KATHMANDU: Civil society activists today said the possibility of a President's rule, after dissolving the Constituent Assembly, could not be ruled out if the conflict among political parties persisted.

Addressing an interaction organised by Reporters' Club here, journalist Tara Nath Dahal said the presidential rule could be a possible option if the ongoing political impasse protracted.

He held the illusive policy of the CPN-UML responsible for the impending political chaos and suggested that referendum could be held to choose between a people's republic and a democratic republic.

Human rights activist Sudip Pathak was of the opinion that the CA should be dissolved to tackle the continued conflict and a fresh election should be held. He claimed that the Maoists had resurrected their kangaroo court and also resumed capturing people's property, causing rural folks to flee to cities. He expressed the need for a new understanding among the parties, such as the 12-point pact, for a forward movement of the nation.

Expressing concern over the proposed blockade of the Maoists, Pathak said the former rebels had no right to make the people suffer. He threatened to file cases against Prachanda and Baburam if they imposed the blockade.

Purushottam Dahal criticised both the Maoists and the ministers of the incumbent government for fuelling anti-peace activities and inviting conflict in the country. He said the estimated 109 armed groups active in the country could create a lot of trouble and target top ranking government officials and political leaders. Casting doubt over the timely making of the constitution, Dahal said the people should boycott the CA members if they failed to accomplish the vital task.

Veteran journalist Kanak Mani Dixit said the internal conflict of the Maoists was the main problem in national politics and had caused much public suffering.