CPN-UML opts for consensus on army chief dismissal; Maoists isolated

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 April: PM Prachanda and President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Yada held discussions on a political crisis after Maoists decided to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal for alleged disobedience to civil authority..
Prachanda also held discussions Sunday with Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood who returned Saturday after consultations from New Delhi Saturday amid fars of an armycoup denied by the army.
“It’s not an action against the army. It was an attempt to maintain civilian control over army which will be maintained through consensus,” Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai said.
He was present at the Prachanda, Sood meeting
CPN-UML standing committee finally decided Sunday only a tripartite meeting and understanding of Maoists, main opposition Nepali Congress and CPN-UML Katawal, General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel said after a meeting of the main coalition partner of the Maoists in governemnt.
”One party cannot take a unilateral decision,” Pokehrel said, after a standing committee decision.
Main opposition Nepali Congress disrupted a meeting of the parliament for the third consecutive time lending support to the beleaguered army chief.
Maoists have been effectively isolated through internal and foreign pressures.
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Two killed in Dhanusha for alleged attempt to abduct children

Kathmandu, 26: Two persons were killed for attempted kidnap of children at a village in Dhanusha Sunday, Radio Nepal reported.
Other details weren’t available.
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