India reverts to ceremonial king

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 8 Feb: Neighbouring India has reverted to its position of ceremonial monarchy for its overall security and stability in Nepal, Bimarsha reports.
India’s political power centers are going to resources to the maximum to maintain the king.
The first package is Tuesday’s visit of a Congress-I team to Nepal; Congress leads the coalition government in New Delhi. The Congress-I hasn’t propounded a clear position on monarchy so far. The visits coincides with uncertain constituent assembly elections.
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Chinese, US arms arrive

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 8 Feb: Chinese and American arms were flown in last week through military aircraft, Nayapatra reports.
A special aircraft flew in 120 tons on modern weapons at the airport. Likewise, a US military aircraft brought huge supplies of weapons and materials through Afghanistan.
‘A US cargo plan arrived immediately after Chinese arms supplies were brought in,” a retired general said.
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Week-long division commanders begins Sunday

Kathmandu, 8 Feb: A week-long meeting of division commanders begins in the capital Sunday, military sources said.
Such meetings are held once every year.
The meeting is being held this year amid a fluid political situation as the country heads for uncertain assembly elections 10 April.
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Home minister bypassed by subordinate

By Kedar Ojha and Rajaram Gautam in Kantipur



Kathmandu, 8 Feb: Indications have begun to surface the role of home minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula is being reviewed after the active role being played by state minister for home Ram Chandra Chaudhary in the deployment of security forces against Maoist YCL.
Secuity officials have begun to make this assessment after prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala ordered the deployment of security forces at YCL offices through Chaudhary.
A senior security officer said Chaudhary has been mobilized to curb the illegal activities of Maoists. This could be because of the possible close links between Shitaula and Maoists.
Chaudhary has been mobilized to curb the additional illegal activities of the Maoists through the home administration.
Immediately after his appointment, Chaudhary inspected headquarters of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force and developed personal ties with the police forces.
Police sources said Chaudhary ordered police mobilization against YCL at Balaju after ordering police chiefs to restore law and order by summoning them to his office.
He ordered police to begin working in a new style, according to police.
Shitaula was unaware and told police who telephoned him to cooperate.
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Majority in CPN-UML against working relationship with Maoists

By Rajendra Phuyal in Kantipur

Kathmandu, 8 Feb: Maoist central committee majority through a vote decided not to opt for a working relationship with Maoists in Assembly elections.
The issue was put to vote after an ongoing meeting couldn’t decide on the issue.
A faction led by KP Sharma Oli collected 10 votes while another group led by Bamdev Gautam got only three votes.

Three cases being registered against Indian doctor dealing in illegal kidney trading
Kathmandu, 8 Feb: Three cases are being registered against Indian doctor Ameet Kumar arrested at a tourist jungle resort in Chitwan Thursday.
The absconding doctor running an international kidney trade racket was arrested after an Interpol alert.
The network spread to Europe.
Police said Friday three cases were being registered against the doctor Sunday as Friday and Saturday were public holidays.
Dr Ameet is being charged for illegal foreign currency dealings and trade in body parts.
The doctor has been brought to the capital.
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