KATHMANDU, May 21 - Civil society and political leaders on Tuesday demanded immediate disbanding of the Maoist military organizations -- People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Young Communist League (YCL).

"The CPN (Maoist) must immediately disband its military organizations and commit itself to democratic principles," said civil society leader Nilambar Acharya.

Speaking at a program organized by Reporters' Club Nepal, Acharya charged that the Maoists haven't yet improved their conduct. "The YCL has continued intimidating and beating up common people and the PLA is involved in murder," he said. "Such organizations should be disbanded to ensure Maoist commitment to democracy."

About the recent murder of Ram Hari Shrestha by the 'PLA', he said the Maoist party must take institutional responsibility for the incident. "It cannot be an incident concerning individuals alone when someone is abducted and murdered inside a 'PLA' cantonment." 'PLA' men on the orders of their commander Kali Bahadur Kham 'Bibidh' abducted Shrestha from Kathmandu, took him to Shaktikhor cantonment in Chitwan, and allegedly killed him in the course of torture. His body, according to 'Bibidh', was later thrown into the Narayani river. 'Bibidh' -- the man behind the crime-- is still at large.

About political developments, Acharya said the parties must proclaim a democratic republic on May 28. "A big festival should be organized at the royal palace following proclamation of the republic and abolition of monarchy," he said.

CPN-UML leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari said his party won't support the Maoists until and unless the latter behave themselves. "The Maoists can't be trusted while they continue their atrocities across the country," Adhikari said. "The Maoists must immediately disband the YCL and the PLA."

He said the UML hasn't yet decided about joining the next government.

Chairperson of People's Front Nepal Amik Sherchan strongly condemned the killing of Shrestha by the 'PLA'. "It's the most heinous crime. And the Maoists must take responsibility," he said.

Deputy commander of PLA Janardan Sharma 'Prabhakar' said the Maoists will help form a high level commission to investigate the murder. He, however denied the involvement of the PLA in the incident. "Action against those involved will be taken following the investigation," he said.