The CPN-UML is mulling over mandating the task of finalising the delineation of the proposed six provinces to a federal commission if the efforts to resolve growing disputes fail.

The party, however, has stressed the need for timely constitution. “Our foremost priority is to settle genuine concerns of the people over the state borders. If that does not help, the federal commission will take it up,” said UML Vice-chairman Bhim Rawal.

UML, the second largest party in the CA, fears that the raging protests will delay constitution promulgation in the context of the Nepali Congress holding its general convention in September.

The NC has made it clear that constitution promulgation may be affected after mid-August as the party would then focus wholly on its internal politics. Protests are engulfing various parts of the country. The NC is for resolving all the issues without further delay, said NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka. (PR)