Nuwakot, February 3 :

Nepali Congress (NC) general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel said the NC has been delaying its decision to go for a republic as the act of locking up weapons has not been completed.

Speaking at a gathering organised by the party at Devighat, Poudel said, “The NC is delaying to go for a republic as the party is judging

Maoist activities.” Saying that the NC has understood well that people are against monarchy, Poudel said, “NC will take the decision to go for a republic at an appropriate time.” He added, “Nepal will be a republican state once the NC decides for the same,” Poudel said.

“Let the Maoists’ weapons be locked up. We will also have to see the improvement in the Maoists’ behaviour. After that, NC will take a decision on a republic,” he said.

NC central member Arjun Narasingh KC urged the Maoists to play politics of trust and avoid arrogance of arms. He urged them to give up violence and terror tactics. Another NC leader Narahari Acharya said the Maoists had agreed to the NC’s agenda of a constituent assembly. “NC will take the final decision on a republic through the meeting of the Mahasamati after the management of Maoists’ weapons,” Acharya said.

NC central member Suprabha Ghimire and Nuwakot NC president Jagdishwor Narasingh KC also spoke on the occasion.