Maoists declare unilateral cease fire in Kathmandu valley

Kathmandu, Apr 3 (UNI) The Nepal Maoists today declared a unilateral ceasefire in the Capital with effect from evening.

The Chairman of the Maoists, Mr Prachanda in a statement issued today, said that in a bid to support the general strike and demonstration of the seven-party alliance they have declared unilateral ceasefire within Kathmandu valley.

''Our party will extend its full support to the programmes of general strike, rallies and non-cooperation announced by the seven-party alliance scheduled for this week as per the spirit of the second memorandum of understanding entered between our party and the alliance,'' Mr Prachanda said.

He had also called comman masses to come out on the streets to hold a ''peaceful and decisive movement to end autocratic rule'' in the Himalayan kingdom.

The political alliance has announced general strike from April 6 to April 9.

The seven parties and the Maoists reiterated their commitment for the restoration of democracy through the election of the constituent assembly.

UNI XC VJ HT1912