India says holding CA polls on time in Nepal of 'critical importance'

Kathmandu, Sept. 16 (PTI): India today said holding Constituent Assembly polls in Nepal on schedule and in a free and fair manner was of "critical importance" even as a Maoist threat to walk out of the interim government cast a shadow on the landmark November elections.

"India acknowledges the critical importance of the elections to the Constituent Assembly, as scheduled and in an environment free of fear and intimidation," Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon said at a press conference here wrapping up his hectic two-day visit to the Himalayan country.

Menon, who met top Nepalese political leadership including Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chief Prachanda, extended full support to Nepal in its "transition to democracy" and sought early conclusion of the peace process.

The meetings came as a two-day deadline set by Prachanda before Koirala to fulfil the 22-point demand of the Maoists, including declaring Nepal a republican state immediately, was due to expire tomorrow.

The Maoists have threatened to quit the unity government, which they joined early this year in accordance with a peace deal they inked to end the decade-long violence, if their demands are not met.

Menon also offered India's support and material help to conduct the elections.

During his talks with CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Menon said India wanted to see Nepal's peace process concluded swiftly and political stability brought to the country, according to party sources.