Press Statement

Eleventh Annual General Meeting (AGM)

October 12, 2004, Narayangadh, Chitwan

The Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), a leading non-governmental organization working on human rights, peace, development and poverty eradication issues in Nepal, convened its Eleventh Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the main theme of "Peace for Development, Development for Peace" here in Narayanghad. During the Inaugural Session, an interaction programme was held centering on the main theme amidst attended by intellectuals, activists and journalists. The Inaugural Session was chaired by RRN President Dr. Arjun Karki, who is also the Chairperson of the NGO Federation of Nepal.

Former Minister and noted peace activist Professor Dr. Mathura Prasad Sherstha, the chief guest of the programme, hailed the theme of the AGM as very timely. "We are caught in a protracted armed conflict" he said "it has badly affected all walks of life including development, but there is no sign of abaitment. Now the time has come for civil society to take a lead to create an environment for peace." Mrs. Mana Sen, a noted local woman activist, urged all concerned to hurry for peace negotiation before it is too late. Other guest speakers in the programme were Mr. Kedar Mall, the Chairperson of the Civil Society Committee, Chitwan, Dr. Rishi Adhikari of RRN, Dr. Gopi Upreti, of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, TU, Rampur, and Mr Kedar Khanal, Chitwan District President of NGO Federation Nepal. All the speakers of the programme repeatedly stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire between the government and the Maoist insurgents, and for civil society to push for it. There was no alternative to a negotiated settlement to the present Maoist crisis, all the speakers highlighted.

Dr. Arjun Karki summing up the discussion urged both the government and the Maoists to immediately initiate peace process. He asked the civil society to create necessary pressure for peace. "In the absence of peace, no development can be thought of, and peace cannot sustain when there is no development."

For more information please contact

Prem Kala Nembang
Communication and Documentation Officer
RRN (Tel: 9841 241808, Chitwan)