Kathmandu: Maoist rebels on September 26 announced a nine-day unilateral ceasefire from October 2 to mark the Hindu festival of 'Vijaya Dashami'.

The ceasefire would be in effect from October 2 to 10.

A statement E-mailed by Maoist supremo Prachanda to various media organisations said they would halt military action for nine days during the festival.

However, it said that the rebels would retaliate if the security forces attack them.

Earlier, chairman of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal, Sudeep Pathak, said the Maoists have rejected the request by political parties to declare ceasefire during the festival season.

"The rebels are not in a mood to declare ceasefire," Pathak, who held a meeting with regional bureau member of Communist Party of Nepal (CPN)-Maoist said.

"When our cadre are dying every day, why should we allow the members of feudal families to celebrate these festival peacefully?" Pathak quoted the Maoist member as saying.

PTI