“The cabinet is seriously concerned over gross violations of the peace accord,” said Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokharel, adding that the cabinet has decided to draw the attention of UNMIN and the international community by collecting necessary facts through the Home Ministry, Communication Ministry, Peace Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The government´s accusations come in the wake of growing differences between the 22- party coalition and the UCPN-Maoist. The involvement of cantoned Maoist ex-army in the recent incident in Kailali, seizure of properties, call for general strikes, blockades and the party´s plan to announce autonomous regions are the issues that have particularly raised the cabinet´s concern, Minister Pokharel elaborated.
“The peace accord prohibits launching of general strikes and blockades. The code of conduct as stipulated by the accord will be effective till the peace process concludes. The Maoists have violated the code,” Pokharel told myrepublica.com.
Pokharel further said encroachment of forest land in Dudejhari of Kailali and seizure of individual properties, including paddy harvest, in recent times by the Maoists were in violation of the peace accord.
“The concerned ministries will collect necessary facts and write to the UNMIN,” Pokharel said.
The CPA signed on November 21, 2006 envisioned mechanisms to oversee the implementation of the commitments expressed in the historic documents. But such a mechanism, apart from the Joint Monitoring Coordination Committee chaired by UNMIN for monitoring and management of arms and armies, has not been set up yet. Even UNMIN´s call for the formation of such a mechanism has gone unheeded.
Govt decides to collect tax
The cabinet also decided to collect tax from ex-King and members of the former royal family, who enjoyed tax exemption till monarchy was abolished on May 28, 2008. Government authorities have put the tax dues from the ex-royals at Rs 200m.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also formed a high-level commission to address the squatters´ plight. The 13-member committee is headed by Gopal Mani Gautam. Similarly, the cabinet also decided to release Rs 20m as compensation to the families of the martyrs and those injured in the Tarai movement.
The government also decided to give compulsory retirement to the employees of Butwal Dhago Udyog. “They will be provided compensation,” Pokharel said.
CoAS allowed accepting honorary title
The government also decided to allow Chief of Army Staff Chhatra Man Singh Gurung to accept the title of honorary army chief from Indian President Pratibha Patil. Gurung is leaving for India on Friday to receive the award and attend a week-long program to be organized by the India Army.
The meeting also designated Major General Toran Jung Bahadur Singh as acting army chief during Gurung´s trip to India, said Minister Pokharel.
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