Govt., Newars reach agreement on festivals

Kathmandu, 22 Sept: Maoist-led and communist dominated government and the Newar community signed a 10-point agreement to end a three-day protest following a government decision to discontinue government dole for animal sacrifice during Kumari and Indra jatra festival.
The assistance will continue even during the coming Dasain festival.
Government was accused on interfering in religion and culture.
The agreement makes way to conclude Indra jatra festival by bringing down the linga in Basantapur.
The festival should have concluded Friday.
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Defence minister leaves for China Monday

Kathmandu, 22 Sept: Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ leaves for China later Tuesday on a visit at the invitation of the government.
Maj Gen Chatraman Gurung, in line to be the next army chief, is accompanying Badal.
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Death toll in far-West floods amounts

Kathmandu, 22 Sept; The death toll in floods and landslides in the mid and far-West has rises to .45 with 35 others still missing.
Rains that began Friday night eased Monday in the worst flood this monsoon.
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No army, PLA integration: Army chief

Kathmandu, 22 Sept: Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal on Sunday ruled out the possibility of the army inducting anyone from outside without meeting its required standard, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Addressing a passing out parade of 347 officer cadets in the capital, the army chief said meeting the standard criteria was essential for recruitment in the army because of is long distinct existence.
[Note: The statement is important and significant because Maoists are committed to integration. There’s a clear difference in perception between Maoists who are leading government and the army—a potential point of future conflict.]
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