Maoists quit Nepal government

Kathmandu, Sep 18 (UNI) The CPN-Maoists today quit the eight-party Nepalese government after leaders of major political parties failed to convince them not to defect the coalition government ahead of the polls.

Maoist ministers tendered their resignation to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala after the meeting of top leaders of four major ruling allies failed to convince them not to quit the government at Prime Minister's residence this morning.

The Prime Minister had 'rejected' the two main demands of the CPN (Maoist) -- immediate announcement of republic and proportional representation-based election system for the November 22 polls-- from the Maoists' 22-point demands.

He, however, expressed readiness to pull Nepal Army guards from the Royal Palace and make public the whereabouts of disappeared people, one of their demands.

Maoists are due to announce the protest programme at the open air theatre this afternoon.

Hundreds of Maoist cadres and sympathisers gathered at major intersections before midday to proceed towards the assembly venue.

Many buses carrying the demonstrators were also seen heading towards the open air theatre.

UNI