Nepal's Maoists today declared two new "autonomous states" in the country, amid fears that it could deepen the political crisis after the former rebels announced two regions as "autonomous" last week as part of its anti-government agitation.
The Maoists declared five districts in western Terai plains as Tharuwan "autonomous state" amid a huge gathering of party supporters in Nepalgunj of Banke district. The Tharu ethnic community form the majority in the region, Nepalnews online said today.
The Maoists also declared Seti-Mahakali "autonomous state" comprising hilly districts of far-west in Dhangadi of Kailali district close to the Indian border, the report said.
On November 11, they had unilaterally declared Kochila in Jhapa and Limbuwan in Terhathum as "autonomous states" as part of their third phase of anti-government agitation.
It has sparked fears that unilateral move of the Maoists could derail the fragile peace process, which has already been stalled due to political crisis in the country.
The former rebels are seeking to step up pressure on 22 party coalition to rectify the decision of president Ram Baran Yadav to reinstate General Rukmangad Katawal, the then Army Chief dismissed by Maoists prime minister Prachanda in May.
Political tensions have been high in Nepal since a government led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) resigned earlier this year amid a dispute with the president over the army chief's refusal to incorporate former Maoist rebels fighters into the military.
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