Government issues stern warning against Maoists

September 6, 2001
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Government has issued another stern waning against Maoists to eschew continuing violence that might derail on-going peace talks to end a communist insurgency that has claimed more than 1,800 lives in nearly six years.

Government charged rebels have not stopped acts of extortion, forcible closure of schools and industrial enterprises, beatings of opponents and other pressure tactics, a Home Ministry announcement said. “Such acts will vitiate the atmosphere for talks,” a Home Ministry statement said.

Altogether 33 Maoists detained under the security act have been released while cases against 18 others have been withdrawn while two others have been amnestied, the Home Ministry said. Government is considering withdrawing cases or waiving jail terms of other imprisoned insurgents, a statement said.

The statement comes after two public pronouncements by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba that the second round of talks with Maoists may be stalled by continued rebel violence. The date and venue for negotiations have yet to be determined after the first round of talks was held in the capital this month.

Deuba has asked Maoists to call off a scheduled mass meeting in the capital on September 21 fearing it might lead to violence. Maoists have been holding such public meetings nation-wide after an announcement of a temporary truce to rally public support for their call for a republic.