12 Point Agreement in Nepal

The 12 Point Agreement in Nepal: Its Background, Significance, and Impact

The 12 Point Agreement in Nepal, also known as the Delhi Agreement, is an important document that serves as a milestone in the country`s political history. It was signed on November 22, 2005, between the then Maoist party leaders and the seven parties that were part of the democratic alliance in Nepal.

The background of the agreement goes back to the decade-long civil war in Nepal, which was launched by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in 1996. The war claimed thousands of lives and brought the country to a standstill. The Maoists sought to establish a communist state through a violent revolution, while the government forces and other political parties sought to maintain the status quo.

In 2005, the Maoists declared a three-month ceasefire, and the government responded by initiating peace talks. These talks were held in secret, and the Delhi Agreement was reached after several rounds of negotiations. The agreement laid out a framework for peace and democracy in Nepal and formed the basis for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that was signed in 2006.

The 12 Point Agreement contained several important provisions that addressed the root causes of the conflict and sought to establish a new political order in Nepal. Some of these provisions included the following:

۱. Establishment of a democratic republic that guaranteed the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

۲. Recognition of the Maoist party as a legitimate political force and the lifting of the ban on their activities.

۳. Establishment of an inclusive interim government that would include the Maoists and other political parties.

۴. Guarantee of proportional representation for all ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities in the government and public institutions.

۵. Formation of a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution that would reflect the aspirations of the Nepalese people.

The signing of the Delhi Agreement was a significant event in Nepal`s history as it paved the way for the end of the civil war and the establishment of a new political order. The agreement was welcomed by international observers and the Nepalese public as a major step towards peace and democracy.

The impact of the agreement can be seen in the subsequent events that took place in Nepal. The Maoists disarmed themselves and joined the peace process, and the interim government was established in 2006. The constituent assembly was formed in 2008, and a new constitution was drafted and promulgated in 2015.

However, the implementation of the agreement has not been without challenges. The political transition has been marked by instability, protests, and conflicts between different political parties and ethnic groups. The issues of federalism, inclusion, and representation remain contentious, and some of the provisions of the agreement, such as the integration of the former Maoist rebels into the national army, are yet to be fully implemented.

In conclusion, the 12 Point Agreement in Nepal is a landmark document that helped bring an end to the civil war and establish a new political order in the country. While its implementation has been difficult, the agreement remains a symbol of the Nepalese people`s aspirations for peace, democracy, and inclusive governance.