Kathmandu: The Maoists today (Sep 15, 2004) withdrew their threat against multinational companies operating in Nepal, paving way for 47 industries including four Indian joint ventures to re-open from Thursday (Sep 16, 2004) after the Government agreed to release two activists of the rebel-affiliated trade union and disclose the whereabouts of 28 others.

The negotiation between the Government and the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (Revolutionary) to re-open these industries was brokered by human rights activists Padmaratna Tuladhar and President of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) Sudip Pathak.

The announcement was made by Tuladhar at a crowded press conference in Kathmandu today.

The Maoists had shut down 12 industries including Indian joint venture Surya Nepal, Coca Cola manufacturing Bottlers Nepal and Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza from August 17 in the first phase. In the second phase 35 more industries including hotels, transport companies and manufacturing companies were shut down due to Maoist threats from September 10.

The Maoists announced withdrawal of the month-long indefinite shutdown as the Government agreed to release Bishnu Thapamagar and Resham Lama, the Maoist trade union activists within September 17 and disclose the status of the 28 other activists gone missing.

The Maoists trade union has also agreed to sit for dialogue with the Government regarding their other demands related to the welfare of the workers.