Come up with clear demands, Koirala tells Maoists

June 17, 2000
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Biratnagar, June 17: Prime Minister and NC president Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the Maoists should come up with clear and official demands prior to sitting together with the government to resolve the problem.

Talking to journalists in Biratnagar where he reached today after attending various programmes in Terhathum, Prime Minister Koirala said the government has kept its door open for a dialogue with the Maoists. But, the Prime Minister added, so far rumours about the initiative from Maoists’ side for a dialogue is doing a round in the press sector; he has received no such information officially.

“I don’t know anything as to who has been assigned by Baburam Bhattarai for the dialogue and what agenda has been set for that purpose,” he further added.

Replying to a question, NC president Koirala said Nepali Congress has lost its original spirit and vigour; there is severe lack of discipline and everyone is striving for power. Should the situation continue unabated, the party’s existence might come under question, he cautioned.

The NC government alone cannot resolve the Maoist problem, he said, calling for active cooperation of all the people in this task.

Appealing to all NC workers to form security committees in every VDC and start patrolling, he said the police personnel are doing their best to ensure security even by putting their own lives at stake.

Describing this year’s budget as a most challenging budget in the country’s history, he said if the budget is implemented successfully it would help the country to become self reliant. The Prime Minister is returning to the capital tomorow.