The government has called the main opposition Unified CPN (Maoist) party to sit for talks to resolve the Kailali dispute that has claimed four lives, including that of a junior police officer.

Home Minister Bhim Rawal at a press meet organised to announce the government's position on the Kailali incident at Singha Durbar, Kathmandu on Sunday, December 06, 2009. nepalnews.com/NPA

In a press meet organized in the capital on Sunday morning, home minister Bhim Rawal said that  solution to the incident can only be found through dialogue and sought positive responses from the Maoists.

Admitting that more force was used in Kailali incident than the policemen were authorized, minister Rawal however said that policemen on the scene were compelled to resort to firing as Maoist cadres failed to obey their repeated orders against engaging in violence. He further added that the Maoists must take responsibility for the unfortunate incident that took place in Kailali.

He said that the government is working as per its constitutional responsibility to protect encroachment of forest by illegal settlers, adding that the police resorted to firing for personal security when Maoist cadres and squatters attacked them.

In response to the journalists’ query on death toll in the incident, home minister Rawal informed that three people died in police firing and one policeman was killed by the attackers.

On the occasion, Rawal also produced documents signed by local Maoist leaders where they have expressed commitment to extend their help in conserving the local forest. nepalnews.com