Maoist rebels have rejected theidea that Nepal's royal family was killed by a lovestruck prince, insteadpointing to a "grave political conspiracy," it was reported today.
The Katmandu post, an independent English-language daily, carried a statementsigned by Prachanda, the president of the underground CPN-maoist party. Hecalled the shootings a "pre-planned massacre" that would bring an endto Nepal's present political system.
"Terming it a family conflict, planned propaganda of both national andinternational reactionaries and the drama seen while performing the last ritesclearly proves that the massacre is result of conspiracy," said Prachanda,who uses only one name.
"To think that king Birendra's patriotic stance and liberal ideologywere not the reasons for the royals' death would be big, misleadingpolitics," the statement said.
Advertisement
The maoists rebels, who model themselves after Peru's shining pathguerrillas, have been waging a guerrilla war for the past five years in the Himalayankingdom.
The guerrillas have said they are fighting to end Nepal's constitutionalmonarchy and dismantle the feudal structure that remains in parts of thecountry.
The maoist party statement, issued before Gyanendra became king, blamed theshootings on political turmoil.
