HLPM meets without PM

Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: The high-level political mechanism (HLPM) met for the second time Friday without Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who is an invited member.
The meeting chaired by NC President Girija Prasad Koirala was attended by Chairman Prachanda and UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal.
Maoists had agreed to include PM Nepal as invited member but later rescinded.
Maoists say the premier is himself a problem objecting his inclusion.
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Central terai cold wave kills 21

Kathmandu, 22 Jan. A three-week cold wave in the central terai districts of Bara,Parsa and Rautahat has claimed at least 21 lives so far, local officials said.
Schools have been closed down and flights have been disrupted.
Hospitals in the districts are reporting increased cases of viral fever, cold diarrhea and pneumonia.
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