Minister for Information and Technology Kamal Thapa at a press conference in Kathmandu on Sunday, said the government has definite information regarding infiltration of Maoists rebels in the ongoing students’ agitation in the country.

He even alleged that the government can prove the same if necessary. This accusation, however, has been strongly opposed by the political parties.

Thapa, accusing the major political parties said that they were not honest in unravelling the present political crisis from the country.

Asking political parties to join the present government, Thapa said, ”If its not acceptable, I ask the political parties to let us work in peace just for few months so the government can address and solve the burning issues of the nation.”

According to Thapa, the government has succeeded a great deal in restoring peace. “Almost 150 rebels (many with arms) have surrendered and the government has already thought of constructing a rehabilitation centre for such people in Tanahun,” Thapa said.

Thapa criticized the recent UML’s roadmap as a ‘Pandora’s Box’. He said that the government’s agenda forwarded long ago to the political parties was broad.

When asked the government’s view regarding the recent statement of Maoist supremo Prachanda, Thapa articulated that the government has no idea concerning the same. However, he said, “The government is always ready for talks if Maoists come honestly for the same.”

Vis-à-vis, the recent proposal of holding constituent elections under the UN, demobilizing the armies of the government and the peoples’ army, Thapa paused and said, “ Its a baseless thing, how can a states’ army be demobilized in the general elections?”

Earlier, Minister Thapa asked the political parties’ to come under the national consensus as purposed by the king. He also revealed that the expansion of the cabinet was halted in anticipation of parties joining as per the king’s agenda. nepalnews.com pd Jan. 18