A day after the government tabled the bill on amendment to Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2014 in the House of Representatives, a section of the Kathmandu-based diplomatic community met with CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday.

The meeting is continuation of the western delegation’s talks with the Nepali top leadership.

Earlier on Friday and Saturday, UN’s Resident Coordinator in Nepal Richard Howard and ambassadors of the United States of America, the European Union, Germany, Australia and Switzerland held meetings with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, respectively, and discussed Nepal’s plan to amend the transitional justice law.

During the meeting on Wednesday, the diplomats drew Oli’s attention to the concerns raised by conflict victims and conveyed the message that the peace process be concluded by adhering to Nepal’s commitment to human rights and meeting the international standard, according to a statement issued by the UML’s publicity department.

“The ambassadors also sought the UML’s effective and important role for passing the amendment bill. The ambassadors were also concerned about the voices of the victims which should be addressed while amending the bill,” read the statement.

According to the party, Oli said that the UML is not in favor of fast-tracking the process to pass the bill in the House.

“We have to listen to the voices and grievances of the victims by visiting districts and it cannot be passed by shortening the process by majority votes,” said the UML.

During the meeting, Oli said that though the UML was not a party to the decade-long conflict but is ready to extend constructive support to pass the amendment. The party also apprised the visiting delegation that the government did not consult with it before presenting the bill in Parliament, according to party’s Vice-Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang who was present during the meeting.

“Actually, our party is a victim. Sometimes we fell victim to the Army… other times we were victims at the hands of the Maoists during the insurgency,” said Nembang. “But we are positive about extending our support for the logical conclusion of the peace process. But the bill was tabled only yesterday. There are hardly three weeks left for the House to deliberate on the bill.”

There are talks going on to end the House on September 18 and if that happens, according to UML leaders, there won’t be enough time to discuss the amendment bill.

“What will happen if dozens of amendment proposals will be registered?” said Nembang. “We also apprised the visiting delegation of the parliamentary process. If the bill is sent to the House committee for deliberations, there won’t be much time left to hold discussions on the bill. In that case, the ruling coalition could push the bill through a majority vote without changing some provisions about which conflict victims have expressed their concerns.”