Rupandehi, August 30 :

The General Secretary of the CPN-UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal, today accused the Maoists of not abiding by the ceasefire code of conduct.

Addressing a press meet organised by the Rupandehi chapter of the Press Chautari Nepal in Butwal, Nepal said: “Maoists have continued extortions, abductions and other atrocities. We have strong objection to such activities of the rebels.” Nepal urged Maoist activists to stop such non-political activities.

According to him, the summit talks between the government and the rebels would take place as soon as the ongoing meeting of the Maoists’ central committee concludes. “The summit talks are being delayed due to the meeting,” he said.

Meanwhile, addressing another press meet organised by the Reporters’ Club Nepal, Lumbini Zonal Committee, here today, member of the standing committee of the UML, Bam Dev Gautam, said the CPN-Maoist should be treated an ally now, as, according to him, the rebels have agreed to go for a democratic republic.

“The UML’s central committee has also decided to treat the CPN-Maoist an ally from now on,” he said.

Answering journalists’ queries, Gautam said the seven-party alliance did not sign any secret agreement with the King during the Jana Andolan-II. “The institution of monarchy has proved irrelevant and a burden to the nation and it should come to an end through a constituent assembly,” he said.

He added that the King will have to accept a democratic republican set-up. “If the King fails to agree to be a civilian, he will be a prisoner,” Gautam said.