‘Bid not to bode well’

JANAKPURDHAM: Acting president of Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala on Saturday said the Maoist declaration of republican states had sowed the seed of ethnic conflict in the country. He also asked the people to be aware of the anarchic activities of the Maoists, which could revive the past conflict. Addressing a meet organised by Press Union Dhanusha in Janakpur, Koirala said the Maoist-led government had weakened the Nepal Army by deciding to sack its chief, Rookmangud Katawal. "Had the President not overturned the Maoist move of sacking the army chief, Maoist supremacy -- not civilian supremacy -- would have prevailed in the country," the NC leader said.

‘Maoists anti-statute’

HETAUDA: Vice-chairman of CPN-UML Bamdev Gautam on Saturday said the Maoist declaration of republican states would render the constitution writing process a mission impossible. Inaugurating the party's convention of Makawanpur Constituency No 2 in Palung, Gautam said the Maoist activities could invite a doom for the statute drafting process. He termed the declaration a tactic to amass votes in a future general election. The meet was attended by cadres from 17 VDCs in the district. About 120 representatives will select a regional committee by late evening in the second session.