JHAPA: Unified CPN-Maoist politburo member Ram Karki on Friday said people should be empowered and made independent if the democratic republic is to be institutionalised.

Inaugurating the party office in Bhadrapur municipality, he said unless people are empowered the achievements of the people’s movement cannot be institutionalised.

Maoist leader Karki held that the time had come for the government to expedite development activities.

On a different note, he said the Tarai crisis should be resolved through talks.”No political party or group should hold the country a hostage of indecision to serve their vested interests,” said Karki, adding “Both the agitating parties and the government should show flexibility and bail the country out of the current crisis.”