Kathmandu, Nov. 6 -- The Nepali Congress has called rumours of an imminent arrest of its president, Gagan Thapa, a political plot to silence the opposition. In a statement after a meeting in Sanepa on Thursday, the party said government-protected groups were spreading the rumours in response to Thapa's criticism of the government.

"This is part of a political conspiracy. Fabricated allegations are being spread against the Congress at the behest of unauthorised individuals, followed by rumours of plans to arrest the party leadership. Party members are also being placed under surveillance and intimidated through various means. These actions are all part of the same plot," the party said in its statement following an office-bearers meeting....