Maoist decision to put party on ‘alert’ to stop counterrevolution; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: A decision has been taken by the just concluded first meetings of the secretariat and central committees to put the party on ‘alert’ to stop counterrevolution’, Rajdhani reports quoting an unidentified central member.
The central committee meeting concluded Wednesday night.
“The party has united to take the peace process to its logical end. A decision has been taken to put the party on ‘alert’ to prevent counterrevolution in the name of the peace process,” he said.
A source said PM Prachanda himself put the proposal.
Maoist central committee member Bharat Bam “Ranabir’ said,” National and foreign power centers desiring counterrevolution are organized in planning now. This is the party conclusion.
”That’s why they’re finally coming out openly against army integration and drafting of a popular constitution.”
A united revolutionary people’s front is beingorgaanized by the party, Rajdhani reports.
Only Krishna Bhujel of CPN (United) was inducted into the central committee on Unified (CPN-Moist) Wednesday.
“Because polarization within the leftists continues, 37 members will be added later on,” spokesman Dinanath Sharma said adding there’ll be defections from CPN (United), CPN-UML and CPN (ML).
Narayan Kazi Shrestha Prakash of the CPN (Unity Center/Mashal) has consolidated his position in the unified party getting responsibilities to look after parliament, and government affairs.
He has also been entrusted responsibilities to hold discussions with other parties.
Analysts said he is now ranked in third position above Dr Baburam Bhattarai; but Dinanath Sharma.said there’s no hierarchy in the party organization.
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Memorandum protesting woman journalist’s murder for PM

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: A memorandum protesting the murder of woman journalist Uma Singh is being handed over to PM Prachanda later Thursday.
Journalists had collected signatures nation-wide as they continue the killing with protests demanding action against killers.
Prachanda said the murder is serious citing it as one of the reasons for the cancellation of proposed visits of Norway and Finland.
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PM, Indian ambassador hold discussions

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Embattled Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Thursday morning held discussions with main opposition leader Girija Prasad Koirala and discussed contemporary political issues, according to Sujata Koirala.
The prime minister hours earlier held discussions with Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood.
Details of discussions weren’t immediately available.
Sood held discussions with main opposition Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala Wednesday.
India has been playing an interventionist role in Nepali politics in recent years.
US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell and ambassadors from Great Britain and France also held discussions with Koirala last week after Prachanda threatened to capture state power through revolt if the Maoist-led government is toppled in the CA.
The western ambassadors complained to Koirala Prachanda was behaving like Venezuelan Hugo Perez and was a threat to the world, a published report said.
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Pokhara closed

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Students loyalists of CPN-UML closed down Pokhara Thursday to protest what they called attacks by Maoist students one day earlier at a campus.
CPN-UML general- Secretary Jhalanath Khanal condemned the violence in which three dozen persons were injured, some seriously.
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Appeal to stop export of Nepali monkeys to USA

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed at the supreme court today [Wednesday] challenging the Maoist-led government’s decision to allow the export of rhesus monkeys to Washing University in US for scientific tests, The Himalayan Times reports.
The PIL was filed by a group of wildlife activists.
The Prime Minister’s Office, cabinet, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Bio-diversity Centers in Lalitpur and Kathmandu have been named as defendants.
The petitioners accused the government of cruelty against simians.
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Proposals sought for construction of 60MW Trishuli hydro project

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Amid a crippling energy crisis, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Thursday called for proposals from Chinese and joint venture Chinese and Nepali contractors for the construction of the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydroelectric project located in the Nuwakot/Rasuwa, Bagmati zone.
Government is negotiating a concessional loan for the project from China EXIM Bank.
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Commercial banks record profits

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Kumari Bank Ltd recorded a Rs 133.6 million in Q2 of the current fiscal year ending 13 January 2009.
The bank improved its performance compared to the same period in 2008 when it recorded only a Rs 93.2 million profit.
Lumbini Bank Ltd posted a Rs 364.1 million net profit in Q2 of the current fiscal year as well.
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Three bank agreement to help customers

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Customers of Bank of Kathmandu, Himalayan Bank Ltd and Laxmi Bank from 1 February 2009 can deposit and withdraw up to Rs 500,000 using the network of two other banks.
Executives of the three banks signed a memorandum of understanding to provide the service to clients Wednesday.
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Chairmen of constitution drafting committees meet

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Chairpersons of 14 committees of the CA drafting a constitution are meeting jointly Thursday amid delay in drafting a new basis law.
The meeting has been convened by CA Chairman Subash Nemwang.
The meeting will discuss ways to end overlapping responsibilities of the committees to smoothly draft the constitution.
Madhav Kumar Nepal, chairman of the main constitution drafting committee said,” The constitution will be progressive and reflect the people’s aspirations.”
The constitution has to be drafted within May 2010.
The country is now governed by what is called an interim constitution.
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Bamdeb Gautam admitted to hospital after constant headache

Kathmandu, 22 Jan: Deputy Prime Minister Bamdeb Gautam has been admitted to a neurological
hospital after constant headache and fever, Naya Patrika reports quoting the ministers press aide Bishwamani Subedi.
Dr Upendra Debkota is treating him.
Gautam was released a few days after angioplasty.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Preparations are afoot to launch a anew party. Now I’ll soon resign from Maoist politburo and CA.”

(Former Maoist Minister Matrika Prasad Yadav, Annapurna Post, 22 Jan.)

“People had assumed they would see peace after those waging people’s war joined the government. But peace is yet to see the light of the day.”

(RPP Chairman Pashupati SJB Rana, The Kathmandu Post, 22 Jan.)

“One party is leading the government, army and a semi-military organization. This is an embarrassing situation for the country.”

(Madhav Kumar Nepal, Kantipur, 22 Jan.)

‘There will be no work until the brake is thrown away. Garbage will continue to pile up and there’ll be no work.”

(Communications Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, 22 Jan.)

“All reactionaries and status quoists are the main enemies of Nepali society. In the present context, Congress can’t be the main enemy.”

(Jhalanath Khanal, Annapurna Post, 22 Jan.)
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