Nepal releases two Maoists leaders

Kathmandu, May 11 (UNI) Nepal government today released two top Maoist leaders, paving the way for peace talks with the rebels to end a decade-old insurgency.

Matrika Yadav and Suresh Ale Magar were freed by the new multi-party government on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

Yadav and Ale were in Nakkhu jail in Kathmandu since February 2004 after they were arrested in India and deported to Nepal.

The government has withdrawn murder charges against them. The two Maoists leaders were facing charges of killing Armed Police IGP Krishna Mohan Shrestha his wife and bodyguard in January 2003.

Maoists have been demanding release of other arrested leaders and cadres from various prisons of Nepal.

Two Maoists leaders Mohan Baidhya and CP Gajurel are in custody in India.

The Maoists have formed a three-member team headed by Krishna Bahadur Mahara to hold peace talks with the government.

The Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoists have agreed to hold elections to the constituent Assembly, the main demand of the rebels.

Parliament has already adopted the resolution for the setting up a constituent Assembly.

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