Nepal on the path of peace and prosperity: Deuba

Mumbai, July 1: Former Nepal Prime Minister and leader of Nepalese Congress (Democratic) party Sher Bahadur Deuba today said Nepal is all set on a journey of peace and prosperity with democracy restored and peace within reach.

''We are at present negotiating with the Maoists to bring an end to the decade-long insurgency and establish permanent peace. The Maoists have agreed to join the competitive multiparty democracy,'' Mr Deuba said while speaking on ''Towards Democratic Consolidation'' at a function here today.

He said the conflict betwen the state and the rebels had led to the loss of more than 13,000 lives besides causing extensive damage to private and public properties.

''Democracy is meaningless if there is hunger and poverty and, so, Nepal's struggle today is not only for peace and democracy but also for human dignity and economic prosperity,'' he observed.

Mr Deuba said the current round of negotiations with the Maoists offers a much hopeful prospect, and election to the constituent assembly has become everyone's agenda.

An early settlement on the arms issue could pave the way for Maoists to join the interim government so that elections to the constituent assembly can be held without fear and intimidation, he said.

''I am aware that peace process is a very delicate process and a simple error at times, may derail all hopes,'' Mr Deuba said.

''Our failure to match expectations could trigger anger and frustration among the people which can be used by certain forces against democracy itself. So, we have to be careful in delivering what we as the government have promised,'' he added.

Mr Deuba said that Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent movement, which guided the success of India's long-cherished dream for freedom, is now an inspiration for Nepal.

UNI

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