Untying the knot - Nepali Times

There are two dates to look out for in 2011: January 15, when UNMIN's mandate expires, and May 28, the extended deadline for the new constitution.

It's easy to see what we need:

* Peace, a constitution that guarantees constitutional supremacy, pluralism, multi-party democracy, independence of the judiciary, and media freedom
* A coalition government that will facilitate the CA's writing of the constitution, and hold general and local elections

How we get there is the question. The mistrust is more severe within the political parties than between them. Nepalis are thoroughly disappointed, and can only hope that better sense prevails in 2011. Hardliners within the Maoists have forced an official change in the party's goals to go for a 'people's revolt', instead of peace and the constitution, adding more uncertainty.

The CA has hardly anything to show for its yearlong extension. The political will to draft and promulgate the constitution in time is sorely lacking.

Fortunately, there is a way out of this impasse. It lies in the future of the Maoist ex-combatants. The majority of the Nepali people, the political parties, and above all the ex-combatants themselves, want integration and rehabilitation resolved. The only people who want to leave this unresolved, at least for now, are Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the hardline faction led by Mohan Baidya. Which is why the ex-combatants have accused Dahal of using them as pawns.

It is thought that half the combatants would want to integrate with the army or police, that is nearly 10,000 fighters. Once a credible mechanism is put in place, a coalition government under the leadership of the Maoist Party could be the next step. Before the winter session of parliament that starts 9 January, the parties should prove to the people that they are still capable of delivering on peace and the constitution.

READ ALSO:
EDITORIAL: Looking back, moving on
An exclusive interview with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal

1. Arthur
Everyone knows that when Prachanda resigned, it was because the other parties supported COAS Katwal in blocking any integration at all.

As it became obvious that Nepal cannot be governed without the Maoists, there was a gradual acceptance that perhaps 3,000 could be integrated. Then 5,000. Then 7,000.

Now you are up to 10,000.

What a pointless waste of time!

Posted on: 31 DEC 2010 | 10:33 PM NST

2. Suman

DK,

No, it's not only the Maoists who are blocking integration and rehabilitation. All other parties, plus Nepal Army and certain neighbours, are too. Because everyone wants integration/rehabilitation done thier way. Plus, you fail to mention that the CPA also envisioned parallel democratization and right-sizing of the Nepal Army. Where are we on that? Why has not the Defense Ministry's plans for that not been made public and debated? Does Nepal really need an army of 90+thousand, along with a police and paramilitary force of another 100,000? I don't know, but all Nepalis should ponder this question.

best and happy new year

suman

Posted on: 01 JAN 2011 | 10:57 PM NST

3. Shree Shrestha
These PLA people should be given one year of pay and set them free from camps. They really want to go home instead of being played like football by Maoists and other political parties. Once they go home and then they decide to join Army or Police they should be allowed to do so in an individual basis but not by group.

Posted on: 02 JAN 2011 | 7:32 PM NST