President’s memo to prime minister; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 April: Details of a memo sent by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
“Reforms of Nepal Army and democratization has been sidelined for half a century. Today, from the point of view of political priority, the management of the combatants in cantonments should be prioritized more than army reforms.
“It will be proper to create an atmosphere of political understanding in the spirit of the constitution while taking decisions on Nepal Army reforms or other related issues.
“At the same time, the management of combatants should be pushed in priority basis,” the memo said according to published reports.
Government Spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said,” President can give advice. We’ve taken that positively. But it is for the government to accept or reject the advise. Government takes the final decision.”
Maoist-affiliated organizations are continuing street protests nation-wide Wednesday to urge government to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
Maoists came out on the streets Tuesday evening in the capital.
“The reply of the army chief [submitted to the office of council of minister’s Tuesday] has no clarification. We’ve taken it as an anti-government argument,” Maoist leader CP Gajurel told Kantipur.
The army chief’s reply doesn’t explain recruitment of soldiers to fill in vacancies or the reinstatement of eight brigadier generals.
nnnn


Suspected Bhutanese Maoists shoot dead Bhutanese refugee

Kathmandu, 22 April: Suspected Bhutanese Maoists overnight shot dead a Bhutanese refugee at a camp in Beldangi, Jhapa, overnight, police said.
Two suspects have been arrested.
Shanti Ram was shot dead in the camp managed by the UNHCR.
Nnnn