The Guardian 26 April, 2006
Nepal:
Seven Party Alliance announces demands
1. The peaceful joint movement launched under the leadership of the seven political parties for an end of the autocratic monarchy and for the establishment of full-fledged democracy is becoming more effective and forceful. It is our conclusion that only the joint peaceful mass movement can fulfil the objectives of the ongoing movement. We cordially appeal to all workers, peasants, women, youths, students, intellectuals, civil servants, employees of all public and financial institutions, teachers, university teachers, doctors, engineers, industrialists, business people, journalists, human rights workers, writers, litterateurs, artists and brothers and sisters of all castes, languages, religions and regions to participate more effectively in a peaceful and non-violent way in the movement.
2. We vehemently condemn the brutal repression and killing of the autocratic regime and express our high respect to the immortal martyrs of the mass movement.
3. We would like to cordially appeal to all hospitals, nursing homes and health centres and health workers to provide treatment either free of charge or with concession to the wounded sick persons caused due to the government’s suppression during the ongoing movement.
4. We would like to express our commitment that all workers who are either fired or otherwise victimised shall be reinstated unconditionally with honour and the right to organise trade unions shall be established after the restoration of democracy.
5. We express our commitment that all those industrialists taking part in the democratic movement shall be exempted from bank interest for the period of the movement.
6. We seven agitating political parties are also in favour of the welfare and prosperity of the army and police. We believe that they are for the service of the people. Therefore, we would like to urge all security forces to refrain from resorting to suppression against the movement. We have directed all local committees of the seven parties to keep records and collect the names of those who have resorted to brutal suppression against the mass movement and make it clear that the government established after the restoration of democracy shall take stern action against those involved.
7. We would like to request the people of Nepal to continue their co-operation, and we beg their pardon for the inconvenience caused due to the ongoing general strike at this historical juncture while the mass movement is heading towards success.
8. There can be no permanent peace in the country until the end of autocracy and establishment of full-fledged democracy. We have made a 12-point understanding with the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) to bring permanent peace and to restore democracy in the country ending the present conflict.
9. We would like to thank all friendly countries and international communities for their solidarity with our peaceful mass movement.
10. As the New Year 2063 begins we would like to extend our cordial best wishes to all Nepalis for their happiness, peace and prosperity and wish for an end of the autocratic monarchy and establishment of full-fledged democracy in the country.
Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Nepali Congress, Nepali Congress (D), Jana Morcha Nepal, Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party, Nepal Sadbhawan Party (A)
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