CPN lawmaker and former home minister Bhim Rawal has taken exception to the language used in the agreement between the government and erstwhile secessionist CK Raut.
Seeking special time in the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Sunday, Rawal welcomed that Raut has been brought into the political mainstream but pointed that the language used in the agreement is not in accordance to the constitution. "The words used in the agreement are not in accordance to the constitution," Rawal stated.
"CK Raut has spewed venom against national unity and territorial integrity of Nepal as much possible. But he has not said he takes back the venomous statements against Nepal either during the program at the Rastriya Sabhagriha or in the agreement," he pointed.
He demanded a complementary statement from Raut acknowledging the exceptionable statements against Nepal in the past and pledging that he is ready to participate in peaceful competitive politics respecting the constitution, and sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nepal. He also urged the government to issue a statement mentioning that Raut has taken back his words. "I demand with the government to correct those mistakes."
He also objected the use of terms like 'allowing residence in Nepal' in the agreement. "There is a provision for special or protected and autonomous region as per the federal constitution. But nowhere does it envision self-rule. The name of the organization is Alliance for Independent Madhes and the agreement allows self-rule. What meaning do we get when we combine these two things?" he asked.
He also took exception to the interpretation of 'people's mandate' in the agreement as referendum. "CK Raut and his supporters have repeatedly claimed people's mandate means referendum," he pointed. "All these issues must be corrected as per the spirit of national sovereignty and freedom in accordance to the constitution."
