Sixty-nine VDC secretaries in Rupandehi district collectively resigned from their posts Wednesday owing to Maoist threats.

Issuing a statement, the secretaries said the Maoists had been issuing threats asking them to quit their posts, right from the time the government delegated them additional responsibility of elected representative. The secretaries stated that they had been carrying out their duties despite the difficult situation in the villages.

The secretaries also called upon local human rights groups, political parties, media persons and the civil society to exert pressure on the rebel party to withdraw its threat and allow them to work in a fearless manner.

This is the first case of mass resignation of VDC secretaries since February 1 when King Gyanendra dissolved a five-party government and assumed direct power.