Maoist strongman Prachanda said Saturday his party is “sincerely committed to leading the dialogue that has started to its logical conclusion to find a political solution to the challenges facing the country.”
In a statement he called for solidarity of “pro people forces” to lead the county along the “path of radical change.” The statement was timed with Saturday’s release of 15 jailed Maoists to create an atmosphere for talks initiated by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Prachanda lauded Deuba for “creating a congenial atmosphere for talks” but warned unidentified elements might try to disturb the dialogue.
The 15 released Maoists are: Sarjan Singh Thakuri, Modnath Timsina, Mohan Prasad Ghimere, Rishi Ghimere, Kumari Mokthan, Tolak Pariyar, Balaram Kafle, Ramchandra Sharma Paudel,, Bhabadatta Pokhrel, Lok Prasad Banjara, Raj Kumar Gurung,, Om Prakash Paudel, Rudra Bahadur Thada, Ajay Lama and Navaraj B.K.
The government is preparing to release others whose cases are pending in courts, a Home Ministry announcement said. PM Deuba is holding consultations with opposition parties to seek support for a dialogue with rebels, government sources said.