Nepalmountainnews Report | 13 Jan 2008
Interview with Maoist chair Puspa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'
What is the reason behind the suspension of your party's central committee meeting?
We have already set a table of programmes for the purpose of meeting as we have to get busy on many others as well. So, the deferment was caused while going on in coordination with the pre-set chart.
What is the main target of the practicum?
The meeting was focused on structuring all the practical, technical and many other policies targeting the Constituent Assembly elections.
Are you sure of having a CA polls?
Of course yes. And this should be held at any cost. We are prepared to go for the elections with all of our vigour, sincerity and seriousness.
But it is said that Maoists were raising the issue of PLA integration to run away from the polls?
We have not raised the issue of PLA –NA integration. PM Koirala and General Rookmangud Katawal have brought the issue now at the table. As you know from the 12-point agreement to the comprehensive peace accord to the interim constitution it is clearly mentioned how the issue of PLA be settled. It is also made clear what it meant by the integration. Then why PM and the chief of Army tried to overshadow the issue, we can't understand. I will discuss the matter with PM shortly to give the subject a safe landing.
What are you discussing with the PM?
Statement of the PM has violated all the agreement made between the SPA and the Maoist party. So, I will ask him straight question asking why he raised the topic of army integration now. Other issues relating the CA polls would also be discussed. 
Isn't it the main agenda of the time is Constituent Assembly?
Yep! There is no doubt that the country has it main focus on CA. In what I was concerned is the topic of NA-PLA integration which has been raised at the wrong time.
What is the Maoist bottom-line on army integration?
A committee should be formed to work and to initiate discussion about the army discussion from now. The process should be initiated without making any delays. But the integration must follow the CA polls.
PLA should incorporated into the national army or in other security organs?
Our main intent is the integration of PLA fighters. The spirit of the interim constitution is also the same. It is not necessary that all our fighters must integrate into the Nepal Army. It is due to the decisions made in the political levels.
How is the possibility of reduction in number of armies?
In the course of integration the number of armies of the both sides may come down. New policies and concepts could be drawn. All these are supposed to political decisions accordingly. It is not the matter as urged by army chief or the baseless statements made by others either.
What should be the number of armies then?
I already have had statements regarding the number of armies in the country like Nepal. It is only the question to raise poverty by increasing the number of armies. So, I think Nepal needs 30-40 thousand armies, in case not more than 50 thousands.
Tell us the basic ground of integration?
There is no basis other than forming a national army. Armies of the both sides should be integrated to build a new form of national army.
Is it possible to hold CA elections within three months?
Why not? All what we need is the commitment.
It is said that internal conflict has grasped the Maoist party?
This is totally baseless. The unity that was created during the central committee meeting of the party is awesome. What comes in the publicity are unjustifiable. Our party would go for the elections being intact and will win the elections.
Will your party again go for people's war?
No. We have launched the armed war for more than 10 years. Ten of thousands of people give away their lives. And all that were done for the constituent assembly. And as the country is ready for the CA our party see no need of such war again.
How do you dethrone the king?
The term "republic" has already been written in the interim constitution. Now the time has come to overthrow king. The only delay remains in practicing the republican norms.
It is learnt that you were proposing Girija Prasad Koirala as the president of republic Nepal?
I don't suppose this question to be asked now. It is due to the first sitting of the CA to decide who will be the president.
Who would be the first president of Nepal, Prachanda or Girija Prasad?
Let the right time to come for answer of this question. It is upon the Nepali people to decide their presidency. Let them to decide.
How is your relation with PM Koirala?
His latest statement has of course raised some questions. But our relationship is going in its path as usual. Our relationship sees rise and fall at times but we wish the elections under his leadership.
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