Kathmandu: Top leaders of the three major ruling parties in Nepal have signed a 10-point deal to curb rising election-related violence in the country, which will go to the polls on April 10.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who heads the Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda and CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal pledged to take action against those involved in activities that would disrupt the forthcoming election to the Constituent Assembly, Nepali Congress sources said.

While agreeing to hold the crucial elections in a free and fair manner, the leaders decided to step up security ahead of the polls and take strong action against culprits irrespective of their party affiliations. Further, the party chiefs will set up hotlines among them to pass on information of any "anti-poll" activities.

They have also decided to form a mechanism representing all political parties and civil society members in each district to ease the election process and address problems that may crop up during the run up to the polls.

The trio assured that they would instruct their party supporters not to hinder election campaigns of other political parties but work towards a peaceful atmosphere.

During the three-party meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Koirala expressed serious concern over members of the former guerrilla army (PLA) leaving the cantonments, where they have been confined under UN supervision as per a 2006 peace agreement, and taking part in election campaign.
Source : PTI