Koirala Reiterates Faith in Free Press

Koirala Reiterates Faith in Free Press
Kathmandu, June 8:
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today reiterated that he would not compromise on press freedom, multi-party democracy, human rights and individual liberty.Addressing a mass meeting organised by the Nepali Congress and its sister organisations at Tundikhel, he said the successful holding of the Constituent Assembly election itself was a victory for the NC."This is NC's victory. This is nothing but the people's victory," PM Koirala said while stressing the need of consensus between the major political parties.Former prime minister and senior NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said: "Although the NC failed to bag majority seats in the CA, the ideals it had been championing for a long time won in the election.""NC's seven conditions are meant to pressure the Maoists to adhere to democratic norms," he said.NC acting president Sushil Koirala said his party was committed to save democracy no matter what price they will have to pay."Despite Maoist atrocities, the NC successfully held the CA election because the party did not want to see the peace process derailed," he said.Party leader Gopal Man Shrestha maintained that the Maoists had not renounced violence and warned that the people would overthrow them if they chose the path of dictatorship."It would have been impossible to hold the CA election and abolish the monarchy without the help of PM Koirala and his statesmanship. Therefore, PM Koirala should be honoured for his role," said Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel.Another NC leader Prakash Man Singh said it was not true to claim that the NC did not want to quit power and clarified that those wanting to form a new government should follow constitutional provisions.Party general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi maintained that their seven terms were designed to make the Maoists follow democratic norms and values."They are like a wild elephant that needs to be tamed before being allowed to roam around in civilised society," Nidhi quipped.Joint general secretary of the party Dr Ram Baran Yadav said his party's concern was to put an end to politics of violence and ensure competitive polity.Party leader Arjun Narsingh KC said his party was committed to safeguard democracy and would always raise hell against any kind of autocracy.Tarun Dal president Mahendra Yadav, Nepal Students Union president Pradip Poudel and Nepal Women's Association president Ambika Basnet flayed Maoists for resorting to violence and intimidating political opponents.