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Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara attended that meeting as well as the one on 9 January in Thawang in Rolpa announcing a 'Magarat Self-government Region' which includes Dang, Lumbini, Kapilbastu, Tanahu and Syangja. Maoist supremo Prachanda himself was supposed to attend this meeting, but didn't. Central Committee member and head of the western command, Postbahadur Bogati (Comrade Diwakar) was the chief guest at the Thawang meeting. Others, including the head of the Maoist 'peoples army' western division, Nanda Kishore Pun (Pasang),and politburo members Rabindra Shrestha and Pampha Bhusal were also present, dressed in camouflage fatigues.
The Maoists stated that they held sway over the region and could attack military bases there at any time. "Please be assured, we have ordered our forces to shoot down any government helicopter that comes this way," Pasang told the assembled crowd. The Maoists also announced that the declaration of the autonomous region was part of the effort to capture central power and to have a unified republic.
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After the speeches, there were cultural programs all night. Watching were villagers who had been brought specially for the event, some from as far as seven days walk away.