President, PM hold discussions on political crisis

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 April: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Prachanda held discussions on a political crisis that has publicly surfaced following a Maoist threat to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
The prime minister told reporters after the meeting the discussions were fruitful
The president, during the meeting, explained the concerns of 16 political parties expressed to him Tuesday, press advisor Rajendra Dahal of the president said.
Maoist secretariat meeting began immediately after.
The secretariat meeting Tuesday demanded dismissal of Gen Katawal.
The cabinet meeting is scheduled immediately after the secretariat meeting. .
CPN-UML ministers Wednesday decided to support Maoists in government, Acting party Chairman and Home Minister Babdeb Gautam said,
Gautam said he held discussions with Chairman Jhalanath Khanal over telephone in China.
CPN-UML is divided between supporters and critics of Maoists.
Former Party Chief Madhav Kumar Nepal told the prime minister over telephone not to take a hasty decision on the army chief.
A strong faction of the party opposed the Maoist threat in and outside parliament Tuesday.
Nnnn


Constitutional drafting committee meets

Kathmandu, 22 April: A constitution drafting committee meeting began Wednesday to receive reports for a preliminary draft of 11 subject committees.
The committee had asked members to submit their analysis of 400,000 public suggestions by Wednesday.
nnnn

Tharu strike paralyzes life in terai

Kathmandu, 22 April: First reports from terai districts said a resumed strike by Tharus has paralyzed life in the south Wednesday.
Schools, markets and industries in the industries have been closed after an indefinite strike was resumed after a one-month break.
Movement of vehicles has also been disrupted.
nnnn