Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have said that their entire focus will be on ensuring that the country does not regress from the achievements secured under the 2015 Constitution.
Issuing a joint statement as discussions continue among leaders of the Gen Z movement with the President and the Chief of Army Staff over the country’s next political course, the two leaders said reversing the progress made in terms of representation, justice and inclusion would be to invite further waves of protest and revolt. “The hard-won gains secured through past struggles and sacrifices must not be undone. We will dedicate all our efforts to making sure Nepal does not go backward from the 2015 Constitution,” the two leaders said in the statement.
They added that the initiative to form a new government should be concluded in line with the aspirations of Gen Z, while ensuring that decisions are taken within the constitutional and democratic framework, even under the “doctrine of necessity”.
“As the country works to establish a new political structure for governance and elections, every possible constitutional mechanism must be used to avoid a prolonged constitutional vacuum or instability. The roadmap to end the current disorder must be drawn within the democratic path. We will support this effort,” the two general secretaries said in their appeal to the President, Gen Z leaders and all concerned.
Welcoming the President’s initiative for dialogue, they called on all parties to consult widely and seek a negotiated settlement. They also acknowledged the role of the army and security agencies in trying to maintain peace, and appealed to citizens, civil society, the media and the international community for support in the dialogue process.
The NC leaders also demanded the formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate excessive use of force during the Gen Z protest and hold those responsible legally accountable. They also said the delay by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in stepping down and reopening social media was one of the factors that led the situation to spiral out of control.
“Despite our repeated calls, the government ignored the gravity of the situation. The Prime Minister’s failure to assess events correctly or heed sound advice in time has led to human losses that have left the whole nation and Nepalis abroad shocked and deeply saddened,” they stated.
The two leaders said Tuesday’s events had compounded the wounds inflicted by Monday’s bloodshed. While recognizing Gen Z’s right to peaceful protest, they condemned the arson and destruction of historic institutions such as Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, the Parliament building and the Supreme Court.
They also condemned attacks on media houses, businesses and government offices, attributing them to infiltrators and vested interest groups. The duo strongly denounced the violent assaults on NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, his wife Arzu Rana and other leaders.
In the statement, the two leaders admitted shortcomings on the part of political parties, including failure to meet public expectations, widespread corruption and an inability to fully hold those in power accountable. The two leaders pledged to fundamentally restructure and rebuild the NC as a party capable of responding responsibly to the aspirations of youth and citizens.
