Challenges remain for peace and democracy: Poudel

Kathmandu, August 17 : Nepali Congress (NC) Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel on Sunday said that challenges remain for peace and democracy as the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) is still weaving "strategic conspiracy".

He was speaking at a programme at the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu today. He said the Nepali Congress could not arrive to an understanding with the Maoists since no such commitments towards democracy came from the Maoists.

"We asked the Maoists for the creation of the environment for mutual trust and coordination," Kantipur quoted Poudel as saying.

"We (NC) cannot express support when there is not such an environment," he added.

Hinting at the newly formed alliance of the Maoists, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) and Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF), he claimed that the other political parties have struck an alliance with the Maoists without any bases. "They will regret soon," he added.

UML leader Ishwor Pokhrel in his address stressed on the need of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) and said that the political parties must focus on it rather than bickering over the ministerial portfolios.

He said that the alliance with the Maoists will end if the latter does not fulfil its commitment.

Pokhrel stressed that the Maoists should return the confiscated land and properties and abandon the paramilitary structure of its youth wing Young Communist League (YCL), as per its commitment.

Maoist leader Tope Bahadur Rayamajhi said that the party will continue its attempts, until the end, to bring the Nepali Congress (NC) in understanding. Also, he underscored the need of political parties staying in unison in political agenda.

ANI