30 Dalko Sabha

The front of opposition parties led by Unified CPN-Maoist has stated that the display of power and mass gathering was organized in the Capital today to pressurize the ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML for agreement. Leaders of the front speaking at the assembly informed that the mass gathering and display of power was organized to pressurize Congress and UML to endorse a new constitution based on the popular expectations addressing the agendas of transformation. Addressing the gathering, they warned of a revolution if Congress and UML were not prepared for agreement and that a new constitution would be endorsed from the revolution in such a case. Unified Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', addressing the gathering, opined that the ball was in Congress and UML's court to decide if they wanted dialogue and consensus or conflict. BITE... Chairman Prachanda accused that the situation of being close to agreement was spoiled by Congress and UML. He claimed that his front had raised voices in interest of deprived classes and societies instead of 'one ethnic identity'. Expressing his rage against the UML, Prachanda accused the party of relinquishing their agendas to stick with Nepali Congress. BITE... Senior Unified-Maoist Leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai warned against undermining the Unified-Maoist. He said that the party would not lose its confidence in any condition. Likewise, Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadhar informed that they were compelled to stage the protest due to the ruling parties' violation of the past agreements. BITE... Chairman of Madheshi Janadhikar Forum Upendra Yadav clarified in the gathering that dialogue could not be held with Congress and UML until federalism based on identity was guaranteed. He was of the opinion that their front did not have any alternative to revolution if agreement was not forged. BITE... Other leaders of the front addressing the gathering said that they were prepared to look for an outlet for the political deadlock via dialogue. Prior to this, rallies from various points in the Capital had reached the Open Air Theater. The rallies that started from Maitighar, Chabahil, Balaju, Kalimati, Lagankhel, Swayambhu, Basantapur, Tripureshwor and Babarmahal turned into a gathering having reached the Open Air Theater. Police took control of thousands of sticks from the cadres of the front from various places. Security personnel also had to intervene when demonstrators attempted to breach the restricted area in New Baneshwor. A clash took place as demonstrators heading from Tinkune were stopped by the police near the Constituent Assembly building. A total of 12 demonstrators and four policemen were injured in the clash along with two journalists. Following the clash, demonstrators reached the Open Theater by rallying through the restricted area.