National mourning for Girija continued

Kathmandu, 22 March; A three-day national mourning continued for Girija Prassad Koirala Monday as flags were flown at staff over government buildings and embassies abroad.
A condolence book was kept at the foreign ministry for signature.
The former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress died Saturday and he was cremated with full state honours Sunday.
Markets were closed in the capital and tther urban centers Sunday as a mark of respect for Koirala.
India was the only country to send a foreign delegation to attend Koirala’s funeral.
The government delegation was led by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and included Foreign Minister SM Krishna; the parliament was represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Meria Kumar.
The main opposition was represented by former BJP Chairman Rajnath Singh and communists by SitaramYechuri.
Mukherjee was the Indian government pointman to manage the transition from a monarchy to a republic.
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Call for Hindu state paralyzes life in themed and far-west

Kathmandu, 22 March: A strike called by Ekta Parishad, an underground organization demanding a Hindu state and opposing a federation paralyzed the mid-and far –West including hill districts Monday.
More that a dozen vehicles and motorcycles were smashed as attempts were made to defy the strike.
Five demands have been pushed including declaring of the cow as a national animal.
Demands are increasing for a Hindu state declared unilaterally by eight parties after toppling monarchy.
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Janakpur continues to be tense

Kathmandu, 22 March: Janakpur continued to be tense Monday as protests against an alleged rape Sunday of a Muslim woman by a policeman near the railway station
Police fired in the air and a police outpost was destroyed in a petrol bomb attack.
Nearly 12 persons were injured.
Injured in Sunday’s protests are also being treated in the capital.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“All Grijababu’s weaknesses have vanished with the flames at Aryaghat. According to my studies and beliefs, I opposed the decision to declare Nepa a republic and secular. My stand continues as it will drag the country towards disintegration. The coming leadership should give due attention to them and decide for the nation, democracy and countrymen.”

(Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Rajdhani, 22 March)
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