Nepal Today: December 2009

Another strike

Kathmandu, 1 Jan.: A nation-wide strike called by Indigenous People Mega Front Friday disrupted normal life nationwide.
The Front is demanding greater political representation and access to education, government and education sectors.
It is asking government to implement past commitments.
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Cold wave continues

Kathmandu, 1 Jan.: Heavy snowfall has been reported from the hill region for the third consecutive day Friday.
Temperatures began plummeting Wednesday when the first winter’s shower was recorded in the capital.
The clod wave has hit the terai as well.
Internal flights have been disrupted.
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PM Nepal returns

Kathmandu, 1 Jan.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said Friday Nepal, China relations has reached a new height.
He said this on return home Friday night concluding a six-day official China visit.
“It was basically a goodwill visit. It has been instrumental to take relations to a new height,” he said.
“The Chinese leadership is very concerned about anti-China activities in Nepal. It is a sensitive issue which we have understood; we have a constant stance in this regard. We won’t allow such activities in our country,” the premier added.
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Army chief boycotts function to declare Tamu army

Kathmandu, 1 Jan.: Tamu Ghi Nepal is also forming Tamu Tiling or Tamu army, Naya Patrika reports.
The army was being Thursday is Pokhara; the plan was suspended because of the dissatisfaction of Army Chief Gen. Chatraman Singh Gurung who was staying at the western division headquarters.
Tamu Ghi said the army will soon be launched.
Gen.Gurung had reached Pokhara Wednesday to attend the concluding function of Lochar.
The programme to declare the army was cancelled after the army chief through an aide told organizers he wouldn’t attend the function.
The chief said the declaration wouldn’t benefit the organization or him.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Two more airlines coming

Kathmandu, 1 Jan.: Nepal is attracting more international airlines, Kantipur reports.
Spirit of Manila of Philippines and Oman Airlines have applied to begins flights to Nepal.
Twenty-seven international airlines will be operating out of Nepal when they begin flights.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“By the look of things, no one should be surprised if it’s the UN in Nepal which will decide the next chief of Nepal Army. The concerted effort to undermine NA’s credibility while UN agencies don’t make a squeak about the atrocities of Maoists puts a big question mark over the credibility of the world body.”

(Narayan Shah, The Kathmandu Post, 1 Jan.)

“Government doesn’t do anything even after speaking; it makes no effort even in silence.”

(Dr Prakash Chandra Lohini of Rashtriya Janasakti Party, Annapurna Post, 1 Jan.)
“Why change the government when it’s functioning? There’s no need to change the government.”

(Congress Vice-chairman Ram Chandra Paudel, Bimarsha, 1 Jan.)

“The bill [7th amendment to interimconstitution] has been introduced to prolong the life of the coalition government.”

(Maoist lawmaker Khimlal Debkota, Annapurna Post, 1 Jan.)

“There’s a conspiracy to make the vice-president take an oath of office and secrecy in Miathali. I have strong objections.”

(Sarita Giri, Annapurna Post, 1 Jan.)
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Maoists urge six-month extension of UNMIM mandate

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Maoists Thursday urged a six-month extension as in he past of UNMIN’s mandate which ends 23 January.
Maoists said UNMIN should stay until the peace process is completed and a constitution is drafted by28 May 28 May 2010.
Maoist Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai said this after a meeting with UNMIN Chief Karim Landgren.
Government has decided to extend the mandate only for four months this time by formally notifying UN in New York.
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Capital receives first winter shower

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: The capital Thursday night received its first winter shower—only a short drizzle though.
Snowfall has been reported from the hills for two continuous days Thursday and Friday.
One person died in a cold wave in Nawalparasi.
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Govt. watching INGO activities

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Government is making it compulsory for INGOs and NGOs to open accounts only in government banks, Annapurna Post reports.
Ministries of finance and social welfare and making preparations.
The accounts can be opened only on recommendation of the auditor general’s office.
The accounts can be opened at Nepal Rashtra Bank, Nepal Bank Ltd., Rashtriya Banijya Bank and Agriculture Development Bank.
The organizations can’t have accounts in private banks.
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PM returns Thursday

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar returns home Thursday after concluding a six-day official China visit.
He held discussions with President Hu Jintao in Beijing Wednesday before leaving for Shanghai.
Nepal briefed Wu on the peace process and drafting of the constitution.
A joint statement issued after meeting said China offered to reduce trade tariffs to encourage Nepali exports and to train agriculture experts.
China will gradually provide zero tariff treatment to 95 percent Nepali exports.
Both countries agreed to improve political and economic ties.
Nepal and China also agreed to develop trade centers along Nepal-Tibet border.
China will help Nepal develop infrastructure, health, education and human resources sectors.
The prime minister returns home Thursday night from Shanghai via Hong Kong.
Nepal visited a trade fair in Shanghai where Nepal is participating.
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Congress, UML tandem against Maoists

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Ruling Nepali Congress and UML, charges by Maoists as Indian puppets, have agreed to jointly mobilize people against the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) at a meeting Wednesday.
The two parties will announced detailed anti-Maoist programmes later.
The second and fourth largest parties in parliament will hold joint public meetings, seminars and awareness campaigns.
They agreed to mobilize people to ‘conclude the peace process and facilitate th drafting of the constitution’.
They also decided to hold talks with Maoists to rehabilitate and integrate Maoist combatants and draft a federal democratic republican constitution.
Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said after the meeting a constitution won’t be promulgated until 19,000 Maoist combatants and rehabilitated and integrated.
“The constitution won’t be promulgated until combatants are rehabilitated,” he said.
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Bidya Bhandari defends the defender

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari Wednesday again defended Nepal Army under attack from several western countries, UN and human rights groups at home and abroad.
She said government won’t take action against Major Niranjan Basnet or any other officer for alleged human rights abuses during the maaoist people’s war.
‘Nepal Army’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions has been outstanding.
‘But the UN decision [to send back Major Basnet from Chad] has put the government in a helpless situation,” adding army personnel are risking their lives for a mere $700 a month, she said.
“Both the state and the rebel party must be treated in the same way in rights violations cases,
“Most ex-rebels who were involved in heinous crimes received clean chit. Security personnel had not committed mistakes but they were just following orders from the high command during the war which was legal too.
“Maoist leaders have violated human rights more than Nepal Army and some of them have already assumed the post of ministers and lawmakers.
“It will be unfair only to blame the NA for violating human rights since Maoists killed more people in that period,” she said.
She even charged her own government.
“The government remained silent even s the UN returned its army officials from Chad mission instead of clarifying the reality on behalf of the government,” Bhandari said.
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MJF to register amendment

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: MJF Nepal Wednesday decided to register an amendment proposal to the 7th amendment in the interim constitution.
The amendment says the president, vice-president and ministers can take their oaths of office in the mother tongue.
Hindi is not the mother tongue of Nepalis.
Inactive Vice-President Parmananda Jha demanded he should be allowed to take his oath in Hindi.
The amendment is being registered in parliament Thursday.
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Mahesh Basnet elected

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Mahesh Basnet, supported by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and KP Sharma Oli factions in ruling UML, was Wednesday elected chairman of the party’s youth wing—Youth federation Nepal (YFN).
He defeated his nearest rival Indra Lal Sapkota, supported by the Chairman Jhalanath Khanal.
Basnet collected 699 votes while Sapkota garnered 597 votes in elections in Lahan.
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Nepali gods again held up in

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Forty containers with goods worth more than Rs 200 million were held up for the second time in Khasa Wednesday.
Chinese businessmen are demanding the return of $300,000 looted in the capital from Syambhu earlier this month.
Several policemen are suspected for the theft.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Gas prices being upped

Kathmandu, 31 Dec.: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is increasing price of gas.
Officials said NOC is incurring heavy selling LPG at current prices—losing Rs 200 million every month.
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CHATTER

“The decision of government to recommend Girija Prasad Koirala’s name for the Nobel peace prize for his contribution to peace by signing a comprehensive peace accord with Maoists is the biggest joke of the century. He is a hijacker of an aircraft—a serious crime and has admitted he was involved in counterfeiting Indian currency while in exile in India. He asked Maoists to kill people standing up for local elections in the royal regime,> He did nothing to institutionalize democracy for nearly 14 years after 1990. he was involved in toppling his own party government more than three times destabilizing the country and democracy. He is a corrupt politician who defied the court which was looking at corruption cases against him. Where is the peace after signing the peace accord? Nepal is currently in a mess.”

(Sagar Thapa)

‘To get a job in the communication sector in the UN you must weither be a Brahmin or a Dalit.)

(Biju Shrestha)

MEDIA GOOGLE

“They [UNMIN] are going further than what is necessary because government given them easy access.”

(UML leader KP Sharma Oli, The Rising Nepal, 31 Dec.)

“Foreigners are stopping change by dramatically propping up players.”

(Chairman Prachanda, Annapurna Post, 31 Dec.)
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Woman killed for alleged witchcraft

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: A 84-year-old woman was hacked to death in Nuwakot this month for alleged witchcraft.
Sir Lama, 24, of Betani-8 killed Maili Lama 8 December for allegedly killing his mother by witchcraft.
Lama confessed to police after his arrest.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“In 365 days, there are 52 weekly holidays and 90 festival, religion holidays. In the remaining 275 days, with closure of offices at three in the afternoon on Fridays and strikes to push demands, there are more ‘public holidays’. Perhaps Nepal tops the first group of nations that observes most public holidays. Nepal follows Sri Lanka in South Asia. If Nepal is to develop, government should give only 52 weekly and 12 festival holidays.”

(Dr Ganesh Gurung , Kantipur, 30 Dec.)

‘Look. Nepal is not big like India. That’s why it shouldn’t be bifurcated on the pretext of federalism. There should be no federalism based on ethnicity. The world will laugh when you talk of secularism and form federations based don ethnicity.”

(MJP leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Kisari, Ghatana ra Bichar, 30 Dec.)

“There should be separate states for Brahmins in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jhapa and Morang. When people with 2,3 percent population are getting states, Bahuns should also get a state.”

(Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Chairman National Brahmin Society, Janaastha, 30 Dec.)

“Political appointments are bankrupting he state-owned enterprises.”

(Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, The Himalayan Times, 30 Dec.)
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7th amendment bill to amend interim constitution presented

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 3- Dec.: A bill to amend the interim for the 7th time was presented at parliament Tuesday by Law Minister Prem Bahadur Singh even as major parties differ on major issues to be incorporated in a proposed constitution that has to be promulgated by 28 May 2010.
Amendment to article of the interim constitution will enable the president and vice-president to take their oaths of office in the mother tongue as well besides Nepali.
The bill’s purpose is to activate the vice-presidency before President Dr Ram Baran Yadav proceeds on a state visit of India early 2010.
Question has arisen who will assume his duties in the president’s absence from the country.
Vice-president is inactive after Parmanandha Jha refused to take his oath of office in Nepali as directed by the supreme court.
Jha took his oath in Hindi refusing to take his oath of office and secrecy in Nepali.
Hindi is not the mother tongue of Nepalis.
Vice-coordinator of MJF Jayaprakash Prakash Gupta Tuesday sought Chairman Prachanda’s support for the bill’s passage.
Parliament rejected by voice vote Gupta’s objection notice which said wouldn’t resolve the language dispute relating to Jha; Gupta demanded government bring another bill to reinstate the vice-president whose perks the government has cancelled.
“If the bill is passed in the present form, the vice-presidency won’t be activated,” Gupta argued.
Jha is from MJF.
“This bill has been introduced with the hope the vice-president will take his oath after its passage,” Minister Singh said.
Government has introduced the bill for its convenience.
The government is killing two birds with one stone.
This is a strange reason to amend the basic law of the land.
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Congress, UML discuss Maoist concerns

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Ruling parties Nepali Congress and UML are continuing discussions at the Congress parliamentary office Wednesday how to address Maoist concerns as the main opposition has adopted a stiff attitude to the government and the president.
“We have come to the conclusion the peace process end can’t be achieved without the management and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants,” UML’s Yubaraj Ghimere said after the first meeting at its office Tuesday.
“We’ve to resolve our own problems. Maoists have unnecessarily brought in India. It isn’t right,” Congress Spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC said after the meet.
Congress and UML condemned Maoist call for direct talks with India to discuss its demands.
Chairman Prachanda condemned the two ruling parties as Indian puppets.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“We’re poor in the 21st century because in the past we couldn’t manage the nation’s politics.”

(President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Kantipur, 30 Dec.)
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Nepal, China sign two agreements
Kathmandu, 20 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal held discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jibao in Beijing Tuesday.
Nepal and China signed an agreement for 150 million yuan grant and a youth exchange programme Wednesday.
China agreed to help Nepal in tourism and agriculture sectors besides developing sector, especially roads along Nepal-Tibet border.
Nepal will hold discussions Wednesday with President Hu Jintao before flying for Shanghai en route home.
Nepal returns home Thursday concluding a six-day official visit.
The prime minister invited Wen to visit Nepal at a convenient time.
China extended President Dr Ram Baran Yadav an invitation to China; he’s likely to visit the northern neighbour March.
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Shyam Sundar Raut shot and injured

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Trader Shyam Sundar Raut was shot and injured in Lahan Monday.
Nearby, a UML youth conference was being conducted.
Violence continues unabated where terai rebel groups are either demanding autonomy or independence.
Meanwhile, police Tuesday seized 13 bags of sockets for making bombs in Dhankuta.
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Gurungs celebrate Loshar

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Gurungs are celebrating Tamu Loshar Wednesday.
This is the year of the tiger.
Government announced a public holiday.
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Minister Minendra Rijal assaulted by Maoists

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Minister Minendra Rijal from Nepali Congress was assaulted by Maoists in Gaighat after addressing a public function Tuesday.
This is the first time Maoists have physically assault a minister.
Maoists, in their anti-government and anti-president protests, had been vandalizing their vehicles.
Nepali Congress district unit accused the district government for failure to provide security.
Maoists , in their fourth phase of month-long protest, are on a nation-wide exposure and national awareness drive against foreign interference charging India directly for meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs.
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Bheri, Karnali anchals closed down

Kathmandu, 29 Dec.: Nine districts of Bheri and Karnali anchals were forcibly closed down by Rashtriya Janamukti Morcha (RJM) opposing federalism.
Normal life in the far-West has been disrupted.
The communist party that lends support to the government from the opposition bench earlier protested in Gandaki and Dhaulagiri anchals Sunday.
RJM is holding phase-wise strike in all 14 anchals.
The closure comes at a time when Maoists declared 13 federal autonomous republics as the main opposition charged other parties for opposing such a structure.
RPP-Nepal calling for a referendum of federalism, Hindu state and monarchy has collected more than three million votes to decide the discuss.
Even though major political parties claim the people want a federal stricture, a recent reliable public opinion poll said more than 54 percent people either oppose or don’t know federalism.
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PM Nepal holding talks with Chinese counterpart

Kathmandu, 29 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is holding talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao in Beijing Tuesday.
An agreement on a 150 milllion yuan grant is also being penned Tuesday, doubling Chinese assistance to Nepal.
Nepal confers with President Hu Jintao Wednesday before leaving for Shanghai.
The premier returns home Thursday.
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More details on swine flu outbreak in Nepal

Kathmandu, 29 Dec.: The Ministry of Health and Population has confirmed 150 pandemic H1n1 virus infection cases across the nation, The Rising Nepal reports.
Among them, 106 are males and 44 females. Around 60 percent of the cases have been found in people aged between 15 and 45.
Kathmandu district has the largest number of cases.
The virus has been founding nine districts including Kathmandu.
Two swine flu deaths have been reported so far.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Parliament committee stops Airbus purchase

Kathmandu, 29 Dec.: Public accounts committee of parliament Monday asked Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to scrap a deal to purchase two Airbuses saying the deal was irregular.
The committee also asked the refund of Rs 600 in advance payment.
The Finance Ministry had also objected to the deal saying the government couldn’t guarantee the purchase.
Employees’ Provident Fund was extending a loan for the purchase for the troubled state airline.
British, French and German envoys, lobbying the government on behalf of Airbus, said the deal between airbus and NAC was regular.
American embassy has been lobbying on behalf of rival Boeing.
The committee has urged a transparent budding process.
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Perk for Nepali workers in Qatar

Kathmandu, 29 Dec.: Qatar companies wanting to hire Nepali workers are required to feed them or pay them a monthly food allowance of 200 riyal (equivalent to Rs 2,000) from 1 January, 2010, The Kathmandu Post reports from Qatar.
The Nepal embassy is Qatar will not approve the demand letter of companies for Nepali workers otherwise.
With this provision, salary of unskilled Nepali workers will go up to 800 riyal (Rs 8,000), including food stipend.
Travel expenses for migrant workers flying to Qatar are likely to go down with the Nepal embassy here making it mandatory for their employees to provide them return air tickets.
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CHATTER

“You’ll be rejected by UN agencies and western embassies these days even if you are the best qualified for the job. Unqualified Dalits and other will be recruited. To save yourself embarrassment, don’t apply for jobs there if you aren’t in that group.”

(Jiban Sharma)

MEDIA GOOGLE

“Attempt is being made [by Maoists[ to please expansionist India being their agent; but the master doesn’t believe them.”

(Matrika Prasad Yadav of rebel Maoists, Naya Patrika, 29 Dec.)

“Maoists have committed much more heinous HR violations [than Nepal Army] and the international community should encourage the government as well as the Maoists to adopt a common standard and approach on them,.”

(Sher Bahadur Deuba, newsfront, 29 Dec.)

“Again, he [Lt Gen Toran Bahadur Singh] wasn’t in Nepal when the case in which he is being implicated happened.”

(UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel, Annapurna Post, 29 Dec.)

‘Government is probably joking by recommending the supreme commander of Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala for the Nobel peace prize. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has reaped three benefits. He has pleased Koirala and the people fed up with politics while revealing how ‘important decisions’ are made by the government.”

(Yubaraj Gautam, Tarun, 29 Dec.)
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PM Nepal, Hu Jintao talks Tuesday

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top leaders in Beijing Tuesday.
He arrived in the Chinese capital Monday from Xian where he presented a statue of Lord Buddha to a monastery.
Nepal returns home Thursday.
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Load-shedding increased to 51 hours

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Load-shedding will almost be doubled to 51 hours a week from Wednesday in the peak winter season, Nepal Electricity Authority announced Monday.
Power outage will be increased from 28 to 51 hours a week.
The alibi is reduced level of water in rivers and India’s non-supply of power.
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Second rescheduling of Maoist child soldier discharge

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: For the second time the discharge of 3,000 plus Maoist child soldiers from UN camps has been rescheduled.
The discharge that was to have begun Sunday was rescheduled from Friday.
The release will now begin 6 January and will be completed in 33 days.
This was agreed at a meeting between representatives of government, Maoists and UN representatives.
The discharge that was to begin Sunday would have been completed in 40 days.
Maoists asked for the reschedule for preparations.
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Three killed, two seriously injured in abandoned bomb blast

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Three persons were killed and two others were seriously injured in an abandoned bomb blast at a garden of Janukumari Rai at Bhandara in Chitwan Monday morning.
Rai, 45, and her daughter were among those killed.
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Doctors to call off strike

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Striking doctors have opted to call off their strike Tuesday welcoming a government decision Monday to form a task force to consider their demands.
An informal cabinet meet Monday formed three-member ministerial task force headed by Health Minister Umakant Chaudhary with the health secretary as member secretary.
The committee will consider perks and privileges for doctors while ensuring security at work.
Doctors will enter government service as 9th grade government employees.
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India objects disrespect for national flag

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: India has taken seriously the disrespect to the Indian flag at a function attended by Maoist Chairman Prachanda, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Disrespect was shown at a programme in Basantapur where an autonomous Newa state was declared.
A video of the event has reached New Delhi which has asked for details from Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood.
In the programme, a Maoist combatant in battle gear pulls out a flag planted on encroached Nepali soil and hurls sit to the ground.
Sources close to Prachanda said the chairman regrets the incident and is telling persons the incident was a plot against him.
In meeting with senior leaders of political parties, he has been saying there’s a conspiracy to spoil his relations especially with India and ties foreign ties.
Even I don’t know why the Indian flag was brought on the stage but when it was suddenly thrown. I was surprised,” he has been reportedly telling senior leaders.
Chairman Prachanda discussed the matter with Sood Sunday.
He said he didn’t have prior knowledge and said the event happened suddenly at a cultural programme.
RAW chief in Nepal and other Indian officials took up the issue with Prachanda earlier.
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Indian army chief coming

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Indian Army Chief Dipal Kaapoor arrives for a four-day visit 1 February, Janabhawana reports.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav will confer on hin the title of honourary general of Nepal Army.
It’s learnt Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is arriving immediately after Gen Kapoor.
Indian military hardware has begun filtering into Nepal after the just concluded India visit of Army Chief Gen. Chatraman Singh Gurung.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“When out of power, finally the issues of unequal treaties, foreign attack, interference and interference in internal affairs crop up. They continue throughout. But it is opposed only periodically. Out nation today is in danger because of the dual character of leaders.”

(Janardhan Acharya, Nepal newsmagazine, 28 Dec.)
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Doctors on strike

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Doctors went on strike from Monday disrupting health services nation-wide, except emergency service.
Services have been affected at government and private hospitals.
A cabinet is meeting Monday to address demand of doctors.
Doctors are demanding legislation for security at work protesting assaults on doctors and hospitals.
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PM Nepal begins substantive part of China visit Monday

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal begins the substantive part of his China visit Monday when he arrives in Beijing for talks with top Chinese leaders from Xian in central China.
Nepal flew for China via Lhasa Saturday.
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Garbage being lifted Monday

Kathmandu, 28 Dec. Heaps of garbage will be lifted from the streets of the capital Monday after three weeks of protests by employees of local bodies.
Tons of rubbish had been lying on the streets as employees pressed demands, including permanence of tenure and treatment at par with government officials.
Government and striking employees reached a three-point agreement to resolve demands within three weeks.
Employees were on a nation-wide strike.
Employees of local bodies, like municipalities, have threatened to resume their strike if demands aren’t met within three months.
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Maj. Gen Toran Bahadur Singh promoted

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Major Gen. Toran Bahadur Singh was appointed Lt. Gen. and chief of the general staff Sunday despite pressures on the government by UN, several western capitals and human rights not to promote him.
Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung conferred on him the insignia at army headquarters.
Three Maoist activists challenged the legality of the promotion at the supreme court Sunday arguing the promotion was against rule of law while ignoring human rights concerns.
An army court of inquiry cleared him of charges for involvement in human rights abuses while he commanded the Bhairabnath Battalion during the Maoist insurgency.
Although it’s claimed 49 Maoists went missing from the battalion in the capital more than 20 have been traced.
There’s no conclusive evidence army was involved in possible killings.
The promotion comes after the restoration of snapped relations five years ago between the armies of Nepal and India which has now agreed to resume suspended arms supplies.
India in Nepal’s main weapons suppliers; China this month agreed to equip the engineering wing of the state army.
Western governments, mainly some EU states, and human rights groups haven’t shown similar concern with Maoist human rights violations.
The UN was a silent spectator to the murder of a Kathmandu businessman at a cantonment where Maoist combatants are under UN watch.
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First swine flu death

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Nepal’s first swine flu death was reported at the Bir Hospital Sunday.
Prof. Dr Vijaya Sharma at the hospital said a 29-year-old woman succumbed to the disease.
But health Secretary Dr Pravin Mishra said one person died earlier at Janamaitri Hospital in the capital.
More than five dozen cases have been reported from the capital, Chitwan, Pokhara and Parbat.
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Obstacle to amend the interim constitution

Kathmandu, 28 Dec. : A proposal to amend the interim constitution for the seventh time couldn’t be tabled in parliament bill Sunday by Law Minister Prem Bahadur Singh because of procedural flaws.
Jayaprakash Prakash Gupta (MJF) objected the bill was being tabled without informing lawmakers; lawmakers weren’t given opportunity to file amendments to the government bill.
Legislators should have been given a day’s notice to propose amendments at the parliament secretariat.
A seventh amendment to the interim constitution was proposed amid tardy progress to promulgate a constitution to institutionalize a republic by 28 May 2010.
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Nepali dead in Korea

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Shyam Guring died in a fire which broke out at a motel Sasan, reports from South Korea said.
Gurung had gone there in 2000.
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Parliament ratifies bill

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Parliament Sunday ratified a bill to accede to United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its operational protocol.
The convention approved by the UN 13 December 2006 is open for signature from March 2007.
The bill was the first to be approved after Maoists lifted its disruption of parliamentary proceedings.
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Matrika Yadav, Jagat Prasad Yadav to be expelled from CA

Kathmandu, 28 Dec.: Matrika Yadav and Jagat Prasad Yadav, elected to the CA and parliament, on Maoist ticket, will be expelled.
A CA business advisory committee Sunday decided to annul membership demanded by UCPN (Maoist).
The CA will meet to act on the decision of the business advisory committee.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Nepal Army will also support the rebellion now.”

(Maoist leader Lilamani Pokhrel in Maoist mouthpiece Janadisha, 28 Dec,)
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Prachanda seeks explanation on Indian army chief’s statement

Kathmandu, 27 Dec. Chairman Prachanda :Sunday asked Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood on the authenticity of Indian Army Chief Dipak Kapoor’s statement India didn’t want the mass integration of Maoist combatants in Nepal Army, according to Maoist Spokesman Dinanath Sharma.
Sood held discussions before leaving for New Delhi for consultations of Indian foreign minister’s visit to Nepal in mid-January.
Sood, according to Sharma, said he would give an authoritative reply after consultations. With his government.
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PM Nepal arrives in Beijing Monday

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.:Prime Minisrer Madhav Kumar Nepal arrives in Beijing Monday to begin the substantive part of his six-day China visit.
He arrived in Xian Sunday from Lhasa where he visited Potala Palace and Jhokang monastery.
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PM holds talks with Tibetan officials

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Saturday held talks in Lhasa with Secretary of Communist Party of Tibet Zhang Quingli on the first day of his China visit.
Nepal began a six-day visit Saturday.
He assured Zhang Nepal’s won’t permit anti-China activities on its soil.
Nepal at the request of China has agreed to deploy Armed Police Force along the border to stop activities of supporters of the Free Tibet Movement.
The prime minister asked Zhang to extend the Beijing, Lhasa rail link to Kathmandu.
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One Nepali shot dead in USA

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Surendra Dangol, 40, in Boston
was shot dead at a store in Boston Saturday.
He started work one week ago at the store owned by a Pakistani.
Dangol migrated to USA three years ago.
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Details of Banke shootout

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Police shot dead Omkar Shahi in Banke Sunday.
Several other members of a terai rebel group are believed to be injured.
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Action recommended against AIG Kalayan Tilamshina

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Action has been recommended against AIG Kalayan Timalshina for his involvement in the $ 300,000 theft, Rajdhani reports.
The recommendation was made by an investigation team led DIG
Rajendra Singh Bhandari.
The report was submitted one week ago to IGP Ramesh Chand Thakuri.
Timalshina has also been accused for involvement in freeing abductor of trader Sanjaya Surekha and releasing 20 kg silver of a trader without paying customs.
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SPORTS

Prabin Karki banned for one year

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Prabin Karki, defender of Three Star Clum, has been banned from all football activities for one year by All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for assaulting referee Madhisudan Khanal during a match.
A disciplinary committee headed by Narayan Manandhar found Karki guilty.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Then Prime Minister Prachanda made mockery of civilian supremacy by not recommending the sacking of the army chief. Civilian supremacy has been undervalued by not proceeding according to the constitution.”

(RJP leader Prakash Chandra Lohini, Deshantar, 27 Dec.)
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Rakesh Sood consults Prachanda

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood Sunday morning held hour-long political consultations with Chairman Prachanda before flying for New Delhi for consultations.
The meeting comes immediately after the Maoist chairman called for direct calls on Nepal’s internal politics charging Nepali Congress and UML for being Indian puppets with whom no work could be done.
Maoists have opposed an Indian declaration to resume suspended military supplies to Nepal Army after
Within 24 hours, Prachanda minimized the significance of his call saying it was only a ‘political satire’.
Sood is going home for consultations as Maoists Friday launched a month-long ‘national awareness an exposure’ campaign directed at highlighting foreign interference in Nepal in their anti-government and anti-president campaign.
Maoists have threatened to launch an indefinite strike if their demands aren’t met by 24 January.
The main opposition leaders are addressing rallies in areas where the UCPN (Maoist) says there is massive border encroachment by India.
“Right now, Indian interference has increased; that’s why it should be challenged in a campaign; civilian supremacy can’t be established without this,” second ranking Maoist leader Mohan Baidya Kiran said.
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Maoist politburo meet begins

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: A two-day Maoist politburo meeting began Sunday to review the just ended third phase of their anti-government and anti-president protest.
The meeting will also finalize detailed programme on the fourth phase of their prolonged protest launched Friday.
The central committee meets after the politburo meet ends.
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Newa autonomous state declared

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Newa autonomous state was declared Saturday from the Dasrath Rangashala by a joint Newa struggle committee supported by 31 sister organizations of major ruling parties—UML and Nepali Congress—an main opposition Maoists.
UML and Congress Newar leaders were present at the declaration.
The state will encompass eight districts—the Maoist federal autonomous region includes only Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
UML and Nepali Congress leaders participated in the function even as they opposed the unilateral Maoist declaration of 13 federal autonomous regions in a country unified by Prithivi Narayan Shah 238 years ago.
A flag of the state was unfurled as the new state’s national anthem was sung.
Maoist leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha attended the function claiming ‘public pressure has been created for federalism and a republic’.
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Talks between govt., local officials

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Talks began Sunday between striking local government officials and the government to discuss demands of local officials on protests since 15 December.
They are demanding an amendment to local self-government act and equal treatment at par with government officials.
Striking officials of local bodies said their struggle will continue as they push demands with government.

Banke gunfire

Kathmandu, 27 Dec.: Police and a terai rebel group were exchanged in Banke in the far-West Sunday morning.
First reports said several revels were injured in the firing.
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PM Nepal leaves on official China visit

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal left Saturday for a six-day official, goodwill visit of China via Lhasa.
He is visiting the northern neighbour after Sher Bahadur Dueba for an official visit.
Nepal consulted ruling coalition partners before emplaning.
Prachanda couldn’t visit China as a government head for an official trip after he was ousted by the present ruling coalitional though as prime minister he attended the Beijing Olympics.
Agreements on a 1.500 yuan grant and youth exchange programme are being signed during the visit.
The government chief will hold discussions with President Hu Jintao.
Nepal is accompanied by Deputy Prime Mininister Sujata Koirala, Finance Minister Surendra Pandey, and Energy Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat.
Nepal will seek Chinese help is infrastructure, hydro power and tourism sector development.
The China visit is Nepal’s fifth foreign trip.
Nepal first attended a non-aligned summit in Egypt; he hen visited India, addressed a UN general session in New York and participated in the climate change summit in Denmark.
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Release of Maoist child soldiers delayed

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: The release of 3,000 Maoist child soldiers from camps sunder UN watch has been delayed by five days.
The release was to begin Sunday.
The programme has been rescheduled at Maoist request and will now begin Friday.
The child soldiers were put in camps even after verification by the UN.
Mmm

Four killed in landslide near Butwal

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: Four persons were buried by a landslide Saturday morning near Butwal.
Work is continuing to clear the road between Butwal and Palpa.
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RPP-Nepal leader killed

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: Saukat Beg, 40, RPP-Nepal Kapilvastu district committee member, was shot dead Friday evening by an unknown group.
Sitaram Yadav was shot and injured in Bara Friday.
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Memorandum to PM to celebrate Prathvi jayanti

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: A memorandum was delivered to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Friday asking him to continue tradition to celebrate the birthday of Pritihivi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, as national unity day.
He unified the nation.
The government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala discontinued celebrations after King Gyanendra through a ‘political decision’ restored parliament dissolved by Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The memorandum was delivered by a delegation led by Modhnath Prashsit, who is a UML activist.
A statement said the ‘the glorious role of Prithvi Narayan Shah has been forgotten’.
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One step forward to complete a constitution draft

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: The main constitution drafting committee Friday moved one step ahead to present its report to the constituent assembly.
The committee decided by vote subjects to be incorporated by vote when there was no consensus following prolonged discussions.
The name of the proposed constitution will be ‘Constitution of Nepal 2067’.
Maoist proposal to include words ‘people’s war’ in the preamble was rejected by majority vote although Maoists voted in favour of mentioning ‘Madesh protest’ in the preamble; the word ‘right to self-determination’ will be incorporated in the preamble.
Voting was held Friday night on 98 topics.
Fifty-eight of 63 committee members participated in the vote, including Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and his cabinet colleagues.
Most Maoist proposals were rejected while major suggestions of Congress, UML and Madesh parties were accepted.
Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, Chairmen Prachanda and Jhalanath Khanal didn’t participate in the division.
The topics were put to vote following differences on the topics.
The two triangle flag will remain and no national emblem will be mentioned in the basic law.
Parliament’s power will be entrusted to the constituent assembly until next elections.
Mention of ‘remains and all forms of feudalism and foreign interference’ was rejected.
The meeting also rejected communist reference to ‘Nepali people remember the struggle against imperialism and expansion’.
Chairman Nilambar Acharya declared the preliminary concept of the committee has been approved by majority becoming the ninth committee of the (CA) to complete its concept.
Two more committees of the CA now have to submit their concepts to the CA.
The draft will now be sent to the CA for discussion.
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Maoists launch fourth phase of anti-govt., anti-president protest

Kathmandu, 26 Dec.: Maoists Friday launched the fourth-phase of their month-long anti-government and anti-president.
Maoists said they will highlight Indian interference during the campaign.
Leaders will address rallies in areas where India has encroached the border.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Friday told rally in Charikot Prachanda’s call for direct talks with India to end his call for restoration of civilian conspiracy was ‘anti-national’.
Prachanda said in a statement,” The main focus of the movement will be to protest foreign interference and defend national sovereignty. The main slogan of the movement is: Let all patriotic and republican forces come together to defend national sovereignty.”
Maoists said India is a hurdle to the peace process.
“To seek the help of foreign lords is anti-national. Nepalis are capable of determining their future themselves,” Nepal added.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The mistake won’t be made now to go for elections while putting Maoist combatants in camps.”

(Premier Nepal, Nagarik, 26 Dec.)
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“191 days strike in one year”

(Headline in Rajdhani, 26 Dec.)
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No PM’s address to parliament

Kathmandu, 25 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal couldn’t address parliament Thursday evening without a quorum.
Less then two dozen legislators of the 601-member legislature present when the government chief was scheduled to speak.
He waited for nearly 30 minutes for seats to be filled.
Chairman Prachanda and UMC Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and other members spoke when parliament convened.
Maoists didn’t disrupt proceedings as in the past seven months.
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Voting in main constitution drafting committee

Kathmandu, 25 Dec.: Voting is being held Friday in the 63-member main constitution drafting committee chaired by Nilambar Acharya on concepts to be incorporated in a proposed constitution
Voting will be at 3.30 in the afternoon.
There was no unanimity between major parties on the name of the constitution, preamble, flag, emergency management ban on political parties and other subjects.
Voting was inconclusive during a similar voting in the committee without three major parties getting a clear majority.
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Christmas celebrated with public holiday

Kathmandu, 25 Dec.: Government Friday declared a public holiday to mark Christmas in a predominantly Hindu state.
Present rulers who toppled monarchy, also declared the previous Hindu kingdom a secular state.
Nepal probably is the only country in the world that announces public holiday during festivities of major religions and ethnic groups.
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Maoist explosives destroyed

Kathmandu, 25 Dec.: United Nations Mines Action team (UNMAT) has destroyed the last explosive cache stored at seven cantonments under UNMIN watch, an official announcement said.
Sixty-five explosives were destroyed at a cantonment in Surkhet.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Congress and Maoists are fattening all because of Girijababu.”

(Congres leader Khum Bahadur Khadka, Rajdhani, 25 Dec.)

“Prachanda must learn to honour and accept not only Prithvi Naraya Shah’s but also the positive contributions of King Mahendra, BP Koirala, Kirtinidhi Bista, Yadhunath Khanal, King Birendra and King Gyanendra. Only when he speaks publicly of national issues, they only a situation will come when he will be cleared for speaking satirically.”

(Yubaraj Ghimere, Rajdhani, 25 Dec,)

Task force to ‘democratize’ army

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: A five-member ministerial task force to ‘democratize’ Nepal Army (NA) was formed Thursday by the cabinet—whatever the vague term means.
The task force in headed by Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari.
The ‘democratization’ of NA is mentioned the comprehensive peace agreement between seven parties and Maoists.
Maoists have interpreted democratization as reduction of the strength of the state force currently at around 90,000.
Some donors have said democratization is reorganization.
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Election in main constitution drafting committee

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Election will be held Friday in the 63-member main constitution drafting committee to decide on articles to be incorporated in a concept paper for a draft constitution.
Chairman Nilambar Acharya made the announcement Thursday after members couldn’t agree n he name of the constitution, flag and other subjects.
Political parties agreed to a vote without unanimity between political parties,
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Govt. withdrawn charges against Rishi Dhamala

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: The cabinet Thursday withdrew charges against Chairman of Reporters’ Club Rishi Dhamala for involvement in a bombing case in the capital for extortion.
A court earlier protested the government move with a case pending against him for involvement in terrorist activities.
The government has defied a court order.
The government first withdrew the case against Dhamala to include him in Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s entourage to the UN in September.
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Prachanda demands government statement on Indian army chief statement

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Chairman Prachanda demanded a government statement on the statement by Indian Army Chief Dipak Kapoor India was ready to resume arms supplies to Nepal if requested through government.
He made the demand during an unobstructed session of parliament Thursday.
The Maoist chief threatened new protests without an official statement.
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Maoist politburo meet

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Maoist politburo will meet for two days in the capital from 27 December.
The central committee will meet 30 December.
A standing committee took the decision Thursday.
The meetings are being held in the midst a fourth phase of national awareness and exposure campaign against the government and the president.
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Details of Prachanda turnaround

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Chairman Prachanda has charged his tune in 24 hours saying his call for talks with India to address Maoist demands was just a political satire.
“It’s only my political satire they [ruling parties] that clearly moving on directions of India and Delhi. It was a political attack. Secondly, there’s also a problem with Delhi. That’s why I said there should be talks with Delhi also.
“Mine is a political spirit; parties should stop looking towards New Delhi. My main intention was to say parties shouldn’t be a robot,” the main chief told Rabindra Mishra of BBC Nepali service Wednesday.
Excerpts of the interview were published in Nagarik Thursday.
But Prachanda clearly said talks won’t be held with Nepali Congress and UML because they were directed by India.
Television covered the Maoist chief’s address at the public rally.
What he says now and what he said then differ widely.
No reason is known for the milder tone of Pachanda.
The Maoist chief also said President Dr Ram Baran Yadav didn’t attend the inaugural of the Beijing Olympics on Indian pressure.
“I heard after becoming prime minister he didn’t go on Indian pressure,” Prachanda, who attended the Beijing Olympics said.
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Former king meets LK Advani

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Former King Gyamendra met BJP leader LK Advani in New Delhi at his residence 19 December, Ghatana ra Bichar reports.
The former king also met some former and sitting members of parliament.
He is meeting Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 8 and 9 January before returning home the next day.
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Maj. Gen Toran Bahadur Singh promoted

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Despite western government and human rights group pressures, Maj. Gen Toran Bahadur Singh was promoted to maj. gen.—the second ranking officer in Nepal Army (NA) by the cabinet Thursday.
Defence ministry has recommended his promotion three months ago and Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was sitting on the file amid protests from Bidya Bhandari, who as defence minister has firmly been behind the NA.
Singh has been cleared by a military for charges he was involved in human rights abuses while serving at the Bhairabnath Battalion where 49 Maoists went missing.
The charges were false as some of the missing were later found alive.
The government has finally resisted foreign pressure amid threats from a US senator to stop US military assistance to the army.
The promotion comes at a time when the government is also being pressurized by some western governments, UN and some human rights organizations to act against Maj. Niranjan Basnet for human rights abuse and involvement in the killing of a girl during the people’s war in Kavre.
The UN sent him back from Chad this month even as he served in another UN peacekeeping in another African state after being cleared by a military court in 2005.
The decision to promote Singh has come at a time when India has decided to resume suspended weapon supplies after five years.
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Govt. decided to extend UNMIN mandate

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Government Thursday decided to extend the mandate of UNMIN for the fifth time from 23 January 2010.
The government decision will be sent to the UN.
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Govt. decides to recommend Girija for Nobel peace prize

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: The cabinet Thursday decided to recommend Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala for the Nobel peace prize.
The government said Koirala has made a contribution peace by negotiating a peace agreement with Maoists.
At what cost? Has peace prevailed after the accord was signed?
Look at the state of the nation.
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Jhalanath Khanal’s resignation demanded

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: The resignation of UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanlal has been demanded at a politburo meeting Wednesday at party headquarters, Annapurna Post reports.
A meeting source said politburo members demanded resignation charging him for not resolving the issue of parallel committee being formed in the party.
Keshab Bahal criticized the party leadership for not resolving an internal party dispute through discussion.
“Either leave the leadership or immediately resolve an internal party problem,” Badal said.
(Note: The meeting ends Thursday.)
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CHATTER

“Bureaucrats and especially politicians enter Singha Durbar with empty bags and six later leave the central secretariat with gold plates.”

(Student Toran Singh)

MEDIA GOOGLE

“Throughout the civil war [Maoist insurgency], activists, often sided with INGOs and certain EU embassies, liked up in opposition to the old order and the military. As the conflict dragged on, a central weapon was to tar the security forces as those who were systematically engaged in war crimes while the Maoists were simply given a pass.”

(Thomas A. Marks, The Kathmandu Post, 24 Dec.)
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Teachers close down schools nationwide

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Teachers Thursday forced the closure of schools nation-wide pressing several demands.
They are demanding increased salary and perks.
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Maoist standing committee meet begins

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Maoist standing committee began Thursday to review result of the just concluded third phase of their anti-government and
anti-president protests.
They are discussing details of the fourth phase of their national month-long awareness and exposure campaign beginning Friday.
Maoists have threatened a continuous indefinite strike from 24 January of their demands, including the formation of a national government under its leadership isn’t formed.
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Maoists end parliament obstruction

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Maoists won’t disrupt parliamentary proceedings when it meets Thursday.
Maoists ended their seven-month disruption Wednesday and allowed the unanimous passage of a motion to mourn the death of Congress leader Durga Dutta Joshi.
“We are yet workout what form of struggle we will launch from the house,” Deputy Parliamentary Party leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha said.
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UNMIN mandate to be extended

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: The cabinet meets later Thursday to again extend a UNMIN mandate that ends 23 January.
Ten of 18 parties of the ruling parties Wednesday authorized the government to extend the mandate.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday discussed the extension with ambassadors of USA, UK, China, France and Russia–five permanent members of the UN security council.
The mandate has been extended four times six months at the time.
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CA schedules changed for eight time

Kathmandu, 24 Dec: The constituent assembly (CA) Wednesday changed the schedule for 11 subject committees to submit recommendations for articles to be incorporated in a constitution by the 28 May 2010 deadline.
Three committees that failed to submit recommendations have to submit their recommendations by 21 January.
The last deadline was 15 December.
There is no unanimity between political in recommendations of eight subject committees.
The CA hasn’t been meeting regularly in thee absence of an agenda.
It’s doubtful if a constitution will be promulgated in the next five months.
The tenure of the CA, mandated to draft a constitution, also ends in May 2010.
An imminent crisis is looming.
Maoists say government is planning to slap presidential rule.
But others say, if a constitution isn’t promulgated by 28 May 2010, the president, government and parliament will also go.
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No Talks with India on internal issue: Narayan Kazi Shrestha

Kathmandu, 24 Dec.: Narayan Kazi Shrestha Prakash, Maoist deputy leader of the parliamentary party, said Thursday there’ll be no talk with India on internal issues.
He said this one day after Chairman Prachanda told thousands of supporters in the capital at a rally talks to end a prolonged stalemate will be held only with India saying the government was only a puppet of foreigners.
‘Dialogue with India on internal matters should be taken as a satire. There’ll be no talks with India to end a political stalemate,” Shrestha said.
Talks to break a prolonged deadlock will be held in India, he added.
“I said talks should be held with India satirically after political parties here were not serious for talks. The matter of talks with India is just political joke,” Prachanda reportedly told leaders of top three political parties and Chairman Subash Nemwang, according to Rajdhani quoting an unnamed leader present at the meet Wednesday.
According to Nemwang, Prachanda asked leaders not to take his calls for talks with India seriously, Rajdhani said.
Political parties came down heavily on Prachanda for demanding talks with India to discuss internal political issues.
The Maoist chairman hanged his public stance within 24 hours.
India didn’t respond to the call for a dialogue.
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India tightens visa rules

Kathmandu, 24 Dec: India has tightened its rules for long-term tourist visas, officials said today [Wednesday] in a move that is causing confusion for travelers and will affect thousands of foreigners in the country, AFP reports from New Delhi.
Under previous rules, tourists on five or 10-year visas were required to leave the country for 180 days. But they would simply go to a neighbouring country such as Nepal for a brief stay before returning.
Now they will still face the same 180-day deadline, but will have to stay out of the country for two months before they can re-enter.
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India’s sword politics

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: India’s decision whether to honour Nepali army chiefs with the rank of honourary general of the Indian army reflects the state of relations between Nepal and India.
The two states have traditionally conferred the army chiefs of both countries honorary generals of their armies.
The rank of honourary general conferred on Army Chief Gen. Chatraman Singh Gurung during his just concluded India visit marked the restoration of normal ties between the two countries snapped during the royal regime five years ago.
The honour also reflects the good state relations between the two South Asian neighbours.
India honour Gen Gurung’s predecessor Gen. Rukmangud Katawal who was chief during the royal regime.
India didn’t confer that honour on Army Chief Gen. Sachit Shumshere Rana when Indo-Nepal relations were strained after Nepal acquired weapons from China.
Gen Dharmapal Bir Singh Thapa and Gen Pyar Jung Thapa, successors of Gen. Rana, were similarly honoured by India.
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Leaders of three parties at main constitution committee meet

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: Chairman Prachanda, UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and Congress parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel Wednesday held discussions with Nilambar Acharya, chairman of the main constitution drafting committee .
Chairman Subash Nemwang was present as well.
Acharya sought agreement on subjects over which differences persist between major parties for inclusion in the constitution to be promulgated by 28 May 2010.
The leaders will continue discussions Thursday to find an agreement.
If differences still persist, a vote will be taken.
The main committee is preparing a draft constitution for discussion.
Meanwhile, the constituent assembly is meeting later Wednesday to change the work schedule of subject committees for the eights time.
Three of 11 subject committees didn’t submit their suggestions for articles to be incorporated in the constitution by the 15Deceember deadline.
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PM Nepal leaves for China 26 December

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: Hydro power, tourism and infrastructure development will be the subjects for discussion during a week-long visit of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to China.
Free access for 279 Nepali products to China will also be discussed.
Nepal leaves for China Sunday.
The premier held discussions with senior cabinet colleagues Tuesday on his first official visit of Nepal’s northern neighbour.
Nepal will lead a 29-member delegation of 14 officials and 15 businessmen.
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Maoist to end obstruction of parliament

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: Maoist parliamentary party Wednesday decided not to obstruct parliamentary proceedings from Wednesday.
Top leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha said the party will adopt other means without specifying the methods.
Maoists have been obstructing proceedings for six months after being ousted from government.
They didn’t disrupt proceedings for three days to approve the annual budget.
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Secret PM Nepal, Prachanda meet; other details

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: Premier Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Chairman Prachanda met secretly at a private home in Dhumbari immediately after the government chief held discussions with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala Wednesday, Kantipur reports.
The parley, probably at the residence of General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel, took place immediately after the Maoist chief announced in public the main opposition won’t talk with the UML and Congress to press its demands but will talk only with its ‘lords’ or New Delhi.
“The Maoist declaration of autonomous federal republics and the statements of their leaders indicate they are interested more in creating problems ten in resolving issues,” Raghuji Pant Special Political Advisor of the prime minister quoting the president Rajdhani.
Pant said this after the prime minister briefed the president of the current situation.
INDIAN REACTION
They discussed an end to the impasse without coming to an agreement.
“We don’t want to comment on the internal issues of another country,” a Indian foreign ministry official told The Kathmandu Post in the Indian capital.
“They (Maoists) blame India for interfering and then say they want to hold talks with India,” former Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha told the newspaper.
Maoists have announced a month-long public awareness and exposure campaign from Friday—the fourth phase of their anti-government and anti-president campaign.
They threatened an indefinite strike in demands aren’t met by 24 January.
Nepal is heading towards a crisis with the constitution unlikely to be promulgated by the 28 May 2010 deadline.
The tenure of the constituent assembly with the mandate to draft a constitution also ends.
Maoists themselves are predicting there’s a conspiracy to impose presidential rule.
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Govt. attention drawn to UN intervention

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: Government’s attention has been drawn to the OHCHR intervention in the daily and regular work of police, Rajdhani reports.
IGP Ramesh Chand Thakuri has told government he received repeated instructions over telephone–almost orders-- from OHCHR representative Richard Bennet on the second day of Maoist protest.
He inquired about police deployment and instructions to change deployment.
Thakuri drew the attention at an informal meeting where the chief, home defence secretaries were present.
The secretaries decided to draw the attention of the council of ministers to the unwanted interference.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

$6m food assistance for Nepal

Kathmandu, 23 Dec.: UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has provided $6 million to WFP—one of the largest ever grant to the food agency—to provide 4,300 tons of food assistance for 600,000 Nepalis this year, an official announcement said.
“The award is a clear acknowledgement by the UN and the international donor community of both the seriousness of the rapidly deteriorating food security situation in Nepal and its commitment to provide relief to families threatened by hunger,” said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nepal Robert Piper.
Nepal is facing a food crisis after a failed monsoon amid rising food prices.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“He [Prachanda] called New Delhi lords; India was also the base of their battle.”

(Surya Bahadur Thapa, Kantipur, 23 Jan.)

“Dahalji can talk to anyone in the world. He has our blessings.”

(TMLP leader Hridesh Tripathi, Kantipur, 23 Jan.)
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Nepal Maoist, India [More details]

Kathmandu, 22 Dec: Maoists are asking for a dialogue with India amid reports New Delhi secretly supplied weapons to the Sri Lankan government to crush the Tamil rebellion in the island republic.
Invitation for talks may not be attractive for India as it suspects links with Naxalites, Indian Maoists.
Their insurgency is accepted by officials as the worst Indian internal problem.
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Army falls to foreign pressure

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: As Nepal Army (NA() acquiesced to foreign and UN pressure, a three-member board of inquiry headed by Brig Gen. Pradeep Bahadur Singh started hearing on complaints from human rights organizations, UN and certain western capitals Maj. Niranjan Basnet was involved in violation of human rights,
Basnet was sent back by the UN from a peacekeeping contingent in Chad.
The army had cleared him of charged while convicting three army personnel for involvement in the death during operation of a teenage girl during operations on Kavre during the Maoist insurgency.
Several western commentators have charged a military court can’t be trusted even as three military personnel were convicted in the incident.
They are implying that a civilian court can deliver justice when civilian courts are known for their unbridled corrupt practices.
A tussle has broken out between Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who has succumbed to foreign pressure by ordering Basnet be presented at a civilian court in Kavre.
Woman Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari, the only man in the cabinet and wife of late UML leader Madan Bhandari, has come out firmly in support of the state army opposing the government chief.
She reportedly assured relatives of Basnet ‘there would be no injustice’ against him, according to The Kathmandu Post.
With such a large presence in Nepal, how did the UN accept accept Basnet’s incorporation in the Chan peacekeeping mission anyway when the Kaavre case was no well publicized?
UN officials having a good holiday in Nepal at the expense of funding from EU and USA?
Are western governments acting on pressures from INGOs?
They worked in tandem during the royal regime to oust monarchy.
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More details of Maoist threat; India unlikely to be deterred

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Chairman told a public rally ion the capital Tuesday a moth-long campaign from Friday will be a national awareness and an exposure campaign to expose foreign agents.
The main opposition chief threatened an indefinite strike if demands aren’t met by 24 January.
“Demands can’t be met by Congress and UML. We are ready for discussions with New Delhi,” he told a cheering crowd.
He called for negotiations with India even while opposing foreign interference invited by all major political parties in Nepal, including Maoists.
There was no immediate official reaction from New Delhi.
Prachanda said he was ready to talk with ‘lords’ reminiscent’ of his rejection to talk with the government under royal rule in 2005.
New Delhi, thwarted such possibility and invited Maoists and parliamentary parties to agree to a peace agreement in New Delhi,.
India is unlikely to be cowed down with the Maoist threat.
It is squarely behind parties opposed to Maoists when the king is no longer there.
New Delhi has already decided to resume military supplies to Nepal Army suspended during royal rule five years ago.
An angry Prachanda referring to the Indian Army chief Kapoor called him a ‘governor’ for intervening in Nepal’s internal affairs while saying India will resume arms suspended arms supplies.
One thing is certain.
A constitution to replace an interim basic law drafted by an unelected and self-appointed parliament won’t be promulgated in the next five months.
The deadline is 28 May 2010.
No discussions are being held on the constitution; street politics prevails.
Nepal is now paying for politics of treachery and inviting foreign interference.
The present parties asked the king to act ‘politically’ to restore a dead parliament which then overthrew him.
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India, Nepal defence pact

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.:In a move that may further strengthen New Delhi’s strategic reach in the region, India and Nepal are closing in to arrive at a formal defence cooperation framework between the two countries, Ajay Banerjee reports in Tribute News Service from New Delhi.
Well placed sources in the governmnet confirmed the move, saying this would take the relationship to a new level as both the countries already had a friendhip pact. The defence cooperation framework would be within that friendship treaty, which is due for renewal.
Talks, said sources, had been held with the Nepalese on the matter earlier this month and the progress was “good”. Officials from the ministries of external affairs, home and defence, besides from the security agencies, were part of the talks.
According to sources, India is looking to quantify the military aid its gives to Nepal, including the cost of training and employing Gurkhas. Notably, there are 11 Gurkha regiments -- some 35,000 men -- in the Indian Army, who after retiring also get pension from India.
Besides, India is racing against time as China and Nepal last week entered into an agreement for aspects of training and militray aid running upto Rs 220 million. The fight is to get a bigger “toe hold” in the Himalyan nation that is sandwiched between the two powers, said sources.
India is ready to offer military training, which includes some 100 odd courses for Army officers. Supply of weapons like the INSAS rifles could be restored to Nepal. Besides, both the nations would also have in place an information sharing system under the defence framework. The Nepalese also want more medical facilities in addition to the existing set up by the Army near Pokhra. In turn, Nepal would have to give a surety that weapons like the INSAS rifles did not find their way to Maoists.
As part of the pact, India is likely to extend to Nepal all help as it aims to establish a good security mechanism and provide training to enhance capability of the Nepalese army. India has made it clear that it does not want any Maoist elments in the Nepal army, as New Delhi sees them “more inclined towards China”. And in turn, Nepal wants that India should restore the supply of weapons to the amount it was a decade ago. India started scaling down its military aid in 2001 when Maoist insurgency picked up in the neighbouring nation.
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Talks will be held only with masters [India]:Prachanda

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Maoists Tuesday internationalized their demand for the restoration for ‘civilian supremacy’ saying the matter has to be discussed with India because the government is directed by foreigners.
He told thousands of supporters at a rally ‘talks will be held only with masters’ accusing the government for being run by ‘remote control’.
He said,”Talks will be held only with India.”
He presented a five-point agenda.
He said talks have to be held with India to address their demands.
Maoist Chairman Prachanda said while addressing a public meeting in the capital at the end of a three-day nation-wide violent protest.
Prachanda said a resolution to their demand can’t be found from within the country.
He charged Indian Army Chief Dipak Kapoor who said 19,000 Maoists shouldn’t be drafted en masse into Nepal Army for interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs.
He also said India was ready to rearm Nepal Army after five years.
Prachanda said arms weren’t needed.
“I feel surprised with the need,” he said.
Maoists, he said, won’t retreat.
The main opposition chief changed the media for conspiring to send the Maoists back to the jungle.
The Maoist chief announced a month-long fourth phase of heir movement will begin Friday saying it ‘will be Delhi centered’.
He said this even as General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal said recently republic was established in Nepal with foreign help.
The Maoist chief announced the end of a three-day nation-wide stoppage that was violent.
Three dozen vehicles were vandalized during the last day’s strike Tuesday.
Life throughout the country was returning to normal at the end of the protracted strike Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Prakash Shran Mahat from Nepali Congress reacted immediately saying Prachanda’s call for talks with India was “irresponsible, laughable and sad”.
He said this even as his own party flew to India and signed comprehensive peace accord with Maoists brokered by India.
Maoists themselves launched their 10-year people’s war using India as a base.
Prachanda said he spent eight of his 10 years of the people’s war in India.
Mahat’s reaction is as laughable because his party along with others invited foreign intervention in Nepal, including the UN for which the people are suffering.
The previous Nepali Congress-led government of Girija Prasad Koirala held regular consultations with myriad Indian leaders on how to conduct Nepali affairs.
Prachanda’s statement will only increase foreign interference in Nepal’s internal affairs—a process which was invited by the main parties.
The Maoist chief’s reaction comes immediately after his discussion of internal Nepali affairs with SD Muni in Singapore.
Many Nepalis believe he is a pointman for the government of India.
Mahat’s statement comes at a time when the UNMIN should be sent home after its extended mandate ends 23 January to reduce foreign influence.
But donors funding the UN will push extension to retain a foothold in Nepal through the world body.
Mahat’s reaction is itself laughable when leaders of parties, including his own, go on political errands to New Delhi and discuss internal affairs with Indian leaders and bureaucrats.
His leader Sher Bahadur Deuba recently did that.
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President holds discussions with president

Kathmandu, 22 Dec: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal held separate discussions with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala Tuesday amid increasing political uncertainty.
The premier’s aide said his forthcoming China visit was discussed in the meetings.
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Load-shedding to increase

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Load-shedding will be increased by two hours every day from next week, Nepal Electricity Authority said,
Power outage will be increased from four to six hours every day,
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Two shot and injured in Saptari and Morang

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Two persons were shot and injured by unidentified people/groups in Saptari and Morang in fresh violence in the terai.
Jivan Shan was injured when raiders entered his house overnight and shot him while exploding a socket bomb.
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Wild elephants kill two more in Dhanusha

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Wild elephants killed two persons, a 70-year old man and a 12-year-old girl at a village in Dhanusha Tuesday.
Four others were killed earlier at Chisapani in the distriuct.
Villagers are trying to drive away the herd from the area.
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CHATTER

‘Foreigners are flouting diplomatic norms by directly approaching the IGP seeking action against Maj. Niranjan Basnet. They are acting like new viceroys when the officer has been cleared by a military tribunal. Foreigners should approach government through the foreign ministry. ”

(Retired foreign ministry official.)
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Maoist strike ends Tuesday

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: A violent three-day anti-government and anti-president Maoist nation-wide strike ends Tuesday.
The closure disrupted schools, industries, businesses and inconvenienced people.
The strike disrupted life on the third day as well.
Chairman Prachanda is to announce the end of the strike at Naya Baneshwor in the capital while addressing a public meeting.
Maoist activists are converging at the meeting site.
Maoists will announce the fourth phase of their strike after party discussions.
Both the government an Maoists have adopted tough positions.
A breakthrough is not likely in a six-month political deadlock.
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Congress leader dead

Kathmandu, 22 Dec; Congress leader Durga Dutta Joshi has died, the party said.
He was elected member of the parliament from Baidadi in the first general elections in 1959.
He was member of the upper of chamber of parliament after the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1990.
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German food assist

Kathmandu, 22 Dec.: Germany has given additional Nepal food assistance worth 500,000 euros through the FAO, the German embassy said.
The assistance will help purchase 84,916 metric tonnes of food from for distribution in rural Nepal amid scarcity after bad monsoon.
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Maoists threaten fourth phase protest will be devastating without agreement

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: Maoists Monday threatened the fourth phase of their prolonged anti-government and anti-president protests will be more devastating if their demands aren’t met by Tuesday on final day of their three day protests Tuesday.
The second day of their protests Monday was violent as the first day Sunday.
Maoists vandalized the office of USAID in Surkhek and padlocked government offices in various parts of the country.
Baburam Bhattarai told supporters in the capital the fourth phase protest of ‘be devastating” if an agreement wasn’t reached Tuesday,
Another Maoist leader Janardhan Sharma told supporters in capital there can’t be an agreement until Maoist demand for a discussion motion against the president for his retention of Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal isn’t discussed in parliament.
Nepal is heading towards a crisis with a political standoff.
India has lent full support to the Mandav Kumar Nepal and agreed to resume arms supplies after a five-year suspension as Maoists oppose foreign intervention in Nepal’s internal affairs.
But Maoists themselves invited intervention in Nepal’s internal affairs.
Maoist Secretary General Ram Bahadur Thapa accepted a republic came to Nepal with foreign help.
Maoists and seven parties invited UN in Nepal.
There’s already foreign presence in Nepal with foreigners delving in political affairs; continued conflict will invite even greater foreign intervention.
Once in. it will be difficult to oust foreigners,
But the effort should start by not renewing the UNMIN mandate that ends 23 January 2010.
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.

Violence continues for second day

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: A Maoist three-day strike continued for the second day Monday closing down businesses, schools and industries nation-wide.
Reports of violence are pouring in on the second day’s strike.
Additional security forces have been deployed Monday following violence the first day strike of the shutout.
After 22 policemen were injured in clashes during the main opposition closure Sunday; they were among nearly five dozen persons injured, including two Maoist lawmakers.
Maoists vandalized 28 vehicles through the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, after a ministerial review of the strike Sunday, said security forces will come out heavily strongly against demonstrators Monday.
Surgeons drained blood out of the brains of DSP Dilip Chaudhary who was seriously injured with head and chest injuries in clashes at Naya Baneshwor Sunday.
Gachedhar said the senior police offer was hit with a sharp object with intention to kill.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal visited Chaudhary at the hospital.
Nepal, who received Indian support in Denmark from his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, asked Maoists to come to the negotiating table to unlock a political impasse.
“I will begin work immediately. I have a solution,” he said after returning home from Denmark where he attended a climate change summit.
The Indian support for Nepal may be counterproductive for him at a time when Maoists charge foreigners are interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs.
Nepal seems buoyed up by the Indian support personally telling the media Singh’s praise for him privately.
Singh reportedly told Nepal he was an able prime minister who could united parties and groups to draft a constitution and take the peace process to a conclusion.
Singh earlier propped up Girija Prasad Koirala saying he was the Congress president was the greatest statesman n South Asia immediately after New Delhi-engineered rebellion against King Gyanendra succeeded.
Indian support for Nepal comes at a time when he is facing criticism within his own party, coalition partners and the main opposition for his performance.
“Today’s display of violence was some of the worst on the streets of Kathmandu for several years, perhaps since Jana Andolaan-II. It must not be repeated and those responsible should be held to account,” OHCHR statement said Sunday.
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SLC exams

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: This years SLC examinations will begin 25 March.
Nearly 450,000 students will sit for the tests.
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Nepali cricket squad for SAG selected

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has selected a 18-member cricket squad for the 11th South Asian Games captained by Gyanendra Malla.
Other team members are: Amrit Bhattarai, Chandra Saud, Binod Bhandari, Naresh Budhaayer, Subash Khakurel, Lokendra Chand, Prithu Baskota, Rupesh Srivastav, Bhuvan Karki, Anil Kumar Mandal, Aakash Gupta, Amrit Shrestha, Rom Shrestha, Pradeep Sapkota, Pradeep Airi, Anupam Singh and Sagar Pun.
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India to resume military supplies

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: India will provide more than two billion rupees of military assistance, Kantipur reports.
Formal commitment was made during the India visit of Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung.
The chief told this to senior officers Sunday at army headquarters after concluding a eight-day India visit.
A Chinese military delegation headed by Man.Gen. Jia Xiaoning extended a Rs 410 million military aid package, including aid previously committed.
The army chief told officers India was ready to provide any form of assistance anytime.
India asked such request should be routed through government.
“Indian officials have said India is ready to provide any assistance anytime to Nepal Army if such request is routed through the government,” a senior general quoting the army chief told Kantipur.
“The army chief was very satisfied with the visit. He appeared happy India was resuming supplies after five years during his tenure,” a general said.
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Court of inquiry formed

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: Nepal Army (NA) is forming a court of inquiry board to investigate the return of Maj. Niranjan Basnet from the UN peacekeeping mission in Chad, Annapurna Post reports.
The legal department of NA Sunday sent a proposal to Army Chief Chatraman Singh Gurung Sunday.
A board is being formed under a brigadier general.
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Indian foreign minister coming

Kathmandu, 21 Dec.: India’s External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna will make a three-day visit to Nepal in what can be seen here as New Delhi’s effort to address Nepal’s call for reciprocity in high-level bilateral visits, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The visit, which begins on Jan. 15, will be his first to Nepal since he assumed office in May.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal also whispered to his Indian counterpart in Copenhagen on the issue [integration of Maoist combatants in army].It is a plot to stall the pace process.”

(Maoist leader Janardhan Sharma, The Kathmandu Post, 21 Dec.)
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More details of Maoist strike

Kathmandu, 20 Dec: Dozens, including nine policemen, were injured in clashes with Maoist activities at Naya Baneshwor in the capital during the first day of a three-day main opposition strike.
One policeman is injured with serious head injuries.
Officials said one dozen vehicles were vandalized in the capital by demonstrators.
Police lobbed teargas shells and used water hoses to quell demonstrators.
Dozens of Maoists were injured, including an opposition lawmaker.
Police and demonstrators in other parts of the city were Maoists vandalized vehicles for defying the strike.
Vehicular movement was negligible.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who returned home from Denmark was escorted to Baluwatar under heavy security.
Clashes have broken out in other parts of the country.
Nepal urged understanding to end a political deadlock.
A tradition has developed for all political parties to go on protests after ouster from government even as they discourage street politics when in government.
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China returns detained Nepali containers

Kathmandu, 20 Dec.: Chinese traders in Khasa, across the Nepal-Tibet border, Sunday released 26 Nepali containers held up yesterday destined to the capital with imported Chinese goods.
The goods belonged to Nepali traders.
Chinese traders seized containers with goods worth Rs 150 million in Khasa Saturday.
They were demanding release of $300,000 seized in the capital from colleagues this year by looters.
Police have been charged for involvement.
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Details of Gulmi shooting

Kathmandu, 20 Dec.: A policeman in in serious condition and is undergoing treat at a hospital in Tamghas, Gulmi, after shooting and injuring a woman campus student overnight.
The student is out of danger, the hospital said.
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Nepal Today

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