Maoist group scraps Delhi-initiated 12-point pact

In a surprise announcement, the breakaway CPN-Maoist led by Mohan Baidhya Monday said it had dumped a 12-point agreement initiated by India in 2005 to restore peace in Nepal.

The 12-point pact is the bedrock of Nepal's ongoing peace process, the Maoist mainstreaming and elections to the constituent assembly of 2008 and 2013.

After protracted internal struggle, the Unified Communist Party Nepal-Maoist split June 18 last year, with senior vice-chairman Baidhya aka Kiran walking away with several leaders and forming the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist.

The new party boycotted elections of the second constituent assembly held Nov 19, expressing displeasure over the political process.

Backed by India, the 12-point agreement was signed Nov 20, 2005 in New Delhi between the seven-party alliance and then CPN-Maoist which laid the foundation for the current federal, democratic and republican Nepal.

At a press conference Monday following a week-long central committee meeting, Baidhya said: "The relevancy of the 12-point agreement is ended. The Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) has also been also scrapped."

After the 2005 agreement, the then seven-party alliance and Maoists clinched a peace agreement, a roadmap for peace that compelled the Maoists to shun a decade long war and go for political mainstreaming.

"I must say that the relevancy of the 12-point agreement and CPA no more exist. I declare that these pacts are scrapped," said Baihdya.

"We (political parties) must seek a new political resolution to address the new challenges in the new emerging situation."

He also demanded a round table conference among political stakeholders to pursue a new political road map. Otherwise, he warned of a revolt.

"I also take responsibility for the bomb blasts that took place during the run up to the Nov 19 elections which killed at least two people and injured dozens.

"My cadres felt it was necessary... so they planted the bombs," he said, speaking seemingly without any hesitation.

He also accused the UCPN-Maoist party of surrendering to national and international power centres out of greed of power.