Kathmandu, The Himalayan Times, April 13, 2007

Speakers at a programme here on Thursday stressed the need for more extensive discussions on federalism before planning to make Nepal a federal state. They said if the federal system is established without discussion, there are chances of the country splitting into various small states. Addressing an interaction on 'Constituent assembly election and federalism in Nepal' organised by the Association of Political Science Students, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Laxman Prasad Aryal said that the discussion on federalism was not sufficient to make people aware about its pros and cons. He said that only bigger countries like Canada, America etc need federalism."Federalism will not be fruitful in Nepal, as the division of resources and other things are not possible in a small country,"he said adding that discussions about it can generate a new model suitable for Nepal.

He feared division and disintegration after the establishment of federalism."A new and suitable model should be searched for the protection of unity and nationality of the country," he said.

CP Mainali of the United Left Front said that the Maoists should create a conducive environment for CA polls and the government should also prove its sincerity by translating its words into action. He also stressed the need for unity among political parties to resolve the problems facing the country.