Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, on Thursday, briefed the diplomatic community on the current political situation of the country. 

Minister Pandey informed that after nearly eight years of consistent efforts Nepal has entered the final phase of constitution drafting. The Constituent Assembly (CA) has been holding discussion on the final draft of the constitution. 

According to him, the 16-point agreement reached on June 8 among the four major political parties greatly facilitated the stalled constitution drafting process. 

Similarly, he said the text of the new constitution has been revised on the basis of inputs received during consultations with the Nepali people both at home and abroad. 

"The issue of delineating boundaries and the finalisation of number of states within the federal structure have somehow proved difficult. Given the diversity of the Nepali society, the architecture of federation solely on the basis of ethnic identity is neither possible nor desirable," he stressed. 

Commitment to accommodate genuine aspirations 

He, however, underlined that Nepal is committed to accommodate the legitimate and genuine aspirations of different and diverse communities. In democracy adjustment and accommodation can always be made if the situation and circumstances so warrant, argued Minister Pandey. 

Making aware the diplomatic community on how the Tikapur scourge occurred, Minister Pandey said an agitating mob led by Tharuhat Struggle Committee attacked the security personnel with homemade weapons, killing seven police persons, including Senior Superintendent of Police and a two-year old boy at Tikapur, Far-West of country, on Monday. However, even under the life-threatening situation the security personnel exercised restraint and did not open firing for self-defense. Such incident occurred at a time the CA is engaged in the final preparation for the promulgation of the new constitution. 

Infiltration in Tikapur scourge 

He reiterated that the government has no intention to curtail people’s rights to express their views and opinion in a peaceful manner. What happened in Tikapur on Monday is difficult to comprehend, as it was not staged the way peaceful political demonstration is generally staged. The nature of killing-burning alive, use of local weapon to maim- has confirmed the infiltration of some elements hostile to law and order and forces opposed to constitution writing and bent on terrorizing people through criminal and violent activities. 

"Violent activities cannot justify genuine political demands. This incident, highly condemnable as it is, will, however, not deter the indomitable spirit of Nepali people to move ahead with the promulgation of the new constitution and seize the historic opportunity," added the Minister. 

According to him, security situation in Tikapur and adjoining areas has coming back to normal. All efforts are being made to bring the situation under control and bolster security. Even a five-member probe committee was formed to bring facts on the unfortunate incident. 

Coercive strikes paralysing economic life 

Similarly, the Foreign Minister said economic life in several towns in the southern plains was affected and industrial and commercial activities coming to a grinding halt in industrial towns like Biratnagar, Birgunj and Bhairahawa due to coercive general strikes imposed by some agitating groups. Even the security personnel were injured in different places during the strikes. 

Amid this, the major political parties have called for the renunciation of violence and seek peaceful resolution of the problem through dialogue, and have entrusted the Prime Minister to create conducive environment for this. The government is open to engage in constructive dialogue with a view to finding an amicable solution to the current problem. Wednesday night, the Prime Minister made a fresh appeal for dialogue with agitating parties. 

Federalism new issue for Nepal 

"Federalism is a new issue for us. Positive attitude and cooperation from all stakeholders are essential to find an acceptable solution to the issue of federal boundaries," he underlined while briefing the diplomatic community. 

Moreover, the Minister said promulgating the constitution through the CA is not the end of the process; it is also the beginning of a new process. Constitution is a progressive document. It is open to amendment as the time and circumstances demand. So, all sides must have patience and let the process move smoothly towards its logical conclusion. 

National determination is to promulgate inclusive democratic constitution 

"Our national determination is to promulgate an inclusive democratic constitution at the earliest opportunity and end the protracted transition which has cost the country a lot in terms of political stability, economic development and social progress. The process cannot be reversed. We expect sincere cooperation from all the political parties and other stakeholders in the country in carrying forward the constitution drafting process to safeguard the vital interest of the country and the Nepali people. This is the time to remain united and thwart all attempts to derail the constitution writing process," he emphasized before the diplomatic community. 

Nepal expects supports from neighbours and friends 

He also said the government expects understanding and support from the neighbours and friends in the international community in the efforts towards promulgating an inclusive democratic constitution by keeping the diversity and harmony intact and respecting rights as per the democratic values. RSS