Kathmandu: CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has reiterated that a deliberate attempt is still underway to defame the Maoist movement by invoking the figure of “17,000” — a reference to the estimated number of deaths during the decade-long armed conflict.

Speaking at a program organized at the party's central office in Paris Danda on Sunday, Prachanda asserted that the constant mention of the 17,000 figure is being used as a political tool to discredit the Maoist struggle. “They are still saying 17,000 just to defame us,” he said, suggesting that the narrative ignores the broader context and sacrifices of the revolution.

Prachanda also admitted that the party has not done enough to honor the martyrs and address the concerns of the families of the disappeared and the class that supported the revolution. “We have made some mistakes in how we respected our great martyrs, in addressing the pain of their families, and in staying close to our own class and community,” he acknowledged.

He stressed that the party is now taking steps to correct those shortcomings by reconnecting with its ideological base, the families of the martyrs, and the disappeared. “We are moving forward by remembering the dreams of the great martyrs and standing against reactionary conspiracies. We believe a new movement and rebellion will rise again in Nepal,” he declared.

In his address, Prachanda also alleged that several conspiracies are being hatched to divide the Maoist party. He emphasized the need for internal unity and ideological clarity to withstand external pressures and political sabotage.