Maoists lift Nepal school threat

Thousands of private schools in Nepal have re-opened after Maoist students withdrew a threat to bomb them.

The rebels' student wing issued its closure demand two weeks ago in protest at what it calls the "commercialisation of education" in the kingdom.

Students say the rebel change of tack followed appeals from the international community and human rights groups.

There was alarm that conflict had spread to Nepal's classrooms. Over 1.5m pupils study in 9,000 private schools.

During the two weeks that private schools were closed, the Maoist students carried out their bomb threat in a number of districts.

'Ready for talks'
Private schools in the capital, Kathmandu, were unaffected, but they stopped functioning in other areas.

The president of the Private and Boarding schools of Nepal (Pabson), Umesh Shrestha, told the BBC that normal classes had now resumed in all private schools across the country.

The Revolutionary All Nepal National Free Students' Union (ANNFSU) wants all private schools to be nationalised, accusing them of being profit-driven.

It says many poor students cannot afford admission to such schools.

Private school operators have rejected the criticism by say they are prepared to negotiate on possible reforms. Sphere: Related Content