Kathmandu: Maoist chairman Prachanda and his party leaders were stopped by the Nepalese Army from entering a historical fort during a visit to a western district.

Prachanda, who was accompanied by his spouse Sita Poudel and Maoist leaders, tried to enter the Amargadhi fort area in Dadedhura district to take part in the Seti-Mahaki festival organised by the former rebels but was turned away by the Army personnel guarding the area.

Nepal Army Colonel Udaya Karki, who denied entry to the Maoists, said they had not received any order from the Army headquarters to permit them inside the fort.

As the fort lies in the army area, they need special permission for entry. The fort was built by the legendary Nepalese soldier Amar Singh Thapa to block British advancement into Nepal in the early 19th century.