Maoists form dialogue committee (9:00 PM)

February 2, 2003
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Maoists have formed a five-member dialogue committee headed by No.2 man in the underground party Dr. Baburam Bhattarai to negotiate peace with the government five days after agreeing to a ceasefire, a statement issued by Maoist strongman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda said Sunday.

Other members of dialogue committee are: Ram Bahadur Thapa alias Badal, Matrika Yadav, Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Deb Bahadur Gurung. Prachanda said he and Bhattarai did not negotiate a deal with King Gyanendra at the Royal Palace.

Rebels have called off a two-day strike called for February 21. The ceasefire announced Wednesday is holding, security sources said.