Mahara Hails Nepal’s Peace Process

December 2: Speaker of Parliament Krishna Bahadur Mahara has underscored the importance of peace, terming it as the prerequisite of social harmony, progress of society and state as a whole.

“The social, economic and political development of any state can only take place in a peaceful environment,” said Mahara while addressing the Asia Pacific Summit on Saturday, December 1.

Speaking on the topic “Critical Challenges of Our Time: Peace, Development, Good Governance and the Role of Parliamentarians,” Mahara said good governance and democracy can only be flourished if there is peace in the society.

A statement issued by the speaker’s press advisor Dilli Malla quoted him as saying that absence of peace destabilizes the society.

“If inequality, discrimination, and suppression continue to exist in the society, it can be the cause for prolonged conflict and violence. We have been witnessing a number of conflicts and violence situation even today in some parts of the world which are quite challenging for human civilization and development,” the statement said, adding, “Nepal also experienced a decade-long (1995-2005) armed conflict against socio-economic discrimination which existed in the Nepalese society. The 12-point Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) was signed twelve years ago which is considered a historical point of departure towards peace building in Nepal. The peace agreement was a result of series of dialogue between and among the political leaders and members of civil society.”