Bidya Bhandari says only 3,400 Maoist fighters will be integrated

Kathmandu, 27 June: One day after Maoist politburo demanded integration of all 19,000 Maoist combatants in Nepal Army, Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari said Sunday only 3,400 former combatants will be integrated in security agencies.
Tough talking Bhandari all combatants can’t be integrated adding attractive packages
Making public details of the politburo decision Sunday, Chairman Prachanda said another option for government would be to create another security agency with former fighters of the PLA.
He also rejected recruitment of Nepal Army with fighters meeting state standards of state security agencies.
The integration and resettlement to be completed six months after the sighing of the comprehensive that was to be completed in six months has been extended to three years; the process, with the fresh Maoist decision, will lengthen the process without an agreement in sight between government and the main opposition.
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VDC secretaries resign collectively

Kathmandu, 27 June: All 120 secretaries of VDCs of the hill districts of Kavre and Sankhuwasabha districts have resigned collectively following threats from the Samyukta Morcha.
VDC secretaries from districts have demanded security at work if VDCs are to carry out responsibilities.
Secretaries from Mohottari in the terai also revealed they’ve received threats as well.
Immediate autonomy is being demanded by districts in hills and terai.
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Maoist leaders return from USA

Kathmandu, 27 June: Maoist leaders CP Gajurel, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Pampha Bhusal returned home from USA Sunday after being recalled by the politburo.
They had gone there to attend a State department sponsored on Nepal with party approval.
But they were recalled after Agni Kharel, who said he had received an invitation and visa from the US embassy, didn’t join his colleagues,
Kharel said unspecified obstructions were placed after the visa issuance—denied by US Ambassador Scott DeLisi.
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Rato Machindranath festival ends

Kathmandu, 27 June: Rato Machindranath festival, the country’s longest, ended Sunday evening with the display of the bhoto in the presence of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal accompanied by President Dr Ra, Baran Yadav at Jawalakhel Sunday.
The idol was to be carried on a ‘khat’ to a temple by devotees in Bungamati , for reinstallation at the temple.
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No agreement with Maoists to form state restructuring commission

Kathmandu, 27 June: There was no agreement between ruling parties NC and UML and main opposition UCPN (Maoist) Sunday to form a state restructuring commission, NC leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said.
The commission formation was suggested by the ruling parties.
Maoists said there was be no progress drafting a constitution until Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns and a national unity government formed.
The formation wasn’t even discussed.
The commission could recommend a new federal structure for incorporation in a constitution by 28 May 2011 to institutionalize a republic.
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