Kathmandu, Feb 08: Nepal's Maoist rebels have demanded an end to anti-terrorism laws and the release of their activists behind bars before starting talks with the government, a report said today. Senior Maoist ideologue Babu Ram Bhattarai said in an interview to a newspaper that the withdrawal of the anti-terror laws was a condition to create a "favourable and credible atmosphere" for talks. According to the newspaper, Bhattarai also for the first time claimed Maoist responsibility for the January 26 assassination of Nepal's Armed Police Force chief Krishna Mohan Shrestha, saying he was "punished" by the rebels. Three days after the killing and following reported intervention of King Gyanendra, the Maoists and government declared a cease-fire and the intention to hold peace talks.
Bhattarai was appointed to head the rebel delegation. He was quoted saying the government needed to scrap anti-terrorism laws passed by Parliament last year that gave security forces more leeway to search homes, detain suspected rebels and impose curfews.
Bureau Report