Nawalparasi, September 22:

A human rights activist today urged the Maoists to rejoin the government and help conduct the constituent assembly polls on schedule.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the national council meeting of the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) in Gaindakot of Nawalparasi district, Krishna Pahadi said, “Eight political parties should be committed to the 12-point comprehensive peace treaty and strive to hold the CA polls on schedule.”

Terming the Maoists’ act of quitting the government a setback for the peace process, Pahadi said, “Now, agitating and armed groups in the Tarai have every opportunity to grind their own axes.”

Pahadi also urged the government to work out a consensus on the Maoists’ 22-point charter of demands at the earliest. He added that the Maoists’ act had sent out negative signals. “Violence will not do anyone any good and armed rebellion will not yield positive results. Everyone should come together and work as a united force for national development. We should develop a feeling of brotherhood among us,” he said.

HURPES chairman Purshottam Dahal urged the armed groups not to create unrest.

A total of 280 representatives of rights groups and observers from across the country are attending the convention that will continue till tomorrow.