Prachanda to Indian Maoists: Join mainstream

Kathmandu: He spent eight of 10 years of his life underground in India, but the shadows lurk no more. Nepal's newly sworn in Prime Minister, Prachanda says he wants his first political visit overseas to be a positive one.

But he made it clear to CNN-IBN in Kathmandu, circumstances have changed.

"Circumstances have completely changed in the world and also in Nepal. In such a situation, the Indo-Nepal treaty of 1950 has become obsolete. To strengthen the ties between India and Nepal there is a need to revive it," he said.

Prachanda also doesn't want to get into the blame game on the River Kosi embankment breach which flooded Bihar.

"It is not the time to blame each other. Immediate relief is needed to compensate for the loss of life and property that has taken place," he said.

"We will work together on River Kosi. In the immediate term India and Nepal need to work together on relief and reconstruction," he added.

And he's got a word of advice for his Naxalite friends - join the mainstream in India as he did in Nepal.

"This is the right experiment for 21st century. All Maoists should learn from us. We do not want to impose it. Multiparty competition is necessary even in socialism, not only in Parliamentary system or democracy, but also to have vibrant society and allow for interactiveness," he said.

Prachanda is expected to brief his hosts about his plans to integrate his cadres with the Nepal Army.

On his first 'political' foreign visit to India, Prachanda said he plans to discuss hydropower, FDIs and involvement of private Indian industry in Nepal's SEZs. He also ruled out any comparisons with China saying both India and China were crucial for Nepal.

"There is no question of comparing China with India. Relations with India are crucial and vital though we also want to develop relations with China. On naxalites we understand India's security concerns," he said.

"It is possible to depoliticise water issues, we will make a fresh start. I will discuss need for new big hydro power projects with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. I want to promote 10,000mw over the next 10 years. I will invite private Indian industry in hydropower. Indian industry can also be involved in SEZS," he stated, adding, "In Nepal I am giving top priority to foreign direct investment. I will head investment board for industrial reform. Poliical conlict has damaged infrastructure, this is another opportunity for Indian industry to come to our aid."

Among the first to call on him on Monday was External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee. Their consultations covered the 1950 Treaty. Indications are the Nepali leader was positive and gave no suggestion that he was looking for drastic amendments.

"We do believe we cannot prosper alone in isolation, we shall have to move along with our neighbours particularly with Nepal. We have a historic relationship over centuries. Keeping that in mind we discussed various aspects of the issue. Of course the discussions will continue," Pranab Mukherjee said after the meeting.

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