UN's criticism fuelled by Indian interest: Maoist leader

At a time when the United Nations and the Nepalese government are expressing mutually contradictory opinions on whether UN Secretary General’s suggestion is an interference in Nepal’s internal affairs, a Maoist leader has said, UN’s criticism in Nepal is fuelled by Indian interest.

Addressing a function in Nepalgunj Saturday, politburo member of the Unified CPN (Maoist) Lila Mani Pokhrel said, UN secretary general’s statement is being explained in the interest of the Indian establishement.

“Indian expansionists don’t want the peace process to suceed in Nepal,” said Pokhrel. “They want to have a monopoly influence in Nepal by sidelining the UN.”

Pokhrel also said, the UN’s statement had justified Maoist demands for a national unity government. UNSG Ban Ki-moon’s statement is not interference, but reality, he said.

Pokhrel, who is also the incharge for the western region in the party, accused the Indian establishment of trying to supress Maoist agitation. They (the Indian establishment) believe our agitation can be quelled using force, but that plan will never be successful, Pokhrel said.