November 01, 2001

KATHMANDU: Maoist rebels abducted four people including former lawmaker and chairman of District Development Committee Dilli Bahadur Mahat, chairman of Jumla District Development Committee Tirtha Bahadur Budha and two others in Jumla Thursday, the CPN-UML central office said.

A group of about 30 Maoist rebels abducted them from Gajyangkot village of Jumla. CPN-UML central office issued a statement today condemning the abduction and demanding their immediate release. In the statement,  CPN-UML warned that if Maoist do not release their workers and stop their offensive activities, they would have to face serious consequences.

The incident came following a clash between local people and Maoist rebels in Kanakasundari village of Jumla last week in which seven people were injured. Maoist rebels then abducted local people after the clash.

Ahead of third round of talks, Maoist activities have increased in different parts of the country. The government has said that the increased activities of Maoist may jeopardize the peace talks.

The Maoists have accused the government of trying to spoil the atmosphere for talks.