After taking a step back from the fixed table talks with ex-prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, the underground Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) have again made a conciliatory move to resume talks.

News sources say both moves were carried out by the Maoists after close observation of the way Deuba has been workings and to further inflame internal conflicts within the Nepali Congress party.

According to close Maoist sources, the recent nationwide simultaneous violent attacks were also carried out in order to distract anti-Maoist operations in the regions captured by them by further exacerbating Congress conflicts. The Maoists who have been keeping close watch on Deuba have been able to exploit his position to further create confusion and strife among Congress party workers. Despise all this, Deuba is till for talks with the underground party.

The recent press release by the Maoists, praising Deuba's efforts, is a sign of their nervousness towards the police operations being carried out against them. The recent nationwide violent assaults also tell of its moves to destabilise the police forces working against them. The Maoists have suffered more casualties than the police, whereas it is stated in Maoist military strategy that force is not to be used where there is danger of losing lives.

Maoist sources say: "Party cadres are insecure. Numerous commanders have been arrested by the police and because of the confusion within the party, cadres are withdrawing their support. Under these circumstances, the increase in violent attacks has been a suicidal move for the party."

According to sources, there is growing conflict among the Maoists regarding the ongoing events. These suicidal moves are supposedly on orders from party general secretary Prachanda who controls the central committee. There is also a rising conflict between Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai and Prachanda regarding occupied territory. Recently, Comrade Gaurab, a supporter of Prachanda's in the central committee, expressed scorn for Dr Bhattarai's concept of occupied territory. The Bhattarai side has not commented on the issue so far.

The power struggle among the Maoists have been going on for the last three years.