Democracy For Nepal: Constituent Assembly: Still The Meeting Point

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Constituent Assembly: Still The Meeting Point

I preside over an organization, Hamro Nepal, that is for a Democratic Republic. We would rather have a republic now than later. But the seven party alliance is firm on going to a constituent assembly to deal with all questions, including the monarchy. That is where also the Maoists are. If it be the constituent assembly framework, Hamro Nepal will actively campaign on behalf of a republic.

I have been campaigning within the SPA to go straight for a republic. The revolution is on. But I defer to the SPA leaders on all issues, as this one. I try my best, but then go by their decision. They are my leaders also.

It is just that I keep thinking if the king is the biggest roadblock to a constituent assembly, you might have to achieve a republic before you go for a constituent assembly. That is only being realistic.

Maoist Stunt

Why have the Maoists threatened to blow up the Kosi barrage? Do they feel like the SPA has stolen all their limelight? This is highly unnecessary. They need to stop that saber rattling. Do they have a grudge against Bihar? What is their grudge against Bihar? Is blowing up the Kosi barrage their idea of a foreign policy?

The Maoists need to stop stunts like these or they will be hurting the movement underway.

If the Maoists start acting funny now, they are going to hurt the revolution like the king never could. If they just stay out of the way, the revolution just might establish a republic soon. But for that the Maoists need to continue to behave.

Instead of threatening to blast the Kosi barrage the Maoists should focus on staying out of the way, or helping constructively. There was a recent joint statement by Baburam and Prachanda where they had a program to paint Nepal Sarkar on all government signboards across the country. That would be very helpful to do. Focus on that. Keep a firm lid on your violence, or you might disturb the revolution.

The Police, The Army Also Abandoning The King

It is only a matter of time before they do it en masse.

Army turns blind eye as Nepal protests escalate Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom

My Email To Girija Koirala

Interim Constitution, Revolutionary Parliament
Phone Talk With Girija Koirala: Meeting History Itself

Sarahana Shrestha On NYC Local Radio

http://archive.wbai.org/files/mp3/060418_200001apf.MP3

In The News

Senior govt officials arrested in Nepal Moneycontrol.com, India The Home Minister's personal secretary is among the officers arrested for rallying against the King.
Govt to put pressure on Nepal king, names special envoy Economic Times, India
Karan Singh to visit Nepal Hindu
India plays royalty card, Karan Singh to talk to Nepal King Financial Express
Nepal at the crossroads Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom
Heavy downpour interrupted peoples demonstrations in Nepal Asian Tribune, Thailand
Question: Will pro-democracy demonstrations end the Nepalese ... Asian Tribune
Nepal ex-PMs plead for democracy Deccan Herald, India
REGION: Nepal events nearing a climax, say diplomats Daily Times, Pakistan At least five people have been killed and hundreds wounded in police action against protesters during the campaign, which has brought the impoverished nation to a standstill....... “We could see him toppled if he doesn’t do something in the next few weeks or days,” said one. “I am very afraid we are moving into a revolutionary situation.” ...... “He has to hand over power to the political parties,” the diplomat said. “And if he does not, it’s not looking good.” ...... The current protest movement is bigger than the 1990 democracy movement ....... “I don’t think that the king will step back, he will continue to keep his position. The only thing I can see is more confrontation,” Ogura told AFP. “In 1990, the movement was limited to Kathmandu valley and a few other towns, but these protests are much more widespread.”
Soldiers escort bus, truck convoy toward Nepal's capital amid ... CBC News
25 Government Employees Arrested in Nepal for Staging Anti ... Voice of America
Time running out for Nepal King? 'We could see him toppled' Expressindia.com
NEPAL: Fear of shortages in capital exaggerated - suppliers Reuters AlertNet, UK
Strike hits water supply in Nepali capital Xinhua
Nepal reels under anti-king strike Aljazeera.net
Nepal turmoil hits supply convoy CNN International
Protests in Nepal spread to government International Herald Tribune
Nepal Troops Open Fire, Killing Protester New York Times
Protester shot to death in Nepal CBC News
Anti-King Protests Mount as State Suppression Heightens in Nepal Nepal human Rights News
Police arrest 35 government officials, 3 journalists Outlook (subscription)
Nepal's anti-king protests continue, major rally set for ... TMCnet
Another death marks Day 12 of Nepal protests Indian Express
Nepal strike causes food, fuel shortages TMCnet
Protests continue in Nepal, rebels assert participation+ TMCnet
Nepal parties to hold massive rally on April 20 Rediff, India
Massive pro-democracy rally on April 20 in Nepal Hindu
NEPAL: Indefinite strike affects overseas migrant workers Reuters AlertNet, UK
Nepal in turmoil: India's role important Central Chronicle, India
Authorities Plan to Free Nepal, Change Mind Again Himalayan Times, Nepal CPN-UML standing committee member Keshav Badal said the "drama" of suddenly deciding to release Nepal and backtracking from doing so halfway through the process shows that those at the helm are in a state of panic.......Badal said the decision to free Nepal might have been changed as many people had gathered at the District Court to receive him, adding, the party was not informed in advance about his release.
Half way to Kathmandu, Nepal moved backed to Kakani Kantipur Online
Nepal to Be Released Today; King Mulling to Restore Parliament NewsLine Nepal
White House Report, April 18: Nepal, Iran/Mideast Washington File, DC
Geopolitical Diary: Countdown to a Coup in Nepal? Stratfor
IMF pulls out representative from Nepal NewKerala.com, India
Army turns blind eye as Nepal protests escalate Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom Jubilant Nepalese yesterday as protesters destroyed an unfinished monument to King Gyanendrathe authority of the royal regime appeared to be dissolving fast........In Nepalganj, the principal city of western Nepal, about 30,000 people marched, chanting: "Gyanendra thief. Leave the country." ....... They arrived from surrounding villages and expected to be stopped at an army camp at the edge of town. But inside the camp, protected by landmines and barbed wire, officers relaxed over cups of tea. "Why should we close the road?" said one. "It's a public road." Such insouciance will cause alarm at the palace, which depends on the army.

Nepal Maoists threaten to blast Kosi barrage Daily News & Analysis, India
Bihar govt SOS to save Kosi barrage in Nepal Times of India
Nepal Maoists threaten to blast Kosi barrage DailyIndia.com
Nepal Maoists threaten to blast Kosi barrage NewKerala.com
Protester killed in Nepal, Maoists support stir NewKerala.com, India
UPA govt has a 'soft corner' for Nepal Maoists, says Advani NewKerala.com, India
Nepal's Maoists Announce Ceasefire in Kathmandu Valley OhmyNews International, South Korea

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18 April