The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has refuted allegations that its cadres are involved in activities including extortion and abduction of teachers and students.

In a statement issued Friday, Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that the entire rank and file of the party were engaged in political and activities aimed at serving people as per the spirit of the ceasefire. He said it was not the policy of his party to `abduct’ teachers and students and that such reports were nothing but the ‘planned propaganda’ of the royal regime.

Mahara, however, did not respond to allegations that the rebels were forcing hundreds of students and teachers in their strongholds to undertake ‘janabadi sikshya’ (pro-people education). Reports say most of the teachers and students are allowed to return to their homes unharmed after they undergo ‘ideological and military training.’

Mahara has also alleged the security forces of taking into custody their six unarmed cadres at Bahadurpur of Palpa district in western Nepal and executing them last week (Sep. 24). The Royal Nepalese Army, however, said the Maoist cadres were killed in two-way clashes after the security personnel opened fire in self-defense after they were attacked.

Two more rebels were killed in eastern Nepal.