Wednesday, May 17 2006 12:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Noting that Nepal's new interim Government appears 'positive' about releasing jailed activists of the outfit, CPN-Maoist leader Prachanda has asked his detained cadres to end their hunger strike on the issue.

Some of the jailed maoists cadres on Monday started a fast-unto-death in Nakkhu jail here to demand their release.

"The seven-party government appears positive about releasing the detainess and has expressed commitment to speeding up the process following certain practical procedures," the top Maoist leader said in a statement.

"We have been holding talks with the Government regarding this," he added.

He, however, warned that fresh protests would be launched if they were not released within a certain time frame.

Meanwhile, the outfit's Kathmandu Valley Bureau in-charge Prabhakiran has issued a statement denying the rebel's hand in yesterday's protest programmes against the delay in issuing a proclamation to curtail the powers of the King.

"The acts of vandalism and arson were deliberately committed by some reactionary forces to tarnish the image of our party," he said.