"We don't intend to suppress the parties' movement. We have differences starting with the very foundation of their protests. They say their movement is against our government which, in their view, is unconstitutional because it was formed under Article 127. What they have to bear in mind is that even if they were to form a government now, it will be under the same constitutional provision. How then, can they say our government is part of the regression?

"It is alright for them to hold rallies, organise mass meetings and mobilise people: we have not stopped them. What we don't want to see is the destruction of public property and arson during these rallies. When we try to bring the situation under control, the destruction continues. We received information about Maoist infiltration without the knowledge of the Nepali Congress and the UML. The rebels are trying to use this movement to their advantage. I am sure neither the NC nor the UML leaders were behind the torching of trucks. I doubt these democratic leaders gave instructions to set fire to personal and public property.

"The leaders of the parties claim that the protestors are under control, but recent developments suggest otherwise. We repeatedly asked the parties to talk to us. We don't understand why they have difficulty talking to us when they seem to be at ease meeting with the Maoists.

"The government is trying to maintain security and peace. We put our point across and hope the parties will do the same in a peaceful manner. We need solutions at a national level. There is no need to panic."