No import of arms : Home Minister

Kathmandu, Sep 14 (UNI) Minister for Home Affairs Krishna Prasad Sitaula has said the reports on import of weapons in a military convoy was only a baseless rumour.

''The government had not breached the truce code of conduct and there was no truth in the rumour that the government was preparing for a war,'' The Rising Nepal, quoted Mr Sitaula as saying.

The Home Minister's statement has come after the Maoists said the Nepal army had brought huge amount of arms and weapon, breaking the agreement with the rebels.

''The concerned parties should have consulted and confirmed about the truth before making allegations and taking the issue to the public,'' he said.

Mr Sitaula also urged the CPN-Maoists not to raise doubts and distrust regarding the government activities.

The trucks, jeeps and other logistics, found in the barrack at Gajuri of Dhading, were brought to send them to Lebanon, where Nepalese peacekeeping troops are going to serve at the call of the United Nations.

''There were altogether 33 vehicles in the convoy including nine APC, TATA trucks, Mahendra jeep apart from foodgrains, fuel and cargo. They had arrived from the Mid and West Divisions of the army and were being brought to the army barrack at Gauchar to paint blue with the UN logo,'' he said.

The government is sending military battalion of 850 to UNIFIL at the call of the United Nations. The team is due to reach Lebanon by November 5, the Home Minister said.

He also called upon the Maoists not to suspect the motive of the government, and added that the government is committed to work as per the understanding between top leaders.

We can reach decisions by mutual discussion for ending the lack of trust and misunderstanding, he said.

MPs in the parliament also raised the issue.

UNI XC SHB HT1340