Birgunj businessman shot dead

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: Birgunj businessman Rajesh Kyal was shot dead Monday night at his home overnight by unknown person who fled.
Kyal died while being rushed to hospital.
The businessman was shot dead as violence continues in the south.
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Blank editorial page protests

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: Leading newspapers in the capital Tuesday morning blanked their editorial columns to protest Sunday’s attack on staffers of Himalmedia by Maoists.
The protest was organized by Media Society and Editors’ Alliance.
Prime Minister Prachanda condemned the attack and ordered Home Minister Bamdeb Gautam to take action against the guilty. Nnnn


Maoist government under fire in CPN-UML meet

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: CPN-UML central committee meets for the second day Tuesday amid mounting criticism of Maoists in government amid threats to quit it.
The second largest coalition in he Maoist-led government is preparing to draft a warning to Maoists the four-month coalition will confront a crisis if Maoists don’t change their behaviour.
Central committee members charges Monday Maoists aren’t implementing agreements.
Maoists have received similar threats from MJF, the other coalition partner as well.
Main opposition Nepali Congress has also launched a non-cooperation movement against Maoists amid fears a constitution may not be drafted within the remaining 18-month deadline.
Nepali Congress has started boycotting the CA sessions where the constitution is being discussed.
Chairmen of 14 committees where the constitution is being discussed haven’t been elected as yet.
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Maoist threat to start new PLA recruitment

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: Maoist Deputy Commander Chandra Prasad Khanal Baldeb revealed Monday Maoists are preparing to start recruitment in the PLA even amid demands for integration of former combatants in Nepal Army.
“Because Nepal army hasn’t stopped recruitment, the PLA will also start recruitment,” Tuesday’s newspapers quoted Baldeb as saying while inspecting camps in Nawalparasi.
He said Prime Minister Prachanda and UNMIN have been informed of recruitment plans saying OPLA strength will be increased to 35,000.
The threat to start recruitment will start a new controversy in the future of the peace process.
Major parties, including main opposition Nepali Congress, oppose mass integration; Congress has also boycotted a special integration committee demanding two seats in it.
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Revenue collection up

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: Revenue collection increased 33.1 percent to Rs 43.06 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2008/09, the finance ministry said.
Government collected Rs 32.36 billion in the corresponding period the previous year.
The Maoist-led government targets to collect Rs 141 billion in revenue the current fiscal year.
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NPC Vice-chairman Dr Pitambar Sharma ressigns

Kathmandu, 23 Dec: National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-chairman Dr Pitambar Sharma has resigned, The Himalayan Times said quoting senior official Janak Joshi.
Dr Sharma, a Maoist-appointee, was disaprr4ed with appointment of NPC members without consulting him.
Among those appointed was a sister of Maoist Minister Hishila Yami.
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