MJF-Nepal may join govt soon

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Nepal is likely to join the CPN-UML- UCPN-Maoist coalition government soon.

MJF-N has submitted its concept paper and is waiting for government response, following which it will take a decision on joining the government. “We are waiting for response,” MJF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav told The Himalayan Times. “We have submitted our concept paper to the prime minister. We have raised three major issues — constitution promulgation by May 28, integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants in security forces and addressing Madhesi issues.”

The party will take a final decision after its six-member taskforce led by Ram Sah Yadav holds discussions on implementation of the concept paper. “We want a firm commitment from the government to promulgate the constitution by May 28, finalise modalities of integration and rehabilitation of Maoist fighters along with the timeline, and address Madhesi issues,” added Yadav.

The coalition partners have said, MJF-N, if it joins the government, will get the ministry of foreign affairs.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal today agreed to give full shape to the government within a week. According to Maoist sources, PM Khanal and Dahal also discussed bringing budget as soon as possible. They also discussed the government’s common minimum programme. PM Khanal’s press adviser Surya Thapa said the two leaders also discussed expediting peace process by holding the meeting of the Special Committee as soon as possible.