Differences are deepening between the Maoists and the government of Nepal over issues of restoration of police posts, nominations of ambassadors and promulgation of interim constitution. However, tension has not yet burst up to a point of no return.
On Monday Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala warned the Maoists in Biratnagar before he headed to Kathmandu that the elections to the Constituent Assembly might not be held on time if they do not allow the restoration of police posts. The PM said, "They have to allow restoration of police posts in all the places from where they were displaced in the past. They have to allow the VDC secretaries to visit the villages. If they do not, then they will be held responsible for the consequences."
PM Koirala further added that he would not withdraw the appointments of ambassadors. It is widely believed that these statements will certainly irritate the Maoists. On the issue of governmental appointments, the Maoists had flexed their muscle and imposed valley bandh on December 19.
In the mean time, Koirala has expressed his dissatisfaction about the interim constitution, which was signed by the top leaders of eight parties. He has clearly pointed out the provisions of the interim constitution that creates a very powerful Prime Minister without any check and balance.
"I believe that the unlimited powers vested in a Prime Minister can turn him into an autocrat. This can even turn me into an autocrat," he said.
The Maoists seem angry with the remarks of the Prime Minister. According to Dev Gurung one of the Maoists top leaders and a member of the Maoist talks team, the restoration of all police posts were not essential for CA polls. He rather suspected that the Prime Minister himself might be against holding the constituent assembly elections.
The lengthy process of monitoring arms management has delayed in promulgation of the interim constitution, formation of the interim parliament and the government. Almost all other processes have been halted for a time being.
