Maoist chairman Prachanda

Maoist chairman Prachanda (File Photo)
Maoist chairman Prachanda has asked the party members and associates to help in the rehabilitation of the displaced people, return their properties seized during the war and in the management of the arms.

In a statement he issued on Thursday afternoon, Prachanda asked the party members to work on war-footing to complete these tasks with timetable as per the commitments expressed in the agreement reached earlier with the seven parties.

He said the co-operation between the seven parties and the Maoists that started with the signing of the treaty in November 2005 need to be strengthened for which there is no doubt that the understandings reached earlier should be strictly adhered to.

The statement comes a day after prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala asked Prachanda to stop the unruly activities of the party cadres seen in the recent days and create environment for their inclusion in the interim government.

In strong words, Prachanda has also asked the government to immediately release the remaining Maoist cadres from jail, publicise the status of the disappeared people, ensure the proper management of food and other necessities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the cantonments and take initiatives for implementation of the agreements and understandings.

Accusing that government’s inability to control the situation has given space for feudal elements to play, he asked the government to carry out the works as fast as possible to hold the election to constituent assembly by mid June. “The government must be responsible for any untoward accident caused by failing to hold the election on time,” he added.

He claimed the attempt to foil the election was indicated by the statement given by King Gyanendra on the occasion of democracy day.

In recent days, the activities of the Maoists have drawn widespread criticism and national and international pressure grew in favour of mending their behaviour before they enter the interim government.