Top Maoist Leaders Released

The government this evening freed top Maoist leaders Matrika Yadav and Suresh Ale Magar from Nakkhu Jail on an order from the Patan Appellate Court.

The court ordered for the release of the Maoist leaders after the council of ministers decided to withdraw criminal charges leveled against them.

They were facing charge of murder of IGP of Armed Police Force, Krishna Mohan Shrestha, along with his wife and bodyguard in January 2003.

India had arrested and deported Yadav and Ale Magar in February 2004. They were reportedly arrested by Indian security personnel in Lucknow and later handed over to Nepali authorities. They were being kept under military custody since then and later made public only in September 2005.

Talking to reporters upon their release, senior leader of the CPN (Maoist) Matrika Yadav said his party won’t sit for negotiations with the government unless all the Maoist detainees were freed. He also alleged that the reinstatement of the House of Representatives was a ploy to “slow down” the people’s movement.

The cabinet had also discussed ways for releasing Maoist leaders CP Gajurel and Kiran Baidhya. Gajurel and Baidhya have been detained in India.

Earlier the government withdrew all cases filed against them. Speaking in today’s session of the House by taking time from the Speaker, Sitoula informed the house that letters for their release had been sent to the concerned authorities. Minister Sitoula also appealed to the Maoists to stop extortions and release government employees, including the CDO of Sarlahi, Bodhraj Adhikari. He also urged the rebels to stop holding march past in combat dresses. “These activities hamper the outcome of the talks between the government and the Maoists,” he said.