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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