Prachanda advocates ethnic identity, self-determination rights

Kathmandu, January 6 — The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) has presented an 11-point proposal regarding its policies, programs, and plans.

In the central committee meeting that began on Sunday, party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ presented his political report, putting forward concrete policies, programs, and plans for the transformation and revitalization of the Maoist party.

The 11-point policy, program, and plan stress the need to improve the behavior and working style of the party's leaders and cadres. The report mentions that both when in government and out of it, the positive initiatives taken by the leadership have provided a good opportunity for the Maoist party’s transformation and revitalization.

According to sources, Prachanda's report includes specific plans to revive issues related to the right to self-determination and ethnic identity. Based on policies related to self-determination and autonomy, Prachanda has proposed to activate the marginalized ethnic, regional, and organizational fronts of the party.

Prachanda mentioned in his report, "The right to self-determination is not only necessary in a proletarian revolution but also becomes more significant during the socialist revolutionary period. The importance of ethnic identity and political autonomy becomes even greater."

The report further emphasizes the need to foster close relations with indigenous, tribal, and marginalized communities while actively engaging in raising voices against the economic disparities in politically marginalized regions such as Seti-Mahakali, Bheri-Karnali, and Madhes, even though they have gained political recognition.

Prachanda elaborated on the need to continue the regional movements and build and mobilize fronts for the rights and identities of indigenous and oppressed communities. He also reflected on how the Maoists, through the People’s War and the People's Movement, established the issues of federalism with ethnic identity and proportional representation.

Addressing the decline of these issues in recent times, Prachanda emphasized the need for self-criticism and introspection, proposing to revive these issues moving forward.

According to the proposal, a clear action plan for the three-month campaign from Falgun (mid-February) to Baisakh (mid-April) will be implemented.

Despite the constitutional provision rejecting ethnic identity and self-determination rights, after the signing of the peace agreement, the Maoist party had actively raised these issues. However, these concerns were sidelined after the promulgation of the 2015 constitution. Prachanda is now presenting these issues once again as part of his party’s ongoing agenda.

Membership expansion

Prachanda also proposed expanding party membership. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive campaign to protect professional rights and interests.

During the party expansion process, special attention will be given to the Terai-Madhes region, with efforts made to target the large population there for party revitalization.

Additionally, Prachanda highlighted the need to resolve internal contradictions within the party and ensure victory in upcoming elections.

He criticized the UML's intention to take the country towards a two-party system through constitutional amendments and emphasized the importance of exposing this move.

Prachanda also reiterated his commitment to continuously take initiatives in favor of a directly elected president and a fully proportional electoral system, which he aims to further strengthen through the party’s commitment.

TRC issue

Prachanda has concluded that the issues related to Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) must be resolved immediately. He accused the UML of hindering the resolution of the truth and reconciliation issue due to its vested interests.

He mentioned, "UML's revengeful actions have become a hindrance to resolving this issue. This issue must be settled by working together with the Congress, who were signatories to the peace agreement."

The report also emphasizes the need for immediate action in the education sector, urging that the School Education Bill, which has been delayed, should be expedited.

Prachanda also stressed the importance of quality teaching and respect for the teaching profession.

Party's path forward

Prachanda highlighted the importance of remaining active through both street and parliamentary fronts to safeguard the party’s agenda and establish the party’s objectives.

One key aspect in the report is the inclusion of policies related to production and labor. According to Prachanda, there will be an initiative to link the party’s agenda with production and labor, with plans for local leaders to engage in production activities.

There is also a focus on ensuring transparency in the economic lives of party leaders, with a requirement for leaders and their families to submit details of their assets to the party by Falgun (mid-March).

The proposal also includes organizing structured campaigns and planning for upcoming elections. Prachanda's report stresses the importance of building the party without collaborating with rival parties like the UML, ensuring a strong position for the Maoist party in the elections.

Finally, Prachanda has proposed a two-month “East-West Public Awareness Campaign” based on the East-West Highway and Mid-Hill Highway (Pushpalal Highway), aiming to increase public engagement and expose the wrongdoings of the current Congress-UML alliance.