Prachanda steps up tempo against monarchy

Maoist chairman Prachanda has intensified his call for the declaration of republic in the country right away.

Addressing a mass gathering in the western Terai town of Butwal on Saturday, Prachanda said the republic should be declared both by the parliament as well as from the streets. He said declaration of republic by parliament alone may not suffice and that it should be supported by street agitation.

"The monarchy will not be able to save itself even if foreign forces support it," he said at the mass meeting.

Stating that the Maoists had been the original party who demanded federal republic, Prachanda said the interim government including them must be formed immediately if the election for the Constituent Assembly is to take place on stipulated time. He claimed central leaders of his party would not keep personal properties for next 20 years to concentrate in the development of the country.

At the same meeting, senior Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai accused that reactionaries were trying to use some army generals to introduce army rule in the country.

Maoist leaders have been addressing a series of mass meetings in Terai towns since past one week. They have already addressed similar public gatherings in Biratnagar, Janakpur and Birgunj. nepalnews.com sd Feb 24 07