Kathmandu, June 27: In a blow to peace attempts with Maoists, the Nepalese defence ministry today said there was evidence that the insurgents were still indulging in extortion of money, and warned that "strong action" against those who continued to "create social terror". Evidence had shown that some persons calling themselves Maoists had randomly collected money from industrialists, civil servants and businessmen, forcing them to give donations to the tune of Rs 1 crore, a defence ministry statement said here today.

The Maoists have been practicing extortion even after the cease-fire was announced six months ago thus violating the code of conduct, the statement said while asking "concerned people or groups to stop such criminal activities."

The ministry would take strong action against such people if they continued to create "social terror", the statement said and appealed to the general public to co-operate by informing the nearest security agency about any such incident.
Bureau Report