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Home Minister urges 7-party alliance for talks

Home Minister Kamal Thapa on Wednesday called upon the agitating political parties for negotiation to opt for dialogue to end the current political crisis, warning that failure to understand the Maoist tactics would compel the government to maintain a tougher stand.

“If [agitating] political parties are committed to multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy, they should be ready for dialogue to find a solution to the current problem, and I would like to request them for it [talks],” Home Minister Thapa said addressing a gathering of the cadres of rival Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which was formed recently under his chairmanship.

“If they fail to understand the imminent danger and provide support, knowingly or unknowingly, to the violent campaign of the Maoists, the government will be compelled to take necessary legal actions,” the minister warned.

Defending the recent government ban on rallies and public assembly, the Home Minister said the ban was imposed on the basis of information that the Maoists could turn the seven parties’ mass gathering planned for coming Friday into a violent one.

He also accused the agitating parties of playing into the hands of “leftist extremists”. The parties have not waken up even as the Maoists have entered into the capital with weapons. I call upon the parties not buy the tactics of leftist extremists,” he said. nepalnews.com mk Jan 18 06