Nervousness and uncertainty build-up in capital

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 April: Uncertainty and nervousness has increased in the capital as people started to build-up stocks of essential supplies before Saturday’s mass mobilization of activists by Maoists to create an environment to topple the government and form a national unity government under its leadership.
Motorists and motorcyclists are waiting in long queues to fill tanks with petrol.
The largest political party has also announced an indefinite strike from Sunday to press demands for completing the peace process and promulgating a constitution by the 28 May deadline even as major parties differ on fundamentals to be incorporated in it.
Metropolitan police said 20,000 activists have already been bussed in the valley from districts as more daily arrivals.
Maoists have put them in government buildings, schools, factories lodges, Pashupatinath area and open spaces even demanding donations from schools and businesses.
Following the government’s order to all security to remain on high alert, Maoist PLA Commandant Nanda Kishore Pun ordered his combatants to remain on high alert as well.
Government Spokesman and Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel Tuesday warned the army could be mobilized if Nepal Police and Armed Police Force can’t manage the security threat.
Maoists trained cadre to use of khukris and sticks for what they call self-defense.
Maoist combatant Santosh Rai was arrested in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Tuesday with a grenade and a pistol en route to the capital. Police have also used sticks being transported in vans.
Leaders of Nepali Congress and UML met Wednesday on discuss ways to tackle the Maoist mobilization of its cadre. The government held similar consultations with 10 other ruling parties this week.
Police Wednesday began evicting some Maoists from government buildings
as the main opposition said it will bring out people on the streets on other areas besides the capital.
Ambassadors of EU member states Tuesday held separate meetings with leaders of Nepali Congress and UML and asked them to show concern with the stalemate and asked them to be flexible and negotiate.
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Maoists seize land of Padma Sundar Lawati

Kathmandu, 28 April: Maoists Tuesday seized 50 ropanis of land belonging to Padma Sundar Lawati at Adma.Panchthar, his home district.
Lawati is a monarchist and co-chairman of RPP.
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