Parallel committee formed in Maoist trade union

KATHMANDU, Jan 31: As internal disputes deepen within the Maoist trade union, factions loyal to Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai have begun exercise to form parallel unions -- both in the districts and at the center.



The disgruntled leaders of the Maoist-aligned All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) have accused union chief Salikram Jamakattel of embezzlement, secret dealings with owners for personal benefits, and “dictatorial behaviors” toward those loyal to Baidya and Bhattarai factions. [break]



Those close to Baidya have already formed a parallel union in Lalitpur district and the group is holding negotiation with the Bhattarai group to form a parallel union at the center.



“We will set up a parallel union at the center within a week,” said ANTUF Senior Vice-president Badri Bajgain, who is close to Baidya.



Jamakattel, who is loyal to Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has also been accused of joining hands with owners to sack workers who opposed the former´s activities. The chairman, bowing to pressure from other union leaders and workers, had assured party leaders during the last central committee (CC) meeting that he would begin investigation and take action against Jamakattel.



But, the issue was dismissed after party trade union in-charge Shakti Basnet reportedly defended Jamakattel saying nobody should victimize the trade union leader.



“Jamakattel has been using the organization to carry out extortion and robbery,” said Bajagain. "We cannot tolerate any longer,” he added.



The disgruntled factions stated that their frequent complaints about Jamakattel have only fallen on deaf ears.



“We can no longer tolerate this,” said union leader Ramesh Pant, who is close to Bhattarai. “We are discussing how to move ahead,” he added.



The party establishment faction in Lalitpur has formed a committee under the chair of Pradeep Ghising.



“We want to run the organization as per the Leninist principle, but Jamakattel followed the path of Stalin,” said ANTUF Assistant Secretary Laldhwaj Nembang, who is close to Bhattarai. He participated in the function held by Bajgain and congratulated him for forming a parallel committee.



Jamakattel group had even beaten two members of Bajgain faction at Khanna Garment on Saturday.



Jamakattel, however, said that he knew nothing about the parallel committee

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