Kathmandu, August 6: Minister for Home Purna Bahadur Khadka said in parliament today that a total of 898 persons including 78 policemen, 156 innocent civilians and 664 “terrorists” (Maoist insurgents) were killed in different incidents related with Maoist insurgency that started four years ago.

In the last two and half months alone after the new government was formed, 11 policemen, 14 innocent civilians and 44 Maoist insurgents were killed, said Minister for Home Khadka. The underground Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) launched an armed insurgency in February 1996 with the objective of what it described as establishing a one-party communist regime with power in the hand of proletariats and workers.

Home Minister Khadka, however, said that overall situation of law and order in the country is normal despite some isolated incidents of terrorism perpetrated by Maoist insurgents in some districts. ” The law and order situation of the country is under full control of the government”, he said.

The government has put all its strength to ensure law and order and protect lives and property of the people, Minister Khadka said. According to Minister Khadka, the government has given due compensation to the victims of terrorist activities and launched especial programmes to rehabilitate those insurgents who denounce terrorism and surrender.

He said amnesty would be given to those who give up arms and express willingness to live peaceful life. However, the government would firmly deal with those who continue to stage armed insurgency and create terror in the society.

The present government believes that all problems of the country can be solved through dialogue and negotiation. Minister for Home also addressed the journalists in an interaction programme today in which he said the government has fully mobilized security personnel to bring the terrorist activities (Maoist insurgency) under control.

He sought cooperation from all political parties and people to combat terrorism in the country.

In the budget for the Fiscal Year 1999/2000 as well, the government has announced special programmes to rehabilitate for those who denounce armed insurgency and want to live peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Maoist insurgents killed a Nepali Congress Tanahu district committee member Hom Raj Lohani in Ward No 8, Bandipur of Tanahi district yesterday (Thursday).

Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala condemned the killing of NC member Hom Raj Lohani and expressed his deep condolence over Lohani’s death.