Unified CPN-Maoist continued protests against the President’s move to reinstate the army chief. Maoist cadres organized a protest programme for what they call Civilian Supremacy.
Nepal – Maoists continue to organize protest programmes against President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav’s reinstatement of Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal, who was removed from the post by the Maoist led government.
Calling the president’s move a constitutional coup, UCPN-M has been organizing protests in the street and at the constituent assembly. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal resigned from his post as Prime Minister stating that the president’s move created a parallel power structure as the President only has a ceremonial role in the Interim Constitution.
In Rupendehi, a protest rally was organized in Butwal demanding what they call Civilian Supremacy. Starting from Pushpalal Park the silent rally passed through major thoroughfares of the city before ending at Butwal Multiple Campus. Though the rally was organized by civil society, most of the participants of the rally are Maoist leaders and cadres. Participants in the rally carried banners with slogana for civilian supremacy and the end of foreign intervention.
In Bardiya, the YCL District Committee organized demonstration against the President’s move. The protest rally started at the Bus Park before moving to the District Police Office, where they assembled in front of the District Police Office and halted traffic for one hour.
Addressing the assembly, Chairperson of the YCL District Committee, Binaya Tharu alias Bikalpa, warned that they would be compelled to revolt and will take action against the opponents of the People’s War if the President did not correct his move as his move has endangered nationality. Some children were also used in the protest rally.
In Baitadi, cadres of UCPN-M organized a torch rally in the District Headquarters, demanding the President rescind his decision. The UCPN-M District Committee said the protest programme will continue until the President acts.
INSEC contributed information for this story.
