Speakers Assert New Leadership Must Resolve Wartime Cases Left Unaddressed by Former Maoist Leaders

Kathmandu. Speakers at an event stated that the former parties, including CPN Chairman Prachanda, failed to resolve wartime issues through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and now the responsibility has fallen upon the shoulders of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and the proposed Prime Minister Balen Shah.

During the program organized by the All Nepal General Cultural Federation at the Samwad Dabali in the capital on Thursday, speakers also mentioned that they would support the good works of the RSP-led government.

Senior Advocate Ekraj Bhandari accused the old parties of wasting time in the game of power and authority instead of bringing the Comprehensive Peace Accord to a logical conclusion. Bhandari asserted that the current situation arose because the main leadership of the People's War, the Maoists and Prachanda, became irresponsible.

Bhandari pointed out the danger that a major rebellion in the country within two decades, due to the irresponsibility of the leadership that emerged from the People's War, could overshadow the achievements of the People's War. Bhandari warned that if the TRC is not resolved by the upcoming government, it will lead to further crisis, stating, "Rabi and Balen, along with the RSP leadership, must take the TRC seriously, and the responsibility for it has fallen on the shoulders of Rabi and Balen Ji."

Bhandari further said, "We must respect the mandate given to the RSP by everyone, and we must support every step taken in the interest of the country and the people, but we should not remain silent if they start committing treason like the old parties."

CPN (Maoist) Politburo member Maila Lama stated that the people clearly mandated change in the election held after the People's War, and there is confidence that the new government will fulfill it. Lama said that change came to the country through the blood and sacrifice shed during the People's War, adding, "We have always been in favor of change and cooperate with new revolutionaries, but we are always ready to fight against treason."

Kushal Bogati, General Secretary of the All Nepal General Cultural Federation, stated that they observe the Cultural Resistance Day in memory and honor of the cultural artists who were burned alive by the then state power in Anekot, Kavre, on Chaitra 5, 2055 BS.