[Marxism] Nepal: Maoist PM cancels China visit as crisis deepens

[Stuart Munckton <stuartmunckton@xxxxxxxxx>]

"General Katawal has opposed the integration of more than 19,000 Maoist
"indoctrinated" former guerrillas into the army as it would destroy the
neutral character of the national force. "

"Neutral character" - HA! Like when the army "neutrally" carried out a coup
a few years back to restore full power to the monarchy...

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200904251931.htm

International <http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003hdline.htm>
*Prachanda cancels visit to China amid deepening Nepal crisis*

Kathmandu (PTI): Prime Minister Prachanda on Saturday called off a crucial
visit to China next week amid deepening political crisis over Maoist-led
government's move to sack the army chief.

Prime Minister Prachanda has been involved in a standoff with the Nepal Army
after he threatened to sack the Army Chief Rukmangad Katawal on allegations
that he had disobeyed the government.

"The prime minister has put his China visit on hold due to the political
developments," Prachanda’s media advisor Om Sharma told reporters.

He said the visit from May 2 has been put off as it would not be appropriate
for him to leave the country at a time of crisis among the political parties
over the clarification issue with the army chief.

Nepal marked the third anniversary of the establishment of democracy on
Friday amid sharp differences among key political parties and a standoff
between the ruling Maoists and the army that threatens to derail the stalled
landmark peace process in the Himalayan state.

Seventeen political parties, including ruling CPN-UML and main opposition
Nepali Congress have opposed the Maoists’ move to demoralize the national
army, triggering a political crisis in the country.

According to analysts, the row with the army could derail the peace process
in the Himalayan state.

General Katawal has opposed the integration of more than 19,000 Maoist
"indoctrinated" former guerrillas into the army as it would destroy the
neutral character of the national force.

The root of the crisis in Nepal is traced to allegation that Katawal had
disobeyed the Maoist government by openly defying its order to halt
recruitment to the army.

The standoff between the former rebels and the top commander worsened after
the army refused to retire eight brigadier-generals and went to court for
their reinstatement.

The army yesterday dismissed media reports that it had planned a "soft coup"
in the country.

The Prachanda-led government has come under pressure from the international
community, which is worried that the political crisis could derail the peace
process in the country.

The Prime Minister on Thursday called a meeting of 15 foreign envoys,
including ambassadors from India, China, USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan,
Norway and Finland, to justify the government's tough action against the
Amry Chief and convince them that the Maoists do not aim to capture power by
controlling the military.

Prachanda's earlier visit to China had sparked a row in Nepal and India as
it was departure from tradition where Nepalese leaders make New Delhi the
first port of call after taking office.

The planed May 2 visit was crucial to the bilateral ties as a key peace and
friendship treaty was scheduled to be inked between the two neighbours.

The Maoists, who waged a decade-long insurgency, joined mainstream politics
after a 2006 peace deal with the interim government led by G. P. Koirala.
The CPN-Maoist formed the government in Nepal last year after it emerged as
the largest party in the April constitutional assembly polls.


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