Maoist secretariat meets to discuss political crisis

Kathmandu, 30 April: Maoist secretariat started meeting Thursday morning to discuss a political crisis after the Unified CPN (Maoist) decided to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal four month before he retires.
Main opposition Nepali Congress has opposed the Maoist move while CPN-UML has demanded the dismissal of Katawal and Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal.
There were also reports of a possible military coup.
Maoists are discussing party proposals.
Other parties also continued discussions.
Leaders of civil society met Prime Minister Prachanda Thursday and warned differences between parties will delay drafting a constitution.
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Violent Tharu strike continues

Kathmandu, 30 April: Violent Tharu strike demanding de-linking from the Madeshi group continued for the 9th day Thursday.
Vehicles were moving under curfew along highways to ease shortages.
Two VDC offices were torched overnight in Dang.
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Krishna Prasad Bhattarai discharged

Kathmandu, 30 April: Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was discharged from hospital Wednesday.
The founding member of main opposition Nepali Congress which he quit after the party took a republican posture was hospitalized for heart and lung infections.
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Min Bahadur Rayamajhi appointed chief justice

Kathmandu, 30 April: Min Bahadur Rayamajhi has been appointed chief justice by the constitutional council.
Rayamajhi is the senior-most supreme court judge.
He succeeds Kedar Prasad Giri who is retiring after reaching superannuation age.
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Gurkhas get support in British parliament

Kathmandu, 30 April: Opposition parties and some government lawmakers called on the British government Wednesday to ease restrictions on the right of Nepali Gurkha soldiers to settle in the UK, agency reports fro London reported.
The opposition is urging authorities to overturn a decision which loosened immigration restrictions for the Nepali Gurkha veterans.
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Nepal is playing Qatar for third position in Elite Cup cricket tournament

Kathmandu, 30 April: Nepal is playing Qatar in Kuwait for third position in the U-19 Elite Cup cricket tournament.
Afghanistan ousted champions Nepal for the first time in four years Wednesday.
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