Nepal crisis should be resolved through democratic means'

Kolkata (PTI): Expressing concern over the prevailing political turmoil in Nepal following sacking of army chief R Katawal, the CPI(M) on Monday said the crisis should get resolved through democratic means.

"The CPI(M) wants that whatever solution is found out should be within the democratic process," CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.

"It is a serious development...it should be resolved through democratic means and discussion in political process ...unless this happens whatever the people have achieved in Nepal through struggle will be derailed," he said, adding that there should be no external interference in the neighbouring country's development.

"India has not interfered earlier in Nepal and not doing so now. I feel it (India) should not interfere in the crisis," Mr. Yechury said.

Nepal plunged into a crisis on Sunday after the ruling Maoist party sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangad Katawal for alleged defiance of government orders.

The action of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as "Prachanda", triggered protests from most political parties in the coalition.

The situation aggravated further when President Ram Baran Yadav asked the Army Chief to continue in his post as his dismissal by the prime minister did not meet the "constitutional requirements and due process". link...