Security For CA polls

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has acquired information from the security apparatus responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. On Monday, the prime minister discussed with defense officials about the security arrangements to be made for conducting the polls to the constituent assembly in addition to taking stock of the prevailing situation in the country. As reported, the prime minister inquired how the demand by the Maoists to translocate the army camp from a VDC in Kapilvastu district could be addressed. It is to be noted that the Maoists have demanded the relocation of the army camp put up at Birpur VDC as, according to it, the camp was allegedly set up to conduct offensive operations against the progressive forces during the royal regime. The Maoists had called a strike in the district last week in which private vehicles and load carriers were vandalised. This issue was taken up when Maoist leader Prachanda met with the prime minister recently, and the latter had pledged to look into the matter after holding consultations with the agency concerned.

Since Prime Minister Koirala is committed to holding the polls to the constituent assembly, it is in the fitness of things that he is holding consultations with the agencies and actors concerned over how the democratic exercise could be effectively hosted without any let up or hindrance. As called by the prime minister, no political forces can afford to be swayed by passion without coming to terms with the evolving situation in the country. The determination of the prime minister to conduct the polls for the constituent assembly should be understood properly so that the journey to peace and democracy is not circumvented at any rate. The political parties, including the Maoists, should resonate with the views of the prime minister and conduct themselves accordingly. As some issues may be controversial, it is necessary that the parties take more time to discuss and settle them properly. The party leaders should be engaged in frequent meetings and interactions in an attempt to reach a consensus on some of the outstanding subjects. The future of Nepal lies in peace and political stability, and the international community is keen to see that the conflict in Nepal is fully resolved. The relevant actors must, therefore, keep their stakes open for permanent peace and democracy.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 13, 2007