Prachanda meets Indian central government officials in West Bengal

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 14 Aug:

Maoist Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai met and held serious discussions with officials of the Indian central government 11,12 August in Siligudi, West Bengal it is learnt, Sanghu reports. Close sources said discussions centered on the Indian perception of the developing situation in Nepal and its future role. India, which played a positive role in the 12-point agreement between the seven party alliance and Maoists. Maoists were suspicious of India after New Delhi played a negative attitude after the eight-point agreement.

Indian and US perceptions have lately converged on Nepal. Maoists not only requested but also alerted Indian officials not to kowtow with Americans to disturb the peace process, sources said. In Maoists are treated under the US umbrella, Indian will have to bear negative consequences, Maoists told Indian officials. Indian reaction was not available. But a meeting between Prachanda, Bhattarai and jailed Maoist leader Mohan Baidya was not permitted; this is an indication India was not positive, analysts say.

After the Siligiri meeting, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at a meeting of the NC parliamentary party meeting spoke for a ceremonial King and against the dissolution of parliament. Political analysts say this is another indication the Siligiri meeting was not positive.

People's News/BR


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