KATHMANDU: Unified CPN-Maoist today accused that the state has protected criminals, who killed Maoist leaders and cadres.

“It has been revealed that serial killings of our leaders and cadres have taken place in the direct or indirect involvement of the government since its

establishment through immoral coalition of regressive forces,” stated a press statement issued here today by Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma.

Sharma has condemned the murder of Ram Ayodhi Yadav, 35, member of Mithila State Committee and convener of Mithila State Committee of All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) on Friday night at Mahadeva of Malaniyakhori VDC in Siraha district.

“We demand probe into the incident and action against the culprits,” he said. The government should declare him martyr and provide compensation for the victim’s family members. Late Yadav was a full-timer of the party since the last 11 years. He is survived by his mother, who is suffering from paralysis, father, wife and two young daughters.

Claiming that the government failed to protect the lives and properties of the people, Sharma demanded the government to quit right away.

Meanwhile ANTUF has also declared its protest programme to retaliate against the murder of its central member Yadav. Issuing separate press statement, ANTUF president Shalikram Jammarkattel has called for Industries and Factories bandh nationwide and chakkajam from 12 noon to 3 pm throughout the nation on March 29.

Saying that state-protected criminals were involved in the murder of Yadav, ANTUF has also urged the government to quit.

ANTUF has declared Yadav as a martyr and decided to hoist its flag half-mast for the next three days and organise condolence meeting throughout the nation on March 29. ANTUF has also said that they will go for stern protest if the culprits are not brought to book.