Maoists continue street protests in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 7 (ANI): Maoist cadres on Thursday continued demonstrations against President Ram Baran Yadav's decision to reject the dismissal of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rookmangud Katawal.

The Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Women Association (Revolutionary) staged demonstrations in the capital. Police baton-charged the protesters after they entered the restricted area near Shitwal Niwas, the President's office, in the morning.

The Maoist party has said it would continue protests in the streets and the parliament unless the President Yadav rectifies his move.

Meanwhile, major political parties have begun their internal consultation in the run up to the formation of a new government as the deadline given by President Yadav comes closer.

Maoist party has called its politburo meeting to discuss its future strategies in the aftermath of the collapse of the coalition government led its chairman Prachanda.

The meeting is also scheduled to chart out protest strategy against the President's move to reinstate the army chief.

The Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML) have also called their key meetings this afternoon to discuss the latest developments. Both the parties need support from the Madhesi parties to garner majority for the new government.

Madhesi parties have sought consensus on their agendas in return for their support.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum, Upendra Yadav, called for a consensus and cooperation among all political parties while forming the new government to give a way out of the current turmoil.

Yadav said his party would make efforts to build a consensus mong the parties, adding that his party will support whoever can gather the majority to form the government. (ANI)