CPN-UML objects army interference in army recruitment

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: Ruling CPN-UML central committee Monday passed a resolution objecting to statements of Prime Minister Prachanda and Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal charging they were drawing Nepal Army into controversy by opposing regular recruitment.
The party said its serious attention had been drawn to statements against ‘the regular recruitment of the army’.
The CPN-UML statement comes as defence ministry ordered a stop to the recruitment Badal charged Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal for making a political statement.
The recruitment controversy was discussed Monday by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Prachanda.
CPN-UML also drew the government’s attention to the ‘regular recruitment of Nepal Army through legal process’.
But Maoist military leader Nanda Kishore Pun Pasang charged army recruitment was preparation for a new war.
“Nepal Army recruitment against the spirit of the peace agreement is a preparation for war and we’ll also start recruitment.”
The central committee meeting continues for the second consecutive day Tuesday.
The meeting is discussing a common political report of General Secretary Jhalanath Khanal being presented to a general convention meeting Butwal in the first quarter of this year in Butwal.
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Names of 10 judges recommended

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: The judicial council, meeting for the first time after Maoists came to power, recommended Monday names of 10 judges, including two judges of the supreme court.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri.
Nepaljung Appellate Court Chief Judge Krishna Prasad Upadhaya and Janakpur Appellate Court Chief Judge Prem Sharma have been recommended for permanent judges of the apex court.
Four appellate court judges and four senior lawyers
Have been recommended as ad hoc judges.
They are judges Rana Bahadur Bam, Mohan Prakash Sitaula, Awadesh Kumar Yadav, Giri Chandralal and lawyers Bipulendra Chakravarti, Sushila Karki, Prakash Wasti and Bharatraj Upreti.
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Bank robbery in Sindhuli

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: A guard was killed and Rs 3.8 million was robbed from Rashtriya Banijya Bank in Sindhuli overnight.
Guards who overpowered and killed Ganesh Shrestha during load-shedding decamped.
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Nepali consultants sought to manage Nepal Bank Ltd

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: Applications have been sought by Nepal Rashtra Bank from Nepali consultants for chief executive officer of Nepal Bank Ltd, the first commercial bank.
World Bank and DFID are financing a multi-million dollar financial sector reforms programme.
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PM Prachanda tries to break a deadlock

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: Prime Minister Prachanda held discussions Monday with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to increase political understanding and discussed burning issues like the army recruitment to fill in vacancies, disruption of proceedings of the CA and the controversial appointment of Nepali priests to replace Indian bhattas at Pashipatinath temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrine worshipped by Hindus worldwide.
‘Government will honour the supreme court’s directive,” the prime minister told journalists after meeting the president.
Supreme court earlier issued an interim order asking Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) not to let two Nepali priests conduct puja until a final court verdict.
But PADT has filed a writ petition at the supreme court demanding the court order be reversed while launching a three-month national awareness campaign to educate people on the Trust’s decision.
Culture Minister Gopal Kirati launched the campaign from Gaushala.
YCL has been charged for attacking Nepali bhandaris who assist the Indian priests.
Maoist Minister for Culture Gopal Kirati first said government won’t honour a court directive.
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Tribhuvan University closed indefinitely

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: Management closed down Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s oldest, indefinitely.
The move came after violent protests by Kirtipur residents demanding compensation for acquired land, education opportunities and other demands.
Management said a shutdown was ordered for protection of life and property.
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CPN-UML, Maoist task force

Kathmandu, 6 Jan: CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist) formed a four-member task force Monday to
prepare for appointments in local bodies by the middle of January.
Local Development Ram Chandra Jha and central committee member from CPN-UML and Law Minister Deb Gurung and central member Post Bahadur Bogati from CPN (Maoist) are in the task force.
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MEDIA GOOGLE”It is too soon to talk about alternative to this government.”


(Indian leader DP Tripathi, The Himalayan Times, 6 Jan.)

“This is the first time I am here in Nepal and can’t visit Pashupatinath. I am leaving with a heavy heart.”

(Indian socialist leader Amar Singh, The Katahmandu Post, 6 Jan.)
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