Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Prachanda says videotape a ploy against peace process

Prachanda dubs videotape scandal a ploy against peace process; claims Maoist military strength to be much higher

Organising press conference over a videotape of his lecture to PLA commanders some 16 months ago, which has caused quite an uproar in the political circle, outgoing Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Wednesday said his party had three tiers of armed forces - central and regional as regular armed forces and militia that numbered well over 100,000.

Dahal said what he mentioned in the tape that real strength of the PLA was 7,000 to 8,000 was only the number of the 'central regular armed force'.

He argued that the broadcasting of the videotape, containing his speech in a different political situation, is a reactionary ploy to cover up the unconstitutional move of President Ram Baran Yadav and to jeopardise the peace process.

He also reiterated his commitment to the peace process and constitution- drafting which will transform the country into a federal republic.

Jokingly, he thanked journalists for making the video public and claimed the publicity will, in any case, benefit his party.

He said India denied support for his government to uphold civilian supremacy, which should have been in real democracy, but denied that his party alleged India for interference into national affairs of Nepal.

He added, "We will never tolerate any kind of interference into internal affairs of Nepal from any part of the world."

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