The party workers representing the Kirati community have issued an ultimatum to the Maoist leadership for the release of Gopal Khambu, a minister of the "Central People's Government" of the Maoist party and president of the Khambuwan National Front, currently in Maoist custody. They also demand decision-making positions for Kiratis within the Maoist party structure. The agitating party workers have also founded an independent Progressive Kirat Intellectual Forum to pressurise the party leadership.

This is the second blow to the Maoist leadership from its Kirati workers. Earlier, they openly expressed displeasure at Khambu's arrest. A recent meeting of the intellectual forum, coordinated by Subhas Bantawa, demanded recognition of Gopal Khambu's revolutionary campaign, the Khambuwan Movement, for their commitment and dedication towards the Maoist party. The meeting also warned any action that might hurt Kirati sentiment could cause a rift between the Maoists and the Kiratis.

In a resolution adopted by the meeting, the Kiratis have cautioned that failure to recognise their contribution may jeopardise the very existence of the Maoist party. The resolution says that the Maoist leadership should respect the revolutionary spirit of the Kiratis as potentially able to lead the whole nation towards liberation. The document signed by Subhas Bantawa appeals to the Maoist leadership to find a solution of the Maoist-Khambu debate through dialogue, patience and forbearance.

Rebelling Kiratis claimed that they were compelled to take such steps against the Maoist leadership because they fear for the life of Khumbu. An influential Maoist central committee member, Mohan Baidya (alias Kiran) is trying to find a resolution.