The US embassy has expressed deep concern over Maoist chairman Prachanda’s claim of a plot of pro-palace elements to assassinate US officials posted in Nepal.

Issuing a statement on Friday, the embassy said the security of American citizens in Nepal is the highest priority of the embassy, adding, “Therefore, if the Maoist leader has evidence to support his statement, then he should immediately share that information with the Embassy and with the appropriate police authorities.”

The statement further warned that if he had no such information, then his remarks were both irresponsible and dangerous.

Addressing a mass meeting in the western town of Pokhara on Thursday, Maoist chairman Prachanda alleged that pro-palace forces were conspiring to assassinate US officials posted in Nepal and pin the blame on the Maoists to disrupt the CA polls.

“We again urge the Maoists to contribute to a peaceful democratic transition in Nepal by renouncing violence, once and for all,” the statement added.

“In democracies, political parties win support through their ability to persuade voters in peaceful elections – not through violence and intimidation,” the statement cautioned.

The US is yet to remove Maoists from their terrorist watch list even after they joined the parliamentary politics and has been urging the former rebels to completely renounce violence before they join interim government.