Meeting of HLPM convened

Kathmandu, 15 March: A meeting of the high-level controversial political mechanism (HLPM) is meeting Monday morning without its coordinator Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala who was admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated overnight.
His condition improved slightly Monday morning.
A specialist doctor has flown in from New Delhi to assist a team of Nepali doctors.
The mechanism meets as Maoists are calling for a national government under their leadership by calling a special session of parliament of topple the 10-month government off Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal through a no-confidence vote.
Major parties have been criticized for prioritizing a government change instead of promulgating a constitution by a 28 May deadline.
nnnn.


VP calls for Hindu state

Kathmandu, 15 March: Vice-President Parmananda Jha Sunday called for a Hindu state while talking with reporters in Dhangadi.
He made the call after returning from Haridwar after a holy dip during the Khumba mela.
‘Only the new constitution will determine whether the state will be Hindu or secular whatever may have been written in the interim constitution,” Jha said.
Even Chairman Prachanda has admitted declaring the state was a mistake while talking with Kalibaba.
Jha also told reporters UNMIN should provide government details of Maoist combatants if a special integration committee headed by the prime minister sought it.
Nnnn

Maoists begin signature campaign

Kathmandu, 14 March: Maoists have launched a signature campaign to collect 150 plus signatures of lawmakers to register a no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal in the 601-member parliament.
Plans are afoot to call a special session of the legislature to register the motion.
Nnnn

PM to concentrate in constitution drafting

Kathmandu, 15 March: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal won’t participate in any public function for the next 15 days and will instead concentrate on drafting a new constitution.
The decision comes amid criticism the government chief has busied himself only in cutting ribbons at inaugural functions.
The premier’s plans were announced by his aide Bishnu Rijal.
Nnnn

Second road link with Tibet opened

Kathmandu, 15 March: An important Nepal-China second road link was opened Sunday through Rashuwagadi-Kerung, Kantipur reports from Rasuwa.
The road was constricted with Chinese government assistance.
The road could facilitate trade between the two countries.
Small vehicles have started movement after opening of the track Sunday.
nnnn