not resolved, the peace process will be a sham.

One set of weapons was used to oppress the people and protect the feudalists. The other fought for the people's liberation. The 'royal army', which stood against the people's movement is the problem. The issue is democratisation of this army and its use for the people's wishes in the changed political scenario.

Decommissioning and disbanding the PLA now will be suicidal. People can only vote in a fear-free environment if both armies are in barracks. The confusion of many leaders and ministers indicates that foreign powers are at work.

What guarantee is there that once the PLA is disbanded this constituent assembly will not be like that in 1950, or the election like the 1979 referendum? What will other groups without an army do?

The PLA is not just the Maoist party's army but belongs to all protesting parties. Placing it under the interim government means other parties are also included. The PLA will obey the interim government's orders and consider the UN. If people doubt this, what guarantee is there that the Nepal Army will pay heed to the government? It is still the king's army. Placing both armies under unified command is also about the creation of a new republican national army. Many doubt this is feasible, but once it is united ideologically and psychologically, institutional unity is possible.