Despite clear instances of violation of code of conduct, one of the members of the Maoist talks team claimed that they are not violating the code.

Talking to Nepalnews on Monday, Dinanath Sharma said that they are not violating the code of conduct and added that they are ready to resolve all misunderstanding through negotiation.

When asked about presence of Maoist militia in combat dress carrying Khukuris in a public programme in Janakpur on Saturday, Sharma said, “We have an army, so they attended the programme in their uniform, but we are committed to the code of conduct.” “We could not ask our army not to wear their uniform as the Nepal Army has its own uniform,” he added.

When asked whether they had issued circulars to their cadres about the code of conduct, Sharma said it was being done through their channels of communication and that most of their cadres were aware of it.

Point six of the 25-point code of conduct signed by the government and the Maoist reads, “Both sides to refrain from using military outfits and gears in all forms of public gatherings”.

Sharma further said that the Maoists are doing nothing against the Code of Conduct, adding, those who are against the peaceful settlement of the Maoist insurgency are spreading rumours to foil the talks between the government and the Maoists.

He said that the second round of talks will be held shortly.

The Maoists on Saturday participated in a mass meeting in combat dress carrying khukuris against the code of conduct signed on Friday.

Another report said staff of the district election office, who had gone to Village Development Committees (VDCs) to collect voters’ names, were sent back to Manthali, by the Maoists recently.

Report quoted Dambar Bahadur Pradhan, district election commissioner, as saying the rebels forced the staff to return without allowing them to undertake their duties in seven of the 55 VDCs.

In a similar report from Nuwakot, Maoists have made it mandatory for government officials to seek their permission before visiting villages.

A District Forest Office staff, who reached Sunkhani VDC Saturday, was asked to show a Maoist issued permission letter.

In the code of conduct, both the sides had agreed not to create any obstacle in the free movement in any part of the country.

Meanwhile, addressing the parliament session on Monday, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula has urged the Maoists not to violate code of conduct, saying such activities might disturb the environment for talks.

According to reports, the government and the Maoists agreed to ask the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to monitor the ceasefire.