Dhangadhi, April 28:

The Maoists and the security forces, sworn enemies till a day or two ago, were seen standing shoulder to shoulder in a rally here today. Two army tanks were right behind the rally organised by Maoists in Dhangadhi today.

The Maoists held the rally demanding that the political parties go for unconditional constituent assembly. Maoist-affiliated organisations participated in the rally led by Maoist regional bureau member Akhanda.

The rally commenced from Campus Chowk and passed through major thoroughfares of Dhangadhi before ending up as a street corner meeting after returning to Campus Chowk. Two army tanks escorted the rally. The Maoists chanted slogans like “Annul Royal Army, establish Nepal Army” and “Ganatantra zindabad”.

Speaking at the meeting held outside the District Development Committee office, Akhanda urged the political leaders to go for an unconditional constituent assembly, saying, “Our only demand is a constituent assembly and we have shown great flexibility by declaring a three-month-long ceasefire.”Warning the leaders of severe action if they repeated mistakes of the past, Akhanda declared Kailali a republican district.

Far West Intellectual Coordinator of the Maoists, Sundar Raj Regmi said people from the rural areas have been pouring into the urban centres to demand a republic.He added that the political parties should not hesitate to go for a constituent assembly.

Kailali District Chairman of ANNISU-R Yuvraj Bhattarai and Bajhang district chairman Bharat Malla also addressed the meeting.