It is a commendable move on the part of the incumbent coalition government to look for ways to implement the agreement inked between the previous government and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’. Eight months back, the government headed by KP Sharma Oli and the party had reached a three-point deal that aimed at putting an end to any violent activities by the underground outfit, and bringing it into the mainstream politics. After having separated from the then CPN (Maoist) party, Chand, a main militia commander of the CPN (Maoist), formed his new party in 2014. Then, the faction had been staging armed activities. The party had even boycotted the last local, provincial and federal elections.

Since its formation three months ago, the government has remained committed to enforcing the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 for establishing durable peace and stability in the country. It wants to leave no stone unturned when it comes to brining any dissenting group or faction into confidence to prevent any unnecessary political conflict or other tussles. As part of the government’s initiative to enforce the deal reached with the Chand’s party, Minister for Home Affairs Bal Krishna Khand on Sunday held discussions with Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dilendra Prasad Badu, Secretary Uday Raj Sapkota, Attorney General Khamma Bahadur Khati and Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey. The discussion focussed on seeking ways to move the process of implementing the agreement ahead. The meeting also assessed the progress achieved so far in terms of enforcing the deal.

We live in a free democratic environment with the promulgation of the new constitution. In this context, there is no relevance of violent activities. Such an approach only causes troubles, insecurity and hardships to the general public. Now is the time to focus on development and prosperity for which peace is a pre-requisite. Any political parties can participate in activities according to the constitution and serve the people. Violence is the last thing they want to see. Therefore, all organised groups and parties should shun the path of violence and join mainstream politics. This is what the government wants to make happen.

Minister Khand, at the meeting, shared the information about the talks he had held with the CPN (Maoist) leaders after he assumed office and their demands for implementing the pact. The discussion was mostly concentrated on the third point of the agreement, which is associated with releasing the imprisoned party leaders and cadres, and withdrawing all charges made against them. It is important that the meeting decided to hold further discussions on the remaining issues and arrange time and date for having a separate meeting with the outfit.

As per its value and promise, the present government has taken the initiative to materialise the agreement reached with this breakaway faction. The CPN (Maoist) leaders have already held several rounds of meetings with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal and Home Minister Khand in regard with implementing the deal. Outfits like Chand’s CPN (Maoist) and the Alliance for Independent Madhes (AIM) led by CK Raut should also be ready to join the mainstream politics and act as responsible political forces. It is everyone’s responsibility to deal with various challenges such as widespread poverty, COVID-19 pandemic and political instability for the welfare, safety, security and progress of the Nepali people.