Monday, June 26 2006 18:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: A committee headed by a Supreme Court judge to draft an interim constitution for Nepal, a key demand of the Maoists, began its work today (June 26, 2006).

The committee's current six members, former judges and legal experts, were chosen during a meeting between Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and rebel leader Prachanda and leaders of the seven-party ruling alliance on June 16.

They agreed during the meeting that a first draft of the constitution, expected to officially strip the monarch of his power over the legislature and army, would be presented to the leaders within a fortnight.

However, the interim constitution drafting committee would not be able to prepare the new constitution within the stipulated time of two weeks.

"It would take few more weeks to draft the interim constitution as we have to consult with political party leaders, civil society members and human rights activists," said Shambhu Thapa, one of the members of the six member constitution drafting committee.

The government would appoint few more members, mainly women, to the committee to give it full form, he said. The women's groups have been pressurizing the government for women's representation to make it inclusive.