In a week-long programme beginning April 25, President of the Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala will also visit Maoist strongholds in far west Nepal in the second phase of an internal tour to consolidate the party, promote peace and build up public support against the October 4 dismissal of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba by King Gyanendra after assuming executive powers, party sources said.

Koirala will launch the tour by addressing mass meetings in Gulmi and Argakanchi on April 25. He will address a rally in Kanchanpur on April 26 and public meetings in Darchula, Baitadi and Dandeldhura on April 27; he will campaign in Accham, Bhajang and Doti in far west Nepal on April 28 and on April 29 will address meetings Jumla, Dailekh and Surkhet.

Koirala will go deep into the Maoist heartland and address public meetings in Rukum, Salyan and Bardia on April 30 and conclude the tour on May Day with addresses in Rolpa, Pyuthan and again in Doti.

Koirala has just concluded visits of nine districts of the eastern envelopment region. nepalnews.com br April 11