A number of queries have been received by this Embassy about an audio tape played by the Royal Nepalese Army at a press briefing today. This audio tape is said to contain the voice of Maoist leader Prachanda.

The Government of India is not aware of this tape or of its provenance and authenticity since the Nepalese authorities have not shared it with us.

From what has been reported, it is quite evident that the allegations against India are completely false, baseless and far-fetched.

It is well known to all that India has been assisting the Royal Nepalese Army in various ways to deal with the challenges posed by the Maoist insurgency.