Three Maoists were arrested by a joint security patrol with weapons at Panchakanya village in Nuwakot Wednesday, local security sources said. Among the arrested was local government chief Nabaraj Dhungana. Twelve  rebels in combat dress fled after they encountered the security patrol. nepalnews.com br Aug.1

Five party-Maoist talks soon, claims Koirala

Five agitating parties will soon hold dialogue with the Maoists to find a way out of the present impasse, published reports said Friday quoting NC General Secretary Sushil Koirala.

“We and Maoists have been exchanging informal talks, but now there will be a formal dialogue,” Koirala said in press meet in Dhangadhi Thursday.

Koirala’s statement has come simultaneously with that of Maoist statement Thursday, in which the rebels urged the parties to participate in the talks-process for a “forward-looking” outlet.

Meanwhile, NC spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC said the five parties will not immediately participate in the talks-process. “Until the unconstitutional government remains as it is now, there is no question of party-Maoist talks,” said UML leader Amril Kumar Bohora.

Till date, the five parties have not formed any official viewpoint on the Maoists’ proposal to hold talks.