Kathmandu, September 4:

NGOs and human rights organisations today welcomed the Maoists’ unilateral announcement of ceasefire for three months. President of Nepal Bar Association Shambhu Thapa, through a press statement, has called on the parties to take this opportunity to establish long-term peace in Nepal. Thapa also stressed the need for the involvement of the UN in solving the Maoist problem.

The Himrights, Pro Public, Nepal Association of Tour Operator, National Human Rights Foundation, Citizens’ Peace Commission, Human Rights, Peace Society and Nepal Samata Party also welcomed the move. They, however, flayed the Maoist ceasefire proposal as

‘vague.’ Rights activist Malla K Sundar urged the government to also announce a ceasefire. He said this at a press meet organised by the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) today.