Kathmandu: Maoists on Wednesday announced the
seizure of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu declaring it an
autonomous region, after storming into heavily guarded Durbar
Square, in a development that could trigger a new political
confrontation.
Waving red flags, 5000 militant cadres forced their
way into the Durbar Square city centre where their chief
Prachanda declared Kathmandu valley as the Newa Autonomus
State.
The Maoists, who have already announced formation of
parallel governments in nine districts and paid little heed to
warnings by the Nepali Congress, to desist from such tactics
as it may lead to "biggest political and social
confrontation".
Though the Maoist takeover was more of a symbolic
nature, their choice of the capital city sent shock-waves in
the ruling CPN-UML-led 22-party alliance.
Prachanda lit a traditional lamp to declare Kathmandu
as Newa Autonomous State by flying a banner that read 'Newa
Autonomous State' as hundreds of balloons were let off.
A Gun salute was also given and the city declared an
autonomous state amidst performance of traditional music.
"Our move is not intended to disrupt the peace
process or block the constitution making task," Prachanda
pro-claimed adding it was to "make people aware about
federalism and strengthen the republican system."
The Maoist supremo claimed that "regressive forces
were hatching a conspiracy against the republican system and
trying to reverse the change."
Other Maoist leader who spoke on the occasion
defended their move to declare various areas as autonomous
regions rejected the claim that it would derail the peace
process and lead to disintegration of the nation.
Besides, Kathmandu, the other autonomous regions
announced by the former rebels include Kochila, Limbuwan
Sherpa, Kirat, Seti-Mahakali, Bhote –Lama, Bheri-Karnali and
Tharuwan.
The party is planning to declare altogether 13
autonomous states in the country by December 18. The Maoists
who were thrown out of power more than seven months ago have
already paralysed working of country's parliament and launched
agitation nationwide.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 18:40