In an interview with myrepublica.com, Pun said, “Let´s seek solutions in package. The peace process has come so far and we should forge an understanding in package to take it to its logical end.”
The Maoists have been disrupting the parliamentary proceedings demanding rectification of the president´s move to reinstate army chief Rookmangud Katawal on May 4. The Maoist party has stated that the president´s move “violated civilian supremacy”, and demanded that it be debated in the parliament, which the speaker Subas Nembang has already rejected.
Pun says addressing the Maoist demand for “civilian supremacy” alone will lead to nowhere, leaving aside the constitution writing and peace process. “So we are ready to hold discussion in package and seek solutions,” he said.
He was of the opinion that the political party leaders should forge a “new 12-point agreement” to steer the political transition to its logical end.
He also argued that being the largest political party, the UCPN-Maoist had the right to lead the national unity government.
The former Maoist rebel argues that the constitution writing process will also go nowhere unless the political parties agree on the basic principles of the constitution. The political parties should agree on the basic constitutional provisions including system of governance, form of legislature, and inclusiveness, among other things, he says. In the package, Pun argues, the parties should reach an understanding on the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist fighters.
He argues that it is wrong to think that the peace process and the constitution writing process could be completed by alienating the Maoists. Neither the president nor vice president, nor the Constituent Assembly Chairman nor the prime minister is from the largest political party, he said. According to him, a Maoist-led national unity government and forging a new understanding among the political parties are the solutions to the present political deadlock.
Related story
Dashain aayo (again)
