Maoist politburo meets later Monday

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 15 June: A repeatedly postponed meeting of a 45-member Maoist politburo gets underway later Monday after the end first phase of anti-government anti-president protests against what it called unconstitutional action of a ceremonial president to retain sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
Maoists also protested a ban on a debate on a censure motion against President Ram Baran Yadav’s action in parliament.
Maoists secretariat Sunday ahead of the politburo meet and finalized a 3-point political document being president by Chairman Prachanda Monday.
The meeting will discuss the second of protests.
A curfew was slapped on Kalikot district headquarters district headquarters overnight following clashes between activists of ruling party CPN-UML and Maoist activists during the Maoist-led protests in Bheri and Karnali anchals.
The politburo will also discuss other burning issues such as integration of its combatants in Nepal, delayed drafting of a constitution and future strategy.
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Maoist Valley strike disrupts life

Kathmandu, 15 June: A strike called Monday by YCL district committee in the Valley to protest was it said was a murder of a district leader paralyzed life in the capital and adjoining districts.
Vehicles that defied the strike were attacked as shops, schools and industries closed down.
Rajendra Phuyal, 35, died while undergoing treatment at Teaching Hospital.
Police picked up Phuyal in an unconscious state from Dharmasthali 8 June and first admitted him to Bir Hospital.
Family members they lost contact with Phuyal four days ago.
YCL claims Phuyal was murdered.
Meanwhile, Maoist district leader Tek Raj Joshi was arrested in Kanchanpur Saturday for allegedly murdering businessman Bishal Jain 16 May.
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Five parties meeting discuss stalled govt. expansion

Kathmandu, 15 June: Five parties, including three from the terai, are meeting later Monday to discuss a stalled expansion in the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Three parties of the Madesh front accused CPN-UML and Nepali Congress Sunday for sharing important ministries; MJF, TMLP and NSP accused the two largest parties in the government for ignoring a coalition culture without broader discussing government expansion.
The meeting is being held at the residence of NC President Girija Prasad Koirala.
Congress Sunday submitted a list of one more minister and three ministers of state to the prime minister.
Congress has proposed Mohammad Alam minister and Ganesh Bhadur Khadka, Chandra Singh Bhandari and K Bahadur Bashyal ministers of state.
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Another personal secretary for PM Nepal

Kathmandu, 15 June: Rajendra Kumar Rai has been appointed second personal secretary of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Rai is a former chief of the party student wing.
Yadav Sharma is the other secretary.
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Indian foreign secretary Menon arrives Saturday

Kathmandu, 15 June: Indian foreign secretary Shib Shanker Menon arrives for a two-day visit Saturday after a four-month lapse, Annapurna Post reports.
He will hold discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and leaders of political parties.
Source said PM Nepal’s India visit, bilateral political and economic issues will be discussed.
Date for Nepal’s India visit will be finalized during discussions.
Foreign Secretary Gyan Chandra Acharya is visiting India to prepare the visit’s agenda.
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Finance company CEO arrested

Kathmandu, 14 June: Binit Mani Upadhaya, CEO of World Merchant Banking and Finance Co, was arrested for fraud by police Sunday.
Upadhaya was arrested for cheating Rs 77.2 million on order of Nepal Rashtra Bank and CIAA.
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SC stays sale of Chilime shares

Kathmandu, 15 June: A one-man bench of the supreme court issued an interim order stopping the public issue of shares of the 20 MW Chilime Hydropower Company promoted by Nepal Electricity Authority from Monday.
Petitioners challenged a decision to issue only five percent of shares to locals of Chilime, Rasuwa, when an agreement was to set aside eight percent shares.
Altogether 23,04,000 shares of Rs 100 par value were being sold with a Rs 223.70 premium per share.
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Entry fee into Pashupatinath area doubled

Kathmandu, 15 June: Entry fee for tourists into the sacred Pashupatinath area has been doubled to Rs 500 from Monday.
Nearly 600 tourists visit the temple complex every day.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Tinau river was too small to sweep away groupism in our party.”

(CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Annapurna Post, 15 June)