The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Manipur organized a discussion
on the significance of the recent political developments in Nepal, at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal on May 1, 2008.
The meeting was attended by over 130 personalities, active in the movement in Manipur.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the PDM, Phunindro Konsam said that the results of the recent elections in Nepal show that the people there have voted decisively for an end to the monarchy and for democratic empowerment of the people. He cautioned against the interference by the Indian state and other imperialist powers in the economic and political affairs of Nepal.
The main speaker at the function, Dr. L Pardesi, who had been present in Nepal as an international observer during the Constituent Assembly elections, described his experiences, especially the fact that the elections were organized with practically no disruption at all. This was a complete negation of the nefarious propaganda carried out for several months prior to the elections, by various forces within and outside Nepal, that it would be impossible to hold the elections peacefully, that there would be high levels of violence and rigging. Dr. Pardesi pointed out that these elections were very significant for the people of Nepal as these were not just elections to bring in a new government but to establish a Constituent Assembly that will draft a new Constitution and pave the way for a new future for the people of Nepal. He spoke of the many challenges before the people of Nepal, in defeating the attempts of their enemies to sabotage their gains and in ensuring that the people are truly empowered.
Moderating the discussion, Dr. Lokendro Arambam hailed the courage and fighting spirit of the people of Nepal and wished them success in their struggle to realize their aspirations. Other speakers at the meeting also drew inspiration from the struggle of the people of Nepal to determine their own destiny.
