Admitting that Bandarmude incident as a grave mistake, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that anyone found guilty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in the incident should face a legal action. 

Thirty nine people were killed and 72 others injured when the then Maoist rebels ambushed an overcrowded bus at Bandarmude in Madi, Chitwan, on June 6, 2005. 

Speaking at a programme on Saturday, Dahal said the ambush was the biggest mistake committed by the party during the insurgency period. He claimed that he had directed the party to take action against those involved in the bombing of the bus immediately after the incident. 

The Maoist chief, who is contesting the upcoming elections from Chitwan-3 that covers Madi area, also assured that the next government would provide relief to the victims of Madi. He had also promised to provide relief to the victims in the past.

In 2013, Dahal had sought forgiveness and announced a lump sum relief package of Rs 6 million to the victims. But the victims never received the promised amount. He laid the blame for the delay in relief on frequent changes in government.

RPP-P district chief Timilsena joins Maoist Centre

CHITWAN: District chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Prajatantrik (RPP-P) Badri Timilsina joined the CPN (Maoist Centre) along with some of his supporters amidst a function in Madi on Saturday.

Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal welcomed the new entrants. The former prime minister Dahal is contesting for the federal parliament from Chitwan-3.

Timilsina’s defection could be a major blow to the RPP-P leader Bikram Pandey who is competing against Dahal in the district.