Nepal Today

Thursday, March 31, 2011

YOUTH CONCRNED WITH POSSIBLE SPLIT IN MAOISTS

MAIN CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMMITTEE MEET DISRUPTED

Kathmandu, 31 March: A meeting of the main constitution
Drafting committee Thursday was adjourned until Friday after
several members of small parties shredded a report on a state
restructuring committee in the assembly hall.
Protesting members from small parties complained Dalits,
Muslims and minorities had been sidelined in the constitution
drafting process.
It’s unlikely a constitution will be promulgated to institutionalize
a declared republic by a self-appointed and unelected parliament by the second extended 28 May deadline.
The main constitution drafting committee in headed by Nilambar Acharya.
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FINANCE MINISTER ADHIKARI IN DMAGE CONTROL EFFORT

Kathmandu, 31 March: In a damage control bid, Finance Ministerr Bharat Mohan Adhikari Thursday, in his second news conference in
two days, asked Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal to
resume work,
Khanal confirmed he resigned following policy differences with the new the communist majority government on budgetary matters,
Adhikari held the conference in the presence of senior finance ministry officials in an attempt to show he had support of the
ministry officials.
Nnnn

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES MEET PRIME MNISTER KHANAL


Kathmsndu, 31 March: Industry representatives met Prime
Minister Jhalanath Khanal Thursday in the capital as they were
about to present keys of closed down industries in the Motang/
/Sunsari corridor.
The protest programme was postponed for another two days in an effort to buy time.
A tripartite meeting of trade unions, management and
government has been scheduled for Friday,
A trade union group loyal to Maoist Vice-chairman Mohan
Baidya and terai parties have forced the closure of industries in the east
and Birgunj for nearly a week,
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MAOIST YOUTH PRESSURE PARTY LEADERSHIP

Kathmandu, 31 March: Maoist youth representing three factions
in the party Thursday went in a group to party headquarters in
the capital to urge am end to an internal power struggle.
The party is factionalized between supporters of three top leaders.
amid concerns the largest political and the mainstream
communist party may split.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

DONORS CONCERNED WITH KHANAL RESIGNATION

THREE DEAD, 12 INJURED IN ILAM JEEP ACCIDENT

Kathmandu, 31 March: Three persons were killed and a dozen
passengers were injured when a jeep hurled 100 meters off a road in Ilam Thursday.
The jeep was proceeding to district headquarter.
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BHUTANESE PM COMING

Kathmandu, 31 March: Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhoen
Jigme Y Thinley arrives 14 April.
Bhutan is current chairman of eight-nation SAARC regional organization.
Chairman traditionally visits member states during tenure.
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DONORS CONCERNED OVER FINANCE SECRETARY EPISODE;
RAISE MATTER WITH PM KHANAL

Kathmandu, 31 March: Donors have shown interest over the sudden resignation by Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal, Nagarik reports.
Chief of British DFID, World Bank, ADB and Dutch Development Agency Wednesday sent a letter to Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal Wednesday and reminded him of Khanal’s commitment ‘to fight corruption and broaden the base for revenue collection’.
They asked the prime minister to show government’s commitment to the
fight against corruption.
Khanal revealed he had policy differences with government before resigning.
‘I resigned for personal reasons. I respect him
[the finance minister]. I want to live peacefully now.
“The greed that I saw in persons and society during 31 years of
service has really sapped by energy.
“I was in favour of a budget for capital formation. I had
Reservations over it [to bring distributive budget doling out
favours]. But government felt I wasn’t cooperative.
‘..I didn’t want to continue in office being an obstacle to government,” Khanal told Nagarik.
Nnnn

PRESIDENT DRAGGED INTO CONTROVERSY

Kathmandu, 31 March: Ceremonial President Dr. Ram BaranYadav has been dragged into a controversy over his public comments and
regular meetings with leaders of political parties without
consulting the prime minister.
Most recently the president suggested promulgating a
constitution through consensus when a constitutional provision
stipulates differences on articles to be incorporated in a basic law will be settled by two-third majority in the legislature/parliament.
‘What will happen if some party shreds the constitution proved
by two-third majority?” the ceremonial president asked.
Criticism of the president, who earlier reinstated Army Chief Gen.Rukmangud Katawal sacked by Maoist Chief and Prime
Minister Prachanda, was swift.
Dr.Yadav acted at the request of 18 parties.
“If the president said what he reportedly said, it’s inappropriate. The custodian of the constitution, against constitutional provision, shouldn’t have delivered a political speech,” Maoist Vice-chairman Dr..
Baburam Bhattarai said.
“The constitution will be approved through a provision in the
constitution. He shouldn’t have what he said,’ UML
Vice-chairman Bamdeb Gautam said.
Prime Minister Jhalanatath Khanal, the executive prime minister, complained he comes to know of the president’s consultations with political party leaders through newspaper and television reports.
‘The president may be under an illusion that after the
constituent assembly it’s his turn.
“Unnecessary activism on his part won’t be acceptable to Congress,” lawmaker and central committee member Narahari Acharya warned.
“The president can’t act in anyway he desires. After the constituent assembly, not only the president, there are other agencies like the prime minister and government.
‘The president has attempted to show activism politically even while giving advice and suggestions.’ Acharya said.
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SEPARATE SECURITY FORCE OF MAOISTS OPPOSED

MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE MEETS THURSDAY

Kathmandu, 31 March: Maoist standing committee meets Thursday after it disbanded three rival trade unions loyal to three party leaders—Chairman Prachanda and Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai.
Spokesman Dinanath Sharma said the dispute in the Maoist-affiliated trade union has ended with the decision to disband the rival unions and hold a general convention to form a new union.
The emergence of the three factions reflects deep divisions in the largest party and the mainstream communist party amid open talk of a split.
The standing committee has to nominate remaining members of its government team.
UCPN (Maoist) has been allotted 11 ministries in the government headed by UML but has sent only four members to government headed by Deputy Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.
‘Pressure cooker will explode if wind has no outlet. The party will meet the same fate if there’s no outlet for expressing views,” Bhattarai warned in Charikot Wednesday opposing an attempted gag order against him.
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POSITIONS IN SC SECRETARIAT TO BE FILLED

Kathmandu, 31 March: Cabinet Wednesday decided to fill positions in the secretariat of the special committee (SC) on integration, resettlement and supervision of former Maoist combatants headed by Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.
Altogether 421 positions have been created following approval of a proposal by the secretariat to the CA.
Without human resources, the secretariat couldn’t monitor 19,000 plus former fighters in 28 cantonments and camps after UNMIN quit 15 January.
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NEPAL TO HOST AFC U-16 QUALIFIERS

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepal will host the 2012 Group D qualifiers of AFC U-16 from 10 to 25 September.
Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon are also in the group.
Nepal is in Group A of the AFC U-19 championship qualifiers along with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Bangladesh and Maldives; matches will be played 28 October to 12 November.
Meanwhile, Nepal will play Timor Leste in the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers.
The first leg of the Asian qualifiers will be held in Kathmandu on 29 June; the return leg will be played in Timor Leste 3 July.
Nepal will meet Jordan in July if it wins the first round match.
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PAC DIRECTS GOVT. TO IMMEDIATELY RECLAIM ITS VEHICLES ALLOTTED TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY

Kathmandu, 31 March: The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee ((PAC) today [Wednesday] directed the Council of Ministers and Ministry of Home Affairs to reclaim government vehicles and personal security officers provided to ‘unauthorized persons’ within seven days, saying such practices were in violation of prevailing laws, The Himalayan Times repots.
PAC also directed the government to work in tanden with the CIAA to initiate action against those defying its orders. It has asked the government to bring such ill practices—of employing low-ranked police personnel and others as ‘domestic help’ at their residences to an end.
The PAC meeting chaired by committee chairman Ram Krishna Yadav directed MoHA to review the rules and norms within a week and replace them with ‘clear and transparent ones’. Officiating Home Secretary Jaya Mukunda Khanal was present at the meeting.
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DEFENCE MINISTER OPPOSES SEPARATE SECURITY FORCE

Kathmandu, 31 March: Defence Minister Bishnu Paudel said a separate security force can’t be created for integration, Annapurna Post reports.
He told Annapurna Post: “The meaning of integration isn’t creation of a separate security force.”
There was an agreement between Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who is also UML, and Maoist Chairman Prachanda for the creation of such a force with Maoists and security personnel of government security agencies.
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FINANCE MINISTER FAILS TO APPEAR BEFORE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

NC CC MEETS TO DISCUSS DISSOLVING NSU

Kathmandu, 31 March: NC central committee meets later
Thursday to discuss a proposal to dissolve the central committee
of Nepal Students’ Union (NSU)—the student wing of the main opposition party.
A two-member committee headed by General Secretary
Prakash Man Singh recommended dissolution of the central committee and formation of an ad hoc body to hold a general convention for the election of a new leadership.
The NSU has become dysfunctional—split between supporters
of President Sushil Koirala and three-time former Prime
Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The Deuba faction opposes the dissolution.
The committee meets Thursday after the sudden scheduled meeting was cancelled Wednesday though a notification issued by the office secretary.
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CABINET CONDEMNS SERIAL BUS BLASTS IN TERAI

Kathmandu, 31 March: Cabinet Wednesday condemned recent serial
bombings of moving buses in three terai districts killing one passenger and
injuring 43 others.
A decision was taken to reinforce security, Education Minister and
Government Spokesman Gopal Man Tuladhar said,
Compensation will be paid family of victims and medical expenses of
injured will be met.
Nnnn

FINANCE MINISTER BAHRAT MOHAN ADHIKARI SUMMONED BY PAC THURSDAY; FAILS TO SHOW UP

Kathmandu, 31 March: Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari didn’t appear Thursday before parliament’s public account’s committee
(PAC) which had summoned him to depose on the sudden
walkout from office this week by Finance Secretary Rameshwor
Khanal.
Committee Chairman Ram Krishna Yadav has convened another meeting Friday.
Irate committee members condemned Adhikari, who is also
Deputy prime minister, for his failure to appear before the committee.
The committee had also summoned Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimere and Revenue Secretary Krishna Hari Banskota.
Main opposition NC charged Khanal, who has been described as an
incorruptible official, was hounded out of office by the new finance minister in collusion with business houses.
Parliament session was adjourned until Friday when NC obstructed house proceedings demanding a statement from Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal on the resignation.
NC has threatened to disrupt proceedings until PM Khanal issues a statement.
NC has charged Khanal was pressurized by Adhikari on promptings of powerful business interests.
The finance secretary was personally directing investigations financial malpractices by businesses causing billions of rupees in losses to government in revenue.
Minister Adhikari Wednesday asked Khanal to resume work immediately.
The resignation has embarrassed the minister and government.
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SUPREME COURT DIRECTS GOVT. TO BOOK FORMER CIAA CHIEF

Kathmandu, 31 March: A single bench of Supreme Court Chief Justice
Ram Prasad Shrestha Wednesday to take action against Acting Former
CIAA Chief Lalit Bahadur Limbu and Commissioner Bed Prasad Siwakoti
for abuse of authority.
The apex court has recently corrected what has been described as
improper court decisions acted on a writ petition seeking correction of the
anti-graft body a decision to transfer public land totaling 2.3 ropanis
of the UN Park along Bagmati river in an individual’s name.
‘The decision is against the Law,” Shrestha said delivering the verdict.
The chief justice has been personally heading supreme court benches thathas revived high profile corruption cases against top leaders and officials.
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9.6% PENSION INCREASE FOR GURKHAS

Kathmandu, 31 March: British Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Andrew Robathan announced a 9.6 percent pension increase for British Gurkhas Wednesday before concluding his Nepal visit.
“I am pleased to inform that with effect from 1 April, there will be a 9.6 percent ncrease in pensions paid through the Gorkha pension scheme,” he said.
He announced monetary allowance for recipients of gallantry medals will
be significantly increased and payments will be backdated to 2008.
Previously announced meetings between ministers and senior officials weren’t publicly confirmed.
Robathan assured British support for peace building and development.
Nnnn

US AMBASSADOR VISITING TROUBLED TERAI

Kathmandu, 31 March: UA Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi will begin a
three-day visit of the eastern terai districts of Moang, Sunsari and Jhapa
Thursday, the US embassy said.
He will attend functions marking completion of two US-funded projects
and interact with government officials, business leaders and students.
Nnnn

MILK PRICE HIKED

Kathmandu, 31 March: Milk price was hiked Thursday Rs. 4 per
liter by Dairy Development Corporation (DDC).
The board decide to hike prices Tuesday amid pressure from farmers.
Nnnn

LAXMIDAS MANANDHAR SALT TRADING CHAIRMAN

Kathmandu, 31 March: A board of Salt Trading Corporation
Ltd. has appointed Laxmidas Manandhar chairman.
The board also decided to distribute 20 percent bonus shares and
10 percent cash dividend.
Nnnn


MORE REPORTS OF ELEPHANTIASIS MEDICINE SICKENING
PEOPLE

Kathmandu, 31 March: Many people have fallen sick after consuming
medicines against elephantiasis in various villages of Dang district,
Republica reports from the district.
Peopl have thronged health posts in Tulsipir and Lamahi apart from Ghorahi, the district headquarters of Dang, after falling sick within 24 hours of taking medicine.
On Wednesday, 10people came to Rapti Sub-regional Hospital in Ghorahi alone.
(Note: At least two people have been reported dead in Dharan and Banke.)
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GOVT. IN FIX BY FINANCE SECRETARY WALKOUT

FINANCE SECRETARY WALKOUT EMBARASSES GOVT.

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 March: Wednesday’s walkout from his office at
Bagh Durbar by Finance Secretary Ramshwor Khanal has come
as a serious political embarrassment for the government of
Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.
He hasn’t assembled a complete government after his election
with Maoist support 3 February; only MJFN of Upendra Yadav
is getting onboard Khanal’s ship demanding not three but four ministerial berths.
As Khanal waits to complete government formation, other major
parties have decided to stay in the opposition and an embarrassment has broken out for Khanal’s UML and Maoists in government.
Main opposition NC Wednesday demanded a statement on Khanal’s abrupt walkout from his office and threatened to obstruct parliamentary
proceedings until a statement from the government chief.
Khanal has been described as a clean bureaucrat while new
Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari has been charged for
colluding with business houses to force Khanal’s resignation.
Parliament’s public accounts committee Wednesday summoned
Adhikari Thursday.
The new finance minister Wednesday denied any differences with Khanal and asked Khanal to return to work.
Nnnn

FURTHER DETAILS ON CONSTIUTION DRAFTING SUB-COMMITTEE (UPDATE)

Kathmandu, 30 March: Maoist Chairman Prachanda, who heads a sub-committee under a main constitution drafting committee, said Wednesday he
can’t continue as chief of the sub-committee whose tenure was
extended Wednesday by another 15 days by main committee
chairman Nilambar Acharya.
Acharya said the tenure was extended because of the good work
of the sub-committee which has to resolve at least 30 more
differences in articles to be incorporated in a constitution that
has to be promulgated by 28 May.
Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shestha’s name was proposed to replace Prachanda in the sub-committee by another Maoist
leader Deb Gurung.
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ONE CHILD DEAD, 250 FALL SICK

Kathmandu, 30 March: One child died Tuesday and 250 persons have become sick in Nepalgunj after being administered medicine against to elephantiasis, Naya Patrika reports from Nepalgunj.
The sick are undergoing treatment at two hospitals in Nepalgunj.
Nnnn

NO DEPLOYMENT OF NEPALI TROOPS IN IRAQ

Kathmandu, 30 March: Nepali Army troops won’t be deployed in Iraq, Annapurna Post reports.
A proposal to deploy 250 special forces troops was received though the United Nations when Madhav Kumar Nepal was prime minister.
Government has reached a conclusion a force won’t be sent until it’s clear the unit will be under UN flag and command. .
“’Forces can’t be sent to Iraq until its clear they will be under UN flag and command,” Defence Secretary Nabin Ghimere said.
Australian officials had been lobbying over telephone with Prime Minister Jhalanatah Khanal for the deployment.
Nnnn

PM KHANAL WILL FIRST VISIT USA

Kathmandu, March 30: Breaking tradition, Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal will first visit USA to attend a conference on reducing risks after a nuclear accident 15 April, Janaantha reports.
He will visit USA as home minister.
Prime ministers normally visit India first after their appointment.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PRACHANDA SUB-COMMITTEE TENURE EXTENDED

PRACHANDA SUB-COMMITTEE TENURE EXTENDED SECOND TIME

Kathmandu, 30 March: The tenure of a sub-committee to resolve
differences on articles to be incorporated in a proposed constitution that has
to be promulgated by 28 March was extended by a main constitution
drafting committee headed by Nilamba Acharya Wednesday for the second
time until 14 April..
The15-day tenure of the sub-committee headed by Chairman Prachanda
ended Tuesday without resolution of all differences.
Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal from UML and NC
Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Paudel represent their parties in the sub-committee.
There have been calls in UCPN (Maoist) to recall Prachanda from the sub-committee and replace the party chief with another leader.
It’s now almost certain a constitution won’t be promulgated by the second
28 May deadline.
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PROTESTS AGAINST ABSORBING BHUTANESE REFUGEES

Kathmandu, 30 March: Local protests have swelled against absorbing
nearly 1,200 Bhutanese displaced refugee families at Beldangi refugee camp in Beldangi, Jhapa, housing 60,000 refugees.
.The 1,200 families were displaced by a ravaging fire this month at Goldhap refugee camp also Jhapa.
Locals said the forest and communities around the camp at Belgangi will
come under with the assimilation.
Nearly 35,000 of 108,000 Bhutanese refugees have been trans-located from he camps
to the West—35,000 in USA.
Nnnn


PROTESTING EMPLOYEES CLOSE DOWN DHANUSHA, MOHOTTARI GOVT

Kathmandu, 30 March: Officials protesting murderous attacks on district
officials closed down government offices in Dhanusha and Mohottari for the second consecutive day Wednesday.
They threatened indefinite closure of offices from Thursday if security isn’t
improved and assailants brought to justice.
Nnnn


GRIM REPORT ON TERAI CHILDREN

Kathmandu, 30 March: Human Rights Watch (HRW) of USA Tuesday
asked government to investigate cases of child abductions and take
‘appropriate measures to prevent these abductions’.
‘These armed groups [criminal gangs and armed fgroups] are willing to risk
children’s lives to extort money from poor shopkeepers, farmers and
teachers. If the police consistently fail to get the children
freed and home safely, they lose the faith of the community,” the statement
said.
HRW quoted a report saying at least 28 children were abducted in the terai
in 2010; nine abducted children were killed and two girls raped by
abductors.
Nnnn

INDIA, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN TO PARTICIPATE IN COTTAGE
INDUSTRY FAIR

Kathmandu, 30 March: Bangladesh, Bhutan and India will participate in the
four-day Cottage Industry Festival and National Industrial Exhibition in the capital from 20 April.
The 11th fair is being sponsored by Federation of Nepal and Small
Industry
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NEPAL MAY LIFT BAN ON HOUSEMAIDS BOUND FOR MALAYSIA

NRB TO LIQUIDATE SAMJAHANA FINANCE

Kathmandu, 30 March: Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) Tuesday filed an application at Patan appellate court to liquidate Samjhana Finance Company after the central bank board decision.
The company was declared crisis-ridden 10 June 2010.
NRB has also liquidated Nepal Development Bank.
Share prices in tumbled in the secondary market coinciding with the liquidations.
Nepse index tumbled 18.53 points in three days of trading from Sunday.
Nnnn

US EFFORT TO IMPROVE BUSSNESS CLIMATE


Kathmandu, 30 March: USAID has launched a two and half year Nepal Economic, Agriculture and Trade (NEAT) project to improve the business climate in Nepal, US embassy said,
The programme was launched with a panel discussion Tuesday.
“ NEAT programme is an important new endeavour that seeks to improve the business environment work with the government to strengthen fiscal and trade policies ,encourage competitiveness and exports, enhance food security and increase the access to financial services ,”US Ambassador Scot DeLisi said in a statement.
Altogether $30 million will be invested in the programme.
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NEPALIS TO BENEFIT FROM RELAXED SOUTH KOREA VISA RULES

Kathmandu, 30 March: South Korea’s justice ministry has relaxed visa regulations for nationals from 11 South Asian and Southeast Asian nations from the coming week, The Korea Herald said..
Citizens from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Laos, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Myanmar will benefit.
Nationals from these countries will be issued double-entry visas allowing them to return to South Korea in six months.
“Tourists will also be required to submit fewer documents to prove their financial credit and employment status,” a statement said.
Multi-entry visas enabling holders to freely re-enter South Korea for three consecutive years will be issued to persons who have a Korean university graduate degree and families of immigrants married to a Koran spouse.
Family members of multi-party entry visa holders will automatically enjoy the same benefits.
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NEPALI WOMAN INVOLVED IN ESCAPE OF PAKISTANI CONVICT
Kathmandu, 30 March: Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a Pakistani convict who escaped from the hospital while undergoing treatment, The Himalayan Times reports.
Punam Thapa, 32, wife of Arun Gupta, who is in the Cenral Jail on charge of possessing fake Indian currency, together with the cops guarding Mohammad Jamil, 43, in Bansbari-based Sahid Gangalal Heart Center, had planned his escape.
She was caught yesterday [Monday] based on mobile phone call details of five cops.
“The Pakistani frequently made calls to Punam over mobile phones belonging to the cops. ASI himself directed the cops to give concession in this regard,’ said a source.
Police have not divulged details of the conversation between Punam and Jamiil.
She had received Rs. 152,000 sent from Pakistan. Three persos were also detained based on her statement.
Nnnn

MALAYSIA MAY BE REOPENED FOR NEPALI HOUSEMAIDS

Kathmandu, 30 March: As Malaysia faces shortage of housemaids, Nepal has been mulling to lift a three-year-old ban on its supply of domestic help, Om Astha Rai reports in Republica.
The Nepali embassy in Malaysia has drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which basically ensures a reasonable minimum pay apart from provisions of insurance, day-off and over-time work for Nepali housemaids to this effect.
Although it is yet to give an official nod to the draft, the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management appears positive.
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NEPAL MAY LIFT BAN ON HOUSEMAIDS BOUND FOR MALAYSIA

NRB TO LIQUIDATE SAMJAHANA FINANCE

Kathmandu, 30 March: Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) Tuesday filed an application at Patan appellate court to liquidate Samjhana Finance Company after the central bank board decision.
The company was declared crisis-ridden 10 June 2010.
NRB has also liquidated Nepal Development Bank.
Share prices in tumbled in the secondary market coinciding with the liquidations.
Nepse index tumbled 18.53 points in three days of trading from Sunday.
Nnnn

US EFFORT TO IMPROVE BUSSNESS CLIMATE


Kathmandu, 30 March: USAID has launched a two and half year Nepal Economic, Agriculture and Trade (NEAT) project to improve the business climate in Nepal, US embassy said,
The programme was launched with a panel discussion Tuesday.
“ NEAT programme is an important new endeavour that seeks to improve the business environment work with the government to strengthen fiscal and trade policies ,encourage competitiveness and exports, enhance food security and increase the access to financial services ,”US Ambassador Scot DeLisi said in a statement.
Altogether $30 million will be invested in the programme.
nnnn

NEPALIS TO BENEFIT FROM RELAXED SOUTH KOREA VISA RULES

Kathmandu, 30 March: South Korea’s justice ministry has relaxed visa regulations for nationals from 11 South Asian and Southeast Asian nations from the coming week, The Korea Herald said..
Citizens from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Laos, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Myanmar will benefit.
Nationals from these countries will be issued double-entry visas allowing them to return to South Korea in six months.
“Tourists will also be required to submit fewer documents to prove their financial credit and employment status,” a statement said.
Multi-entry visas enabling holders to freely re-enter South Korea for three consecutive years will be issued to persons who have a Korean university graduate degree and families of immigrants married to a Koran spouse.
Family members of multi-party entry visa holders will automatically enjoy the same benefits.
nnnn

NEPALI WOMAN INVOLVED IN ESCAPE OF PAKISTANI CONVICT
Kathmandu, 30 March: Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a Pakistani convict who escaped from the hospital while undergoing treatment, The Himalayan Times reports.
Punam Thapa, 32, wife of Arun Gupta, who is in the Cenral Jail on charge of possessing fake Indian currency, together with the cops guarding Mohammad Jamil, 43, in Bansbari-based Sahid Gangalal Heart Center, had planned his escape.
She was caught yesterday [Monday] based on mobile phone call details of five cops.
“The Pakistani frequently made calls to Punam over mobile phones belonging to the cops. ASI himself directed the cops to give concession in this regard,’ said a source.
Police have not divulged details of the conversation between Punam and Jamiil.
She had received Rs. 152,000 sent from Pakistan. Three persos were also detained based on her statement.
Nnnn

MALAYSIA MAY BE REOPENED FOR NEPALI HOUSEMAIDS

Kathmandu, 30 March: As Malaysia faces shortage of housemaids, Nepal has been mulling to lift a three-year-old ban on its supply of domestic help, Om Astha Rai reports in Republica.
The Nepali embassy in Malaysia has drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which basically ensures a reasonable minimum pay apart from provisions of insurance, day-off and over-time work for Nepali housemaids to this effect.
Although it is yet to give an official nod to the draft, the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management appears positive.
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FINANCE SECRETARY'S WALKOUT TO BE RAISED IN PARLIAMENT

NC TO RAISE FINANCE SECRETARY WALKOUT IN PARLIAMENT

Kathmandu, 30 March: Main opposition NC will raise in parliament
Wednesday Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal’s walkout from his
office Tuesday following differences with new Finance Minister Bharat
Mohan Adhikari.
‘His resignation was forced,” former Finance Minister and party leader
Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat said.
“This is very objectionable. It will adversely affect the national economy
and financial administration,’ he added.
Khanal was forced to resign, NC said.
The walkout has stunned the political and business community.
Khanal walked out after mass transfers in the ministry under alleged
pressure from sections of the business community by Adhikari immediately after taking charge of the finance ministry.
Adhikari is from Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal’s UML; the secretary
who staged a rare walkout worked closely with Adhikari’s predecessor
Surendra Pandey, who was also from UML.
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MAOISTS CLOSE DOWN TIKAPUR

Kathmandu, 30 March: Maoists closed down TIkapur town in the far-West
Wednesday protesting Tuesday’s first police attempt to thwart staggered
black flag demonstrations against Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood.
Sood was chief guest at a cultural programme staged by a Tharu cultural group.
Maoists said two dozen party workers in the police assault—four seriously.
Sood was visiting Kailali and Kanchanpur inspecting Indian-aided
projects.
Buses on long and short routes didn’t leave or arrive in the town which has ben completely shut down.
Maoists began public protests against Sood from Solokhumbu at the foot of Mount Everest for alleged anti-Tibet activities during Dasain last year when
shoes were hurled at him.
Maoist leaders publicly charge Indian for intervening in Nepal’s internal
matters.
Nnnn

TERAI GROUPS INVITED FOR TALKS

Kathmandu, 30 March: Peace Minister Barsha Man Pun said Tuesday
armed groups in the terai and hills in the east except ‘criminal groups’ have been invited for a a dialogue to address their demands.
The disclosure came soon after one bus passenger was killed and 43 were
injured in three bomb blasts in three days in three districts as rebel groups huddle across the border in Patna, Bihar, to draw out their strategy for anti-government
protests in April.
Pun said government will negotiate with groups of a ‘political nature’.
Nnnn

CIAA SEEKS FOREIGN MINISTRY ASSIST TO BOOK
BRITISH-BASED COMPANY

Kathmandu, 30 March: CIAA Tuesday asked the foreign ministry
through a letter Tuesday for help to summon Assured Risk Limited—a company basied in the Great Britain—to probe supply of sub-standard armed personnel carriers (APCs) to Nepal Police peacekeepers with the UN in Darfur, Sudan.
The investigating agency is pursuing complaints of
irregularities in the sale and purchase of the APCs.
cabinet has authorized CIAA to investigation.
Nnnn

UML LAWMAKER DIDN’T SIT FOR SLC EXAMS TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 30 March: UML woman lawmaker Kiram Kumari Raya didn’t
sit for SLC examinations from a center at Sarlahi Tuesday.
She gave the examination personally Monday.
Her daughter impersonated for her in three earlier tests.
The party Tuesday asked its parliamentary to investigate and submit a
report to the party disciplinary committee.
nnnn

NC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEET RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY

NC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETS THURSDAY (UPDATE)

Kathmandu, 29 March: A suddenly cancelled NC central committee meeting scheduled Tuesday will now be held for Thursday, the party said.
The scheduled meeting was cancelled following deep party differences over confirmation of presidential appointents of Vice-Chairman Ram Chandra Paudel and General Secretary Krishna Prasad Shitaula opposed by a faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba who also opposed dissolution of Nepal Students’ Union, a student wing, recommended by General Secretary Prakash Man Singh.
Nnnn

UPENDRA YADAV TO LEAD MJFN TEAM IN GOVT. (UPDATE)

Kathmandu, 29 March: MJFN Chairman Upendra Yadav will lead the party team in government, according to a decision of the central committee Tuesday.
He has been entrusted responsibility by the central committee to select a government team.
The party is demanding four ministerial berths instead of three set aside by UML and Maoists.
Nnnn

FINANCE SECRETARY STAGES WALKOUT

Kathmandu, 29 March: Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal staged a walkout from his office Tuesday following differences with new Finance Minister Bhatar Mohan Adhikari.
Adhikari transferred en masse senior officials in the ministry after appointment.
Khanal worked closely with former Finance Minister Suendra Pandey who was also hailed from UML.
Nnnn

UML WOMAN LEGISLATOR IN DOCk

Kathmandu, 29 March: UML of Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal asked its parliamentary party to inquire and submit a report on woman lawmaker Kiran Devi Yadav who didn’t personally appear for the first three papers of the current SLC examinations.
Her daughter gave the tests on her mother’s behalf in the district she represents in parliament, according to newspaper reports.
The party asked the parliamentary wing to investigate the report and submit a report to the disciplinary committee for action.
Nnnn

PEACE MNISTER OFFERS GOLDEN HANDSKAKE FOR FORMER MAOIST COMBATANTS

Kathmandu, 29 March: Peace Minister Barsha Man Pun, a former Maoist military commander, offered a golden handshake Tuesday for 19,000 plus combatants in 28camps in the country.
He said at the present pace it will take nine years for resettlement of the former fighters.
He said a detailed programme will be worked for announcement.
nnnn

FIRST POLICE CRACKDOWN ON MAOIST PROTESTORS AGAINST INDIAN ENVOY SOOD

MAOISTS DISBAND THREE RIVAL TRADE UNION GROUPS (UPDATE)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 March: Three rival trade union groups in the formerly regimented and disciplined communist party, the largest in Nepal, was disbanded by the party standing committee Tuesday, party Spokesman Dinanath Sharma said.
The factions were loyal to Chairman Prachand and Vice-chairmen Kiran
Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai and have been clashing almost daily on
the streets reflecting a deep division in the organization.
A faction loyal to Baidya joined a trade union affiliated with terai parties to close down industries in the Moang/Sunsari and Birgunj/Pathalaiya corridors challenging a decision of the establishment group to resume work securing a Rs. 1,500 monthly pay hike.
The agreement with management with concurrence of NC and UML
affiliated trade unions was labeled a ‘sellout.
The standing committee decided to committee to convene national elections for a single trade union after discussion with central leaders, Sharma said..
The standing committee also concluded the recent upsurge of violence wasn’t normal and blamed ‘rightists’ for serial bomb blasts in moving buses killing one and injuring 43 others.
A national protest will be held Sunday.
The party also decided to expand the executive body of a newly formed
volunteer bureau to 46 members and policies will be made public by
Prachanda.
Nnnn

TWO DOZEN MAOISTS INJURED IN POLICE CRACKDOWN ON
PROTESTERS AGAINST INDIAN AMBASSADOR SOOD

Kathmandu, 29 March: At last two dozen Maoists were injured in a first police crackdown on activists of the ruling party against Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood in Tikapur, Kailali, Tuesday.
Maoists said four activists, including district leaders, were injured.
Maoists have been staging black demonstrations since last Dasain starting
from Solu at the foot of Mount Everest for ‘anti-China activities’ along the border with Tibet.
Shoes were hurled at Sood in Solu; Maoists compared it with the hurling
of shoes at President Gorge W. Bush by an Iraqi journalist in Baghdad..
The demonstrations were tolerated by police but they acted with force
for the fist time in the far-West where departing Indian envoy began
touring Kanchanpur and Kailali Monday.
He was in Tanakpur to attend a Tharu cultural programme when violence
broke out.
Maoists immediately shut down town and warned the district would be
closed down Wednesday if two dozen activists weren’t released.
nnnn

BLOODY POLICE ATTACK ON MAOISTS STAGING PROTESTS AGAINST INDIAN AMBASSADOR

MAOISTS DISBAND THREE RIVAL TRADE UNION GROUPS (UPDATE)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 March: Three rival trade union groups in the formerly regimented and disciplined communist party, the largest in Nepal, was disbanded by the party standing committee Tuesday, party Spokesman Dinanath Sharma said.
The factions were loyal to Chairman Prachand and Vice-chairmen Kiran
Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai and have been clashing almost daily on
the streets reflecting a deep division in the organization.
A faction loyal to Baidya joined a trade union affiliated with terai parties to close down industries in the Moang/Sunsari and Birgunj/Pathalaiya corridors challenging a decision of the establishment group to resume work securing a Rs. 1,500 monthly pay hike.
The agreement with management with concurrence of NC and UML
affiliated trade unions was labeled a ‘sellout.
The standing committee decided to committee to convene national elections for a single trade union after discussion with central leaders, Sharma said..
The standing committee also concluded the recent upsurge of violence wasn;t normal and blamed ‘rightists’ for serial bomb blasts in moving buses killing one and
Injuring 43 others.
A national protest will be held Sunday.
The party also decided to expand the executive body of a newly formed
volunteer bureau to 46 members and policies will be made public by
Prachanda.
Nnnn

TWO DOZEN MAOISTS INJURED IN POLICE CRACKDOWN ON
PROTESTERS AGAINST INDIAN AMBASSADOR SOOD

Kathmandu, 29 March: At last two dozen Maoists were injured in a first police crackdown on activists of the ruling party against Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood in Tikapur, Kailali, Tuesday.
Maoists said four activists, including district leaders, were injured.
Maoists have been staging black demonstrations since last Dasain starting
from Solu at the foot of Mount Everest for ‘anti-China activities’along theborder with Tibet.
Shoes were hurled at Sood in Solu; Maoists compared it with the hurling
of shoes at President Gorge W. Bush by an Iraqi journalist in Baghdad..
The demonstrations were tolerated by police but they acted with force
for the fist time in the far-West where departing Indian envoy began
touring Kanchanpur and Kailali Monday.
He was in Tanakpur to attend a Tharu cultural programme when violence
broke out.
Maoists immediately shut down town and warned the district would be
closed down Wednesday if two dozen activists weren’t released.
nnnn

NEPAL TAIWAN TO FIGHT MONEY LAUNDERING

PM KHANAL, MAOIST CHAIRMAN PARACHANDA MEET

Kathmandu, 29 March: Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and Maoist
Chairman Prachanda held discussions Tuesday.
They were assisted by aides.
Deputy Prime Ministers Bharat Mohan Adhikary and Krishna Bahadur
Mahara were present.
They discussed upsurge in violence, bills to be presented in parliament,
including energy bill , and other issues.
Nnnn

POLICE ALERT HEIGHTENED IN CAPITAL

Kathmandu, 29March:Police alert has been heightened especially at places where people assemble in big groups, police said Tuesday.
Violence has swelled after Bhawani Singh of a rebel group was recently
killed in an operation, a police officer said.
Nnnn

FIRE IN BHARATPUR INJURES SIX

Kathmandu, 29 March: Six persons were injured in a fire at Indrapuri in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Tuesday.
Other details weren’t immediately available.
First reports said thefire started from a medicine shop.
nnnn


NC CONCERNED WITH VIOLENCE UPSURGE IN TERAI

Kathmandu, 29 March: NC said it is concerned with an upsurge in violence
in the terai.
“The series of bombing incidents as public places in Rutahat, Rupendehi
and Banke, among others, has drawn the attention of the party,” the party
said in a statement Monday after a central committee meeting.
The main opposition asked the government to prevent such crimes and
guarantee peoples’ right to life.
Several speakers at the central committee demanded a separate party study on the upsurge in the violence, Kantipur reports.
They said the country’s sovereignty has been threatened with the upsurge immediately after there visit of Madesh leaders to India.
‘The visit of Madeshbadi party leaders to India, their meetings with underground leaders and upsurge in terai explosions shouldn’t be looked purely as a law and
order issue but should be looked broadly as an issue of national sovereignty,” Gopal Man Shrestha said.
Nnnn

INDIAN YOUTH LAWMAKERS END NEPAL VISIT

Kathmandu, 29 March: A group of six Indian lawmakers from five parties ended their four-day Nepal visit Tuesday and returned home.
They held discussions with top leaders of political parties while in Nepal.
They interacted with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and President Dr.
Ram Baran Yadav as well.
Although there was a lawmaker from the ruling Congress (I) in the group,
lawmakers emphasized the group didn’t represent the Indian government.
The legislators came at a time of a political deadlock amid open confessions fom top leaders a constitution won’t be proclaimed by the second 28 May deadline.
Indian government has expressed concern with the delay in concluding
the peace process and promulgating a constitution.
nnnn


KUWAIT SUMMONS NEPALI AMBASSADOR

Kathmandu, 29 March: Kuwati foreign ministry has summoned Nepali Ambassador
Madhuban Paudel, Naya Patrika reports.
“The foreign ministry and immigration department have warned of
strong action against those illegal workers not abiding with the trmsof an amnesty will be severely dealt with,” Paudel said.
nnnn


NEPAL, TAIWAN DEAL

Kathmandu, 29 March: Nepal and Taiwan signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) Monday to curb financial crimes, including, money
laundering and funding terrorism.
Dharma Raj Sapkota, Head of Financial Information Unit of Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) and Director General of Investigation Bureau of (IB) of Ministry of Justice of Taiwan Chang Chiping signed the MoU.
The two sides will exchange information on possible money laundering
and other cross-border financial crimes.
Nepal and Taiwan are members of the Asia pacific Group (APG) on money laundering.
Nnnn

GOVT. DOLE OF MAOIST FIOGHTERS RELEASED

Kathmandu, 29 March: The government has released the salary for former
Maoist combatants that was due since the exit of the UNMIN in
mid-January, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The peace and reconstruction ministry took the
decision to release the salary on Friday,
nnnn

PRACHANDA SUB-COMMITTEE SEEKS ANOTHER TERM EXTENSION

SUB-COMMITTEE SEEKS ANOTHER TENURE EXTENSION

Kathmandu 29 March: An empowered sub-committee headed by
Chairman Prachanda decided to seek another extension to its 15-day tenure that ended Tuesday.
The decision to seek a tenure extension will be submitted to a main
constitution drafting committee headed by Nilambar Acharya later in the day.
The main committee formed the sub-committee consisting of members of major parties to resolve differences on contentious articles to be incorporated in a
constitution that has to be promulgated by 28 May.
Prachanda said a tenure extension is being sought as progress was recorded at the sub-committee.
But the Maoist chief has personally said a basic law won’t be drafted by 28 May,
The sub-committee met only twice in 15 days.
nnnn

VILLAGES IN PARBAT, BAGLUNG WITHOUT ELECTRICITY

Kathmandu, 29 March: Electricity supply to that one dozen villages in
Parbat and Baglung has been cut off since Monday,
Power supply was cut off when fallen trees snapped a 31KV
transmission line damaging 10 electricity poles.
nnnn

UML WOMAN LAWMAKER GIVES SLC EXAMS. PERSONALLY

Kathmandu, 29 March: UML woman lawmaker Kiran Kumari Raya
appeared personally with party supporters Monday at a SLC examination
center at a school in Sarlahi and submitted her answers for social science.
The lawmaker appeared personally for the test after a scam broke out Sunday.
Her daughter Mamta Kumari appeared for three tests of her mother’s behalf.
Widespread fraud have been reported during the annual as in the past
involving students, invigilators, officials and even parties..
A police outpost was attacked in Dailekh when police attempted to stop malpractices.
Nnnn

TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

NEPAL, USA TRADE DEAL

Kathmandu, 29 March: Nepal and USA and to sign a Trade and
Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) which is expected to create
a favourable access for Nepali goods to the US market in mid-April,
Republica reports.
Though both the countries had finalized the TIFA a year ago, they were
delaying to put seal on the deal, creating confusion over the prospect of
Nepali exports to the world’s largest market.
‘We are doing homework for TIFA agendas and preparing to sign the pact
by mid-April,” Purusottam Ojha, secretary of Ministry of Commerce and
Supplies told the Republica Monday.
Nnnn

AUSTRALIAN COMPANY WITHDRAWS FROM WEST SETI POWER PROJECT

Kathmandu, 29 March: The 750-MW West Seti Hydropower Project, the largest
reservoir power project envisioned some 13 years ago, is now in the government’s hand, The Himalayan Times reports.
The government got back the project after West Seti Hydro Power Limited
(WSHP), a private builder tasked with developing the project , today [Monday] sent a
letter to the government admitting its failure t collect funds for the project
construction.
The Australian promoter of the project, Snowy Mountain Energy
Corporation, (SMEC), had stopped funding the liaison office in
Kathmandu and field offices in Doti and Dandeldhura since July 2010.
The SMEC decision to step a side is linked with the lack of interest shown
by a Chinese investing company and Asian Development Bank to pour in
money in the mega project.
nnnn

AMID DIFFERENCES MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE MEETS

MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE TO MEET

Kathmandu, 29 March: Amid widespread rumours of an imminent split, Maoist standing committee meets later Tuesday to iron out differences in the UCPN (Maoist)—the country’s biggest party and mainstream communist force.
The party is split between factions led by Chairman Prachanda and Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai.
A trade union group loyal to Badiya together with a union affiliated with terai parties has come out publicly closing down hundreds of industries in the Birgunj/Pathalaiya and Moran/Sunsari corridors 4th consecutive day Tuesday charging unions of Maoists loyal to Prachanda, NC and UML of a ‘sellout’ while calling off a strike and agreeing to a freeze on strikes for four years for increased Rs,1,500 per month salary hike.
Rival Maoist trade unions clash every day on the streets.
Before Tuesday’s standing committee, Maoist chief held a luncheon meeting with Baidya Monday to settle differences; Bhattarai wasn’t present.
Bhattarai has been hounded by establishment supporters to silence him during his tour of districts to maintain public contacts charging of attempts to murder him.
Bhattarai, the third ranking Maoist leader after Prachanda and Baidya, has attempted to give an ideological ‘liberal’ tinge to his differences with chief of the main opposition party.
The party standing committee as it still has to select a remaining members of the team in government led by Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara; only four of 11 team members have been nominated.
Maoists have joined the government of Prime Minister Jhalanatha Khanal who the party helped elect through a secret 7-point agreement 3 February; the cabinet hasn’t been expanded in nearly seven weeks.
nnnn


MJFN MEET TO SELECT GOVT. TEAM

Kathmandu, 29 March: MJFN central committee is meeting later Tuesday to select its team in government after a four-point deal with Maoists and UML to join government.
The party has been allotted three ministries in the government of Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.
The entry into government of the party led by Upendra Yadav has been delayed over differences on allotments of ministries perceived as being ‘powerful and important ‘.
MJFN has opted to join government even as three other terai parties have decided to stay in the opposition with NC.
Three parties claim MJFN doesn’t represent Madesh parties,
nnnn

CAPITAL RECORDS 7MM RAINFALL

Kathmandu, 29 March: After overcast conditions over the capital the while day Sunday, the sun broke though the cloud cover late Monday morning.
Altogether 7mm rain was recorded Monday morning, meteorologists reported.
Mercury fell Sunday with the overcast sky.
nnnn

Monday, March 28, 2011

PAKISTANI CONVICT ESCAPES EMBARRASSING POLICE

PAKISTANI CONVICTED FOR SMUGGLING IN FAKE
INDIAN CURRENCY ESCAPES

Kathmandu, 29 March: Mohhamed Jamil, a Pakistani national
serving a jail sentence for smuggling in fake Indian currency
from Pakistan, escaped Sunday night gave a slip to five police guards and escaped negotiating a wall of a rest room of Sahid Ganagalal National Heart Center in the capital.
He was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack at Central Jail where Nepali national Yunis Ansari is also serving a jail sentence for dealing in fane Indian currency notes and drugs.
Hired Indian killer Manmeet Singh failed 10 March in a bid to assassinate
Ansari in the high security prison and survived with a bullet injury in the
a shoulder.
Five policemen have been suspended.
Jamil was transferred to the hospital 22 March and was to have
undergone a stent implant before a coronary angiogram.
The Pakistani was serving a two-year sentence with a fine of Rs. 2.5 million
for attempting to smuggle in Rs 1.55 million fake Indian currency 21 May 2010.
The latest incident has come as an embarrassment for police immediately after Singh entered Central Jail and attempted to shoot dead Ansari.
A three-member government judicial commission hasn’t started its investigation of the shooting incident in jail even a fortnight after appointment by government.
nnnn


NC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEET POSTPONED
INDEFINITELY

Kathmandu, 29 March: A scheduled meeting of NC central
committee to begin at three in the afternoon Tuesday has been indefinitely postponed without assigning any, Secretary Basanta Gautam said.
The meeting was slated to discuss strengthening the Nepal Students’ Union—a student wing of the party-- that has been bedeviled in an internal dispute between supporters of President Sushil Koirala and three-time Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
A two-member committee headed by General Secretary Prakash Man Singh has recommended the dissolution of the office bearers of the
union and a creation of an ad hoc body to hold a general
convention to elect a new leadership.
The committee meeting began Sunday.
The central committee hasn’t endorsed the appointments by the president Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel and General Secretary Krishna Prasad Shitaula.
Nnnn

PARKED BUS BOMBED IN KAVRE

Kathmandu, 29 March: One person was injured when a bomb
planted in a parked bus exploded at Sanowangthali in Kavre
Monday.
Talak Damai was injured.
nnnn

TRADER SHOT DEAD IN MOHOTTARI

Kathmandu, 29 March: Trader Dharma Nath Sha, 50, was shot
dead in Singhai, Mohottari, Monday.
His body was abandoned in a field.
A VDC secretary was shot and injured the same day at district headquarter Jaleshwor the same day as violence mounts in the south.
Rebel groups are holding a meeting across the border in Patna,
Bihar, to adopt a strategy for protests in the south in April.
The rebel group leaders held discussions in New Delhi this
month with top leaders of three parliamentary parties on a strategy to be adopted in terai.
The chairmen of MJFD, TMLP and NSP (Mahato) were invited to the Indian capital this month for political discussions by the Indian
government.
Violence has flared up in the south after their return home.
One person was killed and 43 were injured in bomb blasts in three buses in three districts in three days.
A cooker bomb abandoned on a busy road in Biratnagar Tuesday spread panic in the town.
nnnn

13 SURVIVE AFTER BEING BURIED BY MUD AND
STONES IN GORKHA

Kathmandu, 29 March: Thirteen workers digging a road in
A remote Gorkha village bordering Tibet dug themselves out of
mud and stone rubble late Monday evening, local district officials said.
Five workers were buried alive, including a woman.
Ratna Bahadur Rana, 55, died while digging for limestone at a quarr of a cement plant in Makwanpur Monday.
In Athrai, Tehrathum, a woman died and her son and daughter were injured in a vehicular accident, Radio Nepal said.
Two persons were buried alive in a house collapse in Salyan
Monday and one person survived with injuries, state radio said.
nnnn

FIVE ROAD DIGGERS BURIED ALIVE IN GORKHA BORDERING TIBET

FIVE ROAD LABOURERS BURIED ALIVE IN GORKHA BORDERNG TIBET

Kathmandu, 28 March: Five road labourers were buried alive by mud and rock slide late Monday afternoon at remote village in Gorkha bordering Tibet, a local resident reported.
About 100 villagers were digging the road.
The village is five to six days walk from district headquarter.
Nnnn

HOME MINISTRY CALLS SERIAL BOMB BLASTS IN
PUBLIC BUSES INHUMAN

Kathmandu, 28 March; The home ministry Monday called the
serial bomb blasts in three buses in three days in three districts ‘inhumanand condemnable’ in a statement.
One person was killed and 23 were injured.
Government asked rebel groups to immediately stop such
bombings.
The ministry ordered security agencies to act immediately.
Nnnn

DETAILS OF MOHOTTARI BOMBING

Kathmandu, 28 March: Shiba Ram Pandey was injured in the
Shooting at Mohottari district headquarter Jaleshwor Monday.
Pandey was chief of rights and interest committee of VDC secetaries.
Nnnn

WOMAN ADMINISTERED FREE MEDICINE AGAINST ELEPHANTIASIS DEAD

Kathmandu, 28 March: A 70-year-old woman administered free government medicine to curb elephantiasis Sunday/Monday died at a Dharan hospital.
The sick woman was administered the medicine by a volunteer disregarding medicine should not be administered to sick and those two years of age, Radio Nepal said.
There were few takers for the free medicine in 36 districts.
Nnnn

NEPSE INDEX SLIPS 7.31 POINTS

Kathmandu, 28 March: Nepse index slipped 7.31 points Monday and closed at 364.69 at the end of second trading of weekly five-day trading.
The index lipped to its lowest level Sunday in five years.
Falling indices of commercial banks, development banks and insurance brought down the index.
Nnnn

SATOSH KHATIWADA TRANSFERRED TO CAPITAL

Kathmandu, 28 March; Satosh Khitawada, FNCCI Chief of Taplegunj, was transferred to a hospital in the capital from a neurological hospital in Biratnagar Monday.
He was attacked by people reportedly his refusal to pay extortion money.
A colleague injured in the attack is undergoing treatment at a
hospital in the eastern district.
Traders called an indefinite strike in the district demanding action against culprits.
Nnnn

AMID RISING VIOLENCE IN TERAI, ONE SHOT AND INJURED

GOVT.OFFICIAL SHOT, INJURED IN MOHOTTARI

Kathmandu, 28 March: A government official identified only as
Shiba Ram was injured in a first report when he was shot in
the stomach while returning home from office at Mohottari district headquarters at 6.30 in the evening Monday.
Goit group of Terai Janatantrik Mukti Morcha took
responsibility.
Violence has flared up in the south after the visit to New Delhi
of three Madeshbadi parliamentary parties for consultations with Indian leaders who are conducting talks with leaders of rebel groups across the border in Patna, Bihar for anti-government protests , a published reports said.
One person was killed and 43 others were injured in three bomb
explosions in moving buses in three terai districts in three successive days until Sunday.
Nnnn

PRESIDENT DISMISSES CHARGES AGAINST HIM

Kathmandu, 28 March: Amid criticism even from Prime
Minister Jhalanath Khanal for his meetings with political party representatives without informing government or approval,
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said Monday his interaction
with leaders on the peace process and constitution ‘wasn’t
unnatural’.
He added: ”People have a right to know what is being done at least by 15 Baiskak,” he told a public meeting in the capital.
The second deadline to promulgate a constitution ends one
month later on 28 May.
Nnnn

RIVAL MAOIST GROUPS CLASH

Kathmandu, 28 March: Rival groups of Maoist trade union representatives again clashed in Bhaktapur Monday.
Groups loyal to Chairman Prachanda and Vice-Chairman Mohan Baidya clashed.
Among the three injured—two are undergoing treatment in
Bhaktapur and one in the capital.
nnnn

PRAYERES FOR JAPAN'S DEAD

PRAYERS AT BAUDHA TO REMEMBER THE DEAD IN JAPAN

Kathmandu, 28 March: Non-Nepali Residents Association
Monday offered prayers and puja for the dead in the recent
earthquake and tsunami in Japan at Baudhanath stupa.
Buddhist monks conducted the prayers and worship.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav lit a lamp for peace.
He expressed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Nepal,
nnnn

FIVE ARMED POLICE FORCE PERSONNEL FIGHTING A FIRE IN KANCHANPUR

Kathmandu, 28 March: Five personnel of Armed Police Force were injured while containing a fire at a furniture factory in Kanchanpur.
The fire laws brought under control.
Other details weren’t immediately available.
Nnnn

NBL LAUNCHES STUDY

Kathmandu, 28 March: Nepal Bank Ltd., the country’s first commercial
bank, Monday asked applications from interested ,qualified persons or institutions to prepare the bank’s ‘strategic plan’ for the next five years.
The bank said it has 110 branches with a 3,000 work force.
nnnn

MASS TRANSFERS IN FINANCE MINISTRY

Kathmandu, 28 March: New Finance Minister Bhatar Mohan Adhikari,
who is also deputy prime minister, has executed mass transfers of senior officials inhis ministry.
Twelve joint secretaries and 21 deputy secretaries were transferred.
Joint Secretary Tanka Mani Sharma has been appointed Chief of Corporation Coordination Division while Jint Shanta Bahadur Shrestha has been appointed
Director General of Revenue Investigation Department.
Nnnn

MEDIA GOOGLE

“The deal [7-point UML, Maoist agreement] won’t be scrapped. Though some people have criticized it. We are ready for a 10-point
agreement, if need be, for the welfare of the country.”

(PM Khanal, The Kathmandu Post, 28 March)
nnnn

WORK YET TO START TO INVESTIGATE ATTEMPTED MURDER IN JAIL BY INDIAN HIRED KILLER

UNITY BOSSES ARRESTED

Kathmandu, 28 May: Five top executives of Unity Life International (ULL) under government scanner, were arrested Sunday evening.
Those arrested are: Bhanu Bhakta Kandel, Dhan Kumar Gurung, Harihar Paudel, Ganesh Dhoj Khati and Kumar Dangol.
nnnn

MAOISTS HEADING TOWARDS SPLIT?

Kathmandu, 28 May: There was a sudden rumour this week UCPN (Maoist) would split, Sanghu reports.
Maoists themselves spread the rumour.
The rumour spread the party would split before 28 May.
Maoist Chairman Prachanda himself told sources close to him the party would split shattering Mohan Baidya and Baburam Bhattarai.
Prachanda said it was no longer possible to stay together saying the party would split.
Baburam supporters collectively exerted pressure to clarify clear the position saying the party wouldn’t split.
A delegation from the districts went to the Bhattarai residence Sunday asking whether the party would split.
One participants said Bhattrai asked supporters to defead “ New Aloks” and workers with “ Rabindra tendencies’.
Nnnn

NO WORK BY COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE ANSARI ATTEMPTED KILLING

Kathmandu, 28 May: A judicial commission formed by the government hasn’t started work even 13daysafter formation to investigate the attempted killing of Yunis Ansari in Central Jail, Annapurna Post reports.
Hired Indian killer Manmeet Singh attempted to shoot him dead.
Coordinator of the commission retired supreme court justice Rajendra Bhandari and members haven’t taken their oaths of office and secrecy.
nnnn

FORMR FOREIGN MINISTER UPADHAYA ATEMPTING TO BE OLDEST TO SCALE EVEREST

INDIAN YOUTH LEGISLATORS MEET PM KHANAL


Kathmandu, 28 March: Six-member Indian youth parliamentary delegation four-day visit on a four-day visit held discussions with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal Monday.
They inquired about constitution drafting.
The delegation from five parties, including ruling Congress (I) held
discussions with President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav Sunday.
Nnnn

NC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETS CONTINUES

Kathmandu, 28 March: NC central committee meet continued for the
second consecutive day Monday discussing delayed appointments of office bearers, integration and resettlement of 19,000 former Maoist combatants and delayed promulgation of a constitution by a 28 May deadline.
The committee Sunday discussed dissolution of the Nepal Students’ Union
(NSU), the student wing of the party, recommended by General Secretary
Prakash Man Singh,. the appointment of an ad hoc body to hold a general
convention o elect a new leadership.
Students are divided between the camps of Party President Suhsil Koirala
and three-time Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The central committee, divided almost equally between Koirala and Deuba
supporters, hasn’t also endorsed the appoints by Koirala of Vice-President Ram
Chandra Paudel and General Secretary Krishna Prasad Shitaula.
Nnnn

NO TAKERS FOR EHCEPHILITIS MEDICINE

Kathmandu, 28 March: There were almost no takers for free medicine
distributed to citizens by government in 36 of the country 75 districts to
curb elephantiasis- a disease spread by misquotes, health officials admitted.
The two campaign concluded Monday.
The three districts in the Valley were covered.
Health officials didn’t attribute reasons for the public apathy.
Nnnn

SHAILENDRA KUMAR UPADHAYA ATTEMPTING TO BE
OLDEST MAN TO CLIMB EVEREST

Kathmandu, 28 March: Shailendra Kumar Upadhaya is attempting to
climb Mount Everest from 12 to 29 May coinciding with Nepal Tourism
Year 2011, Jana Bhawana reports.
He has just returned after climbing 6478meters high Mera Peak this month.
He scaled the 6160meters Island Peak 26 December 2008.
(NOTE: Upadhaya is a former foreign minister and Nepal’s Permanent
Representative to the UN. Should be scale the 8848 meters high Mount
Everest, he’ll be the oldest man to achieve the feat breaking a record established by Nepal’s Min Bahadur Serchan on 25 May 2008.)
nnnn

CHINESE AMBASSADOR RECALLED AFTER DIFFERENCES WITH MORE POWERFUL MILITARY ATTACHE

PRESIDENT CONTINUES POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS

Kathmandu, 28 March: President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav Monday continued political consultations with political party leaders with consultations amid open criticism Prime Minister Jhalanatha Khanal.
The president held discussions with NSP Chairman Rajendra Mahoto and discussed the current political deadlock as the second deadline to promulgate a constitution by 28 May approaches.
PM Khanal said recently he comes to know of the president’s meetings with political leaders only though television and news paper reports.
The president is a ceremonial head of state who acts on the recommendations and advice of government.
He earlier came into controversy for retaining sacked Army Chief Gen. Rukmangud Katawal on the recommendation of 18political parties.
nnnn.

SENIOR UN OFFICIAL MEETS PM KHANAL

Kathmandu, 28 March: Samuel Tamrat, Chief of UN Asia and Pacific Division of Department of Political Affairs, held discussions with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal Monday.
They discussed the delayed peace process while the visiting UN official pledged support for the integration and settlement of 19,000 plus former Maoist fighters, an aide to the government chief said.
Tamrat held separate discussions Monday with NC President Sushil Koirala.
He launched political discussions with Chairman Prachanda Sunday.
UNMIN, the UN political arm, closed shop 15 January after a failed four-year mission.
The entire operation is being shut down 15 April.
nnnn

CHINESE AMBASADOR RECALLED FOLLOWING DIFFERENCES WITH POWERFUL MILITARY ATACHE

Kathmandu, 28 March: Quin Guohong, Chinese ambassador to Nepal, has been recalled home before his tour of duty was to be completed following differences with a powerful military official in the embassy, The Kathmandu Post suggested.
“The senior colonel at the Chinese embassy, Cheng Xizhong, and envoy Qiu had some protocol related problems. Colonel Cheng is said to be senior than Qui according to the Communist Party of China (CPS) hierarchy,” informed sources, according to the newspaper.
‘Moreover, the colonel was more assertive that Ambassador Qui when it came to dealing with Tibetan issues and Beijing’s core concerns in Nepal,” they added.
The sources further said that Beijing read Qui as a ’weak’ ambassador, not so much active and not so assertive when dealing with Beijing’s vital concerns with Nepal.
The Chinese embassy in Kathmandu has told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Qui will be leaving of April 8.
(Note: The developments come after the just concluded
visit of Chinese Army Chief Gen. Chen Bingde.)
nnnn

ONE INJURED IN BOMB BLAST DEAD

ONE OF 28 INJURED IN BUTWAL MINIBUS BOMB BLAST DEAD

Kathmandu, 28 March: One of 28 injured Sunday in a mini-bus bomb blast died while being rushed to the capital for treatment.
The identity of the deed hasn’t been identified although he’s believed to be in his
early 30’s.
Six of the 28 have been rushed to the capital for treatment while two are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chitwan
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the latest bomb blast in the terai.
One passenger has been killed and 43 others have been injured in three bomb
blasts in three moving buses in Rautahat, Banke and Rupendhaehi.
Armed terai group claimed responsibility for attacks inside buses in Rautahat and Banke.
Nnnn

TERAI VIOLENCE UNSURGE AFTER REBELS MEET IN PATNA, BIHAR

Kathmandu, 28 March: A secret meeting started Friday in Patna, Bihar, between Madesh parliamentary parties and terai rebel groups, Tarun reports.
According to a news source Akhil Terai Mukti Morcha, Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, Rajab Mukti Samuham, Madesh Mukti Tigers, Terai Cobra, Terai Army, Control of Terai and other armed rebel groups are attending the meeting.
MJFD,TMLP,MSP (Mahoto) and other parliamentary parties are attending.
The meeting is being held to make the movement on the terai from 115 Baishak [ midd-April] successful. This was agreed during a meeting of MJFD Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, TMLP Chairman MahantaThakur and NSP Chairman Rajendra
Mahoto in New Delhi with the rebel group leaders recently.
The Terai parliamentary parties and the rebel groups have decided to make the coming successful like the movement after signing a 12-point New Delhi accord between seven parliamentary parties and Maoists five years ago.
nnnn

INDUSTRIAL USREST SPREADS TO BIRGUNJ

Kathmandu, 28 March: Industries on the Birjung-Pahthlaiya industrial corridor
was closed down Monday by two trade unions- a Maoist union close to the Baidya
group and a trade union affiliated with terai parties.
The two unions rejected an agreement between management and three trade unions affiliated with UCPN (Maoist), NC and UML for a no strike in industries for four years with increased salary.
The agreement last week was a sellout, the two trade unions protesting the deal
Said,
They immediately closed down hundreds of industries on the Morang, Sunsari
industrial corridor.
Nnnn

Sunday, March 27, 2011

NEPAL OFFERS 5,000 BLANKTS TO JAPAN

Kathmandu, 27 March: Nepal has offered 5,000 blankets to Japan to assist
Victims of an earthquake, tsunami and a series of nuclear accidents following the wo natural disasters, Japanese foreign ministry said.
The blankets were purchased in the open market in South Korea,
Nepal has offered to send a 15-member rescue squad of personnel from
three state security agencies to assist.
But the team had to return from Tribhuvan International Airport following lack of coordination with the Japanese embassy in the capital and government in Nepal.
Japan is Nepal’s largest aid donor.
Government decided to sent the rescue team as a token help.
nnnn

MJFN APPOROVES AGREEMENT WITH UML, MAOISTS

Kathmandu, 27March: MJFN meeting Sunday approved an accord with two other parties ruling parties to go into government.
Chairman Upendra Yadav said the central committee will decide on the party
nominees for three representatives in government Wednesday.
Nnnn

20 INJURED IN ANOTHER BOMB BLAST (BREAKING NEWS)

20 INJURED, 3 SERIOUSY IN ANOTHER BUS BOMB EXPLOSION (BEAKING NEWS)

By BHOLA B RANA

Kathmandu, 27 March: Twenty persons were injured, three seriously, when a
bomb planted in a minibus rear exploded at Milan Park in Butwal at 6.10 in the evening Sunday.
The bus was ferrying passengers from Bhairahawa.
This is the third comb blast in a moving bus in the terai in three days.
Six persons were injured in a bomb blast on a moving passenger bus at on the
Nepalgunj-Kohalpur highway Saturday.
Responsibility was taken by a terai group.
Ten persons were injured Friday in the fist blast in a moving bus at
Chandranighapur.
Terai Tigers headed by Nagarajan took responsibility.
The explosions have coincided with meetings of three Madeshbadi parliamentary parties and three representatives of three terai rebel groups in New Delhi last week on
how to move ahead in the south borderin India if a constitution is not promulgated by 28
May.
Governemnt of India invited the three parliamentary parties for political
Discussions in the Indian capital.
Nnnn


KHUM BAHADUR KHADKA SUMMONED BY SC

Kathmandu, 27 March: Former Home Minister an NC central
committee member Khum Bahadur Khadka was summoned by supreme court
Sunday to appear at the apex court in 15 days to face corruption charges filed
by CIAA.
The apex court has reviewed cases filed bythe anti-corruption body earlier dismissed by a special court on technicalities.
NC leader and former minister Chiranjivi Wagle has been jailed by SC with
confiscation of his property and fined.
Before Khadka, former Home
Minister Govinda Raj Joshi and former IPG Pradip Shumshere Rana were also summoned after cases were revived.
nnnn
vv

Saturday, March 26, 2011

MOSTLY 49 INDIANS INJURED

49, MOSTLY INDIANS, INDURED IN BUS ACCIDENT

Kathmandu, 26March: Forty passengers,mosly Indians, were injuredSaturdaywhen a bus overturned inRampram,Nawalparas, Saturday.
Seven are seriously injjud.
nnnn

Friday, March 25, 2011

TERAI INDUSTRIES CLOSED DOWN EVEN AFTER STRIKE BAN

PAC RECOMMENDS DE-CENSING CASINOS

Kathmandu, 26 March: Parliament’s public accounts committee Friday recommended de-licensing casinos that don’t clear their dues to government Four casinos—Casino Royal, Casino Anna, Casino Nepal and Casino Fulbari—are likely to affected.
Ten casinos operate in the capital and Pokhara.
Nnnn

TIME BOMB IN GULARIYA

Kathmandu, 26 March: A time bomb was found Saturday morning at Gulariya in Bardiya..
A defusing unit is neutralizing it.
Ten passengers were injured, three seriously, when a hidden bomb planted by a terai rebel group exploded Friday in a moving bus at Chandranighapur, Rautahat.
Nnnn

BANGLADESH TO HONOUR BP KOIRALA

Kathmandu, 26 March: Bangladesh government will honour BP Koirala coinciding with 40th anniversary of the South Asian state.
Koirala is one of 50 personalities to be hououred for contribution to the country’s independence after splitting from Pakistan.
The announcement was made by Bangladesh Ambassador Dr. Neem Chandra Bhowmik.
nnnn

KUWAIT ASSIST FOR ROAD PROJECT

Kathmandu, 26 March: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) will provide Rs. 52 million for the feasibility study of SItapaila Dharke road, Nepal embassy in Kuwait said.
The Fund’s meeting Thursday took the decision.
nnnn

INDUSTRIES IN TERAI SHUT EVEN AFTER STRIKE BAN FOR FOUR YEARS

Kathmandu, 26 March: Industries along the Morang-Sunsari industrial belt closed down Friday one day after agreement between management and three trade unions to stop strikes for four years.
Industries in other parts of terai also closed down.
The agreement between management and three trade unions was called a sellout by one faction of Maoists.
Maoist trade union has split.
Rs. 10 million worth property was destroyed in a fire at a chicken feed industry in Balaju Industrial Estate in the capital’s outskirt Friday.
Four workers were injured.
nnnn

RADIATION THREAT RULED OUT

Kathmandu, 26 March: Experts have said that the blast in Japan’s nuclear power plants would cause no direct harm in Nepal but suggested to remain alert and take precaution, RSS reports.
Nuclear sociologist Prof. Dr. Tulsi Pathak said regular monitoring should be carried out at all the entry points from where goods are imported into the country for possible risk of radiation contaminated goods entering the country.
nnnn



WORKERS FROM ABROAD RETURN WITH MENTALPROBLEMS

Kathmandu, March 26: About three months ago, Harish Chaudhari, uneducated but skilled youth from Nepal´s Tarai, went to Malaysia with a dream of earning better salary. Nepali agents had promised Harish a driving job in Malaysia, Om Astha Rai writes in Republica

Harish, however, ended up working as an orderly for a businessman in Malaysia. An orderly´s salary was obviously not at par with that of a skilled employee. To make matters worse, he did not even get his salary for two consecutive months. He was sent back to Nepal by some Nepalis working in Malaysia.

"He was completely motionless," Dr Rabi Shakya, a psychiatrist at Mental Hospital in Lagankhel, recollects a recent meeting with Harish.

"He did not utter a single word. I spoke to his relatives at length to know what actually led to the situation." According to Dr Shakya, Harish has suffered from Catatonic Depression which generally makes a person unable to perform daily chores.

Back with mental problems

Many Nepalis, who go to gulf countries for overseas jobs, return home with nothing but different types of mental illnesses. Dr Shakya deals almost every day with mentally-ill people who developed the disease while in gulf countries. "Migrant workers suffer from a range of mental illnesses," he says. "Depression and schizophrenia are common among them."

An extensive study is yet to be conducted to gauge the degree of mental illnesses among migrant workers. Based on the outcomes of two recently conducted sample surveys, the problem is more serious than one can think of. Mental illness has resulted in suicide of many migrant workers in the past and forced many of them out of jobs even as the loans they had taken remain unpaid.

A 2009 study by Dr Nirmal Lamichhane, who works in the department of Neuropsychiatry at Charak Hospital and Research Center in Pokhara, reveals that over 70 per cent of migrant workers who return home with mental illness show multiple psychiatric symptoms. "Though the relationship between migration and mental problems may be spurious, foreign job may cause or precipitate metal illness," Dr Lamichhane concludes in his report recently published in a medical journal.

Maiti Nepal, a non-government organization fighting trafficking of Nepali women, surveyed women migrant workers who returned from gulf countries in 2009. The survey revealed that only 33 per cent women workers return physically as well as mentally healthy. Of the 67 per cent workers with some health problems, 57 per cent were diagnosed with various types of psychiatric problems including schizophrenia.

Recently, a 27-year-old Nepali woman, sent back home from a gulf country, tried to commit suicide while undergoing treatment at Mental Hospital in Lagankhel. Suicidal tendencies and actual attempts are common in depressed migrant workers. According to a recent report published by the parliamentary committee on Women, Children and Social Welfare, nine Nepali housemaids committed suicide in Lebanon alone in the past three years.
According to Dr Shakya, most migrant workers reach gulf countries with some invisible seeds of mental illness. "The tense atmosphere in gulf countries coupled with the inescapable pressure to send home money serves as a fertile ground for symptoms of mental illness to explode," says Dr Shakya.

No check up before flying abroad

It is mandatory for migrant workers to obtain fitness certificates from licensed medical institutes before flying overseas. However, as far as foreign employment is concerned, fitness implies only physical health.

The government has not made mental health check-up mandatory so far. And, even if workers are already aware of their mental problems, they try to hide it for fear of being ineligible to go abroad. Such workers are more prone to develop mental problems while working abroad.

Psychiatrists say understanding the mother tongue and cultural values of mentally ill persons is important to be able to treat them properly. Unfortunately, Nepali migrant workers are unlikely to receive proper treatment if they develop mental illness while working abroad because of their inability to express what they think or feel to a foreign psychiatrist. So, the only option they have is returning home.

"There is a way to address this problem to some extent," says Dr Shakya. "The government can depute a couple of psychiatrists in some of our embassies in the gulf region. If not, we can also counsel mentally-ill migrant workers using telemedicine technology."
nnnn


MAOISTS DROP HINT OF CA TERM EXTENSION

Kathmandu, 26 March:: With the deadline for promulgation of the constitution just 63 days away, the Unified CPN-Maoist today proposed, albeit obliquely, extension of Constituent Assembly term for second time, Prakash Acharya reports in The Himalayan Times..

The UCPN-M told the Nepali Congress that it was not possible to conclude the peace and constitution-drafting processes by May 28. However, the Maoist party didn’t make it clear by how much time the CA term should be extended.

“As some major contentious issues, including state restructuring, form of government, election system and management of Maoist combatants, are yet to be sorted out, it may not be possible to conclude the peace and constitution-drafting processes by May 28. So, we, the major signatories of the peace process, should make a fresh deal to save the country from backtracking to conflict in post-May days,” sources quoted Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as telling NC leaders at a meeting today.

Though NC stressed on not extending the deadline, it did not express hope either that the CA could meet the deadline. “It’s possible to meet the May 28 deadline only if the Maoists were honest to manage their combatants and settle state restructuring issues. But, we are against promulgating the constitution without managing PLA and their weapons,” sources quoted NC President Sushil Koirala as telling Maoist leaders.

NC is learnt to have refused outright the Maoist idea of signing a new deal. “Neither we need to extend CA term, nor do we need a new agreement if the Maoists honestly implemented the past pacts,” said NC’s Ramchandra Paudel.

Maoist leaders, however, urged NC to strike a new understanding to prevent ‘possible catastrophe’ in post-May 28 days. UCPN-M Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said a new understanding among the major signatories of the peace process was necessary, as the country was at the risk of serious disaster.

But Paudel smelt a rat. “The Maoists, it seems, have come up with the strategy of promulgating the constitution without settling the issues of their combatants and weapons.”

Today’s meeting also saw leaders of both parties trading barbs. While Maoist leaders expressed their discontent with NC for not letting the largest party lead the government and prolonging the deadlock, NC leaders accused them of deceiving people by not keeping their promises. Nonetheless, leaders today agreed on one issue — to meet again.

CHINESE ARMY CHIEF CONCLUDES NEPAL VISIT

MAOIST, NC SUMMIT

Kathmandu,, 25 March; After assuming office with UML 3 February, Maoists Friday held their first summit with NC leaders at hotel in Thamel .
Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shresths said ‘serious’ discussions were held.
Discussions on the derailed peace process, constitution drafting and integration of 19,000 plus Maoists former combatants figured in the talks.
Maoist Chairman Prachanda and NC President Sushil Koirala were assisted by top party leaders as differences on major issues between the two parties have widened recently.
Maoists again invited NC to join government—an offer rejected by NC.
Nnnn

EU ENVOYS EXPRESS CONCRN WITH PM

Kathmandu, 25 March: In a collective meeting with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal Friday, ambassadors of EU member states expressed concern with he government chief on obstacles to economic development and the completion of the peace process, an aide to Khanal said after the meeting.
The extended transition was affecting development, the aide said quoting the EU ambassadors.
He said the envoys asked Khanal when the delayed peace process would be completed.
Nnnn

CHINESE ARMY CHIEF CONCLUDES NEPAL VISIT

Kathmandu, 25 March: Chinese Army Chief Gen. Chen Binghe returned home Friday after concluding a rare three-day Nepal visit.
China offered Nepal assistance to upgrade a military hospital and logistics support for development activities.
Nnnn

ACTION INITATED AGAINST JUDGE FOR MISCONDUCT

Kathmandu, 25 March: A judicial council meet chaired by Chief Justice
Ram Prasad Shrestha Friday initiated action against Pokhara appellate court judge Om Prakash Subedi for misconduct.
The council asked Subedi to furnish a reply within why action shouldn’t be initiated against him.
The move came after a report on his behaiour was submitted to
the council.
Nnnn

TWO BOMBNGS IN RAUTAHAT

Kathmandu, 25 March: Am armed rebel group in Rautahat Friday bombed a women’s development center in district headquarters.
There were no casualties.
But 10personswere injured, three seriously, in a bomb explosion in a passenger.
The bomb was planted by Terai Tigers, according to its chief Nagrajsn.
nnnn

BLIZZARD, SNOWSTORM KILLS TWO IN LANGTANG

Kathmandu, 25 March: A blizzard and snowstorm killed two persons in Langtang adjoining Tibet overnight, a local relief worker said Friday.
The snowstorm destroyed 24 houses in a village.
Two persons swept away by Dovan khola om Palpa died Friday while undergoing treatment in hospital.
They were away swept while bathing.
nnnn


TULSI RAM AGRAWAL APPOINTED HONOURARY CONSUL GENERAL

Kathmandu, 25 March: Tulsi Ram Agrawal has been appointed honourary consul general for Maldives, an announcement said.
He is vice-chairman of Vishal Group Ltd.
Nnnn

GORKHA DEVELOPMENT BANK DECLARED TROUBLED

Kathmandu, 25 March: Gorkha Development Bank has been declared troubled by Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB).
An emergency meeting of the central bank made the declaration Thursday.
The meeting also decided to liquidate Samjhana Finance Company.
Nnnn

MEDIA GOOGLE

‘If the past three-years’ record is anything to go by, the security situation has improved a lot in the central tarai of late, thanks to coordination among the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department.”

(PM Jhalanath Khanal, The Himalayan Times, 25 March)
nnnn

LANKAN ASYLUM SEEKERS FLEE

Kathmandu, 25 March: A group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers, who had been living underground in Nepal for the last 10 months, have fled to India after perceiving ‘increasing risk’ of arrest and deportation to Sri Lanka, Kamal Raj Sigdel writes in The Kathmandu Post..

The Sri Lankan dissidents, who worked closely with former Gen. and Commander of Sri Lankan Army Sarath Fonseka during Sri Lanka’s 2010 presidential and general elections, had entered Nepal via the open Nepal-India border in May last year with the hope of receiving asylum on “humanitarian grounds”. They said they had to flee their country to save their lives from the ‘repressive’ regime of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who beat Fonseka in the 2010 presidential elections. Fonseka and some of his men were arrested and sent to jail after Rajapaksa was elected in February.

Santha Karunaratne, the leader of the group, told the Post over telephone from a bordering Indian town that five of his men crossed the international border from Birgunj in the wee hours of Wednesday and that two of his freinds are out of contact.

“We fled after we concluded that it was futile to stay in Nepal illegally without hope for shelter. There was also growing risk of arrest and subsequent extradition.” Karunaratne said he worked as an “All Island Coordinator for Gen. Fonseka’s Political Office” during the election.

The group plans to contact the UNHCR office in New Delhi and apply for asylum in Switzerland, which has already rejected their first application sent from Nepal.

Though initially there were 14 in the group, only seven were living together under the “unofficial protection” of the UNHCR. According to Karunaratne, five of them “went out of contact” after a few months of illegal stay in Kathmandu, while one managed to fly to Canada and the other had died of a heart attack on Oct. 10, 2010, as the death certificate issued by the Sahid Gangalal Heart Centre revealed. The dead has been identified as C.G.H.H. Chandrasekere, who was a former Sri Lankan armyman.

Apart from the refugee leader and the dead man, others in the group were General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Progressive Front Ananda Jayakody, his Assistant Secretary Dhammika Swarnapali, Sujith Kariapperuma, Sisil Pathirana, and Kasun Chandrasekere. The documents issued by the ICRC, Colombo, and the arrest warrant, given to the Post by the refugees, show some of them were once arrested on Jan 29, 2010 and released on bail on Feb 2, 2010.

The Sri Lankans feared that their lives would be in danger if they were extradited to Sri Lanka as they have a case pending in their country. They were tried under a terrorist act for “conspiring in collusion with Fonseka to overthrow the Sri Lankan government through a military coup”.

The refugee said they were able to cross the border after the UNHCR provided them with travel costs. UN sources in Kathmandu, however, refused to comment, but confirmed that they were “unofficially protected” as the government did not have any policy or law to grant them a refugee status.

The Home Ministry was unaware of their illegal stay for long, though lately, the police had intensified a manhunt.

Home Ministry Spokesperson Jay Mukunda Khanal said the government does not have any policy to grant asylum to any one except the Tibetans and the Bhutanese.
nnnn

TEKU RESIDENTS PROTEST MURDEROUS GUN ATTACK

TEKU PROTEST AT MURDEROUS SHOOTING

Kathmandu, 25 Mach: Locals Friday staged a protest at Teku where a murderous gun attack at a business complex hilled a staffer and injured another overnight.
Prem Krishna Maharjan of Lalitpur and a staffer of Shripadi Trading Concern, was killed.
Another employee survived with injuries.
Last year an Indian criminal gang shot dead media baron Jamin Shah on the road at Lazimpat between the Indian and Japanese embassies.
Nnnn

MANAGEMENT, TRADE UNIONS REACH DEAL

Kathmandu, 25 March: Putting an end to the nearly three-month-long negotiations, employers and trade unions on Thursday sealed a deal to increase the minimum salary of workers by Rs 1,500, Ramesh Shrestha writes in The Kathmandu Post. .

After a series of intense negotiations, a final agreement was signed between the employers and the trade unions with both sides also pledging to mark the next four years as the ‘Industrial Peace Year’.

What makes the current negotiations different from the past is that both the sides also agreed on the workers’ social security issue. The salary issue being the major bone of contention in industrial relations, this agreement is expected to provide the much needed stability in the industrial sector.

Both the sides had agreed in principle on the salary hike and contribution to the social security fund on Wednesday night. However, the same was not announced formally as there were a few things that needed to be sorted out.

As per the agreement, employers would start contributing 20 percent of their basic salary to the social security fund while the workers would contribute 11 percent once the Social Security Act comes to effect.

All the three major trade unions—General Federation of Nepalese Trade Union (GEFONT), All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) and Nepal Trade Union Congress—and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) have hailed the agreement as a ‘milestone’ that would boost productivity through cordial relations between employers and workers.

“We have agreed to increase the salary because of our social responsibility and the price hike in the market,” said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of the FNCCI, after signing the agreement. “In reality, we are not in the condition to be able to increase the salary because of the impact of power cuts, bank interest rates and low productivity.” Joshi said the resolution by the trade unions to mark the ‘Industrial Peace Year’ would help increase productivity and maintain workers’ discipline.

As per the agreement, trade unions will not organise any protest and obstruct work in the industries but strive to boost productivity in the next four years. If they illegally enforce strikes, the employers would not pay the workers for the strike period.

The agreement has given an exit window to investors. If industries go into loss due to various reasons, the employers can down shutters after convincing the unions and as per trade union laws.

Salik Ram Jammarkattel, the president of ANTUF, said the agreement is “historic” as the private sector and trade unions have jointly agreed to implement the social security system.

With both sides reaching an agreement, the government is expected to approve it. Ram Ji Kunwar, the acting president of Nepal Trade Union Congress (Independent), said they will urge the government to implement the new salary at the earliest.
Nnnn

MORE TIEBTANS SLIP INTO NEPAL

Kathmandu, 25 March The trend of Tibetan refugees entering India and flying elsewhere via Nepal is on the rise despite strict measures adopted by the government in recent years to curb the entry of Tibetans into Nepali territory, Republica reports.

According to Department of Immigration (DoI), a total of 770 Tibetan refugees were issued exit permits at the request of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the year 2010, up from 679 in the year 2009. The number of Tibetan refugees provided with exit permits in the year 2008 stood at just 505.

Immigration officials said the number of Tibetan refugees sneaking into Nepal had come down sharply in 2008 after Nepal sealed the border with China in March following ´anti-China´ demonstration by Tibetans.

March 10 of 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising that took place in Lhasa in 1959 after the annexation of Tibet by China. Dalai Lama then fled to India for refuge.

Though the exact data are not available, the DoI officials said the number of Tibetan refugee entering Nepal in the year 2006 and 2007 was considerably high as the country was passing through a critical transition period. “The number of those receiving exit permits stood at about 3,000 then,” said a top official at the DoI.

Officials attribute the rise to the lack of a consistent government policy on Tibetans entering into Nepal illegally and also ineffective border check post along Nepal-China entry routes such as in Rasuwa, Dolakha and Mustang. “The border check posts shattered during insurgency period have not yet been reinstated,” the official further said.
nnnn

1,200 KG HASH SEIZED IN DECADE'S BIGGEST OPERATION

10 TRAFFICKERS ARREST IN BIGGEST OPERATION

Kathmandu, 25 March: Ten traffickers were arrested and 1,200 kg hash worth Rs. 16 million in the local market was seized in Operation Dhashinkali in the Valley—the biggest in decade, police said.
The worth of the drug is much higher in the interntional market.
Nnnn

PRIME MINISTER SUMMONED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

Kathmandu, 25 March: Parliament’s state affairs committee Thursday directed Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal to fill in vacancies in constitutional bodies, including the election commission, CIAA and Public Service Commission.
Without chiefs of the bodies for years, their work has been obstructed,
Nnnn

NEPALI GURKHA GETS BRITAIN’S SECOND HIGHEST GALLANRTY AWARD

Kathmandu, 25March: Dip Prasad Pun of British Gurkhas has been awarded the Gallantry Cross, Britain’s second highest military award.
Pun received the award for fighting off a Taliban attack at Herat province in Afghanistan singly.
He fired 400 rounds of bullets and lobbed 17 grenades against the attackers.
nnnn

FIRE IN BALAJU INDISTRIAL ESTATE

Kathmandu, 25March: Damage caused by fire at Quality Feed Industries in Balaju Industrial Estate in not known, Balaju police said.
The fire started at the store.
Police and locals helped extinguish the fire.
nnnn

STREAMLINING CAN AID NEPALI TRADE

Kathmandu, 25 March: Trade can be led through streamlining at the political level to ensure political commitment for development, at policy level to better place trade priorities in development plan, and at implementation level for coordinated efforts to develop sectors to become more competitive, said the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS), The Himalayan Times reports.

Dialogue with stakeholders such as government agencies, private sector and development partners to reflect trade priorities in their agenda for development can also mainstream trade, said the ministry officials in their paper presented during the four-day UNCTAD Regional Workshop on Productive Capacities, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Asian and the Pacific LDCs that concluded here today.

The workshop was organised from March 22- 24 to focus on the role of trade in national development, trade scenario in LDCs and Nepal, and role of government and other stakeholders.

Efforts can be made to mainstream trade in Nepal. The recently launched Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS 2010) provides the analytical underpinnings for trade mainstreaming.

Identification of main constraints to effective integration of the economy with the global market, Action Matrix identification for action, ensuring proper market access, building domestic support institutions, strengthening the supply capacity of exporters, especially in selected sector, and mobilising Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) are some of the moves that Nepal has aimed at.

The key to success is the involvement of government and other stakeholders.

According to trade experts, a single ministry (MoCS) alone cannot drive the agenda of trade promotion. “Many factors, sectors and actors are directly or indirectly associated with trade,” ministry officials said.

Product development like that of tea, cardamom, lentils, industries like pasmina, handmade paper, wool products and silver jewellry and services like tourism, health, education, ICT, hydropower and labour are some of the factors along with trade related infrastructure like transport and transit facilities and other cross-cutting issues like SEZ/EPZ, FDI, SME development package and incentives to export oriented industries can help boost the trade in the country, the ministry said.
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