Kathmandu: In a sign of rift in the Nepalese cabinet the, CPN-UML, the second largest coalition partner has objected to the Maoist proposal to declare cadres killed during the decade long insurgency, mostly Maoists as martyrs.

The proposed list approved by the Maoist led government includes 18 people killed during the People's Movement of 2006 and also those killed in Terai movement.

By granting them martyr-ship, will enable the next of kin of these people to claim cash compensation of Rs 1 lakh each and other benefits.

The central committee meeting of CPN-UML which concluded yesterday objected to the decision saying the matter relating to declaring martyrs should be discussed among the major political parties and then decided by consensus.

The meet endorsed the proposal to press the government to follow norms and values while declaring martyrs.

The CPN-UML wanted proper investigation to be done of all those killed during the decade long conflict before declaring them martyrs.

The UML also asked the Maoists to return property seized by the Maoist cadres from people during the insurgency and halt acts of intimidation, extortion, threat and violence done by its cadres.
Source : PTI