Kathmandu, Feb. 23: Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba who chairs the high level committee formulated to work out strategies to solve the four year old Maoist insurgency has invited the Maoist rebels to talks for peaceful resolution of the problem.

“We welcome the positive response shown by the leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal – Maoist towards the proposed bilateral talks,” Deuba stated in a press release issued today. “I appeal to them to give up the path of violence and come for talks, the only way to give a permanent outlet to the national problem.”

National consensus is necessary for all round development of the country and for the consolidation of multiparty democracy, he said.

Referring to the ongoing insurgency carried out by the underground communist party in the name of “People’s War,” Deuba said, “The series of murder and violence have hindered the development activities of the country that is globally known as a land of peace.”

Moreover, the insurgency has mostly affected the lives of the economically underprivileged rural folks and deprived us of our democratic exercise, he said.

More that 1,100 people have lost their lives since the violence began in early 1996. Of the victims, 800 were the rebels, 100 police personnel and 200 common citizens.

Meanwhile, the ruling Nepali Congress party has condemned the violent activities carried out by Maoist insurgents and manslaughter in the name of ‘people’s war.’ According to a party press release, the rebels murdered Ujjawal Bahadur Singh, an NC activist of Sepu VDC in Jajarkot district. “NC vehemently condemns Singh’s murder in cold blood.”

Singh was fatally attacked by some armed Maoist rebels on Feb. 12 while having his grains ground at a local water mill, the press release said.

The party demanded the government to strengthen security measures so as to maintain peace.