PM hears woes of martyrs' families, vows to address their demands

By Raju Lamichhane,Rukum Paschim, Oct. 28: Family of the martyrs and injured talked to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' about the problems they have been facing as some issues were left unaddressed during the implementation of the peace process. 

PM Prachanda had visited Baphikot of West Rukum on Thursday. The Chairman of Martyr’s Family Society Baphikot, Dhan Bahadur Khatri, informed the Prime Minister that the problems were recurring as adjustment of Jana Sena was done but adjustment of Jana-Satta (people’s government) was left behind.

Khatri said, “Problems arose as the document of Jana Satta needed to be addressed from the policy level.” 

He demanded a national identity card for martyr’s family and a Martyr’s Family Interest Fund worth Rs. 10 million. Altogether there are 185 households in Baphikot Rural Municipality. 

Likewise, Hari Malla, a son of a martyr said, “Families of martyrs are facing hardships due to unemployment and economic problems.” 

He complained that the government and CPN-Maoist Centre ensured the participation of Dalit women in various organs but ignored the martyr’s families. 

Laxman Shahi on behalf of injured and disabled persons of then Maoist rebels said, “Proper treatment facility was not provided to the injured and disabled although long time has passed after the peace accord was signed.” 

“With the wounds from the people’s war and a heavy heart we were compelled to go abroad as migrant workers to support our family,” said Sahi. 

Upon hearing their voices, Prime Minister Prachanda expressed his commitment to address their genuine demands. He added that the government had made the decision to commemorate People's War Day on the first day of the Nepali month of Falgun, signifying a deep respect for the people's movement, martyrs, the disappeared, and the injured.

Informing that the Bill aimed at concluding the remaining tasks of peace process has been tabled in the Parliament, the Prime Minister expressed his belief that upon the approval of the Parliament, the bill will lead the peace process to its logical conclusion and complete the task of issuing identity cards to the conflict victims. 

"Martyrs' parks and statues will be constructed. This comprehensive initiative aims to address the issues of martyr's families, the disappeared, and the injured in a sustainable manner,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Prachanda said that monthly allowances and other forms of support have been effectively managed and he expressed the confidence that the remaining tasks would be resolved gradually.

"The nation wouldn't have reached its current state without the sacrifices of the martyrs, the disappeared, and the injured individuals. So, the families of the conflict victims are part of this transformation, and I am delighted to be here to meet you," he remarked.

Stating that the party had made a decision for all leaders to connect with the people directly, the Prime Minister added that he had ventured into the field to better understand the situation of the party and the people by engaging with party cadres and the general people.

Prime Minister Prachanda said that the government was taking steps to resolve the matter concerning the Bill for the Amendment of the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act (2014). “Concluding the remaining tasks of the peace process is crucial for political stability, peace, and prosperity,” he added. 

Meanwhile, addressing another programme, the Prime Minister said that the current government would serve its full term. 

He added, "It would be difficult to overthrow the government, as the largest party and other socialist factions are now within the government."

The Prime Minister said the coalition government is a need of the hour to promote social justice, ensure good governance, and drive the nation towards prosperity.