Nepal Today

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

PM Nepal continuing consultations to save govt.

Kathmandu, 1 April: Beleaguered Prime Madhav Kumar Nepal is consultations with political party leaders for the fifth consecutive day Thursday to save his 10-month-old government amid mounting Maoist pressure to form a national government under its leadership.
There’s been a call within UML-the prime minister’s party- to make way for a national government.
Nepal, who held consultations with three Madesh parties Wednesday, is holding discussions with four small communist parties.
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Girija being remembered on 13th day Thursday

Kathmandu, 1 April: Nepali Congress has invited people to participate accept ‘prashad’ at Bankali in Pashupati from 11 in the morning to four in the afternoon on the 13th day of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala’s death Thursday.
Diplomats have been invited as well.
Koirala is being remembered in all 72 districts where special meetings ae being held and his ashes will be immersed in rivers there.
Girija, 85, died at the residence of his daughter Sujata at Mandikatar after a long battle with a lung ailment.
Girija dominated national politics from 1990 with the toppling of partyless panchayat system until his death.
Commemorations will be held in three Valley districts Sunday.
Sujata has asked well-wishers to come to her home Thursday.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Thinely is flying in Thursday to offer condolences of the Bhutanese government.
to coming to Kathmandu
Persons remembering Koirala in writings revealed Girija on the pretext of medical treatment in New Delhi held negotiations with Pachanda and other Maoist leaders at Noida in the outskirts of the Indian capital to bring Maoists into the political mainstream New Delhi.
Other Congress leaders involved in the talks with Maoists were nephew Dr Shekhar Koirala, Chakra Bastola, Krishna Prasad Shitaula and Narahari Acharya.


Foreign ministry stops issuing hand-written passports

Kathmandu, 1 April: Persons who don’t have passports be will be inconvenienced after foreign ministry decided not to issue hand-written passports from 1 April Thursday.
ICAO had asked member countries to issue machine readable passports (MRPs) from 1 April to curb growing menace of terrorism
Foreign ministry is considering alternatives.
One alternative is to ask ICAO to extend the deadline.
The ministry is considering issuing hand-written passports valid for six months for very urgent international travel.
The ministry of also considering issuing a travel document for one journey.
There was a big crowd at offices nation-wide to get a passports Wednesday.
MRPs will be available after 10 weeks only.
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Three children drown in Argahanchi

Kathmandu, 1 April: At the mercury soars with the onset of summer, three children aged between 12 to14 years drowned in a river in Argakanchi Wednesday while swimming.
Their bodies have been recovered.
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Decision on presidential action 13 April

Kathmandu, 1 April: The supreme will give its verdict on the legality of President Dr Ram BaranYadav ’s decision 10 months ago to retain sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal 13 April.
Final discussions challenging the legality of the Maoist decisionto sack the army chief were concluded Wednesday before a two-man bench of justices Damodar Prasad Sharma and Rajendra Koirala.
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British officials pressured premier to extend UNMIN mandate

Kathmandu, 1 April: Lack McConnell, visiting special envoy of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Wednesday pressurized Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to extend the mandate of UNMIN that ends 15 May.
He also asked the premier to extend the mandate of OHCHR-Nepal that ends 9 June asking its to expand its role.“
“The special envoy asked the mandates and roles of UNMIN and OHCHR-Nepal should be extended and expanded,” Rajan Bhattarai ,foreign affairs advisor said, according to Annapurna Post.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Feudals who want to revive the 1990 constitution are organizing. There’s need for high-level unity between three parties to crush them.”

(UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Nepal Samacharpatra, 1 April)

“Nepali Congress will now won’t be run by a leader of a person; the party will now run institutionally and collectively.

(Nepali Congress Acting Sushil Koirala, Gorkhapatra, 1 April)

After Girijananu, it’s me; I drove one party.”

(Sher Bahadur Deuba, Nagarik, 1 April)

“HLPM was formed for Girijababu; it’s no longer needed,”

(UML leader KP Sharma Oli, Chalphal, 1 April)

‘Both [presidential or military rule] the provisions are not specified in the constitution, The president is only to endorse the recommendation of the council of ministers by assessing whether it is within the constitutional parameters or not.”

‘We’ve decided to take people’s action against those against federalism and talk of a Hindu state”

“’Limbuwan Rashtriya Morcha General Secretary Mukesh, Rajhani, 1 April)

“If anyone [read India] wants to remove UNMIN or the presence of the UN to fulfill, it can’t be done.”

(Maoist leader CP Gajurel, Rajdhani, 1 April)
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Three major parties react to former king’s and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s monarchy comments

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 31 March: In a rare show of unity Maoists, Nepali Congress and UML, three largest political parties of Nepal, Wednesday opposed comments of former King Gyanendra who said monarchy wasn’t yet dead and former Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s demand for the revival of the 1990 constitution and monarchy.
Bhattarai also opposed federalism and secularism ad alien concepts unsuitable for Nepali conditions.
Chairman Prachanda, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal issued a joint statement following a meeting of a high-level political mechanism (HLPM) chaired by Congress Acting President Sushil Koirala.
The three parties are divided on who should lead the mechanism after the death of its coordinator Girija Prasad Koirala.
Thursday is the 13th day of his death at 85 years of age.
The trio said a constitution must be promulgated by 28 May to foil conspiracy be rights and reactionaries.
They also linked the former king’s and Bhattarai’s statements to a call by former Indian main opposition leader BJP chief Rajnath Singh’s demand for a revival of a of a Hindu state in Nepal.
The parties said their ‘serious attention’ had been drawn’ to the statements ‘against change’.
Ceremonial President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said Wednesday monarchy was’ outdated medicine’ which wouldn’t be revived.
He acted at the request of 18 parties against the spirit of the janandolan 2 to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal in a procedurally flawed Maoist-led government decision.
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TU Teaching Hospital disturbance ends

Kathmandu, 31 March: The 18- day disruption of services at the TU Teaching Hospital ended Wednesday after the government formed a five-member investigation committee headed by former education secretary Jaya Ram Giri to investigate charges of irregularities in examinations conducted for MD and M Sc.
Students and doctors alleged examinations questions were leaked.
There’s a big demand for limited seats at the premier hospital.
The university had already invalidated the processes that led to the examination.
Striking doctors and students were demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities.
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Prime minister inaugurates a yoga camp in Kavre

Kathmandu, 31 March; Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday initiated a yoga camp over a 140 ropani site in Kavre where Swami Ramdeb is building a multi-million rupee yoga ashram.
The prime minister participated in yoga exercises conducted by the Indian swami who is popularizing the ancient Hindu exercise practice in Nepal.
He has drawn thousands of people at a six-day camp in the capital.
The swami was proud he had drawn extreme communists to his camp.
The facility at Kavre can accommodate 6,000 persons.
Indian hotelier Radhe Sharaf of Yak n Yeti fame and Nepali business Upendra Mohoto contributed land for the ashram.
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Foreign ministry to stop issuing passports from Thursday

Kathmandu, 31 March: The foreign ministry will sop issuing hand-written passports from Thursday, the ministry announced saying machine readable passports (MRPs) will be available in another 10 weeks.
The cabinet and the foreign ministry awarded a contract to an Indian security press to print the passports without an international bidding as recommend by parliament’s public accounts committee.
The prime minister has been summoned by the committee following the disregard of its suggestion.
The contract was awarded to the Indian government company even as cheaper bids were submitted by other foreign companies.
ICAO has asked member countries to start issuing MRPs from 1 April Thursday but had suggested the deadline could be extended as many countries, including Nepal, wouldn’t meet the deadline.
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Lifting of capital garbage again disrupted

Kathmandu, 31 March: The lifting of the capita’s garbage has again been disrupted.
Residents of Okharpauwa landfill site in neighbouring Dhading prevented dumping again pressing 24 demands.
Tons of garbage hasn’t been lifted from the capital for three days.
Disposal of the capital’s garbage has now become a perennial problem..
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Nepal wins first I cricket tournament

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepal Wednesday beat Hong Kong by 118 runs
in the first march of the ACC Elite Cup in Kuwait.
Chasing a target of 236 runs, Hong Kong was bowled out before it could reach a target of 237 runs.
Vice-captail Gyanendra Malla was denied a visa by Kuwait even after three attempts and couldn’t participate in the tournament.
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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

HLPM meeting at Congress parliamentary party meeting

Kathmandu, 31 March: A meeting of the high-level political mechanism (HLPM) is meeting at the office of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office Wednesday.
The first meeting of the mechanism after Girija Prasad Koirala’s death was held at the parliamentary party office of Maoists.
Maoists and Congress are claming the leadership of the body of which Koirala was coordinator.
Maoist standing committee Tuesday claimed the leadership of HLPM.
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PM to hold discussions with Madesh parties

Kathmandu, 31 March: Beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal in an attempt to save his 10-month government,is contonuing consultations with Madesh parties Wednesday, his political aide said.
Nepal has been consulting leaders of smaller parties in parliament for four days.
Maoists have decided to topple the Nepal government reasoning peace process can be concluded and a constitution promulgated only by a national government led by it.
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KP Sharma flies for New Delhi

Kathmandu, 31 March: Influential UML leader KP Sharma Oli and firm critic of its Chairman Jhalanath Khanal flew for New Delhi Tuesday ostensibly for medical check-up when the political situation at home is fluid.
Political parties and leaders are either attempting to retain or bring down the government when a political crisis will be triggered if a constitution isn’t proclaimed by 28 May.
A constitution will unlikely be promulgated by the deadline even as top Maoist, Congress and UML leaders said Tuesday a basic law can be announced by the end of May with understanding and cooperation.
Oli is expected to hold discussions with leaders of ruling and opposition parties and officials during his five-day stay in New Delhi.
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Local administration orders hospital to resume services

Kathmandu, 31 March: The Kathmandu district administration wrote to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Tuesday to resume services immediately.
The hospital has suspended all services to patients for 18 days..
Talks Tuesday between strikers and authorities to resume services were inconclusive.
The local administration reminded the hospital administration hospital service was essential.
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Terai rebel group leader killed

Kathmandu, 31 March: Sudhir Pandey, Mohottari in-charge of Janatantrik Twrai Mukti Morcha (Jwala Singh group) has been killed by an unknown group.
He was shot dead.
Police confirmed a body found by a riverside Monday was Pandey’s.
Singh group is the most violent operating in the terai.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Kathmandu, 31 March: The cabinet Tuesday decided to provide a loan of Rs 12 billion for the 456MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has a 41 percent stake in the project.
Nepal Telecom, Nagarik Lagani Kosh and Rashtriya Beema Sansthan are other promoters.
The required capital for the project has now been lined up.
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CA sends third subject committee recommendation to constitution drafting committee

Kathmandu, 30 March: The constituent assembly (CA) which met Tuesday after a long recess, sent articles with recommendations to a main constitution drafting to be incorporated in a proposed constitution that has to be promulgated by 28 May.
The main committee has now received recommendations from three of 11 committees only.
Drafting committee chairman Nilambar Acharya warned his committee can’t recommend or prepare a draft constitution for approval by the CA if all 11 committees don’t send a consensus recommendation.
The assembly session was adjourned until 2 April.
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Section of Nepali Congress supports Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s call for restoration of monarchy

Kathmandu, 30 March: Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai came out of a self-imposed political dormancy on Sunday, with a call to revive the 1990 constitution and monarchy, The Kathmandu Post reports.
While this came as a surprise to many, sources said, it was a well-orchestrated and calculated move mounted by the religious right to confront republicanism, federalism and secularism—the bedrock of interim constitution and post- 2006 politics.
“It is not Kali Baba or Pilot Baba who are behind these developments, but the politics of the right and a number of political figures: said a NC source.
A series of meetings among a section of pro-royalist Nepali Congress leaders was convened at the residence of former lawmaker Omkar Prasad Shrestha in Lalitpur after the demise of Girija Prasad Koirala last Saturday.
“Once-powerful NC stalwarts and now discredited leaders such as Khum Bahadur Khadka and Govinda Raj Joshi were notably present in these meetings,” said the NC leader.
On Saturday, said the leader, a meeting at Shrestha’s house decided to urge Bhattarai to take a lead in opposing the three agendas….
According to Shrestha, Kishunji will now get into active politics ‘anytime’.
Vice-president Paramananda Jha on MJF was the first high-ranking official to come out in the open to support of a Hindu state on March 13 in Dhangadi.
Before making the public statement [call for a Hindu state], he[former BJP chief Raj Nath Singh] met former King Gyanendra…discussed the future political course and the strategy to revive the Hindu state, said a close aide of Gyanendra.
Gyanendra, according to the aide, is all set to get into active politics.
…on March 24, Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar of MJFL said the new constitution will affirm Nepal’s identity as a Hindu state and the ‘Hindu identity of Nepal shall never be compromised’.
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Pro-Gurkha British actress Joanna Lumley angry with her govt.

Kathmandu, 30 March: Glamorous actress Joanna Lumley on Monday hit out at a minister who accused her of maintaining a ‘deathly silence’ since she forced the government into a U-turn on the settlement of Nepalese Gurkhas, AFP reports out of London.
Lumley said Kevan Jones, the minister responsible for military veterans, had tried to smear her and taint the campaign she fronted to win the right to settle in Britain for Gurkha soldiers who have fought for the British army.
The Gurkha Justice Campaign has been accused of encouraging the Nepalese former troops to come to Britain only to find they are destitute and living in poor accommodation once they arrive.
Flanked by lawyers who worked on the campaign, Lumley told a prèss conference in London,” We have come here with sense of regret that we have had to come to this, which is really to clear our names in public.”
‘I want to say to the people of this country, what you did was to back a just cause and we have not stopped working solidly for Gurkhas in the quiet, as we promised the prime minister we would.”
Jones—who had made his comments to a parliamentary committee this month—on Monday issued a statement ‘unreservedly’ apologizing for causing any offence and said he had the ‘greatest respect’ for Lumley and the campaign.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown also expressed regret over Jones’ criticism, in a ‘positive’ telephone conversation with Lumley after the press conference his Downing Street office said.
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Jamin Shah probe committee given 15 more days to complete report

Kathmandu, 30 March: A government committee to probe the murder of media magnate Jamin Shah was given another 15 days by the cabinet Tuesday to complete its report.
Government has come under heavy criticism for failure to protect lives and property of citizens.
Initial reports said an Indian criminal languishing in a jail in Lucknow, ordered the killing of Shah.
The question arises: How can a criminal in jail order killings without police connivance?
Indian criminal gang penetrated Nepal Police to plot the murder of Shah and escape.
A sub-inspector of Nepal Police liaising security for American diplomats in Nepal has been arrested for alleged involvement in Shah’s murder.
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Govt. to refund NEA for vehicles provided to former premiers and home ministers

Kathmandu, 30 March: Cabinet Tuesday decided to compensate Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for vehicles it has provided to former prime ministers and home ministers adding to its financial woes.
The authority, even as it suffers heavy losses, provided vehicle and fuel facilities to them under a verbal government order.
Former prime ministers, including Chairman Prachanda, have been accepting the government facility, unashamedly as the sole authority generating and distributing electricity bleeds.
The government of beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, in order to save his government, at a cabinet meet Tuesday in an appeasement handed out government doles to various sections of society.
The Nepal government even decided to provide vehicle ad fuel facilities to all leaders of 25 political party chiefs represented in parliament and the constituent assembly.
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British PM’s Special Representative visiting Nepal


Kathmandu, 30 March: British Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Peacebuilding, the Right Honourable Jack McConnell, arrives in Nepal on 31 March to 2 April for a three day visit, the British embassy said.
. During his visit he will meet a cross section of civil society, a wide range of political leaders, and international donors. He will gain a first hand perspective of the impact of the UK’s significant support to peace and development in Nepal. Mr. McConnell holds Ministerial rank.

Mr. McConnell plans to meet with Prime Minister Nepal and also Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, leader of the main opposition party. He will bring personal letters for these two leaders from the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mr. McConnell will also pay a call on Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong. He will travel to Kavre District and will meet representatives from a women’s para-legal committee, local female political leaders, and will visit a health centre.

The timing of the visit falls at a watershed moment for Nepal, coming just 58 days before the new constitution is due to be promulgated. Mr. McConnell looks forward to discussing Nepal’s progress towards winning the peace and how the UK can help.
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16 more terai martyrs declared

Kathmandu, 30 March: Sixteen more persons killed during the terai movement were declared martyrs by the cabinet Tuesday.
NSP, a party from the terai, had threatened to boycott Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
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Scheduled HLPM committee meeting postponed

Kathmandu, 30 March: Following a decision of the Maoist standing committee Tuesday the main opposition should get the leadership of the high-level political mechanism (HLPM), its scheduled meeting wasn’t held Tuesday.
Maoists sent the party decision to Nepali Congress and UML, two other parties represented in the mechanism.
Maoists demanded leadership following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala who was its coordinator.
Nepali Congress has also demanded leadership while UML suggested the leadership should be rotated.
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Cabinet decides to form industrial security force

Kathmandu, 30 March; The cabinet Tuesday decided to launch an industrial security force after business leaders threatened to handover keys of industrial units saying they felt insecure.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal met a FNCCI delegation before the cabinet meeting succumbing to business demand.
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OHCHR mandate not be extended

Kathmandu, 30 March: The mandate of OHCHR-Nepal that ends 6 June won’t be extended.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal told this to ambassadors of EU member states and USA at a meeting Tuesday.
The countries had been lobbying on behalf of the UN bodies.
OHCHR-Nepal mandate ends 6 June.
PM Nepal isn’t in favour of extending the mandate of UNMIN when it ends 15 May, a source said.
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Teri farmers compensated

Kathmandu, 30 March: Government will compensate farmers of five terai districts Rs 200 million after their maize crop failed, Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel said.
Farmers had planted fields with hybrid seeds.
Farmers demanded compensation after crop failure.
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16 more terai martyrs declared

Kathmandu, 30 March: Sixteen more persons killed during the terai movement were declared martyrs by the cabinet Tuesday.
NSP, a party from the terai, had threatened to boycott Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
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Scheduled HLPM committee meeting postponed

Kathmandu, 30 March: Following a decision of the Maoist standing committee Tuesday the main opposition should get the leadership of the high-level political mechanism (HLPM), its scheduled meeting wasn’t held Tuesday.
Maoists sent the party decision to Nepali Congress and UML, two other parties represented in the mechanism.
Maoists demanded leadership following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala who was its coordinator.
Nepali Congress has also demanded leadership while UML suggested the leadership should be rotated.
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Cabinet decides to form industrial security force

Kathmandu, 30 March; The cabinet Tuesday decided to launch an industrial security force after business leaders threatened to handover keys of industrial units saying they felt insecure.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal met a FNCCI delegation before the cabinet meeting succumbing to business demand.
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Monday, March 29, 2010

PM meeting western ambassadors in bid to save government

Kathmandu, 30 March: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday meets for the first time western diplomats business leaders from the FNCCI as Maoists put on pressure for the ouster of the 10-month government.
Maoists say the Nepal government can’t conclude the peace process and promulgate a constitution within the 28 may deadline.
The leader of the beleaguered government is continuing consultations with political party leaders for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday.
He’s scheduled to meet leaders of RPP, NSP (Devi) and other small parties.
“I’m not an obstacle to the peace process and drafting of a constitution. If I’m an obstacle, I’m ready to lift the hurdle,” the prime minister said in Monday’s meeting with leaders of smaller parties, according to Nepali Congress youth leader Dhanraj Gurung of Nepali Congress.
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Country moving to the right: Maoists

Kathmandu, 30 March; Maoist standing committee meeting continued for the second consecutive day Tuesday.
The meeting Monday decided the county was moving towards the right following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala and concluded a constitutions should be promulgated within the deadline.
.Tuesday’s meeting will prioritize constitution drafting and breaking a prolonged political deadlock.
A meeting of the high-level political mechanism is also scheduled for Tuesday.
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CA meets today

Kathmandu, 30 March: The constitution assembly (CA) meets later Wednesday after a long adjournment.
The assembly has to send with suggestions of articles of nine subject committees to a main constitution drafting preparing a draft of a constitution to be approved by the CA.
The main committee headed by Nilambar Acharya has received only suggestions from two subject committees.
Acharya has asked for consensus of all articles to prepare a draft constitution for promulgation by 28May.
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Two ministers against former King Gyanendra

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 March: Culture Minister Dr Minendra Rijal Monday threatened government action if former King Gyanendra continues to advocate a republic.
He issued the threat in Kapilvasthu.
Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel issued a similar threat in Dang Monday.
“As a citizen, anyone can work within the parameters of law and do politics. If Gyanendra Shah’s movements are as a former king. Government won’t sit idly; action will be taken against him,” Pokhrel warned.
Nepali Congress central committee member Khum Bahadur Khadka said monarchy may stage a comeback in Nepal.
“Monarchy has staged a comeback in may countries. This may happen in Nepal as well. It’s indication is the crowd Gyanendra has been attracting while moving in public these days,” Khadka said in Dang.
Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha leader said after a party standing committee meeting Monday monarchists are active.
“Following the death of Koirala, Congress is moving towards the right , monarchists are becoming active Indian leaders are openly advocating a Hindu state and a front against federalism is being consolidated,” Shrestha said.
Dr Rijal who represents the Nepali Congress spoke against a fundamental right of a citizen even as his party opposed the panchayat constitution which was finally brought down.
The party even shred to pieces the 1990 constitution which it helped draft and promulgate; the 1990 constitution lasted only 18 years.
The country is ruled by an interim constitution and a republic announced by self-appointed and unelected parliament hasn’t even by promulgating a constitution.
All parties in parliament and the constituent assembly didn’t accept the panchayat and 1990 constitution and said the right to speak against a constitution was a fundamental right.
Maoists even took up the gun against the state and toppled the constitution.
Swami Ramdeb at a yoga camp in the capital attended by thousands of people said Tuesday secularism won’t work in Nepal.
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Directive to premier

Kathmandu, 30 March: An investigation team of parliament has written to the prime minister and home minister to make available five armed personnel carriers and six motor vehicles to Nepal Police Mission in Dafur.
Sudan.
The committee gave the suggestion after a week-long on-the-spot study.
The committee was formed by the state management committee which investigated irregularities in purchase of logistics for the police.
The investigation committee concluded lives of policemen on peacekeeping duties were endangered without the equipment.
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Nepal, India water resources talks

Kathmandu, 30 March: After two years, a two-day meeting of the Nepal-India joint water resources committee begins in the capital Tuesday.
The committee normally meets every six months.
Joint Secretary Madhusudan Paudel of irrigation ministry and Ganges River Control Division Chairman Arashi Jha are leading the Nepali and Indian delegations.
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Appa Sherpa climb Everest for 20th time

Kathmandu, 30 March: Appa Sherpa is attempting this spring to break his own record by stepping atop the 8848 meters high Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, for the 20th time.
Appa, who lives in USA, left for Nepal Sunday.
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18 Tibetans released

Kathmandu, 30 March: Eighteen Tibetans arrested for anti-China demonstrations 10 March in the capital were released by the Kathmandu district administration office Monday.
They were arrested as they demonstrated before the Chinese consular office at Hattishar and Baudha to mark the 51st anniversary of a failed rebellion against China in Tibet.
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Maoists using govt. fund for popular revolt

Kathmandu, 30 March: Maoists who are preparing for a probable popular revolt from 6 April through a third phase movement have even decided to collect funds set aside in the development budget for lawmakers, Rajdhani reports.
A meeting of Maoist Bhojpur-Madesh state committee Monday asked each lawmaker of the region to contribute Rs 100,000 to the party within 10 days, party source said.
This is the first time Maoists decided to use fund from the development budget for popular revolt.
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SPORTS

Dipak Bista suspension lifted

Kathmandu, 30 March: The one-year suspension of four-time star South Asian Games taekwondo gold medalist Dipak Bista from participating in national and international events was lifted by the National Sports Council (NSC) Monday.
NSC said Bista apologized and ‘confessed his mistakes’.
The council acted when Bista participated in Singapore
a meeting of chef de mission for the Youth Olympic Games without approval.
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Gyanendra Malla denied Kuwait visa

Kathmandu, 30 March: Vice-captain Gyanendra Malla of the 16-member Nepali squad of the ACC Trophy Elite Cup has been denied a visa by Kuwait where the cricket tournament begins Wednesday.
This is the second time Malla has been denied a visa by the Gulf state.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Chairman Binaya Raj Pandey said a visa application has been made for the third time.
The denial has been reported to the ACC.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“I was told not to go to Nepal where there are Marxists, Leninists, UML and Maoists. But I ignored the suggestions and have turned UML and Maoists into followers of yoga.”

(Swami Ramdeb, TV reports, 30 March)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 March: Maoists after a marathon seven-hour standing committee meeting Monday decided to ‘move ahead seriously’ following former King Gyanendra’s and former Prime Minister Krishna Bhattarai’s comments on monarchy.
The former king said monarchy isn’t dead and Bhattarai called for activating the 1990 constitution with the twin pillars of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy.
Girija Prasad Koirala galvanized political parties with international support to bring extreme communist Maoists into the political mainstream through the backdoor by toppling the 1990 constitution.
International power centers were stunned when Maoists emerged victorious in the April 2008 constituent assembly elections finally leading to a deadlock in the peace process and constitution drafting to institutionalize a republic.
Maoists concluded there were internal and international conspiracies. According to Vice-chairman Prakash Kazi Shrestha.
Maoists also reiterated Monday the peace process and constitution can be promulgated 28 May only under a Maoist-led national government.
Maoists will take up the issues at a meeting of the HLPM Tuesday.
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Pushkar Shah appeals for govt. help to climb Everest

Kathmandu, 29 March: A help committee on behalf of Pushkar Shah asked Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Monday to lend government support to the cyclist who have bicycled across 104 countries in a bid to climb Mount Everest this spring.
The delegation called for government support and waiter of a climbing fee to scale the world’s tallest peak.
Cash-strapped Shah earlier exhibited flags and soil in the capital of 104 countries for sale to collect money for his bid.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Kathmandu, 29 March: Nepal Telecom board meeting Monday decided to give a Rs 35 dividend for each share of the company to shareholders.
The previously company wholly owned state-owned company has sold limited shares to the public.
It’s one of few public enterprises on profit.
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Weapon strength should match number to combatants to be integrated

Kathmandu, 29 March: Government spokesman and Communication Minister Shanker Pokhkrel Monday linked the number of weapons locked up by UNMIN to the number of PLA combatants who will be integrated in state security agencies.
The number of combatants to be integrated should match the weapon strength, he said.
Less that 4,000 weapons are locked up in containers under UNMIN watch but whose keys are with Maoists.
Maoists are demanding all 19,000 combatants should be integrated.
Government is ready to accommodate only 3,000 combatants as per an unwritten agreement with Girija Prasad Koirala and Chairman Prachanda, according to Nepali Congress and government.
The peace agreement is silent of the numbers.
UNMIN has said it isn’t responsible for policing of 28 cantonments and camps that are a hotbed of crime; at least one murder has been reported from a camp in Chitwan.
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Joint general secretaries of RPP, RJP

Kathmandu, 29 March: A joint meeting of RPP and Rashtriya Janasahkti Party (RJP) Sunday appointed Dipak Bohara joint general secretary.
Keshar Bahadur Bista is from the RJP while Bohara rprsents RPP.
Both parties have decided to merge.
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Maoists hold discussions with as they call to pull down government

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 March: Maoist Chairman Prachanda held discussions with UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal for the fist time in one year as the main opposition prepares to pull down the 10-month-old government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Prachanda held separate discussions with MJFN Chairman Upendra Yadav who has already called for the ouster of the Nepal government.
Khanal said after the meeting, UML was ready to form a ‘national government’ with Maoists if its preconditions like the dissolution of YCL and seized assets are met.
Discussions where held after Friday’s meeting of the HLPM which decided to pursue political discussions to break a prolonged political deadlock following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala.
Prime Minister Nepal continued discussions for the third day with leaders of political parties to same his government.
Nepal also held discussions with Congress youth leaders.
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Maoists close down industries

Kathmandu, 29 March: Maoists Monday closed down industries nationwide Monday protesting the murder of their trade union leader Ram Ayodhi in Siraha last week.
Maoists enforced a sudden three-hour ban of the movement of vehicles along highways.
Maoists went ahead with the forced despite appeals from FNCCI to avoid closures.
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Krishna Prasad Bhattarai calls for revival of constitutional monarchy

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 March: Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and the only surviving founder member of Nepali Congress Krishna Sunday demanded the revival of the 1990 constitution to prevent a looming crisis on the eight day of the death of Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala.
“The nation is on the verge of becoming a state without a constitution. There’s no possibility of a constitution being promulgated by 28 May. The 1990 constitution was very good.
“But enough time wasn’t given to enforce it and it was hastily ended and as a result a constitutional and political vacuum has surfaced,” Bhattarai who quit the Nepali Congress after the party adopted a republican agenda said in a statement.
“If the present situation continues for a few more days, the country will have to face an adverse situation for its independence, constitutionality, social harmony and prosperity.
Bhattarai said secularism, republic and federalism are ‘concepts hastily imported’ and against Nepal’s unique character and necessary needs’
‘This shows the concepts are against Nepal’s genuine identity and need,” he added.
Koirala, galvanized political parties and with international support to topple the 238-year Shah dynasty of which King Gyanendra was the last king.
In a guarded statement earlier, Bhattarai said all Koirala’s shortcomings had gone up in flames with his cremation at Aryaghat.
The four-year transition from monarchy to a republic has hit rough weather.
A republic declared by an unelected and self-appointed parliament has to be formalized with the promulgation of a constitution by the 28 May deadline which may not be met.
Bhattarai’s demand comes at a time when former King Gyanendra himself said monarchy hasn’t died in Nepal.
Bhattarai said the policy of national reconciliation propounded by BP Koirala and Ganesh Man Singh was opportune.
Baburm Bhattarai reacted saying what is dead can’t be revived.
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Prachanda, Baburam Bhattarai attend Swami Ramdeb yoga camp

Kathmandu, 29 March: Swami Ramdeb’s yoga science camp at Tundikhel in the capital continues to attract thousands of people from all over Nepal.
Amid tight security, Chairman Prachanda and his deputy Baburam Bhattarai attended the six-day Monday to popularize yoga and related medicine.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav inaugurated the camp Saturday.
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Special committee calls for package to rehabilitate and retire PLA combatants

Kathmandu, 29 March: The special committee for supervision, integration and rehabilitation of 19,000 plus combatants Sunday asked a technical committee under it to prepare a package for the rehabilitation and willing retirement of fighters within three days of Wednesday.
Maoists attended the meeting after earlier accusing Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who heads the special committee of discussing integration outside the committee.
The special committee also asked the committee to prepare standards for integration of Maoist combatants.
Maoist rejected government proposal to immediately integrate 3,000 combatants in state security agencies.
The combatants are unlikely to be integrated and rehabilitated by 15 April before the promulgation of a constitution.
Government is prepared to rehabilitate those who leave cantonments and camps voluntarily amid official suspicions many have already desterted.d
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PM summoned by public accounts committee

Kathmandu, 29 March: Parliament’s public accounts committee decided Sunday to summon Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal after cabinet decided to award a contract for printing machine readable passports (MRP) to an Indian government security press without asking for an international tender.
Foreign ministry has already awarded the contract to the Indian firm.
Nepal has been summoned after the cabinet endorsed Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala’s unilateral decision to India despite the committee recommendation the government call an international tender.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The 10-month old government led by UML has completed 10 months; that’s a bid achievement; now the government cal fall anytime.”

(Culture Minister Dr Minendra Rijal, Gorkhapatra, 29 March)

“Leaders will find a way out; these parties will find an alternative [to find a solution to a problem is constitution isn’t proclaimed 28 May. Wait for a few days and you’ll know in a few days.”

(Surya Bahadur Thapa, Jana Bhawana, 29 March)

“I also would have had a palace had I adopted a high profile. I would be like those living in palatial buildings. But I’m satisfied with the present condition.”
Suresh Koirala, son of Girija, Nepal newsmagazine, 29 March)


“I would like to give credit to Girija Babu for bringing the Maoists into the peace process. But again it might be questioned whether Girija Babu brought the Maoists to the mainstream or the Maoists and external forces used Girija Banu to get their way. There is a difference,”

(RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, The Kathmandu Post, 29 March)
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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Maoist office bombed

Kathmandu, 28 March: Three persons were deafened Sunday in a powerful pressure cooker bomb blast at a Maoist district office in Banke.
The office was badly damaged.
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Another Nepali attempts to get into Guinness Book of Records

Kathmandu, 28 March: Another Nepali in attempting to get into the Guinness Book of Records by climbing Mount Everest.
Should Ang Chhiring Sherpa, currently living in Seattle, Washington, climb the world’s tallest peak in less then 50 days this spring , Ang Chhiring will replace India’s Malli Mastan Babu who has the record for climbing the highest seven peaks in seven continents in the shortest time.
Ang Chhiring has six peaks in six continents in 26.5 days.
Babu has achieved the feat of climbing seven peaks in 172 days.
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Girija established contact with Prachanda two months after direct rule Koirala worked to end monarchy after Holeri kanda: Political aide

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 March: Girija Prasad Koirala held discussions with Chairman Prachanda in New Delhi at Noida two months after the imposition of royal rule – a meeting that resulted in the 12-point agreement.
Girija decided singly to hold discussions with Maoists.
This was revealed Sunday in a newspaper article by Gokarna Paudel, who said he worked with Koirala for 11 years until his death.
“Girija daju was under house when the council of ministers dissolved and the king imposed direct rule 1 February 2005. He was freed nearly two months later.
“He immediately telephones us in Delhi, nephew Dr Shekhar Koirala and me. I was appointed the linkman for contact with Maoists. I returned to Kathmandu three days after his release.
Earlier, contacts had developed me and Maoist leader Bamdeb Chetri.
‘In the second week of Chaitra [or two months after king’s direct rule], Girija daju, Chakra Prasad Koirala and Dr Shekhar Koirala held discussions for nearly three years at the Jain temple in Noida with Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai.
‘The result was the 12-point agreement,” Paudel said.
Paudel wrote: “This was Girija daju’s own decision.”
The political aide revealed following the ‘Holeri kanda’, Koirala worked for the end of monarchy.
“The dhoka by King Gyanedra not to deploy the army during the Holeri kanda 21 Ashad 2058 [eight years ago] sowed the seed for the end of monarchy,” saying the National Investigation Department Chief Debiram Sharma suggested the prime minister Maoists army should be mobilized to free policemen captures by Maoists.
Koirala went to meet the king following a meeting of the national security council that decided to mobilize the army, Paudel said.
‘I can’t see the blood of my country flowing,: King Gyanendra said to which Koirala replied” Police are also Nepali people,” according to Paudel.
Girija resigned.

MEDIA GOOGLE

“We are committed to our roles and responsibilities. Sher Bahadur Deuba is a senior and respected leader. He is serious about the unity of the party and its effective role in the county.”

(Nepali Congress acting President Sushil Koirala, The Rising Nepal, 28 March)
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Girija daju was under house arrest after the then council of ministers was dissolved and the King introduced direct rule 1 February 20065.

PM Nepal holds consultations

Kathmandu, 28 March: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Sunday held separate consultations with leaders of small parties in parliament and legislators of his own party the UML.
He began consultations Saturday with leaders of other smaller parties in the legislature.
The consultations began amid a fluid political situation following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala eight days ago.
Maoists have called for the resignation of the government replacing with a national government under the main opposition to complete the peace process and promulgate a constitution within the 208 May deadline.
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Ram Prasad Shrestha takes over as chief justice

Kathmandu, 28 March: Ram Prasad Shrestha took over as chief justice Sunday from Anup Ran Sharma who was superannuated.
Earlier, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new chief justice of the apex court.
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Prime minister convenes meeting of special committee

Kathmandu, 28 March: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar, who heads a special committee for integration and resettlement of Maoist combatants, has called its meeting Sunday.
Maoists have been boycotting the committee meetings charging the government chief for discussing integration in public and outside the special committee.
It’s certain Maoists combatants won’t be integrated and rehabilitated before a 15 April deadline set by the government and ahead of the constitution promulgation.
Major ruling parties have demanded integration of Maoist combatants before the promulgation while Maoists say two processes should be completed simultaneously.
The meeting has been convened amid demand by the government from UNMIN of the headcount combatants in cantonments and camps for distribution of allowances from government.
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No dissolution of YCL

Kathmandu, 28 March; Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shreshta said Sunday YCL won’t be dissolved as demanded by major ruling parties including Nepali Congress and UML.
The dissolution is a pre-condition to break a political deadlock.
Shrestha denied the organization was a paramilitary wing of the UCPN (Maoist).
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Transport fare hiked

Kathmandu, 28 March: Government hiked public transport fare by one rupee or 9.9 percent from Sunday.
Minimum fare for routes within the Valley is Rs 11.
Diesel and petrol run vehicles fare have been increased 9.9 and five percent respectively.
Taxi fare has been hiked five percent.
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Four injured in clash between Christians, Buddhists

Kathmandu, 28 March: A clash broke out Saturday in north Makwapur over a religious dispute even as a secular state has been declared, Nepal Samacharpatrika reports.
The dispute broke over the last rites of Sanumaya Waiba who died a Christian.
Four persons were injured in the clash where the funeral should be conducted according to Christian or Buddhist practice.
More than 100 Tamangs attacked a funeral procession as the body was being taken for funeral according to her wish.
They snatched the body saying the funeral should be conducted under Buddhist practice.
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Saturday, March 27, 2010

Progress at Congress, UML bilateral talks

Kathmandu, 27March: Both Maoist and Nepali Congress leaders said progress were made at bilateral discussions for the first time Saturday after the death of Girija Prasad Koirala.
Congress leaders said the party was ready to discuss for government change in Maoists implemented past agreements, including the dissolution of para-military unit YCL.
Both parties called for a package solution to end a prolonged political impasse.
The inter-party discussions were held immediately after a meeting of Friday’s HLPM in which the prime minister an invited member, wasn’t called by three parties.
Prachanda said ‘very good discussions were held’ while expressing satisfaction.
Nepali Congress Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel said YCL should be dissolved for progress.
Congress is holding bilateral talks Saturday with UML leading the government.
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NRN conference in Texas

Kathmandu, 27 March: The two-day fourth regional conference of non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) begin 29 May in Houston, Texas, with the theme “Channeling Knowledge and Investment for Nepal’s Rapid Development”.
The first, second and third regional conferences were respectively held in Doha, Bonn and Bangkok respectively.
Nearly 300 delegates from 30 countries are expected to assemble in Houston.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Cooperatives under NRB fold

Kathmandu, 27March: Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) Friday brought cooperatives and multi-purpose cooperatives under its fold to prevent laundering of money, the central bank said.
NRB asked them to report transactions above one million rupees within seven days of transaction, including suspicious transactions.
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Increased wages for trekking workers with Maoists intervention

Kathmandu, 27 March: A meeting between Maoist labourers and trekking agency operators has decided to increase wages of trekking guides and porters, Nagarik reports from Pokhara.
Maoists have withdrawn their movement following a 20-point agreement.
A guide will get daily Rs 800 while cooks and helpers will now get Rs 650 a day as wage.
Daily wages were increased by Rs 100.
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40,000 at Swami Ramdeb’s yoga camp

Kathmandu, 27 March: More that 40,000 yoga enthusiasts, including leaders of society, Saturday participated in a six-day camp led Swami Ramdeb at Tundihkel.
The cam can accommodate 70,000 people.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav inaugurated the camp.
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Siraha Maoist trade union leader shot dead

Kathmandu, 27 March: Maoist Siraha trade union leader Raam Ayodha Yadav was shot dead overnight at Rapur.
He was shot in the back by unknown persons as he was returning home from a Ram Nawami mela.
Maoists have been targeted by opponents in the south.
Half a dozen Maoists were injured when police Saturday tried to open a highway blocked by activists of the main opposition to protest the killing.
At least vehicles were vandalized.
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11 dead in bus plunge on Arniko highway

Kathmandu, 27 March: Eleven persons died when a bus plunged off the Arniko highway at Thokparna in Sindhupalchowk Friday.
Nine persons died on the spot and two died while undergoing treatment at a Banepa hospital.
The bus driver is missing.
The driver got off the bus with the engine on to settle a dispute between a groupof youth when the bus veered off the road.
Two persons were killed and two others were injured in a bus plunge Saturday in Tanahu.
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CA meets 30 March

Kathmandu, 27March: The secretariat of the constituent assembly (CA) has convened a meeting of the assembly on 30 March.
The assembly last met 22 March without sending suggestions and recommendations of nine subject committees for articles to be included in a constitution that has to promulgated by 28 May.
The CA had to send the suggestions of a main constitution drafting committee; only two subject committee reports have been sent to the main committee headed by Nilambar Acharya.
The meeting of the Acharya committee has been adjourned indefinitely without an agenda.
Acharya has said it’ll be difficult for the committee to prepare a draft constitution for CA approval without consensus on major issues like federalism, form of government and other issues.
A schedule for procedures to prepare a constitution was changed for the 10 time 22 February giving a one month.
The deadline wasn’t be met again.
The main task of the CA when it meets 30March will be to agree on recommendations for articles to be incorporated in a constitution and dispatch then to the constitution drafting committee.
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Maoists decide to topple government
.

Kathmandu, 27 March: Maoist standing comittee meeting Friday decided to topple the government
“The meeting decided that the present government is an obstacle to the peace and constitution writing and that the sooner it resigns the better for peace and constitution.
‘We came to the conclusion the government has become the center of all regressive and reactionary elements and we should force the government to resign,” Spokesman Dinanath Sharma said after the meeting.
‘A no-confidence motion can be moved [in parliament],” Sharma said..
The meeting clamed the leadership of the high-level political mechanism of which Girija Prasad Koirala was coordinator.
The party also decided to take to the streets to topple the government.
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Dr Damodar Pokhrel appointed VC; other details

Kathmandu, 27 March: Dr Damodar Pokhrel was Friday appointed Vice-chancellor of National Academy of Medical Sciences Bir Hospital.
Following political interference by parties pushing candidates, the Academy has become a hotbed of politics as patients are inconvenienced.
Tribhuvan University Friday ordered the cancellation of entrance examinations for post graduate courses at the TU Teaching Hospital conducted 13,14 March.
Doctors and students alleged irregularities and leaks of question papers my management as they shot down services lat the premier hospital Japan government donated.
There’s been political interference by parties at the hospital as well.
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Limited role for OHCHR

Kathmandu, 27 March: The government of Nepal and the Hign Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) have expressed satisfaction regarding the term extension and mandate of the NN body, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The government on Friday conveyed a message to Richard Bennst, OHCHR-Nepal chief hat the term extension will be for another six months.
The next cabinet meeting will take a final call, said the official.
As per the reduced mandate, OHCHR-Nepal will have a role to empower National Human Rights Commission and will be barred from getting access on dossiers and archives from legislative, prison and court.
The proposed agreement prepared by the government side also suggested OHCHR-Nepal to prepare a clear exit strategy within its renewed term,
“OHCHR-Nepal has expressed its readiness to stay here with the reduced mandate but has kept mum on its exit strategy,” said the official.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Qatar Airways adding one more flight

Kathmandu, 27 March: Beginning Sunday, Qatar Airways will begin third daily flight between Doha and Kathmandu.
The carrier operated to two daily flights.
‘With the introduction of our third daily frequency in and out of Kathmandu, our airline will be the largest full service international scheduled airline flying to Nepal,” said Gopal Ramarao Country General Manager of the airline.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Politically, how many of us really refuse to take comfort in the realization that the king and the army are still around pick up the pieces and clean up should all heal break loose faster?”

(Maila Made, The People’s Review, 27 March)
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Friday, March 26, 2010

China ready to boost military cooperation

Kathmandu, 26 March: Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie told her Nepali counter Bidya Bhandari in Beijing Thursday Beijing attached great importance to its military ties with Nepal and was ready to boost military cooperation, Xinhua reports.
Liang said China was ready boost personnel exchange and cooperation to for security and stability of the two countries and the region at large.
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Further Maoist comment of last king’s statement

Kathmandu, 26 March: Maoist central leaders at a meeting Friday concluded former King Gyanendra’s remark monarchy wasn’t dead was objectionable and against the spirit of the constitution.
Maoists asked parties to unite against the remark.
Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai said the former king was attempting to fish in muddy water.
Maoists also discussed the agenda for a standing committee meetinglater Friday.
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HLPM meets

Kathmandu, 26 March: The high-level political mechanism (HLPM) of Nepali Congress, Maoists and UML is meeting for the first time after the heath of its coordinator Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday.
The meeting is being held at Maoist parliamentary office
The meeting will discuss the mechanism’s work procedure and terofof reference.
Nepali Congress and Maoists claimed leadership of the mechanism
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is the mechanism’s invited member.
UML has suggested the leadership should be rotated between the three parties.
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Millions destroyed in Sunsari fire

Kathmandu, 26 March: At least 30 houses were gutted and assets worth millions was lost in a devastating fire at Dubahi 1 and 2 in Sunsari Friday morning.
Twenty houses were demolished to stop the fire spreading.
The fire started from a cowshed.
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SLC question leaked in Bara

Kathmandu, 26 March: Question papers were leaked at two centers in Bara Friday on the second day of SLC examinations.
Question papers of compulsory Nepali was leaked as photocopies were available before examinations started.
Widespread irregularities have been reported including use of mobile phones at centers.
Lalitpur’s Kumari Chanira Bajracharya is sitting for the tests from her home.
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Gurkhas to protect Claudia Schiffer

Kathmandu, 26 March: Claudia Schiffer’s husband has hired a team of elite Nepali warriors to protect his wife after fears the German supermodel will become the next John Lennon, agencies report out of London.
Film director Matthew Vaughn told the Sun newspaper he was terrified his supermodel wife would be killed by a crazed fan after several incidents of stalkers bringing into their home.
The repeated stalker incidents prompted Vaughn and Schiffer to hire a team of former Gurkha soldiers—Nepali warriors reputed as some of the best in the world.
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Stolen Nepali idol traced in India

Kathmandu, 26 March: Indian police have seized an idol stolen Monday night from the Ram Janaki Mandir from Bahadurgunj in Kapilvasthu while being sold for Rs 100 million in the Indian market, Rajdhani reports from Kapilvasthu.
But thieves who stole the priceless idol are missing.
Efforts are ongoing to bring the back the idol to Nepal.
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Indian missing children return home

Kathmandu, 26 March: Six Indian children who went missing from the Phutsok Choeling Monastery at Ichangu Nayaran VDC-6 of Kathmandu got back home in East Kameng in India this morning [Thursday], reports The Himalayan Times.
The boys had fled the monastery March 1.
‘The kids fled from Kathmandu; they reached Hotel Kantipur near the Indo-Nepal border. They worked there for a months to raise enough money for train tickets back home,” SP Tumme Amo of East Kameng said.
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British Gurkhas being deployed in Afghanistan

Kathmandu, 26 March: The United Kingdom is all set to deploy 1,200 British Gurkhas in war-torn Afghanistan in what will be the largest Gurkha deployment under the NATO-led coalition force after 9/11, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The British government recently dispatched a letter to Nepal government informing about its plan.]
According to th plan, the UK will deploy Gurkhas from April end to October-end. As of 2009, 500Gurkha soldiers had served in Afghanistan.
A platoon of Gurkhas will be deployed in and around the war-torn southern province of Helmand, where American, British and other NATO forces have a huge presence.
Currently, 3,760 Gurkhas are serving in the British army.
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Direct bus service starts between London and Kathmandu

Kathmandu, 26 March: Direct bus service between London and Kathmandu started Thursday with the arrival of 13 passengers in the capital, Nagarik reports.
A sick passenger got off the bus in New Delhi.
The bus left London for Kathmandu 15 February.
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SPORTS

Nepal cricket squad selected

Kathmandu, 26 March: Paras Khadka will again lead the Nepali team for the ACC Trophy Elite Cup cricket tournament in Kuwait from 31 March to 9 April.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) selected the team Thursday.
Other members of the squad are: Gyanendra Malla, Binod Das, Shakti Prasad Gauchan, Mehboon Alam, Sanjam Regmi, Dipendra Chandhary, Basanta Regmi, Mahesh Chetri, Sharad Vesawakar, Anil Kumar Mandal, Rahul Krishna BK, Amrit Bhattarai and Binod Bhattarai.
Subash Khakurel, Pradeep Airee and Naresh Budhayer are reserve players.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“After the decision [calling the royal commission of anti-corruption unconstitutional], all justices felt insecure the whole all night fearing disposal.”

(Retired Supreme Court Justice Anup Raj Sharma, Naya Patrika, 26 March).

“Going by culture, tradition and beliefs, more than 60 percent of people in Nepal accept monarchy and are monarchists. There’ll be no peace in Nepal without keeping them happy.”

“Senior Advocate Sindhunath Pyakhurel, Jana Bhawana, 26 March)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Reactions to former king’s comment monarchy isn’t yet dead

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 March: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said Thursday former King Gyanendra was ‘daydreaming’ by saying Wednesday monarchy wasn’t dead in Nepal.
TMLP Chairman Mahanta Thakur said the ousted king was ‘dreaming”.
Maoists came out with the harshest reaction.
Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said the former king’s comment was proof of a counterrevolutionary movement in Nepal after the declaration of a republic which was announced by an unelected and self-appointed parliament.
He asked government to evict Gyanendra from Nagarjung resort provided by the government even threatening ‘people’s action’ such comments weren’t stopped.
RPP Nepal has collected two million signatures or a demand by 10 percent voters to put a republic, Hindu state and federalism to vote.
In Switzerland a demand by 200,000 persons is enough to put an issue to vote—and a neutral Switzerland that doesn’t take UN membership fearingit will loose its neutrality even put a dog issue to vote.
But in Nepal that European takes active interest and is involved in multi-party politics and change in the Himalayan state that was a monarchy.
Maoists and other parties never accepted either the panchayat constitution or the 1990 constitution and opposed it.
Maoists even launched a 10-year people’s war and have so far gotten away with it.
But Maoists want to throttle fundamental rights and democracy by smashing demands for a republic and even the fundamental right to disagree,
Maoists claim demands for restoration of constitutional monarchy
And multi-party democracy are regressive when communism has been outvoted everywhere, except Cuba, China and Vietnam as regressive.
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

President to save republic

Kathmandu, 25 March: Even as former King Gyanendra indicated monarchy may stage a comeback, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said it’s his duty to save a republic.
“A republic has come after a big movement. People have become masters. My first dharma is to protect a republic,” he told Kantipur Wednesday at his home in Sapari, Dhanusha.
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Minister pockets donor money

Kathmandu, 25 March: Minister for Women, Child ad Social Welfare Sharbadeb Prasad Ojha has pocketed millions of rupees offered by foreign agencies for children adoption, Rajdhani reports.
Every foreign agency pay 10,000 dollars for the adoption of one child.
From January 2010, 56 foreign agencies have sought adoptions offering 560,000 dollars.
Minister Ojha has illegally collected the money in his account with Nepal Investment Bank at Putali Sadak.
An estimated Rs 550.45 million has been collected in that account.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The incumbent government is Nepal’s most unsuccessful and useless government.”

(MJFN Chairman Upendra Yadav, Annapurna Post, 25 March)

SLC exams begin

Kathmandu, 25 March: This year’s SLC examinations began Thursday at eight in the morning nation-wide.
Students sat Thursday for compulsory English.
Altogether 1,500 plus Maoist combatants in cantonments and satellite camps also appeared for the test.
There was a clash between police and students at a center in Saptari.
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Chairman Nemwang holding consultations with three parties

Kathmandu, 25 March: Constituent assembly (CA) Chairman Subash Nemwang is continuing consultations Thursday with Maoists, Nepali Congress and UML leaders to narrow down differences of concepts to be included in a constitution that has to be promulgated by 28 May.
The CA still has to send concepts and suggestions of nine subject committees to a main constitution drafting committee to prepare a draft of a basic to institutionalize a republic announced by an unelected and self-appointed parliament.
Only two suggestions of subject committees have been sent to the main committee.
Only 64 days remain to announce a constitution.
The deadline is unlikely to be met.
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Leadership change at supreme court

Kathmandu, 25 March” Supreme Court Chief Justice Anup Raj Sharma is being superannuated Thursday after reaching 62 years of age after serving nearly three months after appointment—the shortest tenure of any chief justice.
He was the first senior lawyer to be appointed chief justice; previous justices were judges of the apex court.
Ram Prasad Shrestha will succeed Sharma.
Shrestha has been summoned Thursday by parliament’s hearing committee where two complaints have been lodged.
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Indian children missing from monastery

Kathmandu, 25 March: Six Indian children enrolled in a monastery in Kathmandu have gone missing, The Himalayan Times reports.
They were last seen at Phuntsok Choeling Monastery at Ichanghu Nayaran VDC-6 close to Boudhanath stupa on March 1.
The boys-all under 13 years of age who hailed from East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India- went missing a couple of weeks after they got enrolled in the monastery in mid-February, the police said today [Wednesday].
Inspector Kuber Chand, in-charge of the Metropolitan Police Sector at Swoyambhu, said three Indians had admitted them in them in the monastery on behalf of the parents.
According to monastery officials, their parents had arrived in Kathmandu on March 4 to learn of their kids’ whereabouts.
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Nepal, India sign passport deal

Kathmandu, 25 March: The long saga over the machine readable passport (MRP) is over, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai an Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood on Wednesday exchanged letters for the supply of MRP to Nepal by the Indian government undertaking-Nasik –based Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India.
The cabinet had decided to award the contract to India last Friday.
As per the agreement, the Indian government will provide four million MRPs—the current passport demand in Nepal-within three years at the rate of US$4 per copy.
(Note: Parliament’s public account committee is summoning Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal for a hearing after the foreign ministry and the government ignored its directive to issue passports by calling a tender.)
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Former King Gyanendra indicates monarchy could stage comeback

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 March: Leaders of major political parties reacted sharply to former King Gyanendra’s statement monarchy isn’t dead yet.
He also told Avenue Television Wednesday there have rises and falls, comings and goings in history, indicating monarchy could stage a comeback in Nepal with people’s desire.
“I don’t feel like it has ended. That’s why it’s hypothetical. While turning the pages of history of nations, rise and fall and comings and goings happen, I feel.
“That’s why I want to repeat, the people should decide through deep thought and responsibly and whatever the people decide should be accepted by all.
“My wish is whatever the majority want. I feel right now there’s need for the security of life and property of ordinary people. My prayer is let there be peace in the country,” Gyanendra said in response to a question.
“You’ve asked a hypothetical question,” the last Shah king said in reply to a question whether he’ll ready to be king again if the people desire.
“Whether its monarchy or other national issues, the people’s thoughts and wishes should be accepted by all.”
The former king said he’ll continue to stay in Nepal.
“My plan before and now is to stay in Nepal, serve Nepal and Nepalis,” he said in reply to a question. “Concern is for the nation and national unity. Let the ordinary people stay comfortably and in peace.”
The only person to be king twice anywhere said in reply to a question he was conducting power politics,” I don’t have that thought and intention. We left without doing anything for the country’ s peace and well-being.”
The 10th king said: “Kings have never sought power. No king anytime has said he’s god. I’ve never personally found it difficult before or now to go to the people.”
UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said: “Nepali people have ended monarchy. The decision of history can’t be resurrected.”
Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel said,” The statement of Gyanendra Shah in Janakpur is an effort to undermine the janaandonan. Nepali Congress are not in favour of turning back.
Maoist Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai demanded immediate action against the former king.
“Former King Gyanendra has spoken against the people’s wish and decision of history. That is challenge to people’s wish. People should counter his challenge. He should be brought before the people and should be charged.
‘We ask the government to immediately take action against Gyanendra and initiate charges,” Bhattarai said.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“As a junior justice of the supreme court, I have developed negative feelings for the senior judges whom I wait for hours on end to join a bench for hearing but the so-called senior judges spent hours smoking cigarettes inside their chambers.”

(Supreme Court Justice Bharat Raj Upreti, The Himalayan Times, 25 March)

“We accepted Girijababu as the head of the mechanism because of his seniority. Now the other parties don’t have what it takes to lead the mechanism.”

(Maoist Vice-Chairman Mohan Baidya Kiran, The Kathmandu Post, 25 March)
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President prays for timely promulgation of constitution

Kathmandu, 24 March: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said Thursday he prayed for the timely promulgation of a constitution and peace while offering puja and prayers at Ram Janaki mandit Wednesday in Janakpur,
He listened to the recitation of the Ramayan puran.
The president drive to the temple from his home village in Sapati but flew in and out of the temple complex in an army helicopter.
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Former King welcomed in Janakpur

Kathmandu, 24 March: Former King Gyanendra was greeted with loud cheers by thousands of supporters when he offered prayers and puja at Ram Janaki mandir in Janakpur Wednesday on Ram Nawami or the birthday of Lord Ram.
Supporters shouted slogans for his return and declaration of a Hindu state.
The former King attended a luncheon reception hosted by a supporter in the holy town.
He was scheduled to return to the capital by a regular commercial flight.
The visit received wide publicity.
The activities of the former king are no longer ignored by the media as in the royal regime when he was derided.
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Sher Bahadur Deuba claims leadership of Nepali Congress

Kathmandu, 24 March: Sher Bahadur Deuba Wednesday claimed the leadership of Nepali Congress after the death of Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday.
The party met informally Saturday.
Acting President Sushil Koirala and parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel are also in the race to succeed Koirala.
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Departmental responsibilities in UML

Kathmandu, 24 March; UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokhrel was appointed chief of the organization department Wednesday.
Firm critic of Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, KP Sharma Oli was nominated chief of the foreign department.
The party is leading a 22-party coalition government.
Responsibilities were assigned to 15 departmental chiefs.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“He [Girija] resisted Indian pressure to exclude the United Nations from playing a supportive role to peace process owned by a sovereign member state.”

(Note: The reaction in the first direct admission UN and supporters lobbied for UN involvement in the peace process and is a criticism of India at a time when the UN has come under fire for its role in Nepal.)

(Ian Martin, The Kathmandu Post, 24 March)
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Ram Nawami observed

Kathmandu, 24 March: Hindus observed Ram Nawami or the birthday of Lord Ram Wednesday by offering prayers at Ram temples nationwide.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav offered prayers at the Ram Janaki temple in Janakpurdham.
Former King Gyanendra is flying to the town from the capital Wednesday to offer prayers.
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Defence minister Bhandari meeting Chinese counterpart Thursday

Kathmandu, 24 March: Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari is holding discussions with her Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie in Beijing Thursday.
She inspected a military training center of the PLA at Gullim Tuesday en route to Bejing from Kathmandu.
Nepal and China are expected to sign an agreement for import of communication for Nepal Army during the nine-day visit.
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1,614 disqualified Maoists discharged

Kathmandu, 24 March: UNICEF confirmed altogether 1,614 disqualified Maoist combatants had deserted camps before their official discharge of 4,008 combatants from 6 January to 8 February.
Maoist leader Janardhan Sharma Tuesdays signed a declaration before UN and government representatives.
“It also means severing all ties between the Maoist army and those disqualified as minors, who can now freely undertake transition from military to civilian life,” UNMIN Chief Karen Landgren said.
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SLC examinations begin Thursday

Kathmandu, 24 March: This year’s SLC examinations begin Thursday.
Altogether 466,300 students are sitting for the examinations.
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:
Girija died on cancer

Kathmandu, 24 March; Girija Prasad Koirala died of cancer, Nagarik reported quoting an unidentified doctor who treated him.
The information was kept away from him.
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WFP official dead

Kathmandu, 24 March” Mike Prier, a South African national with WFP, was found dead at a hotel in Birendranagar, Surkhet, Tuesday, police said.
His body was flown to the capital for postmortem the same day,
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Bird flu outbreak in Banke

Kathmandu, 24 March: Bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in four places in Banke in the far-West, including district headquarters Nepalgunj.
The epidemic broke out in Fattepur, Binauna and Kohaklpur as well, local authorities announced.
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Naxalite leader dead

Kathmandu, 24 March: Founder of CPI (ML) and veteran Naxalite leader Kanu Sanya was found hanging at his home in Naxalbari, West Bengal, just across the border in Jhapa, agencies reported from Silghuri.
It’s suspected the ailing communist leader committed suicide.
The movement which he started has now spread to more that 20 states in India.
The movement has been described as India’s worst internal problem.
Nepal’s Maoists once worked closely with Naxalites and even now are ideologically linked.
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Ramdev to open yoggram

Kathmandu, 24 March: Swami Ramdeb is opening the first branch of Patanjali Yogpeeth outside India in Nepal, Nagarik reports from Haridraw in India.
A yoggram is being opened over in Dhulikhel spread over while the Nepal outlet of Patanjali Yogpeeth is being opened at Madhikatar.
Ninety ropanis has been acquired in Dhilikhel and 11 ropanis in Mandikatar.
Ramdev and General Secretary Acharya Balkrishna are arriving in Kathmandu three days later [Friday].
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Strategy for UNMIN exit

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 24 March: Retired Lt Gen Balananda Sharma, who is coordinator of a technical committee of the special committee for rehabilitation and integration of Maoist combatants said Maoist combatants and be rehabilitated and integrated by Nepalis even if UNMIN leaves.
The 19,000 plus combatants should come under the control and supervision of the special committee is headed by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, he said.
“UNMIN wasn’t present during the ceasefire and when the peace process started. It was invited as a facilitator later only. The integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants can be done without UNMIN using the why experienced and intellectuals of the country. But political understanding in necessary for this.
“We should understand UNMIN will certainly go after six months even if it doesn’t leave 15 May. If all get together UNMIN can be sent back in Jesth [15May] but for it’s essential that UNMIN officials should be brought into the fold of the special committee.
‘Anything can happen if combatants aren’t brought under the special committee and UNMIN leaves. Combatants can be integrated and rehabilitated when UNMIN officials are brought under the special committee.
Sharma said Maoist combatants can’t be rehabilitated and integrated by 28 May when a constitution should be promulgated.
“In the remaining time, efforts can be made to bring the under the special committee. It’ll take time [six months to two years] if combatants to join security agencies. There can be political understanding between Maoists and government during this time.
“Technical work hasn’t been progress without political understanding.
‘It’s necessary government and Maoists should agree to bring the combatants under the special committee for control and direction.
“Even after UNMIN leaves a dispute will arise under whose supervision to keep the weapons of the combatants should be kept. Right now, Maoist combatants have come under the supervision of the special committee.
‘They aren’t obeying the instructions of the special committee right now. Its necessary to bring the combatants under the special committee while UNMIN is still here, Dharma told Deshantar.
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SPORTS

Dipak Bista suspended

Kathmandu, 24 March: Four-time taekwondo South Asian Games gold medalist Dipak Bista was banned Wednesday by National Sports Council (NSC) from competing in all international and national events for one year from Tuesday.
NSC debarred him after Bista left for Singapore to participate attend a meeting of Youth Olympic Games as chef-de-mission of Nepal.
Nepal Taekwondo Association also suspended him as a central committee member.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The interim constitution does not talk about president’s rule in the event of the parties failing to promulgate timely constitution as such the talk are mere rumours.”

(President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, The Himalayan Times, 24 March)

“His time terms as prime minister will be held up as evidence of success, but the reality is that he presided over the start of a civil war, the split of his party, and botched peace process that is coming apart at the seams. He split his country, his party and now even his family is bitterly divided.”

(Lucille Bolduc, newsfront, 24 March)
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Monday, March 22, 2010

CA Meeting postponed indefinitely

Kathmandu, 23 March: A meeting of the constituent which met to pass a condolence message to condole on the death of Girija Prasad Koirala Monday was adjourned indefinitely after passing a condolence message.
Only 66 days remain for the promulgation of a constitution.
The assembly meeting was adjourned without voting on recommendations of nine subject committees for articles to be included in a proposed constitution.
The CA recommendations had to be sent a main constitution drafting committee headed by Nilambar Acharya for preparing a preliminary draft to institutionalize a republic by promulgating a constitution by 28 May.
Failure to announce a constitution by that date will trigger a crisis with the dissolution of the CA and parliament.
With the end of royal rule, Girija Prasad Koirala had recommended continuing with the 1990 constitution by abolishing articles that restricted powers of the king.
But in a television interview aired Monday, Koirala revealed ‘revolutionaries’ pressed for an ‘interim constitution’.
Koirala said: “Had they agreed, we wouldn’t be in the mess that we are in today.”
UML leader Bamdeb Gautam said a ‘brief constitution’ has already been prepared and the CA will work on a constitution for one year after 28 May.
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No emergency services at TU Teaching Hospital

Kathmandu, 23 March: Doctors Tuesday stopped even emergency services at the Teaching Hospital.
Nearly 1,200 patients visit the hospital every day.
Doctors and students have been on strike for 10 days protesting leaks in examination papers for doctors in the premier teaching hospital established with Japanese assistance.
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.
Load-shedding to be reduced from first week of Baishak

Kathmandu, 23 March: Twelve-hour daily load-shedding will be reduced from the first week of Baiskak or in another three weeks.
Spokesman of the Energy Ministry Anum Man Upadhaya said this Tuesday.
He said with the snowmelt water level in rivers have risen.
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Chaitae dasain

Kathmandu, 23 March: Hindus are celebrating Chaitae dasain Tuesday.
Devotees visited Bhabati temples to offer sacrifices and worship.
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Dr Yubaraj Khitawada assumed office

Kathmandu, 23 March: Dr Yubaraj Khitawada Monday assumed office as the 15th governor of Nepal Rashtra Bank.
He was Vice-Chairman of National Planning Commission.
He was a UML nominee.
The appointment was delayed for two months with Nepali Congress pressing a package demanding appointments of its nominees in other vacant constitutional bodies.
The country is without an election commissioner, CIAA chief and chairman of the Public Service Commission.
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President in home district, former king also visiting Janakpur

Kathmandu, 23 March: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Monday went to his village at Sapahi in Dhanusha.
He is offering worship at the Janaki Mandir on Ram Nawami Wednesday.
Former King Gyanendra is also expected to visit Janakpur Wednesday to offer prayers at the temple.
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Defence minister leaves for China

Kathmandu, 23 March: Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari left for China Monday night of a week-long China visit.
She’s accompanied by Defence Secretary Nabin Kumar Chand and Maj Gen
Nepal Bhusan Chand.
She’ll discuss Chinese getting military assistance.
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Supreme court orders of three detained Tibetans

Kathmandu, 23 March: A two-man bench of the supreme court Monday ordered the release of three Tibetans detailed for anti-China activities.
They were arrested during anti-China demonstrations in the capital 10 March on the 51st first anniversary of the uprising in Tibet against China.
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PM being summoned by public accounts committee

Kathmandu, 23 March: Parliament’s public accounts committee is summoning Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal after government decided to award a contract to an Indian government security printing press to print machine readable passports.
The cabinet last week endorsed a foreign ministry proposal pushed by Depuy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala.
The cabinet disregarded a recommendation of the public affairs committee to award the contract to the lowest bidder through international tender.
Machine readable passports have to replace hand-written passports from 1 April on ICAO instructions.
But ICAO is considering extension of its deadline after difficulties faced by Nepal and other countries to meet the deadline.
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Tiger population has probably increased in Chitwan National Park

Kathmandu,23 March: The population of the endangered tiger has probably increased in the Chitwan National Park, Rajdhani reports.
A census ended Sunday and the final count will be available in a few days.
It’s estimated the tiger population has increased after tigers were found in the Chure range as well outside the park.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

‘What do the Maoists think they can gain by getting backing” A national government won’t let them off the hook.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 23 March)

‘He has left behind an impression in Indian leaders he’s the only reliable democratic Madeshi leader who has the confidence of the hill people.”

(Dinesh Wagle, Kantipur, 23 March)

“Nepal will soon be declared a Hindu state. I’ve discussed this with all I met.”

(Former BJP Chief Rajnath Singh, Annapurna Post, 23 March)

National mourning for Girija continued

Kathmandu, 22 March; A three-day national mourning continued for Girija Prassad Koirala Monday as flags were flown at staff over government buildings and embassies abroad.
A condolence book was kept at the foreign ministry for signature.
The former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress died Saturday and he was cremated with full state honours Sunday.
Markets were closed in the capital and tther urban centers Sunday as a mark of respect for Koirala.
India was the only country to send a foreign delegation to attend Koirala’s funeral.
The government delegation was led by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and included Foreign Minister SM Krishna; the parliament was represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Meria Kumar.
The main opposition was represented by former BJP Chairman Rajnath Singh and communists by SitaramYechuri.
Mukherjee was the Indian government pointman to manage the transition from a monarchy to a republic.
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Call for Hindu state paralyzes life in themed and far-west

Kathmandu, 22 March: A strike called by Ekta Parishad, an underground organization demanding a Hindu state and opposing a federation paralyzed the mid-and far –West including hill districts Monday.
More that a dozen vehicles and motorcycles were smashed as attempts were made to defy the strike.
Five demands have been pushed including declaring of the cow as a national animal.
Demands are increasing for a Hindu state declared unilaterally by eight parties after toppling monarchy.
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Janakpur continues to be tense

Kathmandu, 22 March: Janakpur continued to be tense Monday as protests against an alleged rape Sunday of a Muslim woman by a policeman near the railway station
Police fired in the air and a police outpost was destroyed in a petrol bomb attack.
Nearly 12 persons were injured.
Injured in Sunday’s protests are also being treated in the capital.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“All Grijababu’s weaknesses have vanished with the flames at Aryaghat. According to my studies and beliefs, I opposed the decision to declare Nepa a republic and secular. My stand continues as it will drag the country towards disintegration. The coming leadership should give due attention to them and decide for the nation, democracy and countrymen.”

(Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Rajdhani, 22 March)
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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Girija cremated, daughter Sujata lights funeral pyre

Kathmandu, 21 March: Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was cremated at Pashupatinath Aryaghat Sunday evening.
Daughter Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minster Sujata lit the funeral pyre at 7.45 in the evening.
The army played the national anthem, sounded the last post and offered a gun salute as cannons boomed in a state funeral for a head of state.
He acted as a head of state after the toppling of democracy even though he was never formally elected president.
The funeral procession started from Dashrath Rangashala at three in the afternoon, one hour after schedule as thousands of people offered their last respects.
Thousands lined the streets as the procession proceeded to Pashupatinath from the stadium.
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Girija’s body at Dashrath Ranghashala for public viewing

Kathmandu 21 March: Thousands of people filed past the body Girija Prasad Koirala at the Dashrath Ranghashala Sunday.
Ordinary people, government officials party workers and foreign diplomats filed past the body offering their last respect.
The body was taken from Mandikatar Sunday morning first to the Nepali Congress where Acting President Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba draped it with the party flag.
The body was placed there only for 10 minutes to the disappointment of many people.
The funeral process will start from the stadium at two in the afternoon for cremation at Aryaghat with full state honour.
The procession could be delayed because of the huge crowds queuing up to pay their last respects.
A special aircraft Sunday is flying in a team from New Delhi consisting of Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Lok Sabha Speaker Mira Kumar to participate the funeral procession.
Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai gave a guarded comment on Koirala’s death.
Bhattarai, the only surviving founding member of the Nepali Congress quit the party after Congress adopted a republican agenda.
“There were a lot of disputes and differences between us. Everything would be resolved when the two of us agreed. The death of Girijababu is an irreparable loss for the nation.
“I can’t say much about my dead and at one time dear friend. I can only say good things about him.
“I’ve forgotten a lot about Girijababu,” Bhattarai said.
“The proper tribute to Koirala will be to take the peace and constitution drafting processes to a decisive phase,” Chairman Prachanda said.
‘In my last meeting with him Friday he emphasized national unity to take the nation forward,” Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said.
Former King Gyanendra’s Secretary Pashupatibhakta Maharjan Friday visited Mandikatar and expressed the then king’s condolences and offered a bouquet.
“He has hoped other parties will fulfill Koirala’s unfilled desire for the establishment of peace,” Maharjan told Acting President Sushil on behalf of the former king.
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Girija Prasad Koirala bio last update

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 March: Five-time Prime Minister and three-time president of Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala, 85, died Saturday at 12.10 in the afternoon .
He never regained consciousness after he went into a coma at five in the morning at the residence of his daughter Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala at Mandikatar.
Girija was born in a town in the Indian state of Bihar across his hometown Biratnagar.
His father Krishna Prasad Koirala had gone into self-exile during the Rana regime.
Girija was born 1925.
He was the youngest of three sons of Krishna Prasada to became prime ministers; the first was Matrika and the second was BP Koirala, Nepal’s first elected prime minister after the fall of the Rana regime.
An emergency meeting of Nepali Congress decided to put his body for public viewing at Dashrath Ranghashala from eight in the morning.
A funeral process will begin at two in the afternoon and his body will be cremated with state honours at Pashupatinath Aryaghat.
The government announced a public holiday Sunday and a three-day state mourning for a transitional head of state after the declaration of a republic and a former prime minister.
Thousands of people, including President Dr Ram Baran Yadav visited Mandikatar and paid their last respects.
Koirala’s body will be placed for public viewing from eight in the morning at the Rangashala Sunday.
Koirala was released from hospital Wednesday after blood transfusion.
A heavy smoker, he suffered obstructive pulmonary edema.
He dominated Nepali politics in and out of government since he became prime minister for the first time on 29 May 1991 following the country’s first multi-party elections after the collapse of the partyless panchayat.
He spent seven years in jail during opposition politics and was involved in the hijacking of a Royal Nepal Airlines aircraft from Biratnagar to Jogbani across the border in Bihar during his anti-panchayat politics during 12 years in self-exile.
Girija was commander of the armed movement against the partyless from base in India.
The hijacking of the aircraft with money of Nepal Rashtra Bank was the only incident involving a national carrier.
Giraja confessed he was involved in printing of illegal Indian currency notes during his self-exile to topple panchayat rule.
He was considered an organizer in the party.
The Madhav Kumar Nepal government decided to nominate his name for the Nobel Peace Prize for what the government called his contribution to the peace process by attempting to bring Maoists into the peace process.
Girija attempted to influence national politics even until his dying days by being coordinator of the controversial high-level political mechanism of which Maoist Chairman Prachanda and UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal were members,
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was only an invited member who avoided the mechanism’s meetings.
The mechanism’s declared intention was to put the delayed peace process and the drafting of a constitution by the 28 May deadline.
Girija’s mission after toppling monarchy was unfulfilled.
Giraja, amid charges of nepotism, pushed PM Nepal to appoint his daughter Sujata deputy prime minister.
Girija called mid-term elections in 1993 and lost the vote to UML which emerged as the largest political party to form the first elected communist government in the world even as communist regimes collapsed in the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe.
Communists have emerged as Nepal’s main political force.
In the 2008 April constituent assembly and parliamentary elections, Maoists emerged as the biggest party replacing the Nepali Congress.
Congress until then was the dominant party in Nepal.
Girija pushed for the vote under international pressure even when conditions weren’t rife; he abandoned pre-conditions Maoist disband the YCL and return seized assets for the vote.
The Nepali Congress has now resurrected the pre-conditions with the integration of 19,000 combatants in security agencies and society before the promulgation of a constitution to institutionalize a republic declared by a self-appointed and unelected parliament.
Political party leaders, including Maoists, said Girija left behind an unfulfilled mission and job in their condolence messages.
Former King Gyanendra also condoled Girija’s death.
Girija took complete hold of the Nepali Congress even forcing supreme Ganesh Man Singh to resign from the party.
Collective leadership with President Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Singh was smashed.
Bhattarai, the only surviving founder of Nepali Congress, resigned when Girija abandoned the party’s traditional support for constitutional monarchy and declared the nation a republic.
The party was previously run by a trio of BP Koirala, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Ganesh Man Singh.
Girija toppled four times the governments of his own party led by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
With the toppling of governments, the country was plunged into political instability.
Deuba took on Koirala’s last challenge and dissolved parliament calling for mid-term polls which he couldn’t conduct in six months after the dissolution creating a political crisis and the fall of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy.
Maoists launched a 10-year people’s war during Girija’s rule with the rebels charging Koirala and Deuba, home minister under Koirala, for excesses during peaceful protests, forcing them into the jungle.
Girija failed to institutionalize parliamentary democracy despite his struggle and fight for democracy.
Girija colluded with foreign powers, including India, to topple the 238-year Shah dynasty and establish a republic following the announcement of direct royal rule by King Gyanendra in February 2005.
He forged an alliance with eight political parties with foreign help to topple monarchy.
But his ambitions to become the first president never materialized after Dr Ram Baran Yadav from the same party was elected.
Maoists withdrew support at the last moment for Koirala fearing he would create a parallel power center around a ceremonial president.
By his own admission, he said he took a ‘gamble’ to bring Maoists into the political mainstream the gamble failed.
Maoists haven’t accepted pluralism and multi-party democracy and are pushing a communist state.
Nepal is in shambles.
He went to India to negotiate a 12-point comprehensive peace agreement with Maoists on the government, Indian and American terrorist list on the pretext of medical treatment.
He held secret discussions with Chairman Prachanda in New Delhi’s outskirts Noida—a discussion which couldn’t he held without Indian government concurrence, according to political aide and former home minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula during the transition after declaration of a republic.
After the declaration of a republic by an unelected and self-appointed parliament, a republic has yet to be formalized by the drafting of a constitution and sustained.
It’s unlikely a republican constitution will be announced by the 28 May deadline even after the successful Janandolan of 2006 of which Girija was supreme commander.
An intense power struggle between Acting President Sushil Koirala, Parliamentary Party Leader Ram Chandra Paudel and Sher Bahadur Deuba will start in the second largest party after Koirala’s death.
The future of daughter Sujata, who is deputy prime minister and foreign minister, is uncertain with the death of a protector.
Koirala invited direct foreign intervention in Nepali politics by signing a vague 12-point peace agreement with Maoists in New Delhi; the agreement was drafted in Hindi.
The agreement is subject of various interpretations.
Koirala has unleashed uncertainly, instability and even the survival of Nepal is at stake.
There are now demands for a federal structure and cessation in the north and south.
He agreed to a federal structure and regional demands when he was prime minister but then renegaded.
Corruption was its zenith when he was prime minister.
He defied the CIAA and the supreme court and refused to cooperate in investigation of the Dhamija and Lauda cases.
Corruption was rife in his rule.
He signed a controversial Tanakpur water deal with India conceding water rights on Mahakali river declared unconstitutional by the supreme court.
Besides the governments of Bhattarai and Deuba, he also conspired to bring down other governments after 1991 leading to political instability and ultimately the declaration of direct rule by King Gyanendra.
Deuba took on Koirala when is government was toppled leading to the split in Nepali Congress –a division that hasn’t yet been put together.
By his own admission, Girija said he took a ‘gamble’ to bring Maoists into the political mainstream—nobody gave him that mandate.
He imposed his will on the party without debate and discussion, including the declaration of a republic.
But as he grew inform, he was challenged in the party.
Even the formation of the high-level political mechanism without discussion in the party came under criticism.
Girija started his political career by participating in the Biratnagar jute mill labourers’ in strike in 1947 and for the fist time because the party’s central committee member in 1958.
Girija abused and destroyed democracy for which he said he fought.
“Parliamentary democracy was the biggest suffer,” said an analyst.
The nation’s future is bleak with Maoist threatening a communist take over and cessation in the terai amid demands for federalism on ethnic lines.
Girija forced King Gyanendra to take ‘ a political’ or unconstitutional decision’ to and restore a parliament that had completed its five-year mandate.
The same parliament toppled the king who restored it.
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