VP Jha refuses to take oath in Nepali

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 Aug: Defying the supreme court and government, Vice-president Parmananda Jha refused Sunday to take an oath of office in Nepali.
He will cease to be vice-president from Monday after disobeying a court order to take an oath by Sunday in the national language.
Jha, a retired supreme court judge, made the defiant announcement in Nepali at a 16-minute news conference at his office without entertaining questions from reporters.
The apex court ruled the oath he took one year ago in Hindi although administered by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav in Nepali was unconstitutional.
Jha demanded a 7th amendment to the interim constitution to take an oath in the mother tongue raising a language issue.
Government has assured Jha it will amend the constitution although no progress has been made in drafting a basic to replace the interim document.
Parties have been amending the interim constitution to suit immediate party interests.
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Maoists to intensify anti-govt. protests

Kathmandu, 30 Aug: A Maoists anti-government struggle committee headed by first vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai Sunday decided to intensify anti-government protests for what it was called the restoration of civilian authority.
Maoists are on protests after being dislodged from government more than three months ago.
The party decided to mobilize all organizations under its fold for the protests in parliament and street from Monday beginning with the boycott of president and cabinet members.
The main opposition said the struggle will continue indefinitely until objective is reached.
Maoists raised slogans in parliament for the 13th time Sunday obstructing parliament business.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Sunday denied ruling parties were isolating Maoists.
H asked Maoists to be ‘flexible’ and sit own for a dialogue.
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20 injured in prison clash at Dilli Bazzar

Kathmandu, 30 Aug: Twenty prisoners were injured in a clash between at Dilli Bazzar khor or prison Sunday.
The clash ensued following differences with prison management.
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