UML activist killed; PM says person not an issue; other details (DEVELOPING SORY)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 5 May: UML Youth Force activist Sudip Karki died in a clash with Maoists and three others were injured in an exchange of brickbats in Makwanpur late Wednesday on the fourth day of a continuing Maoist nation-wide strike.
Youth Force said it will retaliate.
Thirty Maoists and five policemen were injured in clashes after Maoists captured and hoisted party flags at Butwal municipality.
Four Maoist were injured in clash in Dhankuta.
Police lobbed teargas shells at both towns to maintain peace.
In Janakpur, MJFL of Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar brought out a rally opposing the four-day nation wide strike.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal collectively briefed the Kathmandu-based diplomats Wednesday.
Maoists damaged several computers in an attack on Nirdhan Bank in Chitwan and two persons were injured in a clash in Pokhara.
Irate farmers in Dhading and Kavre split hundreds of liters of milk on the highway unable to transport it to the market.
The government chief told reporters after the meeting he was ready for ‘open discussions’ to discuss peace, constitution drafting and power sharing as well.
“A person is not an issue,” he said in response to Maoist pre-condition for his resignation to end a prolonged political deadlock.
He denied Maoist charge he changed his previous position to resign after returning from Bhutan last week where he got the support of the Indian government after a meeting with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.
‘There was no change in position after the meeting,” Nepal said.
A three and a half hour summit meet of Maoists, Nepal Congress and UML was inconclusive Wednesday as they discussed a package to the impasse.
Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said differences had narrowed down.
Ruling Nepali Congress and UML are developing a joint approach to tackle six issues.
Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung briefed President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Tuesday on the latest security situation in a direct meeting at Shital Niwas, Annapurna Post reports.
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Manisha Koirala to settle in Nepal after marriage

Kathmandu, 5 May: Actress Manisha Koirala said she’ll settle down in Nepal after her marriage with businessman Sameer Dahal in the capital 19 June.
She currently lives in Mumbai/
“I have thought of going back to Nepal and spending more time with mom and dad. Just to be with them, give them moral and emotional support, I was planning that when I happened to meet my would-be husband,” Indo-Asian News Service quoted her as saying.
Ek Second Do Zindagi Badal De in which she’s acting is being released before her marriage.
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Jessica Beil attempting Everest

Kathmandu, 5 May: Actress Jessica Beil is planning to climb Mount Everest after her conquest of Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa inJanuary, agencies report.
‘I’m thinking about trekking to Everest base camp. That’s kind of the next goal,” she said.
Beil climbed Kilimanjaro with actor Emile Hirsch.
She is raising awareness and funds for a global water crisis.
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