Nepali Congress (NC) leaders have accused the main opposition party CPN-UML of trying to stoke ethnic violence in the country.

The NC leaders made such allegation during a press conference organised by Press Union to inform about the party’s regional general assembly to be started from Far-West targeting the local level elections, in Dhangadhi on Wednesday.

Former Minister and party central member NP Saud accused the main opposition party of trying to spread ethnic violence at a time when the country is at an important phase of implementing the constitution.

Urging the public not to harbour any doubt over holding local level elections on the announced date, the NC leader claimed that the polls would be held on May 14 under any circumstances.

“The NC being the largest party in the Parliament will sweep the upcoming local elections and take a first step to implement the constitution,” he said.

Also speaking at the same programme, NC whip Ishwori Neupane alleged the UML has been spreading rumour that the elections would not be held on the announced date.

Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel among other leaders are scheduled to address the assembly on May 9.

A 1,001-member committee has also been formed under the leadership of Kailai district president Naranarayan Shah to make necessary arrangements for the assembly.

The NC informed that 100,000 cadres would participate in the mass meeting.