- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6125334.stm Human rights groups in Nepal have condemned Maoist rebels over reports of intimidation of people in Kathmandu ahead of a huge public rally on Friday. It follows reports that locals had been threatened into giving shelter and food to thousands of rally participants - allegations denied by rebel leaders. The reports come as the Maoists and the government hold talks to end 10 years of civil war. Both sides are talking about a major breakthrough. 'Dire consequences' The Maoists plan to project the rally as a show of strength, at which the rebel leader, Prachanda, is to make his first public address in 25 years. Groups of rebels have been seen making house-to-house visits asking the residents to feed and shelter the participants in the rally. The participants are expected to arrive in Kathmandu by Thursday. The rebels say they plan to bring half a million people from across the country to attend the event in the capital. Each household has reportedly been asked to give shelter to at least 10 people and feed another three until the rally is over. The residents have accused the rebels of threatening them with dire consequences if they do not oblige. A rebel leader in charge of the Kathmandu Valley area denied the allegations. Ananta, as he is known, told the BBC that Maoist cadres had been instructed not to use coercion. He said that residents had only been requested, rather than obliged, to provide food and shelter. Despite the denial, human rights groups including the independent National Human Rights Commission, members of parliament and diplomatic missions have all voiced criticism. In a statement, the US embassy said that the Nepali staff at the embassy, and even US citizens, had been the targets of Maoist demands. About 13,000 people have died in the rebels' struggle for a communist state.