Kathmandu, March 12:

The seven-party alliance’s taskforce meeting today discussed various programmes to be organised before and after a joint rally scheduled in the capital for April 8 against autocracy. The meeting will also continue tomorrow.

A meeting of the alliance’s top leaders on March 6 had decided to oraganise a joint rally in the capital on April 8, coinciding with the day of lifting of 30-year of ban on political parties in 1990.

NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC said they discussed the alliance’s policies, programmes and ways of accommodating various walks of life in the joint movement. He said the constituents of the alliance would launch their independent protest programmes till April 2 in all district headquarters and constituencies and launch joint programmes in the capital highlighting the issues of load-shedding and hike in petroleum prices.

When asked to elaborate about the ongoing talks between the alliance and the Maoists, KC said, “You may know the outcome of the talks in a day or two.” According to him, the alliance has asked the Maoists to fully abide by the 12-point understanding and implement it at the grassroots level.

He also said the alliance leaders have asked the Maoists to withdraw the blockade and indefinite general strike they have announced to begin from March 14 and April 3 respectively.