Nepal combatants detained in connection with controversial video tape

Kathmandu, May 7 (ANI): Some Maoist combatants have been taken in custody as per the directives of the party headquarters after a controversial video of outgoing Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' addressing a training session in Shaktikhor became public.

According to Nepalnews, the party has detained members of the video unit and some suspected combatants dubbing the entry of 'enemies' in its army.

The Maoist army is on to prevent similar activities in other divisions and cantonments. eanwhile, Prachanda has dubbed videotape scandal a ploy against peace process.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday over a videotape of his lecture to PLA commanders some 16 months ago, which has caused quite an uproar in the political circle, Prachanda said his party had three tiers of armed forces - central and regional as regular armed forces and militia that numbered well over 100,000.

He said what he mentioned in the tape that real strength of the PLA was 7,000 to 8,000 was only the number of the 'central regular armed force'.

He argued that the broadcasting of the videotape, containing his speech in a different political situation, is a reactionary ploy to cover up the unconstitutional move of President Ram Baran Yadav and to jeopardise the peace process.

He also reiterated his commitment to the peace process and constitution-drafting which will transform the country into a federal republic.

Claiming that some elements have been trying to push them again towards war, Prachanda said under no circumstances would they end the peace deal to start violence again.

However, Prachanda met the envoys of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Germany, Denmark and the European Commission and representatives of the Netherlands for 45 minutes at their request.

He told the envoys that the current political crisis created by the unconstitutional step of President Yadav, if corrected, could be utilized to forge a "higher level understanding between political parties and form a national consensus government."

The envoys expressed worry about the warning that the Maoist cadres had issued to supporters from other parties in the districts and clashes between Maoist protesters and police.

At a press meet organised following the meeting with diplomats, Prachanda expressed the party's commitment to uphold democratic principles and said directives had been issued to party cadres not to use any type of force. (ANI)