Oppn slams legalisation of war-era land dealings
Opposition parties on Tuesday obstructed proceedings in the parliament. They were protesting the government’s decision to legalise land and property transitions made through parallel governments run by the Maoists during the decade-long armed conflict.
Earlier this month, the Cabinet had decided to distribute land ownership certificates for plots purchased, sold and transferred by the “Revolutionary Council” through the Land Revenue Office. The protest comes amid the government’s plan to issue a 35-day notice calling such property owners to register the land transactions.
Addressing Tuesday’s parliament session, senior leaders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML raised serious objection to the move and demanded the government take back its decision. The two parties warned that they would not sit for talks with the Maoists on peace and constitution unless the issue is settled.
“Property whose transaction was made under the so called “People’s Government” are looted from the people,” said NC Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Poudel. “The government has misused its power and breached the provisions of the Interim Constitution and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement by deciding to legalise those property.”
He said Maoist leaders and cadres are liable to punishment for seizing land and property from common people.
“This is a breach of understandings we have reached with the Maoists in the past. Such decisions will have serious repercussions on our efforts to conclude the peace and constitution drafting processes,” he said.
Speaker Subas Nembang postponed the session until Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, NC and UML leaders boycotted a meeting called by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to discuss the peace process and constitution making.
The Maoists, however, defended the Cabinet’s decision, saying that it will address problems faced by hundreds of peasants in villages of Rolpa, Rukum and Salyan districts.
“The decision was taken in line with the existing laws and to solve practical problems faced by the peasants. The Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML should thank us for trying to bring the transactions that were carried out unlawfully in the past under the purview of law,” said Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Posted on: 2012-01-18 09:06
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All of them discussed the issue. The result was the same...and we have committed to continue discussions on the issue till midnight.
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