Forum says talks for electoral adjustment continuing

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 March: One day after workers of the Madesh Janatantrik Forum clashed with activists of Tarai Madesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP), Forum Chairman Upendra Yadav said Friday talks are continuing for electoral adjustment with two other tarai parties, including TMLP.
Forum and TMLP workers clashed in Nepalgunj Thursday dampening hopes of an adjustments between three parties that launched a successful movement for self-determination and provincial rule in the south.
The front didn’t last after the successful movement forcing the government to submit to the twin demands.
TMLP and Rajendra Mahoto group of Nepal Sadbavana Party agreed to electoral adjustment in 40 of 116 tarai constituencies.
Yadav said in Birgunj Friday anunderstanding could be reached by Tuesday.
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PM Koirala flies to hometown to help daughter

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 March: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Friday flew to his hometown Biratnagar where Congress workers asked him to participate in electioneering in Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa districts in east Nepal.
Daughter Sujata, contesting elections for the first time from her father’s constituency, is facing stiff competition from Chairman Upendra Yadav of Madesh Janatantrik Forum and a rebel Congress candidate in Susari.
Congress candidates are facing stiff challenges in the districts after the Madesh and party rebellions from the east Nepal districts.
Other relatives Amod Upadhaya, Mahesh Acharya and Chakra Bastola are contesting the 10 April assembly vote.
Koirala said Friday assembly election will be held even amid intense speculation the election could be postponed again because of electoral violence.
Congress Friday presented a memorandum to Election Commission Friday recording 31 cases of Maoist disturbances of their party campaign.
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Tibetan refugees protest again

Kathmandu, 28 March’ Several Tibetan refugees were injured when they clashed with police who dispersed a demonstration in front of the UN office Friday demanding the intervention of the world body in Tibet following a Chinese crackdown.
More than five dozen protesters were arrested.
Protests came a day after Tibetan monks in their homeland raised slogans against China in front of visiting foreign journalists in their homeland they fled.
Two communist parties have supported China and condemned the activities of Tibetan refugees in Nepal where more than 17,000 live.
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Govt. says new demands forwarded by tarai groups

Kathmandu, 28 March: Four tarai groups Friday, in an ultimatum to government, demanded their arrested friends be freed by three in the afternoon Saturday for talks to call off violent protests to enable peaceful voting 10 April.
Four groups threatened to launch a violent movement from Sunday if the demand isn’t met.
The four groups said other demands can be discussed at the negotiating table.
Government said the release will come only after groups sit down for talks – a demand rejected by the tarai.
The arrested could be releases Saturday since government is desperate to hold peaceful elections with maximum participation.
Government said four tarai groups have forwarded new demands putting demands and reneging on agreement to launch talks Friday in Janakpur.
Four groups in a formal letter to government Friday asked government to release arrested activists.
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Ian Martin summoned

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 March: Election Commission Friday summoned UNMIN Chief Ian Martin and told him to effectively monitor the movement of Maoist combatants in and out of camps against the spirit of a peace treaty between government and Maoists.
Commission said it was concerned with the violation of the peace agreement.
The Commission summoned an embarrassed Martin telling him it was concerned with armed combatants in uniform participating in the election campaign on behalf of their party candidates.
Martin gave assurances to the Commission, an official anuncement said.
Meanwhile, the UN security council hoped the 10 April election will be free, fair and peaceful.
The council noted the peace process was moving forward well but Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was studying Nepal’s developments seriously.
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