The recent politburo meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has decided to form a joint front as a sub-committee. According to sources, the necessary policies and ideological criteria to form the new front has already been approved by the politburo and will soon be made public.

Nepal Jagaran was informed by party sources that the front will invite parties which have adopted the Maoist ideology. Earlier, the United People's Front-an open union of the Maoists chaired by Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai-was dissolved during the fourth anniversary of the People's War in March early this year. He had argued for the need for a new front to go along with the changing scenario of different political polarisations occurring in the nation.

The sources say the new front will consist of parties or individuals involved in ethnic and regional revolts or those who share similar policies. This is an indication that the party has decided to take assistance with the People's War. The sources do not say whether the Maoists will make public the names of parties and individuals affiliated with the front.

Intellectuals who have been studying the Maoists say the party will help the front overcome administrative problems by placing it in a semi-underground state.

Sources say 11 representatives of ethnicity and region-based fronts, as well as some independent communist intellectuals will be included in the front.