KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Bhim Rawal on Saturday refuted the allegation leveled against by UCPN-Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal saying that the government was hatching a conspiracy to murder some of the Maoist leaders.

Speaking at a programme organised by Reporters’ Club in the capital, Rawal said, “If you have any facts to back your allegation, please reveal it. If you do not have, it is inappropriate to make such fictional statements.” Mentioning about the past allegations made by Dahal during his prime ministerial tenure, Rawal said, “This sort of allegation does not suit to a leader like him.”

Rawal accused the Maoists of trying to misinterpret the government’s move to maintain the peace and security in the country. “Why should the Maoists be scared of the special security plan if they want the rule of the law in the country?” questioned Rawal.

Rawal said that the Maoists’ decision to declare federal states prior to the Constituent Assembly has undermined the spirit of the lawmaking body. He, however, said that the government would deal with the matter in a political way. “Since it is a political matter, the government will deal it politically,” said Rawal.

Rawal reiterated the government’s assurance of bringing the assaulters of Tika Bista to book at any cost. Referring to the rape scandal of Suntali Dhami, a policewoman who was raped by her male colleagues in Accham district, Rawal said that the government had taken a stern action against the police personnel found involved in the incident. “The accused are suspended from the police service and have thereafter been in police custody,” Rawal elucidated.

In a bid to seek a way out to the present political impasse, Rawal pleaded the Maoists to call off its protest programmes that include public strike in December 20-22.