Second round of talks between govt and Biplav group concludes

KATHMANDU: The second round of talks between the government and Netra Bikram Chand-led group held in the capital has concluded.

The two sides held talks at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday evening.

Member of the government talks team Dr Rajan Bhattarai said that the talks focused on major issues adding that both sides are expected to reach to a consensus soon.

No details have been revealed yet.

Biplav’s team is comprised of the group’s Spokesperson Khadga Bahadur Bishwokarma ‘Prakanda’ and Central Committee member Uday Chalaune “Deepak”.

Similarly, the government’s talks team is led by Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa in which Prime Minister KP Oli’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Dr Rajan Bhattarai is a member of the committee.

The team arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The government had banned the Biplav group in 2019 citing what it said “terrorist” activities.

A recent cabinet meeting had decided to initiate talks with the group to bring them to the peace process.