Kathmandu, Sept 26: Maoist rebels today announced a nine-day unilateral ceasefire from October two to mark the Hindu festival of Vijaya Dashami.
The ceasefire would be in effect from October 2-10.
A statement e-mailed by Maoist supremo Prachanda to various media organisations said that they will halt military action for nine days during the festival. However, it said that the rebels will retaliate if the security forces attack them.
Earlier, chairman of Human Rights organisation of Nepal, Sudeep Pathak said the Maoists have rejected the request by political parties to declare ceasefire during the festival season.
"The rebels are not in a mood to declare ceasefire," Pathak, who held a meeting with regional bureau member of CPN-Maoist said.
Bureau Report