Nepali govt not to launch offensive during the festival

Dr. Mohammed Mohsin. Minister of Information and Communications

The Nepal government on Monday said it would not launch offensive against the Maoist rebels during forthcoming major festivals including Dashain.

The 15-day long festival kicked off on Friday while official holidays would start only from Wednesday (Oct. 20).

The government's response came three days after Maoist rebels announced that they would suspend their armed activities for a period of nine days (Oct. 20-28) during the festival.

The government, however, did not say when its decision would come into force.

Addressing a press meet in the capital Monday afternoon, Minister of Information and Communications and the government's spokesperson, Dr Mohammed Mohsin, said, "There will be no offensive from our side but if there is any sabotage against us and if any one tries to disrupt peace, the government will be on high alert (to maintain peace)."

Responding to a question, Dr Mohsin said the government had taken the Maoist move positively. "We call upon them to be clear," said the minister referring to Maoist activities of carrying out activities like murder, abduction and collection forced donations even during the truce.

Responding to yet another question, Dr. Mohsin said the government had received reports that the Maoists were preparing for fresh attacks. He did not elaborate but said the government could not trust on what the Maoists are saying.

Interestingly, the statement issued by the government on Monday doesn't mention anything about proposed 'cease fire.' Civil society and even a major coalition partner, CPN (UML) have been asking the government to declare 'unilateral ceasefire' to create conducive environment for peace talks.

The government's statement, however, said, "We call upon them (the Maoists) not to avoid the talks and honestly come forward for dialogue." The rebels have said they will not sit for negotiations unless the government agrees to discuss substantial issues including (holding elections to) the constituent assembly to draft a new constitution. nepalnews.com by Oct 18 04

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