Maoists urge united front to topple monarchy

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Maoist leaders urged Saturday all parties to unite in a national movement to topple the monarchy and set up a republic in the insurgency-racked nation.

As part of their appeal, the rebels also announced a three-day general strike to be held next month under the banner of restoration of democracy — the latest in a slew of shutdowns called by the rebels.

“We appeal to all the leftists, nationalists and parliamentary forces to create a whirlwind of movements in the country to agree on a minimum agenda of establishing a republic,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

The statement was signed by party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal also known as Prachanda or “the fierce one,” and his second-in-command, Baburam Bhattarai.

Nepal has been rocked by months of student and opposition party protests against King Gyanendra’s move in 2002 to dismiss the elected government, saying it was not competent to tackle the insurgency.

“The students have already confirmed the historical necessity and possibility of establishing a republican set-up,” the Maoists said. —AFP

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