UML accuses Maoists of intimidation

Kathmandu, March 31:

The CPN-UML today condemned the Maoist attack on UML cadres in different places and warned the Maoists to immediately halt such activities of a defeated mentality, said a press release issued by the party.

The party said the Maoists tried to create confrontation by announcing a programme coinciding with the UML’s already fixed programme in Galu village development committee of Ramechhap district on April 4.

The party also accused the Maoist cadres including Rajan Dahal of threatening to blaze the houses of UML cadres Madhav, Premraj, Meena, Shankar and Tulshi Prasad Dhungel if they did not leave their houses within five days. The release said, “The Maoists are conducting ‘Lathi Training’ to their cadres in Churchure, Purano Gaon, Chisapani and Pokarbas to intimidate the voters,” it said adding that the Maoists have announced 12 VDCs of Constituency No 1 as the prohibited areas.

The UML also accused Nepali Congress cadres, in connivance with the police, of torching UML and other parties’ flag along in Dadeldhura on Sunday.

The party said a curfew has been clamped in the district headquarter to suppress the protests against the act.

The party said the Maoists kidnapped two UML cadres — Yam Bahadur Budha and Ramlal Gharti — in Rukum on Saturday and their whereabouts are still unknown.

The party also claimed that the Maoists attacked its party cadres in Bardiya and Okhaldhunga.