We turned down ISI assistance: Prachand

Kathmandu, Nov 20: CPN Maoists Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known as Prachanda today said that his party has turned down assistance from Pakistan's ISI during the insurgency, media reports said here.

''The ISI had offered us assistance during the insurgency but our party had firmly turned down its offer,'' The Himalayan Times quoted Prachanda as saying after returning from India.

''You must understand that it was Pakistan which was one of the first nations to support the King's takeover,'' he said.

The activities of Pakistan's ISI had been considerably reduced in Nepal after their emergence as a powerful political outfit, he said.

He also said that his visit to India was fruitful.

''The visit has succeeded in overcoming the confusion in the international community about the Maoists and the motive of the insurgency the party waged.'' Prachanda, with his deputy Dr Baburam Bhattarai, was in New Delhi to attend the summit organised by the Hindustan Times.

''I had read of revolutions in history books but today, I have been able to see the revolution being completed in Nepal," Prachanda quoted former Indian Prime Minister IK Gujral as saying.''I found the Indian intelligentia was interested in the peace process here and my party and the Indian leadership had changed its two-pillar-theory of multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy after the April revolution,'' he said.

''I found the Indian leadership is positive towards any verdict the Nepali people will deliver on the future of monarchy,'' Prachand said.

He added that it all happened due to the 12-point understanding between the Seven-parties alliance and the Maoists that was reached in New Delhi.

He said the Indian leaders wanted to see the ongoing peace process succeed.

He said the 1950 treaty between Nepal and India should be reviewed as it is very controversial. He said the Maoists and the government will sign a peace treaty tomorrow.

On being asked when he would visit China, Prachanda said he would, if invited.

Further when he asked if he would visit the US, he said ''I will do if any NGO invites us.'' Prachanda said they also sought the release of their comrades from Indian jails. Bhattarai said CPM general secretary Prakash Karat has promised to do the needful.

Meanwhile, the government and the Maoist talks teams finalised the six cantonments where the Maoist fighters are to be lodged.

Maoist commander Nanda Kishor Pun said the Kamidanda camp would be shifted to Chitwan's Jugipani and Palpa's proposed camp would also be relocated close to the highway.

UNI

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