ACHR welcomes Maoists' cease-fire in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Apr 4 (UNI) Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has welcomed the unilateral cease-fire announced by the Communist party of Nepal (Maoists) ahead of the pro-democracy movement to be launched by the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy comprising seven political parties from April 6.

''This is an important step to pave the way to usher democracy in Nepal and reduce further loss of lives,'' Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights said in a statement today.

Commenting on the United States' opposition to the alliance between the parties and the Maoists, Mr Chakma stated, ''This is a wrong perception which is not based on ground realities of Nepal but a conspiracy to prolong the conflict in the Himalayan country and cause the killing of more innocent civilians.'' The ACHR urged the government to reciprocate the cease-fire declared by the Maoists.

The seven major political parties, struggling to restore democracy in Nepal, have planned a four day general strikes from Thursday and demonstrations in Kathmandu and across the country.

However, the government has banned the rallies, demonstration and any kind of gatherings in Kathmandu and Lalitpur areas of the capital from tomorrow.

Maoists have said they would not launch any activities in Kathmandu in view of the peaceful demonstration of the seven political parties for the establishment of democracy.

UNI XC PM HT2330