MAHOTTARI: Acting president of Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala today said the UCPN-Maoist had pushed the country into an internal conflict by declaring autonomous republican states.

Speaking at a conference organised by Press Union Mahottari in Jaleshwor today, Koirala said, ''Their activities suggest that the former rebels are preparing for another war. But they have no other option than following a democratic path, owing to the pressures from home and abroad."

Koirala claimed that the Maoists played double standard in Kailali incident and that they attempted to murder scribe Tika Bista. He warned of stern action against anarchic activities. He did not fail to mention NC’s commitment to new statute on stipulated time.