“As they lead the government, the Maoists must hand over their arms to the government,” said Vice-chairman of the Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Paudel, who is also the main opposition leader. [break]
Addressing a press meet at the party´s parliamentary party office, Paudel said the state should take up the responsibility for the security of cantonments and end PLA security at all the 28 cantonments.
Stating that the integration of ex-Maoist combatants should be based on the “principle of fairness”, Paudel said that the ex-Maoist fighters should not be given more privileges than the personnel in the security agencies.
Paudel also demanded that the Maoists unconditionally return all the properties seized during the conflict.
He also criticized the recent agreement between the Maoists and the Madhesi parties on providing relief to the victims of the Maoist insurgency, Madhes and other movements.
Paudel also took exception to the agreement on withdrawing criminal cases slapped against agitators during the conflict and Madhes movement.
“It is a serious issue. It will promote further impunity,” said Paudel.
When asked why the Nepali Congress rejected the prime minister´s proposal to form a high-level political mechanism comprising top leaders from the major parties, he said, “There is no need for the formation of such a mechanism as the Special Committee is already there to take up the issues of the peace process.”
Related story
Pakistan remains Beijing's top arms importer; 61% made-in-China...
