Last minute Girija appeal to Maoists to call off movement

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 Nov: Ailing Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koiraka Sunday morning in a last minute appeal asked Maoists to call off their anti-government protests and sit down with government for negotiations.
Maoists are launching their movement Sunday to correct what they call unconstitutional decision by a ceremonial president to retain sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal at the request of 18 ruling parties.
Maoists launch the movement with torchlight rallies nationwide.
Koirala called for unity in the divided Congress party while launching the three-day party general congress attended by 1,250 delegates.
Party spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC called for collective leadership in the party.
nnnn.