Indian envoy calls on Prachanda

Kathmandu, May 12 (UNI) In a bid to engage the Maoists who are likely to be at the helm of the affairs in the next government in Nepal, the Indian ambassdor here called on their leader and CPN-M Chairman Prachanda and discussed issues of mutual and bilateral importance.

Nepal's Indian ambassdor Rakesh Sood yesterday met the Maoist supremo Prachanda at his Nayabazar residence. Issues like the future of the monarchy and the modalities of the new governmnet taking office in the Himalayan nation also cropped up during the meeting which lasted for an hour amid the presence of senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai.

This is the fourth official meeting of Mr Rakesh Sood after he took up his responsibility as the Indian ambassador, Kantipur reported.

Meanwhile, leaders of Terai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) proposed Maoist Chairman Prachanda for constitutional amendment including the agendas of the previous agreements forged with the agitating groups.

Following the proposal, Prachanda urged the TMDP leaders to participate in the government and assist in drafting a new constitution.

Another Madhes-based party, Madhesi People's Rights Forum that emerged as the fourth largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election, proposed the Maoist leadership to form the new government prior to the first CA meeting.

UNI XC SZ PK KP0942