Nepal minister resigns over revolt

Rebels have increased their attacks in recent weeks

Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister, Ram Chandra Poudel, has resigned over the government's handling of the Maoist insurgency.

The prime minister did not agree to my suggestion on how to resolve the (Maoist) problem nor did he provide any solution.

Ram Chandra Poudel

Mr Poudel told parliament that there were differences with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala over the revolt.

He was reported to have advised Mr Koirala to accept opposition demands to step down to allow the ruling Nepali Congress party and the opposition to form a joint front to deal with the rebels.

The move comes as the authorities continue a massive manhunt for 70 policemen who are believed to have been abducted by Maoist rebels.

Growing pressure

The BBC's Sushil Sharma in Kathmandu says the resignation of Mr Poudel poses no immediate threat to the prime minister.

Dissident members of his party and the opposition do not have enough votes in parliament to remove him.

However, the resignation could increase the pressure on Mr Koirala at a time when he is facing allegations of corruption and inefficiency.

Rebel attack

The policemen have been missing since a rebel attack on a police station in the north-west of the country on Thursday, in which one policeman was killed and another seriously injured.

The rebels are fighting for a "people's republic"

About 300 rebels are reported to have been involved in a prolonged gun battle at the Holery police post.

An interior ministry spokesman told AFP news agency that police reinforcements had already reached the site of the attack in Rolpa district.

Officials refused to confirm newspaper reports that the army, which our correspondent says is much better trained and equipped than the police, has been despatched to help in the search.

Post-massacre onslaught

The Maoists have stepped up attacks on the police in the wake of the instability caused by last month's massacre of most of the royal family.

Although an official report said the massacre was the work of the former king's son, the rebels insist it was the result of a national and international conspiracy.

Crown Prince Dipendra was officially blamed for the royal massacre

Many Nepalese still refuse to believe the official version of the tragedy.

But correspondents say few support the Maoist violence.

At least 15 bombs have been planted in and around Kathmandu in the past few weeks, of which six have exploded.

Rebels have targeted Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's home and official residence, along with the home of his daughter.

The rebels are fighting to establish a "people's republic" in Nepal and are demanding land reform, an end to close ties with India, no more foreign aid and no role for the monarchy.