Moist group meeting concludes

Kathmandu, 24 Nov: Twenty-one groups in the CPN (Maoist) completed Monday discussions on differing proposal of Prime Minister Prachanda for a transitional republic and a rival suggestion of Mohan Baidya Kiran for an immediate people’s republic through a revolt.
The committees are equally divided on the proposals the party should adopt as its future strategy.
Main opposition Nepali Congress charges CPN (Maoist) for taking the country towards totalitarian rule as the CA began work on drafting a new constitution.
Nearly 1,100 national workers’ will reconvene Tuesday to hear the conclusions of the groups, including one group that discussed integration of PLA with Nepal Army.
Nnnn



Pranab Mukherjee arrives


Kathmandu, 24 Nov: Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrived Monday on a three-dayofficial visit and declared New Delhi will ‘ continue to stand by the people of Nepal and extend support’.
Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav received Mukherjee at the airport.
Immediately after arrival, Mukherjee started political discussions with Nepali leaders; significantly, he first held 30-monute discussion with CPN-UML General Secretary Jhalanath Khanal who called on the visiting foreign minister at his hotel.
CPN-UML is the second party is the Maoist-led coalition government.
Mukherjee continues political discussions Tuesday with Prime Mnister Puushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and main opposition party leader Girija Prasad Koirala.
Mukherjee will also call on President Ram Baran Yadav and Vice-President Parnamanda Jha Tuesday.
Mukherjee will discuss the tottering peace process, constitution drafting, bilateral aid, river projects--including the Kosi that left a trail of death and destruction in the east during the monsoon.
He will visit Birgunj and inspect the Indian consulate; India is the only country to have a consulate outside Kathmandu giving New Delhi a foothold in the terai where a rebellion and secessionist movement are brewing as the region bordering India.
Rebels bases across theborder are conducting a regional campaign with some groups pushing for independence.
Britain’s Minister for International Development Mike Foster also arrived on a four-day visit Monday.
Britain will lend support for the peace process and, drafting the constitution.
Nnnn

Kidnappers presented

Kathmandu, 24 Ov: Police Monday presented two alleged abductors of Mehgha, the daughter of Dr Upendra Debkota from the Bnsbari three months.
The noted neurosurgeon paid a Rs 13 million for the freedom of his daughter..
Police presented chief suspect Siddhartha Lama and an accomplice Raju Lama before media representatives after they were arrested in neigbouring Darjeeling.

NEA cuts power supply to govt. offices in Parsa

Kathmandu, 24 Nov; Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) cut off power supply to all government offices in Parsa Sunday for failure to clear dues even after repeated reminders to clear dues.
Nepal Telecom Sunday restored four telephone lines at Nepali Congress head office after it settled monthly dues.
Telephone connections were snapped.
Electricity and water supplies to the ashram occupied by former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai have also been disconnected.
The facility was donated to Bhattarai by government.
NEA has also asked several members of the former royal family to clear their electricity bills.
Nnnn