Convention On Nepal Calls For Restoration Of Democracy

Surjeet, Chandrashekar, Bardhan and others on the dais

A LARGE convention of political parties and groups, organised in New Delhi on February 24, strongly condemned the undemocratic and authoritarian decisions taken by King Gyanendra and expressed solidarity with the struggling people and all democratic forces of Nepal. The convention unanimously deplored the suppression of democracy in Nepal.

Among the parties which participated in the convention included CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc, CPI(ML), NCP, RJD, JD-Secular and Samajwadi Party. The CPI(M) was  represented at the meeting by its general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury. Two former prime ministers, V P Singh and Chandrashekar also attended the convention. The CPI was represented by its general secretary A B Bardhan while D P Tripathi represented the NCP.

In a resolution adopted by the convention demanded immediate withdrawal of emergency, immediate release of all leaders and activists and restoration of democracy, freedom of speech and press in Nepal.

The convention urged the government of India “not to take any step which will give political legitimacy to the present authoritarian regime in Nepal.” (INN)