Life returns to normal, other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 8 May: Life returned to normal in the capital and the rest of the country Sunday morning after a six-day Maoist seize of roads and highways bringing the nation to a standstill.
Maoists lifted the crippling seize Friday night but said they’ll continue other protests related with what they call the 3rd Janaandolan to topple the year-old government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Maoists withdrew the strike without achieving their declared goal of replacing the Nepal government with a national government led by Chairman Prachanda.
The main opposition is holding public rallies Saturday in the capital and the rest of the country to explain the reason for the strike withdrawal welcomed by the people; Prachanda is addressing the Kathmandu meet.
Maoists will stage a sit-in in front of Singha Durbar Sunday.
The main opposition standing committee meets Sunday to chalk out new anti-government protest details.
“The strike was withdrawn to counter a conspiracy to instigate people against each other and the inconveniences caused to the people,” the Maoist strongman said.
Ten ruling parties are holding a meeting in Baluwatar Saturday to review the situation after the protest withdrawal, constitution drafting and integration of Maoist combatants.
UCPM (Maoist) first relaxed the strike Friday night on the fifth day of their anti-government drive; they lifted the restriction on the movement of green vegetables and milk and relaxed from two to four hours time to purchase essential supplies in the evening.
There were shortages of essentials and prices trebled.
Thousands of Maoist activists bussed into the capital started returning home after the strike call-off.
Leaders of the three big parties Friday discussed the crisis created by the strike at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador in Lalitpur.
Maoists were represented by Krishna Bahadur Mahara and CP Gajurel, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Paudel attended on behalf of Nepali Congress while UML was represented by Bharat Mohan Adhikari.
One angry unnamed Nepali Congress leader charged EU diplomats for insensitivity and supporting Maoists.
“At a time when Nepal is passing through a difficult phase, it is insensitive for the diplomats to favour the Maoists. It is the Maoists who must take responsibility for their actions, it is not for the Europeans to save the Maoists’ face,” The Himalayan Times reported quoting an unnamed Nepali Congress leader.
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PM asks ministers not to travel abroad

Kathmandu, 8 May: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has asked ministers not to travel abroad until 28 May, Rajdhani reports.
One minister said the directive was issued at a meeting of the cabinet Friday indicating there could be a change in the present political structure.
The meeting discussed a possible within 24 May if there’s a political understanding.
The minister said the meeting discussed the situation after the withdrawal of the Maoist strike.
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