The CPN (Maoist) has said it has started the process to return the properties of activists of various political parties, which were “unjustly seized” in the past.

Issuing a statement Tuesday, spokesperson of the CPN (Maoist), Krishna Bahadur Mahara, said, “As agreed in the 12-point understanding, the process to return the lands and houses of various persons and activists of political parties, which were unjustly seized, has started.” The party has given directions to the party men to discuss with the concerned persons and the political parties and start returning the seized properties, he said.

Notably, the statement hinted that the rebels have realized that the act of seizing the houses and lands of political activists was not just.

The Maoist spokesperson also said his party was committed to the ‘historic’ 12-point understanding first reached with the seven parties in November last year and assured to abide by the code of conduct made public by his party to make the talks process and the ceasefire easier.

Saying that the government on its part should also show commitment towards the same, Mahara demanded that the process to release all Maoist leaders and cadres imprisoned in various jails of Nepal and India should be initiated at the earliest.

Mahara’s statement comes as the government gears up for holding dialogue with the rebel side. Deputy Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli a few days earlier said the government had been working to finalise the code of conduct and form a team to negotiate with the Maoists.