POKHARA: The Unified CPN-Maoist on Thursday declared two more autonomous states. Party leader Dev Gurung and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ declared Tamuwan and Magarat Autonomous States in Pokhara and Palpa, respectively.

Speaking at a programme held for the purpose in Tansen, Badal said the states declaration was a part of a decisive movement of the people. He claimed that the constitution could not be drafted until the formation of a Maoist-led government, as it was the popular mandate.

Speaking on the same occasion, Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma said the indigenous and the suppressed people could enjoy their rights only in a federal setup. Leaders Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Janardan Sharma, Lokendra Bista and Barshaman Pun were also present at the programme. Maoist cadres, who thronged the venue from 13 districts, took out a rally in Tansen with a number of cultural shows. Hemanta Prakash Oli has been appointed the coordinator of the Magarat State.

Meanwhile, declaring Tamuwan Autonomous State in Pokhara, Gurung said, ‘’We cannot be casual bystander when other parties are hatching conspiracies.’’ Alleging that the ‘unconstitutional move of the President’ had disabled the CA, he added, ‘’Other political parties have showed apathy towards restructuring the country.’’ Gurung said his party was trying to forge consensus with other parties. CA member Amar Tamu has been appointed the coordinator of the Tamuwan State.

Issuing a joint statement in Pokhara, four political parties, including the ruling CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, urged the Maoists to stop declaring autonomous states. The student wings of the parties called the closure of educational institutions to protest the Maoist declaration. All educational institutions in Pokhara and adjoining areas remained shut today.

Meanwhile, issuing a statement, Chhetri Samaj said the step of declaring autonomous states would create a conflict among ethnic groups, threatening to launch an armed struggle against the move.