Nepalese MPs wrap up emergency debate

The government says the extension is necessary

By the BBC's Sushil Sharma in Kathmandu

The parliament in Nepal has resumed a debate on a motion calling for a three-month extension of the state of emergency.

If the emergency is not extended, it could have disastrous repercussions

Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister

The emergency was imposed in November last year in an effort to quell the long-running Maoist insurgency.

The government says the extension is necessary so that a military operation against the rebels can be stepped up.

The motion is expected to come up for voting on Thursday.

A two-thirds majority is required to extend the emergency and the government is banking on support from the opposition members.

Opposition criticism

The opposition says the emergency has failed.

The army wants to fight back

A series of rebel attacks over the weekend in the western district of Achham left more than 130 security men dead.

The fresh violence has bolstered the opposition's criticism.

But it is still undecided on whether to vote for or against the extension of emergency.

There are, however, indications that the major opposition parties will side with the government.

Differences persist

Following the attacks over the weekend, the underground Maoist Communist Party has called for creating an atmosphere for, what it calls, a progressive political solution.

It did not elaborate, but the Maoist rebels had earlier demanded a constituent assembly to frame a new constitution.

They say this will clear the way for a republican regime to replace the constitutional monarchy.

Peace talks between the government and the rebels failed last November following differences over the constituent assembly.

The government and all major mainstream political parties say they are determined to defend the existing constitution which considers the constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy as sacrosanct.

This common stand could help the government win the crucial opposition support during Thursday's vote.