No ceasefire with Maoists says Nepalese PM

No ceasefire with Maoists says Nepalese PM
December 2001

The Times of India

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire with the Maoists saying they would have to surrender their arms first.
In an interview with the Times of India here on Monday, Deuba also ruled out the use of Indian troops in any operations against the Maoists saying the Nepalese army would be able to deal with the Maoists.
The PM hinted at measures to heighten security in the Kathmandu valley. He also suggested that the government would be taking simultaneous steps to address issues of governance and said it was thinking of bringing an ordinance against corruption soon.
Deuba welcomed Indian support but ruled out the use of Indian troops saying our army is one of the splendid armies in the world. We are quite capable to deal with terrorist challenges. Therefore, we dont need any foreign troops to come here.
India and Nepal were discussing border management issues including cross border terrorism. Were trying to evolve some sort of understanding between the security agencies of both sides.
Refusing to discuss any operational details the PM said since the terrain was a difficult one the government did not have any correct information regarding the ground fighting. He, however, claimed the situation was improving and said the army would provide accurate assessments of casualties and operations soon. He ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire on the part of the security forces if the Maoists stopped their operations. He said, They will do the same thing again.
Deuba defended his decision to call for talks saying that events had proved him right since the Maoists had been exposed by their decision to break off talks.