(Rpt, changing slug)

Kathmandu, Feb 13 (UNI) The CPN-Maoists celebrated its 12th anniversary in Kathmandu today attended by tens of thousands people at Tundikhel, about 400 meter away from Royal Palace.

Maoists Chairman Prachanda on his first mass address said no one can stop Nepal from becoming a Republic. A democratic republic set up would be announced by mid-May, if elections to the constituent assembly were not held by mid-June, he added.

''We are proud that the twelve-year long Maoists movement has inspired the people communities to raise their voices for regional and autonomy,'' he said adding, ''However, those who labeled us as dividing force when we raised the demands of self-rule, federal set up and proportionate representation are now themselves advocating these demands as their own.'' Maoist supported and cadres had taken out rallies from different places in Kathmandu including Gongabu, Balaju, Chappal factory, Swayambhu, Baneshwor, Gaushala, Chabahil, Old Baneshwore and jawalakhel prior to the mass meet.

More than 13,000 people were killed during the maoists insurgency which started in 1996 for the establishment of republic set of government.

UNI