200 Maoists freed in Nepal

Kathmandu: A day after scrapping the anti-terror law imposed by King Gyanendra, Nepal government on Tuesday released 200 Maoists from various jails.

Release of all the political prisoners was one of the main conditions put forth by the Maoists to move ahead with the peace process.

The move is expected to pave the way for the first-ever direct talks between Maoist leader Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

Deputy Prime Minister Amik Serchen on Tuesday said summit-level talks between Koirala and Prachanda will be held soon to end the ten-year long insurgency.

The freed rebels had been detained in different jails on various charges under the draconian Prevention of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (POTA) Ordinance introduced by the King, which was scrapped by the governement on Monday.

A cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Koirala had on Monday also decided to withdraw all cases against Maoists detained under POTA Ordinance as also to stop all investigations under it.

Those released include 65 from Lalitpur district, 50 from Morang district, 25 from Kaski district, 10 from Rupandehi district and 50 from various other places, according to an official in the Home Ministry.

They had ben charged with murder, abduction, extortion and state offences in the past.

The seven-party government has already withdrawn cases against them after Home Minister Krishna Sitaula met Maoist chief Prachanda near Pokhara in western Nepal on Sunday.

Maoist student leaders and trade union activists are among those freed. More detainees are in the process of being released, the official said.

The government also promised to hold elections for a Consituent Assembly within the next six months. "The elections would be unconditional," Deputy Prime Minister Serchen said.

This would mean that a new constitution would be drafted, thereby clipping the King's powers.

The government is committed to the 12-point understanding reached with the rebels, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

There is no doubt in restoring peace after holding the top level talks between the Maoists and the government, he added.