CRUCIAL MAOIST CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEET FRIDAY

MAOIST CENTRAL COMMITTEE TO CONSIER NEW PRACHANDA

Kathmandu, 22 April: Maoist central committee meets Friday to adopt a new Prachanda strategy ahead of 28 May to push the peace process and constitution drafting.
In a changed strategy, the Maoist chief Wednesday presented to the politburo a plan to abandon people’s revolt and prioritize constitution drafting even after 28 May when its certain a second deadline to promulgate a constitution to institutionalize a declared republic won’t be met.
The party had earlier decided to resort to people’s war to push its communist agenda if a basic law wasn’t adopted by the end of May.
Analysts believe take Prachanda and Vice-chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai factions in the UCPN (Maoist), considered a liberal in the largest party, have come closer infuriating another Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya—a hardliner.
Baidya loyalists have charged Prachanda for abandoning a communist toa adopt a revisionist line.
Baidya supporters argue the central committee can’t change a policy of revolt adopted by a Palangtur conference.
The Prachanda/ Bhattarai factions will attempt to force adoption of a new Prachanda strategy Friday while the Baidya faction will work to stall it at the central committee.
Nnnn

INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO MEET PRACHANDA BEFORE CONCLUDING NEPAL VISIT

Kathmandu, 22 April: Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna will hold discussions with Maoist Chairman Prachanda before concluding his three-day visit Friday.
Krishna, during the meeting, will attempt to mellow the Maoist strongman as the UCPN (Maoist) accuses India for interfering in Nepal’s internal politics.
Maoist leaders have accused India publicly preventing its attempt to stage a comeback in government.
New Delhi accuses Maoists for disrupting the operation of Indian business establishments preventing Indian investments.
Before flying bask, Krishna will inaugurate a road project and an integrated border customs check post in Birgunj.
nnnn


NC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEET FRIDAY

Kathmandu, 22 April: NC central committee meets Friday to approve President Sushil Koirala’s nomination of Ram Chandra Paudel and Krishna Prasad Shitaula as vice-president and general secretary.
The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction has for four months stalled the confirmations of their appointments without approving it in the committee.
Koirala and Deuba factions are equally represented in the committee following an election by a general convention seven months ago.
nnnn

VC TUL BAHADUR PUN DEAD

Kathmandu, 22 April: Tul Bahadur Pun, who received the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military award for bravery, died Wednesday at his home in Toblyang, Myadgdi.
He ws 92.
Pun was awarded for bravery fighting the Japanese in the Burna front along with British forces in World War II.
nnnn