Kathmandu, 1 February: The government Thursday responded to an early-week Maoist offer of talks by inviting the rebels to come to the negotiating table. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ram Chandra Paudel said before embarking on a visit to Maoist-affected districts in western Nepal. Paudel said the insurgency has destroyed the development infrastructure in many areas and created a reign of terror.

Earlier this week Maoist leader Prachanda asked the government to fulfil certain minimum conditions to aid in the end hostilities. He also called for all political forces to unite to oust Koirala.

Several attempts to begin a dialogue between the government and rebels have failed.

The government has also mobilised the army and formed a new Armed Police Force to combat the Maoists.