Maoists begin Madesh interaction

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 Jan: Maoists Thursday began in Bhaktapur interaction with persons concerned with Madesh to formulate a police on the south bordering India.
As the Maoists used India as a base for more than 10 years to launch an anti-government and anti-state activities, nearly two dozen groups are active in activities described as ‘criminal’ also.
The Maoist-led government has said it will conduct only political discussions with non-criminal groups to address regional demands.
Madesh Terai Loktantrik Party (MTLP) is announcing details of a 25-day movement in the south Thursday.
Maoists called the interaction after an influential central committee member and former minister Matrika Prasad Yadav announced he’s also announcing a regional party to push terai demands.
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Martyrs’ day observed in Lainchaur not Sahid Gate

Kathmandu, 29 Jan: In a break with tradition, Martyrs’ Day was observed Thursday at Lainchaur next to the British and Indian embassies.
PM Prachanda offered floral tributes to martyrs there without going to Sahid Gate.
Busts of King Tribhuvan and four martyrs are placed at Sahid Gate.
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Indian foreign minister claims India brought Maoists into political mainstream

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 Jan: Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday admitted New Delhi brought Nepal’s political mainstream by7 toppling the 238-year old monarchy even as it accuses Pakistan for the deadly terrorist attacks on two hotels in the Mumbai.
Nepal’s Maoists then were on India’s terrorist list; Maoists are still on Washington’s terror list even as the previous Bush administration supported India’s behind the scene operations.
The admission comes as India had been denying involvement in moves to topple the regime of King Gyanendra and even Nepal’s democratic constitution described as the best in the world by drafters.
Madhav Kumar Nepal, chairman of a constitution drafting committee, helped draft the 1990 constitution that has been shred to pieces by present rulers.
PM Prachanda has said he stayed in India for eight out of the 10 years of the people’s movement confirming India encouraged their stay in Nepal’s southern neighbour.
“ They [Maoists] agreed. They listened to our suggestions and a government has now been formed with other parties. Maoists are leading the government,” Mukherjee told Al Jazeera Wednesday in an interview.
“We are presenting ourselves as helpers and friends and we don’t to impose anything on them.” Mukherjee added.
Nepal and Nepalis are currently suffering unbearable political crisis as a result of changes brought about by foreigners in 2006.
Mukherjee’s admission comes as main opposition leader admitted when he was Prime Minister India’s RAW suggested to then banned Nepali Congress to hijack a Royal Nepal Airlines stashed with cash to meet a cash crunch as it was organizing protests against King Mahendra from across the border.
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Nepal Army, Maoist-led government on collision course

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 Jan: It has come to light the differences between government and army leadership continues after Tuesday’s critical comments of Nepal Army by Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Sudhir Sharma reports in Kantipur.
After the critical comments, military officers Tuesday held discussions to ‘face any situation’.
“The army is being provoked now. But the national army won’t lose its sense irresponsibly.,” a military source told Kantipur Wednesday.’ But even a cat doesn’t stay quiet when closed behind doors. We won’t sit quietly,” he said.
According to a source, diplomats because after the dispute.
There was agreement to continue recruitment to fill vacancies and sent it quietly to the defence ministry for approval.
Mutual accusations then stopped after a meeting between PM Prachanda and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
The defence minister’s latest statements has given continuity to the controversy.
“In fact, only Maoist combatants are being integrated and resettled,” NC member of a special army integration committee said.
“Our understanding is there should be civilian control over the army. Isn’t that necessary in Nepal? “Maoist PLA Barsha Man Pun Pasang chief asked.
Amid the controversy, RPP leader and former Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand supported army recruitment Wednesday and said it was a continuity.
Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday asked Maoists not to increase a chasm between government and army.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Newly christened Nepal’s Hugo Chavez, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is struggling to wash off the slur. Ever since three powerful western ambassadors went into a joint session with Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala to convey the epithet, Dahal has been cozying up with his wily predecessor. Koirala was reportedly befuddled by the request for a joint meeting.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 29 Jan.)
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