Kathmandu: Returning home with an assurance from India of all assistance to fight terrorism, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has offered to hold talks with Maoist rebels but warned of using force to deal with insurgents if it failed to bring peace.

"We are in favour of holding talks (with Maoists) by all means. But we might have to use force if that does not serve our purpose" of restoring peace in the insurgency-hit Himalayan Kingdom", Deuba told reporters on his return in Kathmandu after a five-day visit to India last night (Sep 12, 2004).

"India has given assurances of generous cooperation in resolving problems facing the Himalayan Kingdom, including the Maoist insurgency," he said.

Deuba, who sought India's assistance for the Royal Army to fight against insurgents, said he received immense goodwill and sympathy from the Indian side to deal with the Maoists.