Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani said Tuesday the government will not halt action against Maoists during Dashain. Maoists have declared truce during the festival.

“In the name of feasts and festival, we cannot halt our action against the group which is carrying out murder and spreading terror among people,” Dr. Lohani said in a face-to-face program Tuesday. “Govt cannot shy away from its responsibility of safeguarding life and property of people,” he said.

He ruled out reports that the government is going to allocate nearly Rs 2 billion extra for security purposes. “The security expenses will be covered from the regular budget,” he said.