Maoists threaten UML, NC men BY J PANDEY KATKUIYA (BANKE), Nov 14 - Maoists here have threatened Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML cadres with physical harm if they continued political activism along the lines of their respective party ideologies. The rebels prohibited UML cadres from expanding their organization and running political campaigns in the interiors of the district. The UML cadres one week ago had reached the villages in the eastern part of Banke district with a "campaign for Democratic Republic". When UML cadres started their political activities in Katkuiya, Gangapur, Narainapur and other VDCs, Maoists threatened to behead them, according to locals. "Maoists threatened to behead UML cadres' after UML members formed a village committee in Katkuiya," said Dev Raj Bhar of UML. When asked by journalists on Monday, locals in the villages across the Rapti River preferred to remain mum regarding the matter fearing Maoist reprisal. Also, locals in Kalaphanta Balapur, Matahiya areas complained of atrocities by Maoists. Similar threats have been issued to NC members. "Maoist here have barred our friends from continuing political activities," said NC leader and Member of Parliament Gyanu KC. However, Nanda Kishor Pandey, district chairman of the Madhesi Mukti Morcha, a Maoist wing, refuted the charges. Prakash Upadhay, regional coordinator of HimRights stated that he found the villagers terrified due to Maoist threats. Posted on: 2006-11-13 22:20:09 (Server Time) www.kantipuronline.com