50 TIBETAN REFUGEES ARRESTED

50 TIBETAN REFUGEES ARRESTED UPDATE

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Fifty Tibetan refugees were arrested, Lalitpur police said.
They were arrested for disrupting movement of vehicles and people on the road to Jawalakhel from the refugee camp.
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MORE DETAILS OF CHITWAN FIRE

Kathmandu, 1 Nov. Fire damage at a grocery store in Chitwan is estimated by Rs. 30 million.
The fire was contaned after a nine0hour effort.
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TIBETAN REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE IN LALITPUR

TIBETAN REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE IN LALITPUR
Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Several Tibetan refugees were injured Tuesday as they clashed with police who attempt to stop a rally in Jawalakhel, eyewitnesses said.
Several refugees from a nearby camp were injured and some were arrested.
The refugees were taking out a rally to remember monks killed in Tibet.
Government doesn’t encourage demonstrations by refugees living in Nepal as the country maintains a One China Policy.
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MRPs TO BE ISSUED FROM REMAINING 34 DISTRICTS

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Applications for machine readable passports (MRPs) will be collected in remaining 34 districts and travel documents will be issued from11 districts, a foreign announcement said Tuesday.
In the first such passports were issued from three districts in the Valley; their distribution was extended to 38 of the nation’s 75 districts in the second phase to make it easier for people to acquire passports.
MRPs are replacing hand-written passports as demanded by ICAO to fight crimes.
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FOUNDATION STONE FOR BRIDGE HUMLA, TIBET LAID

Kathmandu, 1 Nov. A foundation stone of a Rs. 70 million bridge along the 90km Simikot-Hilsa road linking Humla in the far-West and Tibet was laid by Finance Barsha Man Pun Sunday.
The bridge is being constructed across Karnali river.
The road construction was started by Nepal Army 15 years ago.
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ONE WOMAN KILLED, 15 INJURED IN JEEP, TRACTOR COLLISION

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: One woman died and 15 others were injured in a collision of a jeep and tractor at Ramgram Municipality in Nawalparasi district, Monday night, RSS reports from Parasi.

A jeep with the Registration No. Sa 1 JA 48 and tractor Lu 1 Ta 7497 had collided killing Israwati Toli, 40, of Ramgram -5.

Five injured are undergoing treatment in Bhairahawa Medical College, Bhairahawa, and others in Prithvi Chandra Hospital.
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MASSIVE FIRE BREAKS OUT AT GROCERY STORE IN CHITWAN

Kathmandu, 1Nov.: A heavy fire broke out at Dantakali Pashupati Groceries in Narayangadh of Chitwan, on Monday night, RSS reports from Chitwan.

The fire that began at 12:00 pm in the store located at the house of Dinesh Rathi of Anandamarga in Bharatpur-4 could not be brought under control yet.

Although two fire engines from Birgunj, one from Hetauda and one from Bharatpur have been trying to douse the fire, but in vain.

Nepal Army, Armed and Civil Police are making efforts to control it. Neighboring house of Raj Kumar Shrestha has also caught fire from it.

Although the police said no details of loss had been received, Rathi said he incurred losses of more than 30 million rupees.
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MAN OF INDIAN ORIGIN DROWN IN JHAPA

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: One man of Indian origin drowned in Mechi River of Jhapa district on Monday evening, RSS reports from Gaurigunj.

The full identity of the deceased, aged around 40-45, is yet to be ascertained, said the District Police Office as one has come to received the body

He fell prey to the trans-boundary river, flowing through Nepal and India, while heading to Galgaliya of India from Bhadrapur at 5:00 pm.

The locals had rescued him and sent to the Mechi Zonal Hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.
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MIGRATORY BIRDS BEGIN TO FLY IN

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Birds migrating away during the summer have returned to the Jagadishpur Lake of Kapilbastu district, which is listed in the world heritage list of wetlands, RSS reports from Kaapilbastu..

Birds which took flight elsewhere during summer season, return to this wetland in the month of September-October, said Chairman of the Dynamic Lake Protection Committee, Sundar Pandey.

The lake spread in 157 hectares of land is second largest man made lake in Asia. Some 128 bird species and 46 species of fish and rare birds live here.

Birds from Siberia of Russia, China, Mongolia and mid-Asia visit here, said senior ornithologist Hemsagar Baral.

Even if this was enlisted in the international wetlands seven years ago, no proper fortification has been made, and although it is one of the most important tourism destination of the district.
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3,500 NEPALI WORKERS LEAVING MALAYSIA

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.`: Hundreds of Nepali migrant workers, deemed illegal by the Malaysian government, are all set to leave Malaysia within a couple of weeks, Om Astha Rai reports in Republica.

As of Monday -- the day the October 31 deadline set by the Malaysian government for illegal foreign workers to leave the country expired -- around 3,500 Nepali migrants have obtained travel documents, required in absence of valid passports, from the Nepali embassy to return home.

“Illegal workers should leave Malaysia as soon as possible,” said Lekhnath Bhattarai, counselor at the Nepali embassy in Malaysia, adding, “Travel documents are generally valid for two weeks. If some Nepali illegal worker is found in Malaysia after two weeks of obtaining travel document, Malaysian authorities can penalize him before deporting.”

On Monday alone, the last day of the deadline, the embassy was crowded with Nepali workers willing to obtain travel documents for leaving Malaysia. “Some 400 workers received travel documents today,” Bhattarai said, adding, “The crowd of workers approaching the embassy for obtaining travel documents was never so huge before.”

Malaysia has said that those illegal workers who return home before the expiry of its deadline -- issued as part of its extensive campaign for wiping out undocumented foreign workers -- will not be punished. In August, Malaysia had launched its biggest ever campaign to document all foreign workers, legal and illegal, under biometric system.

Around 33,000 Nepali workers were found working illegally in Malaysia. The Malaysian government has taken finger prints of all illegal workers. In Malaysia, those workers who have overstayed their visas or switched to some other employer-company are deemed illegal.

Those illegal workers who have not obtained travel documents will have to apply for legalizing their positions in Malaysia.

“Some Nepali workers applying for legalizing their status may fail medical tests or may not find satisfactory new job contracts,” Bhattarai said. “They will probably return home. So, the number of Nepali workers returning home during the amnesty program of Malaysia could go even higher.”

Kumud Khanal, general secretary of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA), said, “Actually, no Nepali worker wants to return home. Only those who failed to find sponsors for legalizing their illegal status have unwillingly left Malaysia for Nepal.”

With the expiry of the amnesty deadline, hundreds of Nepali workers are struggling to arrange flight tickets for returning home.

Of the total number of Nepali workers who received travel documents, only a few hundred are believed to have left Malaysia long before the deadline expired.
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DEPT. TO FIX MRP OF 25 GOODS________________________________________
Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Department of Customs is preparing to declare the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of over two dozen luxurious and high-value goods, in a bid to discourage under-invoicing and make customs valuation more realistic, The Himalayan Times reports..

The Finance Ministry has also given a green signal to the Department of Customs in fixing Maximum Retail Price, according to joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Shanta Raj Subedi.

The ministry has received the file from the Department of Customs and the process of approving it is underway, he said, adding that the ministry will take decision on MRP soon.

“The department has listed some 25 goods to declare Maximum Retail Price,” director general of the department Tanka Mani Sharma said, adding that the department has, however, forwarded the file to the Finance

Ministry a week ago asking the latter’s approval to declare MRP of 10 goods in the first phase.

“The department has asked Finance Ministry to declare MRP of only 10 goods since it will be difficult to manage and implement the MRP, if more goods are declared at once,” he added.

The department will implement the MRP of other goods gradually.

The department has

suggested the Finance Ministry to fix MRP of goods related to hardware, bathroom fitting, shoes, electronics goods and cosmetics, he said. “Similarly, the department has also listed cosmetics, garments, leather, confectionery and drinks item to fix MRP.”

Department of Customs has finalised the goods that have good revenue value.

Declaration of Maximum Retail Price will help reduce import of under-invoiced goods and cheating to the consumers, according to the Department of Customs.

“Implementation of MRP will also have positive impact on government revenue mobilisation,” Sharma said, adding that the traders have to disclose the price list after implementing MRP.

The department fixes Maximum Retail Price based on the price quoted on customs declaration forms. It also includes transportation cost and profit margin of the traders, according to it.
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SECURITY FEAR IN TARAI
Officials fear the decision of Armed Police Force Headquarters to recall the vehicles used for patrolling in Tarai districts may adversely affect the overall security situation, Shiva Puri reports in The Kathmandu Post from Rautahat..
The armed police resorted to this decision citing budget crunch. Until recently, an APF camp was looking after a dozen VDCs on average.
According to APF Bara, the camps in Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Dhanusa and Mahottarai are devoid of security vehicles following the direction from the headquarters. APF DIG Rishabdev Bhattarai said the decision to call back the vehicles was made under compulsion owing to lack of funds to cover expenses for fuel, repair and rent charge. He, however, said each camp needs at least one vehicle for patrolling.
Patrolling vehicles have already been recalled from the camps based at Belbichhuwa, Rampur Khap, Bankul, Bhalohiya, Dabahi and Santapur in Rautahat. Each camp had been using vehicles on the monthly rental basis from Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000.
Without vehical facility, APF personnel were finding it hard to go around and see if there is any trouble or danger. “It is difficult to patrol on 7-8 km route per day without vehicles. In absence of vehicles, chances of criminals taking to their heels after committing criminal activities are high,” said a security personnel requesting anonymity.
The Base camp at Santapur is struggling to patrol in and around Chandranigahapur area along East-West Highway due to lack of vehicles. Following a rise in criminal activities, the government had provided vehicles to APF camps in Tarai districts.
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CONSERVATIONIST PRAHLAD YONJON DEAD

CONSERVATIONIST PRAHLAD YONJON DEAD

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Conservationist and biologist Prahlad Yonjon
was killed Monday in a road accident in the capital.
His bicycle was hit by a truck.
He did his doctorate on the threatened red panda
From University of Maine, USA.
Yonjon was visiting professor at Central Department of Environment Science, TU and founded the Research Himalaya Foundation.
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PRADIP JUNG PANDEY APPOINTED CITIZENS BANK
CHAIRMAN

Kathmandu, 1 Nov. Pradip Jung Pandey has been appointed chairman of Citizens Bank/
The Bank’s board appointed Pandey.
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NEPALI GIRL SURVIVES AUSSIE ORDEAL

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Australian police have literally rescued a Nepali student based in Melbourne from the ‘pit of death’, according to media reports, The Himalayan
Times reports.

Darren Saltmarsh (35), an alleged Australian kidnapper, took the girl (identity withheld) ‘on a date’ after chatting her up online, offering to marry the girl and get her Permanent Residency in Australia if she pays him Australian $ 20,000.

The man bundled the girl onto the boot of his van and drove around 45 minutes, ultimately forcing the girl to call up her mother in Nepal for ransom payment of Australian $20,000 for her release.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard that the girl’s family in Nepal alerted Victoria Police through the Nepali Embassy after receiving threats from the kidnapper that he will kill the girl if it does not deposit the money in the girl’s account. After receiving information about the abduction and hostage-taking that took place on October 18-20, police rushed to a house in Pakenham and found that the kidnapper had pushed the girl into a shallow grave with her hands tied. The court denied bail to Saltmarsh today.

Saltmarsh faces charges including kidnapping, false imprisonment and making a threat to kill.
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RECONCILIATION BILL AWAITS POLITICAL
NOD
Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: With the technical panel sorting out almost all disputes, the bill on Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is awaiting final endorsement from the three major political parties—UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and
CPN-UML, The Kathmandu Post reports.
However, the deal’s endorsement has been delayed as the parties are trying to incorporate it as part of a package deal in the larger peace process.
Lawmakers in a subcommittee assigned to finalise the bill said they have completed all discussions and are awaiting the draft bill’s endorsement at the political level.
“We have resolved almost all issues in the TRC and forwarded it to the parties for a final call,” said NC lawmaker Pushpa Bhusal, who coordinates the subcommittee on TRC. “It is part of the ongoing negotiations on the peace process and we hope it will come in the package.”
The subcommittee, according to its members, has resolved the key disputes, including those on amnesty and prosecution, the preamble which explains the key objective of the TRC as both reconciliation and justice for past crimes and the process of forming an independent truth-seeking commission. The lawmakers, however, have left unresolved some issues such as whether or not to grant amnesty for torture, abduction and hostage-taking. The panel has agreed not to grant amnesty for murder of a person in captivity, murder of an unarmed person, rape and enforced disappearance.
UML lawmaker Direndra Shrestha, also a member in the panel, said the TRC has been discussed in the ongoing negotiations on peace process between the three political parties and that its political endorsement will depend on how the talks progress. Maoist lawmaker and advocate Ek Raj Bhandari said the issue of whether the TRC’s major objective is to achieve reconciliation or go for prosecution has to be dealt with politically. “There are differences on the very phrasing of the TRC preamble, which outlines the objective. We cannot take any call on that. It has to be decided at the political level.”
Lawmakers said that if the parties endorse the bill in its current form, it will be one of the best models to strike a fine balance between prosecution and amnesty in dealing with the violent past.
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ARMY CHIEF BEGIINS CHINA VISIT MONDAY; ACCORD ON SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SIGNED

CHHATH CELEBRATIONS END TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 1 Nov. Chhath celebrations end Tuesday with the worship of the sun.
President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, who hails from Dhanusha, will observe in at Rani Pokhari in the capital.
CHhath is the main festival of the terai.
Government declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the festival.
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NEPAL-CHINA TRADE FROM TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: A five-day 13th China-Tibet-Nepal Economic and Trade Fair 2011 sponsored by ministry of commerce and supplies begins in the capital
Wednesday to promote bilateral trade.

A 19-member Chinese delegation led by Wu Xingjie, executive vice-chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region of China, arrives Tuesday to participate in the fair. More than 60 Chinese traders are participating.
Nepal is showcasing exportable items.
Nepal exported goods worth Rs 746 million to China
in 2020/11 with a huge trade deficit. Nepal is Tibet’s biggest
trade partner.

Imports were worth Rs 45.63 billion from the northern neighbour.
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NEPAL PLAYS SRI LANKA TUESDAY IN
SAARC

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Nepal plays Sri
Lanka in the opening match of the
SAARC U-25 Twenty20 Cup on Tuesday in Maldives.
The tournament was postponed by a
day after Bangladesh withdrew at the last moment.’
Nepal is in a group with Karnataka
Institute of India and Pakistan.



For Pudoku Dassanayake, new Sri Lankan coach of the
Nepali team, the tournament will be
the first.
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GOVT. VOWS ACTION AGAINST VAT EVADERS

Kaathmandu, 1 Nov.: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun on Monday promised stern action against VAT evaders who deprived the national treasury of billions, even as big corporate houses flayed the government for disclosing the names of firms involved in
the scam, Republica reports.

VAT evasion through the use of fake receipts is a serious crime, reiterated Finance Minister Pun at program in Nepalgunj. “The state will take action against them at any cost; we will not hesitate over who is involved in such activity,” he said.

The fresh commitment from the finance minister came a day after the Ministry of Finance (MoF) made public the names of 437 firms, including those belonging to big corporate houses such as Chaudhary Group, Golchha Organization and Kedia Group.

Under the racket which was uncovered about a year ago and was last estimated to involve over Rs 10 billion (over US$ 135 million), the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) had found entrepreneurs either buying genuine VAT receipts from smaller firms or using printed receipts of some other registered traders (without their knowledge) to create fake transactions.

Through such practices they had managed to show higher costs and thus cut tax liability, said Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Baskota, adding that the IRD has already established that 365 firms evaded billions in VAT and other tax, and slapped VAT and fines of Rs 3.45 billion on them.

Worse still, acting on the basis of the fake VAT receipts and customs documents, some of the firms even claimed VAT refund, siphoning funds from the national treasury without contributing a penny to it.

Sarita Enterprises, for instance, had received VAT refund of Rs 5.5 million, and Sarita International, Rs 5.3 million. Likewise, Ashutosh Impex received Rs 17.2 million and Shiva Shakti Impex, Rs 16.9 million, while Digambar Trade House reclaimed Rs 11.26 million, Digambar Trade International received Rs 45.6 million and Bhimeshwar Trade House, Rs 14.3 million in VAT refund on the basis of the forged bills.

Though big corporate houses like Chaudhary Group and Golchha Organization have knocked on the doors of the Revenue Tribunal, senior IRD officials said they were confident of a verdict in their favor.

“VAT and fines slapped on them are backed by solid evidence. Even the administrative review that the IRD director general carried out in response to their appeals has upheld our tax and liability assessment against them,” said a senior IRD official.

Big houses flay govt action
• “The allegation that firms that pay Rs 1 billion in revenue took all that trouble to evade just Rs 12.6 million is ridiculous” --Chaudhary Group
• “I would readily go to jail if the authorities prove Him Electronics issued fake VAT receipts” -- Shekhar Golchha.
• “FNCCI welcomes disclosure of tax evader names. But as some of the firms have knocked on the doors of the Revenue Tribunal, it would be unfair to tag them as wrongdoers right now” -- Suraj Vaidya.
• CORPORATE HOUSES
Big corporate houses, whose firms were named publicly on Sunday for evading value added tax through the use of fake VAT receipts, decried the disclosure, charging the government of not respecting taxpayers´ right to confidentiality.

Some of them even challenged the government to prove their involvement in the fake VAT receipt scam, which is estimated to involve Rs 10 billion (US$ 135 million). Others portrayed themselves as innocent, arguing that they were dragged in not because of their own wrongdoing, but because the vendors (from whom they bought products and services) played foul by not paying the government the VAT paid to them.

For instance, the Chaudhary Group, three of whose business units - CG Foods, CG Impex and CG Electronics - were named in the VAT receipt scam, said its firms have never issued fake bills. “Rather, they landed in a mess because their vendors had either used the fake receipts or did not pay the VAT paid to them,” it said.

The group has admitted that CG Foods, CG Impex and CG Electronics have been slapped tax and fine worth Rs 4.7 million, Rs 4.4 million and Rs 3.5 million respectively.

“Chaudhary Group presently contributes Rs 5 billion to the national treasury. Of that, Rs 1 billion is contributed by these three firms alone. So, the allegation that firms that pay such huge revenue would take all that trouble to evade just Rs 12.6 million is ridiculous,” the group said in its statement.

The group even accused the government of ignoring cases of tax evasion going on for years and targeting big firms only. “We urge the government to investigate all those cases of VAT evasion,” its statement reads.

Similar was the statement from Shekhar Golchha, director of Golchha Organization, whose Him Electronics featured in the VAT evaders´ list. He said Him Electronics had taken VAT credit because it considered that vendors that supplied it with various goods and services had issued genuine VAT bills.

“If the bills turned out to be fake or the vendors did not file the VAT they were paid, it´s not our fault. Sadly, this is what the government has accused us of,” Golchha told Republica.

He even said that he would readily go to jail if the authorities prove that Him Electronics issued fake VAT receipts.

Not surprisingly, most of the entrepreneurs identified in the tax evasion scam had the same story as Golchha or similar ones: they were victims themselves and not culprits. The wrongdoing was attributed to the vendors, who were not traced.

Contrary to the reaction of big corporate houses, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Suraj Vaidya welcomed the naming of firms evading VAT.

“FNCCI has always stood in favor of making public the names of tax evaders. But I would like to add that some of the firms have knocked on the doors of the Revenue Tribunal and it would be unfair to tag them as wrongdoers now,” he stated.
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MADESH PARTIES DROP ONE STATE DEMAND

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: Madhes-based parties are dropping their controversial and long-standing demand for one single federal state for the entire southern plains of Nepal, under the new
Constitution, Gani Ansari reports on Republica.

Senior leaders of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), a loose alliance of five Madhes-based parties, say they are dropping the demand for the sake of a broader consensus over constitution drafting.

“We would be blamed for derailing the constitution drafting process if we stick to our one Madhes-one state stance,” said a senior Madhesi leader who declined to be named for now for fear of being dragged into controversy.

“So, we plan to compromise over our demand at the eleventh hour,” said the leader.

Madhesi leaders say that they don´t want to disclose their bottom-line for the moment as that would greatly "weaken their bargaining" position in Kathmandu´s corridors of power. Making the entire southern plains one single state has been one of the key demands of the Madhes-based parties ever since the Madhes movement in 2008.

According to sources, the regional parties of the southern plains of Nepal plan to propose two states for the region, but they are yet to decide on the names and delineation of the states.

“But it is not a big issue. We can delineate and name the states through consensus among the parties,” argued the leader.

However, the leaders also say they are wary of the “divide-and-rule strategy” of the major parties. “The major three political parties can create schisms among the Madhesi, Tharu and other marginalized communities,” said one of them.

Leaders of the Tharuhat Samyukta Sangharsha Samiti, which has an alliance with Madhes-based parties, also ruled out the possibility of one single state for the whole region.

“There will be more than one state across the region as both of the communities (Tharu and Madhesi) know very well that one single state is not possible,” said the leaders.

UDMF, Tharuhat Samyukta Sangharsha Samiti and Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha had signed a four-point agreement on July 13 to work together for the establishment of an autonomous federal state, inclusive democracy and proportional representation in state mechanisms.
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DEAL ON HOLD AS TALKS FALTER

Kathmandu, 1 Nov.: The top brass of the three major political parties met today [Monday] and agreed to come up with an integrated draft of consensus on outstanding issues related to the Maoist combatants’ management at the next meeting to be held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar at 4 pm tomorrow [Tuesday], The Himalayan Times reports.

The high-level meeting held at a resort in Budhanilkantha mandated UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal to finalise the draft that a three-member taskforce — which comprises representatives from the three parties — has prepared, Nepali Congress General Secretary Krishna Sitaula said.

Though today’s meeting was expected to seal a package deal on the issues of the peace process, state restructuring and formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances, it ended on an inconclusive note as leaders sought more time for informal negotiations on the number of Maoist fighters to be integrated and the rehabilitation package for each Maoist fighter, who opts for civilian life. NC and UML leaders, who attended today’s talks expecting a deal, were surprised when Maoist Chairman Dahal proposed revising the taskforce’s draft.

Congress and UML leaders are learnt to have told Dahal they will not agree on revising the draft, which has settled thorny issues of modality, standard norms of the Nepali Army, non-combative role for the integrated personnel and their rank-determination. “Prachanda’s proposal to revisit issues, settled before the prime minister’s India visit, has raised suspicions over the Maoists’ intent,” a Congress leader said seeking anonymity. Still, NC and UML leaders hope to be able to strike a deal by tomorrow evening.

Sources said the three parties have agreed on all issues save the integration number and the dole each combatant opting for civilian life should get. The Congress and the UML are for integrating up to 5,000 combatants into the Nepali Army, while the UCPN-M is for integrating 7,000 fighters.

On the rehabilitation package, the NC and the UML want Rs 6 lakh provided on installments to each fighter opting for civilian life, while the UCPN-M is insisting on providing a lumpsum of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 1 million for each fighter. After talks that lasted nearly three hours, UCPN-M Vice-chairperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Congress President Koirala and UML Chairperson Khanal said the talks are heading in a positive direction. They said they will find a solution by tomorrow.

“We discussed all issues and will reach a package deal to resolve them,” UML Chairman Khanal said. Sitaula said that the package deal will have a timebound action plan for management of Maoist fighters, handover of seized properties to the rightful owners with compensation, dissolution of paramilitary structure of Maoist youth wings – YCL – and Revolutionary People’s Council and formation of constitutional commissions.
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ARMY CHIEF BEGINS CHINA VISIT MONDAY WITH AGREEMENT ON SUPPLY OF CHNESE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
Kathmandu, 1 Nov.:- Visiting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Chhatra Man Singh Gurung and his Chinese counterpart Gen. Chen Bingde signed a cooperation protocol in Beijing committing medical equipment worth Rs. 602.7million (40.9 million RMB) for Birendra Sainik Hospital.
The assistance is a part of Rs. 1.42 billion grant pledged by China during the visit of Chinese Army chief to Nepal in March. The Chinese Army will provide medical logistics for conducting MRI test, dental equipment among others as per the new agreement signed at the PLA Headquarters in Beijing.
Gen. Gurung discussed with issues of mutual interest during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart and stressed the need of strengthening cooperation between two armies. Both sides also discussed on increasing trainings for Nepal Army soldiers in China.
The Chinese Army chief is learnt to have lauded Nepal' firm One China-Policy. Gen. Gurung, in return, said Nepal saw China as a "friend for all time" and reitrated the commitment that Nepal will not allow any force to make use of its territory for in anti-China activities.
Gurung is currently in a week long visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Army chief. He is accompanied by his wife Kamala and a six-member Nepali military delegation.
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DOLAKHA GIRL HACKED TO DEATH

GIRL HACKED TO DEATH IN DOLAKHA
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A person has hacked a nine-year-old girl to death at Dandakharak VDC in Dolakaha district, RSS reports from Dolakha.

Som Bahadur BK, 30, of Dandakharka-2, murdered Ratuka BK of Dandakharaka-3 by attacking her with a khukuri.

Similarly, victim's elder sister Masali BK, 24, was injured in the same incident. She sustained deep cuts by her throat and has been rushed to Kathmandu for treatment.

The victims are the sisters of Som Bahadur by relation. Tipsy Som Bahadur attacked the duo with a sharp weapon following a household dispute, according to the District Police Office Dolakha.
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MAOISTS GIVE MESSAGE OF UNITY AT RECEPTION

MAOISTS SHOW UNITY DESPITE DIFFERENCES

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Leaders of ruling UCPN (Maoist) set aside
differences and attended a joint reception hosted to celebrate Dasain, Tihar and Chhat Monday.
Chairman Prachanda, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and first Vice-Chairman Mohan Baidya attended the reception hosted in the afternoon Monday at Bhrikuti Mandap.
Baidya group has been challenging and opposing joint approaches of Prachanda and the premier after the latest alignment in the UCPN (Maoist).
But the show if unity is not for real as fundamental differences continue on policy issues, including integration of former Maoist combatants in state security agencies and an agreement with India to protect foreign investments.
Leaders of all other major parties were invited and attended the reception.
Dasain and Tihar have ended but Chhath is being celebrated
Tuesday.
President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav of the Madeshi community, is attending celebrations at Rani Pokhari in the capital.
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PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE IN JHAPA TO STUDY DISCRIMINATION

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE IN JHAPA TO PROVE
DISCRIMINATION
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A seven-member committee formed by the Legislature-Parliament Committee on Women, Children and Social Welfare formed to study problems relating to caste based discrimination and suggest the solutions organized an interaction in Jhapa district on Monday, RSS reports from Bhadrapur in Jhapa.

Coordinator of the team lawmaker Binod Pahadi, members Asha Kumari Sardar, Lila Subba, Shila Katila, Sukdaiya Chaudhary, Him Kumari Sundar and secretary of the committee Badri Raj Paudel were present at the interaction.

The team is scheduled to hold discussions at the local level with the representatives of political parties, members of Dalit community, officials, among others and submit a report to the Legislative-Parliament with recommendations to eradicate the caste based discrimination.

On the occasion, lawmaker Pahadi informed the locals about the Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability Offence Act, 2068 B.S and shed light on its implementation measures.

Central advisor of the UCPN-Maoist Tik Bahadur Shah Shankar said the entire Dalit community should join hands and raise a united voice for their causes.
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NEW JAPANESE AMBASSADOR ASSUMES OFFICE
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Kunio Takahashi presented his Letters of Credence to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav amidst a special ceremony at the Ceremonial Hall, Office of the President, Shital Niwas today [Monday]. RSS reports..

The acting Chief of the Army Staff, Secretary at the Office of the President, acting Foreign Secretary and other senior officials from the Office of the President and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion, according to the Foreign Ministry.
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GOLD PRICE DIPS RS.600 PER TOLA AFTER SUNDAY’S GAIN

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Bullion price in local market was decreased by Rs. 600 per tola as compared to the price on Sunday and traded at Rs. 52,300 per tola, Monday, confirmed Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers´ Association, RSS reports.
The hallmark gold was traded at Rs. 52,900 in the domestic market on Sunday.
Similarly, the price of the worked gold was decreased by 600 per tola and traded at Rs. at 52,090 per tola, Monday.
The fine silver price was cheaper by Rs. 20 per tola compared to the price on Sunday in the local market and traded at Rs. 1,090, according to NEGOSIDA.
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FAKE NEPALI CURRENCY NOTES RECOVERED

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Police have confiscated 68 fake Nepali currency notes with Rs. 1,000 denomination from Kashigaun, a rural village of Gorkha district, RSS reports frpm Gorkha.

According to local teacher Upendra Ghale, a person who was involved in fake currency transaction, ran away leaving a bag when he was buying goods at a fair organized at Kashigaun after Tihar.
The police team from Aarughat recovered the fake currencies, citizenship of Bis Bahadur Gurung of Gumda VDC-5, Khanibesi.
According to In-charge of Aarughat Police Post, Krishna Bahadur Chhetri, the team confiscated 61 fake currency notes from the bag and seven pieces from market, which were given after buying goods.
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WIFE KILLS HUSBAND FOR SEXUAL ABUSE
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Meera KC, 35, of Pipaldanda VDC-3 of Sindhupalchowk district has murdered her husband, Chhatra Bahadur KC allegedly for putting an end to his years of sexual violence, mental and physical torture, RSS reports from Chautara..

According to the District Police Office, Meera confessed to killing her husband by drugging his drink and throttling with a shawl after he became unconscious because she could not tolerate the sexual harassment and mental torture meted out to her since many years.
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NEPALI WORKER DIES IN ACCIDENT IN MALAYSIA
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A person, who had gone to Malaysia for overseas employment, died in a road accident on Sunday, RSS reports from Jhapa..

The deceased has been identified as Hukum Adhikari, 21, of Topgachhi-7 of Jhapa district.

The incident took place when a cargo vehicle overturned and knocked down Adhikari.

According to the deceased's brother Santosh Adhikari, Hukum had gone to Malaysia 18 months ago and was working at a noodles company under Vermi Industries at Johar Bahru city.

Hukum died on the way to Hospital while being taken for treatment.
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FOREIGN ASKS LABOUT MINISTRY OT TO ENFORCE MINIMUM STANDARD FOR MAIDS FOR UAE ROYAL FAMILY

GOVT. TEAM IN MOHOTTARI TO FGHT DIARRHEA EPIDEMIC

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A team of doctors along with medicines has reached Matihani of Mahottari district on Monday, where epidemic of diarrhea has spread for the past five days, RSS reports from Gaushala, Mohottari.

According to the District Public Health Office, Mahottari, the team reached Matihani, after two girls of Matihani-1 and 3 died of diarrhea on Sunday.

Local media-person Hari Prasad Mandal said as many as 20 persons have been suffering from diarrhea at the place, which is adjacent to the border of India.

The team from the District Health Office, Mahottari, is providing necessary medicines and Jeevanjal (rehydration syrup) reaching door to door. Some of the patients have been taken to Madhawa of India for treatment.

Seven-year-old Manisha Kumari of Matihani-1 and five-year-old Priyanka Kumari Mandal of Matihani-3 had died of diarrhea on Sunday morning.
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FOREIGN MINISTRY ASKS LABOUR MINISTRY NOT TO ENFORCE STANDARDS FOR MAIDS WORKING FOR UAE ROYAL FAMILY

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: The foreign ministry has asked the labour ministry not to enforce a minimum standard for housemaids for UAE royal members and senior officials, Hom Karki writes in Kantipur.
The foreign ministry gave the suggestion at a time when the case of physical and mental of a Nepali housemaid by the wife of the Israeli prime minister has broken out.
Following the Israeli incident, the labour ministry hasn’t been able to decide on enforcing the minimum standard. The standard sets minimum, salary and other perks and facilities such as separate room for housemaids.
The foreign ministry said the instruction through a letter which has set the labour ministry in further confusion; the letter says ‘an atmosphere of mistrust’ will be created by enforcing the standard.
Following the Israeli incident, an of trust hasn’t been created either. Nepali embassy in UEA has also asked the standard shouldn’t be enforced.
Government has separate standards for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE,
There are around 10,000 Nepali women working in UAE.
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NEPALI INJURED IN AFGHANISTAAN SUICIDE ATTACK

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct 31: Suicide attackers on Monday blew up a truck bomb and raided the offices of a US charity, killing four Afghans in the second attack in recent days on American interests in the city of Kandahar, AFP reports.

"Four bodies, all Afghan civilians, and five people including a Nepali guard have been admitted to our hospital with injuries," said Sardar, a hospital doctor who like many Afghans goes by only one name.
One attacker detonated the vehicle outside the offices of US-based International Relief and Development (IRD), before two others entered the compound and fired on security forces, said police and government officials.

The Kandahar government said the attackers struck at 6am (0130 GMT) and that two gunmen remained holed up in a veterinary clinic inside the compound -- which also houses UN offices -- and were shooting at security forces.

"There were three suicide attackers. One exploded in front of the office. The two others entered the compound (wearing suicide vests). They are still alive, but the police are surrounding them," said police spokesman Ghorzang.

Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi said the insurgent group carried out a car bomb attack in Kandahar, the militia´s former capital and the largest city in southern Afghanistan, but claimed to have targeted the UN refugee agency.

The bodies of the dead were taken to the nearby Mirwais hospital along with several people wounded in the assault.

Kandahar provincial police chief Abdul Raziq said three people were killed, including the 6th district police chief of the city who was in plain clothes at the time of the attack.

The United Nations has some offices in the compound but the Kandahar government´s media office said the UN properties appeared safe.

According to its website, IRD provides nearly $500 million annually in development assistance to Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East; and works in nearly 40 countries.

The volatile southern city is the birthplace of the Taliban movement, which has been waging bloody battle for a return to power since it was ousted by the US-led invasion in late 2001 following the 9/11 attacks.

The Kandahar area was the focus of a US-led military "surge" of thousands of extra troops ordered into Afghanistan by President Barack Obama in late 2009 as part of a last-ditch military effort to reverse Taliban momentum.

On Sunday, a Kandahar provincial government official and former Taliban shadow governor escaped a roadside bombing in the city with minor injuries.

On Friday, the Taliban launched a major assault on a US-run civilian-military base in Kandahar, sparking a four-hour siege that left one Afghan interpreter dead and eight other people wounded.

In the capital Kabul, the US-led NATO mission saw one of their worst days in the decade-long war on Sunday when a Taliban car bomb attack on a convoy killed 10 Americans, two Britons, a Canadian and four Afghans.

There is increasing acceptance that there can no battlefield victory in the war, with Western diplomats urging talks to negotiate a political settlement.

A regional conference is to be held in Istanbul this week at which President Hamid Karzai is to announce areas in up to 17 provinces that will soon see a handover from NATO to Afghan control.

That will mark the second stage of a transition process that began in July and is scheduled to see Afghans take responsibility for national security by the time that NATO winds down its combat mission in the end of 2014.

But there is widespread scepticism over the ability of the Afghan army and police to secure the country, with the Taliban mounting a series of high-profile deadly attacks and so far showing little willingness to talk.
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TEACHERS CLOSE DOWN CHITWAN SCHOOLS
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Teachers and other staff working in private schools in Chitwan district called a bandh in private schools for an indefinite period demanding salary as per the government scale, RSS reports from Chitwan.

The teachers and other employees' organisation, and the Nepal Institutional Teachers' Union (Nepal ISTU), called the bandh for an indefinite time from Monday after the Private and Boarding Schools' Organisation Nepal (PABSON), failed to resolve their problems within 15 days of its commitment to address their demands forcing ISTU-Nepal to shut down the schools in the district, said Chairman of Nepal ISTU Keshavraj Pathak.

Following the strike, classes in all the private schools were disrupted since early morning, today.

The teachers announced the protest saying the PABSON failed to implement past agreement signed with the Nepal ISTU. The teachers also demanded to increase the salary and allowances as per the scale increased by the government this year.

Also on October 23, Nepal ISTU had called school bandh for a day putting forth these demands.
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TWO INJURED IN PARBAT CLASH
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Two youths of a picnic party have been injured in a clash with the local youths at Patikhola in the district, RSS reports from Parbat.

Those injured in the clash are 30-year-old Purna Tulachan and 28-year-old Ram Chandra Kumal. They were rescued by police and taken to the District Hospital for treatment.

A group of youths from Kushma Bazaar had gone to Patikhola for a picnic on Sunday. Police said a local of Patikhola, Rajendra Hamal, picked up a quarrel with the picnickers leading to a clash. Hamal is absconding, said police.
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BREAKTHROUGH N TRILATERAL SUMMIT DEVELOPING STORY

BREAKTHROUGH IN TRILATERAL SUMMIT UPDATE

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. A meeting of the Big Three Monday morning after a four-meet agreed to a package solution and agreed to meet again Tuesday at the prime minister’s residence, reporters from the meeting venue said quoting NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC.
Top leaders of the UCPN (Maoist), NC and UML have been given responsibility to prepare a draft of the agreement to be submitted at Tuesday’s meet.
The summit discussed a national government, integration of former Maoist combatants peace process, constitution drafting and other
current issues.
The parties held bilateral and trilateral talks to achieve the breakthrough.
Other details weren’t immediately available.
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NEPAL, CHINA ALSO HOLDING TALKS TO PROTECT CHINESE INVESTMENTS

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. : Nepal and China are also holding talks to finalize an agreement to protest Chinese investments in Nepal, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun said in Banke Monday.
The agreement will be similar to the agreement to protest investment signed between India and Nepal during the just concluded India visit of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.
The agreement has been criticize by a faction in the premier’s own party.
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21 INJURED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION BETWEEN BUS AND CARGO TRUCK IN SARLAHI

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. Twenty-one persons were injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and cargo truck on a highway in Sarlahi Monday morning.
The injured have been rushed to Bharatpur, Chitwan, for treatment.
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WOMAN KILLED, 11 INJUREDD IN BUS ACCDENT IN RAUTAHAT JUNGLE
Kathmandu, 31 Oct: A woman was killed and 11 others were injured when a bus overturned near a jungle in Rautahat Monday morning.
The bus that departed the capital went turtle at Lamaha jungle of Chandranigahapur.
The dead woman has been identified as Anandi Sardar, 28, of Pipariya, Saptari.
The bus overturned after big hit by another bus.
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PRESIDENT HOLDING CONSULTATIVE MEETNG WITH UML CHAIRMAN

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanaal is holding consultative meeting with President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav Monday on the delayed peace process and constitution promulgation.
The ceremonial president, in similar meetings, has been urging parties and their leaders to agree to end the deadlock to complete the twin processes.
The 30 November deadline to complete the talks won’t be met again amid demands by parties to again extend the tenure of a constituent assembly (CA) after 30 November.
The constituent wasn’t first completed by the elected CA in the first two-year elected tenure.
After two months of hibernation, parties are again showing some activity as the Big Three are currently holding discussions at a resort in Budhanilkantha.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has set aside regular government work to concentrate on completing the peace process, Kantipur reports.
He cancelled four scheduled meetings to prioritize the peace process.
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ASIAN QUALIFYING TAEKWONDO TOURNAMEMNT POSTPONED

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. A scheduled Asian Qualifying Taekwondo Tournament in Bangkok from4 to 6 November has been postponed because of flooding of the Thai capital.
A new date and venue is to be announced soon.
The tournament was to select participants for the 2012 London Olympics.
Four Nepali players are awaiting selection for the Olympics.
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LOGO OF SIXTH NATIONAL GAMES ADOPTED

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A logo of the sixth national games to be held in the far-West has been adopted and unveiled by National Sports Council Sunday.
The logo was designed by artist Jeevan Rajopadhyay.
Symbols of nationalism, peace, Olympic colours, athletes, five development regions and deuda, a dace of the region where the games will be held, are depicted.
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CPN MASHAL LEADER MOHAN BIKRAM SINGH APPEARS IN PUBLIC

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: CPN (Mashal) Chief Mohan Bikram Singh, who hasn’t appeared in public, surfaced for the first time Sunday at a meeting of old communist leaders sponsored by was Pushpa Lal Academy.
Singh posed for al group photograph with other leaders and talked with some reporters.
The veteran communist leader was in semi-hiding.
“This is a historic meeting. Let’s build a common platform to record experiences of Nepal’s communist movement—a place where the Nepal communist movement can be studied.
“Let’s build a communist encyclopedia,” Nagarik quoted Singh as saying.
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NA WON’T OPEN
BHADRAKALI ROAD NOW AS ORDERED IN PM
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Despite instruction by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to reopen the Maitighar-Bhadrakali road section, the Nepal Army has informed the Ministry of Defense its inability to reopen the road citing security reasons, Shreejana Shresstha reports in Republica..

The army said opening the road, which passes through the army headquarters, will pose security threat to the headquarters. The army has instead suggested that an alternative should be sought.

“It is very difficult to open this road section to public now because of the high security sensitiveness. This section passes right through the army headquarters,” said Ramindra Chhettri, army spokesman, adding, “We have already written to the Ministry of Defense to find an alternative solution.”

On October 16, the prime minister had directed the national army to open the half-kilometer road within a week after the Valley Traffic Police Office reported to him that the capital´s traffic congestion would reduce by 30 percent if the road was opened for public vehicles.

Nine army units line the road section and opening the road to public would pose a security threat, the army said.

Chhettri said, “The army´s central maintenance unit, motor transportation unit and heavy equipment unit among others are located along the road."

Before 2001, the road was open to public but was closed for security reasons in the height of the Maoist insurgency.

“The army is holding discussion with the Ministry of Defense for exploring a permanent solution to the problem,” Chhettri told Republica on Sunday.

But officials at the Ministry of Defense said they could not comment on the matter as it is still under discussion.

Talking to Republica Saturday, Prime Minister Bhattarai said he is discussing the issue with authorities concerned. “Discussions are under way with those concerned to explore an alternative to the Maitighar-Bhadrakali road to reduce traffic congestion," the prime minister said when asked about his instruction to the army.

Government sources said there is a possibility of reviving a plan the national army had proposed in 2001 as an alternative to the closed road. In 2010 following a public interest litigation, the national army had informed the Supreme Court in writing that it had consulted with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works to open an alternative road to connect Maitighar and Bhadrakali via the Ministry of Health and Population, Agricultural Development Bank, Nepal Food Corporation toward the west from Rastriya Beema Sansthan and Nepal Telecom building. The army had also informed the Ministry of Defense in this regard.

In 2010, the Supreme Court had refrained from ordering the army to reopen the road after it was informed that efforts were under way to explore an alternative to the closed road.
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TWO IGPS FLY FOR VIETMAN

PAKISTANI MAN ARRESTED WITH FAKE PASSPORT

Kathmandu, 31 Oct: Jabeda Khan, 35, a Pakistani national, was
arrested by Metropolitan Police Sunday with a fake British passport in the city.
He was arrested with traveler checks from Euro Money
Exchange in Thamel.
Khan, also carrying a Pakistani passport. was arrested while
changing dollars producing fake Australian travel documents.
The Pakistani national has been in Nepal for two months.
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DPM GACHEDHAR SEEKS FOUR MONTH TERM
EXTENSION OF CA

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minster
Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, who is also Chairman of MJFL,
Sunday asked for a four-month extension of constituent
assembly (CA).
The three-month extended tenure ends 30 November to conclude the peace process and promulgate a constitution—a deadline which is
unlikely to be met.
Gachedhar sought the extension for what he called ‘complete
constitution writing’ in Biratnagar.
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TWO IGPS LEAVE FOR VIETMAN

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. Nepal Police IGP Rabindra Pratap Shah and
AFP IGP Shailendra Kumar Shrestha flew for Vietnam Sunday.
They’re participating there in the 80th general assembly of Interpol.
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SAARC T20 CUP RESCHEDULED

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: The SAARC Twenty 20 Cup has been postponed for a day after Bangladesh were unable to send a team to the tournament. According to the new schedule, the maiden event will kick-off from Tuesday in the Maldives, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The U-25 cricket team of Nepal will face Sri Lanka in the second match of the inaugural day, while host Maldives have an easier opponent, Bhutan, to deal with in the curtain raiser.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the event has made the home team’s road to semi-finals a lot easier as Afghanistan is the only real threat in their way.
For Nepal, a lot has to be done should they move into the semis. With the likes of cricketing giants Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in the same group, B, Nepal’s road is covered with hurdles and coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who is making his debut with the team, will have to pull off something extra.
The 14-member Nepali team will be headed by skipper Paras Khadka and Gyanendra Malla will serve as his deputy.
The team also includes Mahesh Chhetri, Anil Mandal, Sharad Vesawkar, Amrit Bhattarai and Binod Bhandari. Likewise, CAN has included seven players from the U-19 squad—Prithu Baskota (U-19 captain), Rahul BK, Naresh Budhaayer, Pradeep Airee, Krishna Karki, Bhuwan Karki and Avinash Karna.
After playing against Sri Lanka, Nepal will take on India on November 3 and Pakistan on November 5. The tournament is likely to give strength to the senior team who are preparing themselves for the ACC Twenty20 Cup slated for December in Kathmandu.
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ON-SITE MONITORING OF FOREIGN
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

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Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: In a bid to curb rampant fraudulent activities in foreign employment business, the government is gearing up for the on-site monitoring of foreign employment agencies. The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has already prepared a work plan to this effect, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The monitoring, according to DoFE, will focus on issues like fraud cases, fee collected by agencies, record keeping of workers, illegal shifting of offices, details of branches and appointment of agents, among others. As of the first quarter of current fiscal year, there are 815 foreign employment agencies registered at the department.
The department has demanded two under-secretary level officials from the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management to carry out the first ever on-site monitoring of foreign employment agencies.
The DoFE data shows that complaints about agencies cheating aspiring migrant workers are on rise. In the last fiscal year, a total of 483 cases of cheating were filed at the department and the victims had demanded compensation worth Rs 171.9 million. The number of such cases in the first quarter of the current fiscal year have already reached 208.
According to department officials, two-third of the fraud cases filed at DoFE are related to cheating by agents, also known as middlemen, who are directly or indirectly involved with agencies.
The department has long been asking agencies to appoint agents to help reduce fraud cases, however only two—SOS Manpower Service and Blue Sky International—have appointed agents—three each. “It is a must to bring all agents within the legal framework as well as fix their commission to help control fraud cases,” said Kashi Raj Dahal, director at the department.
The ‘Taskforce on Foreign Employment Management and Improvement’ in its recent report had also suggested the government to bring these agents under the law. Hundreds of agents are working for agencies without any legal recognition, according to DOFE officials. These agents help agencies collect candidates from across the country.
The government allows foreign employment agencies to open their branches in and outside the country to promote their business. Although, there are an estimated 200 plus such branches in the country, only four dozen branches are legally registered at the department. In the monitoring, the department will also seek information from the agencies about their branches. “Also, Many agencies are found shifting their offices illegally without our permission, so we also have to discourage such practices,” he said.
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TWO BAIDHYA SUPPORTERS OINJURED IN FACTIONAL YCL CLASH
•
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Two Young Communist League (YCL) activists were injured in a clash between two rival factions at Prithvi Chowk-based YCL camp in Pokhara, Kaski, on Saturday night, Lal Prasad Sharma reports in The Kathmandu Post from Pokhara.
The clash erupted between two YCL factions close to party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.
Givinda Oli and Ajaya Kashyap, both of the Baidya faction, sustained serious injuries in the clash. They sustained cut injuries in stomach and neck. “A group of about 10 inebriated youths led by Shriman BK and Santosh Gurung, who are close to Dahal, suddenly attacked us with khukuris while we were watching TV in the camp at around 9 pm,” said the injured. They claimed that one Raj Kumar Dulal had orchestrated the attack.
The Baidya faction said that the attack was premeditated. They claimed that Oli was attacked as he had attended a training programme in Tanahun on October 21 wherein party General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa was the chief instructor.
“Santosh asked Chandra Bahadur Kumal and Purna Rawal to go out of the camp with him. When they turned down his offer, there was an altercation between the two groups followed by violent attacks,” said Dil Bahadur Sunar, who witnessed the incident.
Maoist district in-charge Jhalakpani Tiwari, who is considered close to Dahal, denied the charge and claimed there was no such incident inside the camp. “Oli is not a member of any party committee. He might have been injured in a drunken brawl,” he said. About 50 YCL men have been taking shelter in the camp now. A party source said the camp is under nobody’s control in the recent days.
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TRIPARTITE SUMMIT BEGINS

THREE PARTY SUMMIT BEGINS
UPDATE

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A summit of the Big Three—Maoists, NC and UML, started at a resort in Budhanilkantha Monday morning.
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BIPPA CHALLENGED AT SUPREME COURT

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A writ was filed at supreme court Sunday challenging the validity of a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement (BIPPA) signed between Nepal and India during the just concluded India visit of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.
Advocate Balkrishna Neupane filled the writ seeking immediate annulment of the agreement.
The Kathmandu Post adds:

A writ has moved the Supreme Court seeking immediate annulment of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) signed between Nepal and India on October 21.
The writ filed by advocate Balkrishna Neupane on Sunday argues that the agreement should be scrapped as is not in the larger interests of Nepal. The petitioner argues that the deal gives undue privileges to the Indian side, particularly on the use of "air space", and breaches existing laws on labour.
While the agreement mentions the "air space" of India, it does not mention that of Nepal, which, Neupane argues, is incorrect as Nepal seems not to have taken into account its own air space while signing the agreement. The deal, the writ contends, has given India the right of uninterrupted use of Nepali air space while Nepal clearly does not have such rights.
Similarly, the petitioner mentions that the term "republic" has been obliterated from the accord unlike in the case of India. This, Neupane affirms, might have happened either because India has not been able to take note of the changes--republican set up in Nepal--or the Nepali side could not clarify it to India.
Neupane has taken serious exception to the provision in the BIPPA that would allow Indian companies to bring in their own workers and staff. This will not create additional job opportunities, as envisaged, for the Nepalis but will have an opposite effect.
The deal is against Labour Act, which doesn't permit non-Nepalis to work, the writ argues. The petitioner has also challenged the compensatory provision in the agreement in case the Indian companies incur non-commercial losses.
Drawing parallel between the BIPPA and the Unified Mahakali Agreement (1996), the petitioner argues that the deal would not be in Nepal's interests and reminds the Maoist party of its past commitments to scrapping "unequal" treaties with India. Neupane also argues that the main reason for Indian companies not coming to Nepali is the Maoist party as it has been shutting down industries--including the Nepali ones--on various pretexts. The double taxation system prevalent between two countries, the writ points out, is another reason that hinders Indian investment in Nepal.
The defendants in the petition include Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Office of the Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UCPN (Maoist) Parliamentary Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister for Industries Anil Jha, Ministry of Law and Justice, and Secretariat of the Legislature-Parliament.
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UML, MAOIST MEET INCONCLUSIVE BEFORE MONDAY’S BIG THREE SUMMIT





Kathmandu, 31 Oct.; Major political parties Sunday intensified their talks in a bid to conclude the stalled peace process but could not arrive at a concrete decision, The Rising Nepal reports.
The meeting between ruling UCPN-Maoist and opposition CPN-UML, held late this evening, agreed to settle the thorny issues of peace process at a three-party meeting scheduled on Monday morning while the UML and NC decided to form a common standpoint on it during the meeting.
The meeting between the UML and the Maoists ended without a fruitful outcome.
"We decided to thrash out the contentious issues relating to the peace process at a meeting of three major parties tomorrow morning," said UML leader Bhim Rawal.
Rawal said that the meeting slated at 8 am was expected to take important decisions.
In today’s meeting, the UML asked the Maoists about their official views on the peace process, especially on the integration and rehabilition of their combatants.
"In their response, the Maoist side said that they are still discussing the matter and asked us to take it to the three-party meeting tomorrow," said Rawal.
In the beginning of the meeting, UML chair Jhala Nath Khanal enquired with the PM about the BIPPA agreement.
"During the all-party meeting, PM Dr Baburam Bhattarai told us that his India visit would be a goodwill visit but he signed a controversial deal," Rawal quoted Khanal as saying.
PM Bhattarai had defended the agreement at the meeting attended by the top leader of two parties.
Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, vice chairman and PM Dr Bhattarai another vice-chairman Mohan Baidhay Kiran and general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, and UML chair Khanal,

vice-chairman Ashok Rai and leaders Rawal and Surendra Pandey attended the meeting.
The two parties decided that the peace process should be concluded in a package.
The meeting between the second and third largest parties in the parliament, held at CPN-UML Parliamentary Party office in Singha Durbar, also agreed that they would bring common concept for peace process.
According to NC general secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula, two parties agreed on putting forward common stance on integration, rehabilitation and management of the Maoist combatants.
Sitaula said that the meeting decided to conclude the peace process on the basis of consensus among the major three parties.
He said, "The NC and UML will stress on implementing the earlier agreements related to the peace process."
Sitaula informed that the parties were trying to fix the number of combatants to be integrated and rehabilitation package.
He informed that the meeting of the major three parties meeting and fringe parties would be held soon to decide for the early conclusion of the peace process.
"Without rolling the peace process ahead, other issues will not be discussed in the three-party meeting," he said.
NC leader said that NC wanted to conclude the peace process within a few days.
UML leader Bhim Rawal informed that two parties decided to settle all issues relating to the peace process in the package.
He informed that the NC and UML were positive about the report prepared by a taskforce comprising the representatives of three parties.
The report suggests the ideas for the combatants’ integration, rehabilitation and management.
He said that the two parties were not ready to extend the Constituent Assembly’s tenure.
NC president Sushil Koirala, vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel, general secretaries Prakashman Singh and Sitaula were present in the meeting. Similarly, UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, vice-chairman Ashok Rai, leaders Bhim Rawal and Surendra Pandey participated in the meeting.
Meanwhile, NC general secretary Sitaula said that the three-party meeting was expected to be a landmark for the conclusion of peace and constitution writing processes.
Talking to The Rising Nepal, he said that the meeting would be very important to end the stalemate.
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PM, PRESIDENT CONDOLE TUKEY QUAKE DEATHS




Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav Sunday sent a condolence message to Abdullah Gul, President of the Republic of Turkey, expressing his deep sorrow over the demise of a large number of people in the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey, The Rising Nepal reports.
"I have been deeply saddened by the news of huge death toll numbering in hundreds and widespread devastation caused by the earthquake," Dr Yadav wrote in his message to President Gul.
"At this hour of grief, on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal, and on my own, I would like to extend sincere condolence to you and through you to the people and government of Turkey and heartfelt condolence to all the victims and members of bereaved families," Dr. Yadav wrote.
He also wished eternal peace of the departed soul.
Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai also sent a similar condolence message to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey.
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CHHATH CELEBRATIONS START

Kathmandu 31 Oct.:, Chhath, the important festival of the Maithali speaking people of eastern Terai, began from Sunday by observing the ‘Arawa-Arawain’ ritual, The Rising Nepal reports.
Arawa-Arawain ritual is observed on the first day of Chhath. People on this day take a holy dip in the nearby ponds and rivers and purify their bodies.
Chhath is observed for four days from Kartik Shukala Chaturthi to Kartik Shukala Saptami.
This festival is celebrated enthusiastically in ancient Mithila’s capital, Janakpurdham and other towns in eastern and central Terai.
It has also been celebrated with great joy and excitement in Kathmandu valley for the last few years.
Preparation for Chhat has begun at the Bagmati River banks in Guweshowri and Thapathali and in Rani Pokhari in Ratnapark.
During this festival, the sun is worshiped as the source of power of nature, considering it as the god of energy and lord of the life-force.
On the evening of the second day, women prepare ‘pure’ food and sweets and eat it with their family. After that they start thirty-six hours fasting.
On the third day, women gather by the ponds and rivers to take a ritual bathing, sing and worship the setting sun’s last rays and keep awake by the banks of the ponds till the morning. In the morning of the fourth day, they greet the Sun’s first rays with prayers, offerings and ritual baths and conclude the festival.
Various ponds and rivers banks across the country are being cleaned up and decorated to mark the Chhath festival with fanfare.
However, in Saptari, the people were angry as the municipality authorities did not clean up the ponds and river banks where the worships would take place even by the time the festival began.
Local Bhagawati and Kaltu ponds see the largest crowds of the devotees in the municipality areas. When both sites were not cleaned, the people themselves started cleaning the sites.
"The banks of the ponds where the pigs graze were throwing stench even this morning and we decided to clean them ourselves," said Arjun Sah, a local.
Social activist Jagannath Mundhada said that it was unfortunate that even during the Chhath festival the municipality did not clean the ponds.
Shankar Sharada, another social activist, demanded that the municipality should clean the ponds keeping in mind the health of the devotees who visit the ponds to offer worships.
Meanwhile, in Jhapa, crowds in the markets have swollen up with the beginning of Chhath festival.
The mobility in markets has increased to make necessary preparation for the celebration of the Chhath festival that begins immediately after Tihar.
The people could be seen purchasing various goods in the local markets. Most of them have given importance to the task of the arrangement of bamboo-made products for Chhath celebration, informed the festival celebrators.
With the festival coming closer, the price of the bamboo products has also increased, said entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, RSS adds that various food items such as banana, coconut and sugarcane are being purchased at a high scale for the festival celebration in the district. The purchase and sale of such goods have been intensified in the markets like Bhadrapur, Chandragadhi, Kakarbhitta and Damak.
Groceries, sweet shops and fruits centres have been overcrowded.
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INTERVIEW
NC HOPES FOR A DEAL MONDAY IN TRIPARTITE TALKS


After rounds of negotiations between the three major parties, it seems a deal on integration is finally imminent, but a few outstanding issues remain to be resolved. The Kathmandu Post’s Bidushi Dhungel and Gyanu Adhikari spoke to Nepali Congress leaders Minendra Rijal— member of the Special Committee for the Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of former Maoist combatants and former Minister for Culture— about the intricacies of the outstanding issues, the Maoist’s internal rifts, power-sharing and recently signed BIPPA agreement. Excerpts:
Last week when we spoke to Congress leader Krishna Sitaula, he said a deal on integration would be signed within a week to 10 days. What’s happening with that process?
We have a meeting tomorrow morning [October 31] at 8am between the three major parties. We’re hoping that a deal comes out of it. The day before PM Baburam Bhattarai left for India, we almost had the deal sealed. There were only two disagreements: on the economic package to be given for those who take voluntary exit and to those who will go for rehabilitation. Our offer was Rs 200,000-400,000 depending on experience for those who take voluntary exit and additional money to fund those who take the rehabilitation route. Maoists were saying Rs 600,000-900,000. We made a final offer of Rs 300,000-600,000 for ones who take the voluntary exit and additional money for those who opt for rehabilitation. And on numbers too, we had a disagreement. We had said 4,000 to be integrated and the Maoists had all along said 7,000 based on the agreement between the Maoists and the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha. They said they really wanted a deal before the PM left for India so we said 5,000 to be integrated as a final offer. We were hoping to chuck out the differences in the morning before the PM left, but it didn’t happen because some Maoist leaders said they weren’t done with internal consultations. We met once after the PM returned, and the differences on the two issues still exist. But we are hoping we can get a deal.
What is driving this optimism?
For three reasons: one, because the Maoists have all along insisted that once they get to lead government, they could take the peace process further. Second, they have said they would like to complete the 12-point agreement. If they can’t sign a deal today, then people will doubt their commitment to the 12 point agreement. And third, we need to show something to the people of Nepal, so that we can win their confidence back and get an extension of the CA. For these reasons, I am hopeful there will be an agreement tomorrow.
As far as NC is concerned, is there any more room for compromise on numbers?
If we have agreement on everything else, reaching a deal on numbers isn’t that difficult. When the Maoists signed the deal with the Morcha for 7,000 to be integrated, they knew they would have to take that to the negotiating table with us. I’m sure they will be pragmatic enough to accept what we have offered.
Are the protests by the Maoist hardliner faction delaying the the deal?
I wouldn’t blame one faction of a party or another. In our party as well, there are colleagues who think the CA isn’t the right path. But we are not using that pretext not to get a deal on the peace process and constitution. When we meet with other parties, we present ourselves as a single unified party. So does the UML. My earnest request to the Maoists is for them to present themselves as a single unified party.
So you think that the Maoists are using their internal rifts to stall the peace process?
I do not have enough evidence to think otherwise.
What’s your take on the hardliner faction’s dissent?
I don’t want to dwell on the differences in a party. But, as a party are they not achieving their objectives? Of course they are. They have gotten a chance to lead government. They are the largest party. If they complete the peace process, it will be beneficial to the party and the country. They stand to benefit by completing the process. But Prachanda has gained because of the differences in the party because he comes across as the peacemaker in the party, nationally and internationally—he looks pretty good. Mohan Baidya and his group are also gaining because their support base within the party has widened. The party is benefiting, the PM is benefitting, Prachanda is benefitting, Kiran is benefitting.
How does the NC see the deal benefitting the party?
Of course, it would have been great if the NC could take all the credit for the peace process. But let’s accept the reality—credit will be shared. For 60 years, the Congress has said that the Nepali people should get to write the constitution and if the peace process is completed, there stands a good chance of that happening.
If the peace process is completed, would NC join the government?
We have always said that we will accept Maoist leadership only when the peace process is completed. If the peace process is completed, we have no qualms joining a Moaist-led government. But now is not the time to talk about that—we should focus on the peace process. Then the Maoists can make an offer and we will see.
Within the peace process, is there going to be an expert panel to decide on the ranks of the combatants?
No, no. Let’s understand what’s involved here: a person with the same qualification, whether from the Maoist side or the concerned security forces needs to be the same rank. The concerned security forces are the experts. The Maoists should have faith in the security forces as the combatants are going to become a part of the force and will no longer be associated with the Maoist party.
What of the roles for the integrated combatants?
For now, they have allocated roles which have been discussed time and again. But the hope is that in the future, democratic practise will take its course, we will have a new constitution and who knows what will happen.
But there is a school of thought that says that it’s discriminatory policy to allow only certain roles for the combatants.
It’s not discriminatory. They need to be integrated and for the time-being it’s the best solution. Once they receive trainings and have gone through proper measures and are fully part of the NA, democracy will take its course and there will be no clause in constitution on combatants—we will be a normal functioning democracy. And the Maoists have understood this better than our colleagues in the media (laughs).
What are the differences that NC has with the UML right now?
There are no differences, not even nuanced differences. And we hope the Maoists come on board as well.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the BIPPA agreement?
This is something every nation should sign with others. The implications of the Maoist PM signing the agreement are that his party will not revert to armed insurgency or violence as like in the past. When he signed it, he did so with the understanding that international capitalists will be given equal treatment to Nepali capitalists. But the PM is a smart man; he knows that simply signing paper is not enough. By signing the agreement, he has made it clear that there won’t be a climate of violence in the country. We can only see this as a positive step.
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VICE-PRESIDENT'S MOTHER DEAD

VICE-PRESIDENT’S MOTHER DEAD

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Vice-president Parmananda Jha’s mother passed away on Sunday evening, RSS reports.

Radha Devi Jha breathed her last at the Vice-president’s residence at Kapurdhara at 4:00 pm today at the age of 87.

She is survived by four sons and three daughters.

The final rites of late Jha was held this [Sunday] evening.
Vice-president Jha lit the funeral pyre.
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THREE PERSONS ARRESTED IN JAJARKOT FOR INCITING CLASH AT FAIR

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Police have arrested three persons from Khagenkot in Jajarkot district on Sunday for enticing a clash at the local fair in a district village, RSS reports.

Those arrested are Manarup Pariyar, Sher Bahadur Khatri and Hastabir Pariyar.

They have been held for their alleged involvement in a gang fight during a local fair at Tanse.

The police also confiscated Khukuris and other sharp-edged weapons from them.

A police team from the Police Post, Maide took them under control.

Police is hunting other accomplices involved in the incident, which injured about a dozen of people when the clash overruled the local cultural fair.
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COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST TIA OFFICIAL
Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A complaint has been filed at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) seeking action against an official at Tribhuvan International Airport for taking bribe from Dechen Sherpa for clearing travel documents, The Himalayan Times reports.

“As a formal complaint has been filed with us, we will definitely investigate the scandal and take action against him,” Bhagawati Kumar Kafle, Secretary, CIAA, told The Himalayan Times.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had directed top officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority to take action against the non-gazetted official at the Office of Immigration, Purna Bahadur Basnet, who was caught taking bribe on tape.

Bhattarai spoke to Sushil JB Rana, secretary at the ministry, Kafle, secretary at anti-graft body, over phone and directed them to take action against the official.

Basnet, an official at the Office of Immigration, Tribhuvan International Airport, was found haggling with Dechen Sherpa over kickback, before settling for Rs 100,000, for her ‘hassle-free travel’ to the US.

Dechen, a native of Khumjung, Solukhumbu, was stopped by Basnet at TIA on October 8 as she was venturing to board a Qatar Airways flight to America via Doha.

Basnet did not allow Dechen to board the plane saying that she was not a Nepali citizen and had forged her travel documents.

On October 12, Basnet called Dechen at the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, and bargained over bribe to let her travel.

She paid Rs 100,000 to him in Kalikasthan Chowk. The video shows Basnet, clad in black jacket, receiving the amount and counting it under a banyan tree at Kalikasthan Chowk.

Earlier, the Department of Immigration had suspended Basnet and launched an investigation following orders given by Leela Mani Paudyal, secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.
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NAMES OF VAT EVADERS MADE PUBLIC

PM BHATTARAI ASSURES JANAKPUR AUDIENCE CONSTITUTION DRAFT WILL BE REDIEDD BY 30 NOV.

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said
Sunday a draft of a constitution will be ready by 30 November for national understanding.
The premier gave the assurance at a public meeting in Janakpur.
He assured integration of 19,000 plus former combatants in state secccurity agencies will begin in a few days; the premier was addressing a Maoist public meeting in Janakpur.
Bhattarai told his audience a four-point agreement with
Madeshbadi that ensured parliamentary majority for the
government of UCPN (Maoist) parties will be implemented—the agreement has been criticized by a faction of the premier’s own party and
opposition parties.
Maoist Chairman Prachanda also addressed the audience.
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NO MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE SUNDAY

Kathmandu, 31 Oct. A scheduled meeting of the Maoist
standing committee wasn’t held Sunday after a boycott by a faction ld by
First Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.
The meeting was to discuss an agenda for a central committee that meets 3 November.
Post B. Basnet and/ Kiran Pun add in Republica:
In a UCPN (Maoist) meeting "boycotted" by the party´s radical faction, the party establishment has decided to seal a deal on the protracted peace process in the next couple of days.

"There were only a few contentious issues including the number of the combatants to be integrated and rehabilitation packages for the rest. We agreed to strike a deal within the next couple of days," Maoist spokesman Dinanath Sharma told Republica after the "informal meeting" of the party standing committee.

The party radical faction led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya was not present at the meeting.

"Yes, not all the leaders were present during the meeting," said Sharma.

The party radicals however claimed that they are not aware of any such meeting of the standing committee -- let alone boycott it, and argued that the ´rumor´ was deliberately disseminated to defame their faction.

"Party tradition has been that any meeting is called jointly by the chairman and the general secretary, but general secretary is not aware about any such meeting," Baidya told Republica.

Baidya also bashed the party establishment for violating the party´s mandate while striking a peace deal with other political parties. "They are going for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) model, which is against the decision of the party´s last central committee meeting," said Baidya.

Party spokesperson Sharma said that the party establishment will not violate the mandate of the last central committee while striking a peace deal with other parties.

With the latest decision of the party establishment, the factional dispute in the party has reached a tipping point.

The Maoist party was scheduled to hold its standing committee meeting on Nov 3 to settle the disputes over the PLA integration, handover of the weapons containers to the Special Committee, return of seized property, and BIPPA signed with India.

"It is time to jump into action without being distracted by unnecessary debates in the party," said a senior leader close to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. According to him, Dahal is not in a mood to hold the CC.

The party radicals have been saying that they would accept only a "dignified" integration of the PLA, and termed the party establishment´s "compromises on the PLA integration" a serious ideological deviation.

Earlier in the day, the hard-line faction, led by Baidya, had also boycotted the tea reception at Janakpur.

Meanwhile, attempts are being made to bridge the rift between the rival factions and save the party from a potential split. There was a meeting of the rival faction leaders at the residence of party leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

According to party leaders, Dahal had requested the radicals to join the government and keep the party unity intact. "The chairman asked us to hold discussions to sort out the differences and join the government. But we turned down his call. You know our stance," said Netra Bikram Chand who is close to Baidya.

The hardliner faction has argued that it doesn´t accept the party´s "anti-national" four-point deal signed with the Madhes-based parties which led to the formation of the current government, and would not participate in the government until the deal is scrapped.
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TRIPARTITE SUMMIT MONDAY; MAOIST CHIEF PROPOSING PACKAGE DEAL

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A tripartite summit of Maoists and main opposition NC and UML is being held at a resort in Budhanilkantha Monday morning.
The parties met last 20 October before the just concluded visit of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai agreeing to
Meet again after the end of the visit.
Opposition parties NC and UML Sunday agreed on a common stance for negotiations with the party lading the government.
The two parties agreed to integration of 5,000 former Maoist combatants in state security agencies.
The Big Three are meeting as time is running out to complete the peace process and
constitution drafting by a 30 November deadline.
Republica adds.
On the eve of the three-party meeting scheduled for Monday morning, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proposed that all the outstanding issues, including those relating to the peace process, constitution writing and power-sharing, be settled
in a package deal, Republica writes.

The Maoist chairman floated the proposal during a meeting of the leaders of UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML on Sunday evening to prepare grounds for the meeting of the three major parties.

“Dahal said they are for settling all the issues -- ranging from the peace process, constitution making, power sharing, formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Disappeared People and appointments in the constitutional bodies -- in a package through mutual understanding,” said CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey.

The proposal indicates a shift in the Maoist leadership´s position with regard to the peace process and constitution drafting. Previously, Dahal and Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai had insisted on settling the issues of the peace process in isolation if a package deal on all contentious issues was not possible. The Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Mohan Baidya faction of the UCPN (Maoist) have also been insisting on such a package deal.

Besides Baidya, Ram Bahadur Thapa from the camp was also present at the meeting. Prime Minister Bhattarai and Maoist leader Posta Bahadur Bogati, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, leaders Ashok Rai, Pandey and Bhim Rawal were also present at the meeting.

During the talks, both the sides agreed to settle all the issues in a package and not in isolation, leaders said.

Dahal said the new political development has further proved that formation of consensus government and decision-making through mutual understanding among the major parties has become imperative for accomplishing the twin tasks of concluding the peace process and writing the new constitution,” Pandey told Republica.

Earlier in the morning, the second and third largest parties in parliament -- NC and CPN-UML -- had agreed with UCPN (Maoist) to present a common proposal on the integration number and rehabilitation package.

“We have agreed to propose the same number for integration and the same amount of money for the rehabilitation package,” an NC leader told Republica preferring anonymity, refusing to give details about the number and the cash incentives they plan to propose to the Maoists.

NC Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Paudel said they have agreed to settle all the major contentious issues on the peace process in a package and not in isolation. The NC briefed the UML leaders about their latest rounds of talks with the Maoists and assured the latter that the NC will not sign any deal with the Maoists keeping the UML in the dark.

According to Pandey, NC leaders told them that both the NC and the Maoists haven´t made any tangible progress since the Maoist-NC-UML talks on the eve of the prime minister´s visit to India earlier this month.

UML leaders had proposed to resume the tasks of constitution writing simultaneously with the peace process. At present, the leaders have deferred the constitutional committee meetings until further notice as the NC leaders insisted that the constitution drafting process should be taken ahead only after first settling the major thorny issues of the peace process.

“But the NC leaders are still for settling the contentious issues on the peace process beforehand,” said Pandey.

UML leaders during the meeting also enquired if the NC leaders had reached any understanding with the Maoists with regard to power sharing, particularly about heading the election government after promulgating the new constitution. “We just discussed this matter but the NC is never for keeping aside the UML while reaching any agreement in a package,” a leader quoted the NC leaders as saying at the meeting.
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LIST OF VAT EVADERS MADE PUBLIC

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: A handful of corporate giants have defrauded the government of billions of rupees by evading Value Added Tax, a Finance Ministry report
has revealed, The Himalayan Times reports.

In its report titled ‘Study and Investigation of Fake and Fictitious VAT bills–2011, the ministry has listed the firms involved in the scam.

“It is the largest corruption of the decade,” Right to Information campaigner Taranath Dahal, who had moved the National Information Commission (NIC) seeking the list of VAT defaulters.

In response to an October 16 NIC directive, the finance ministry had commissioned a committee under a deputy director general at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on February 21.

The committee had submitted its 33-page report on March 4.

Him Electronics of Golchha Organisation, Varun Developers, CG Electronics Pvt Ltd, CG Impex Pvt Ltd and CG Foods Pvt Ltd of the Chaudhary Group, Dugar Brothers and Sons and Dugar Auto Clinic Pvt Ltd of the TM Dugar Group, Jagadamba Steel of Shankar Group and Rasuwa Construction Company figure in the list of defaulters.

Also included in the list are United Distributors, a partner of Vishal Group, Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Morang Auto Works and Chameliya, according to the report.

The report reveals that the government has refunded VAT to seven firms: Rs 5.04 million to Sarita Enterprises, Rs 5.31 million to Sarita International, Rs 17.22 million to Ashutosh Impex Pvt Ltd, Rs 16.94 million to Shivashakti Impex, Rs 11.26 million to Digambar Trade House, Rs 45.60 million to Digambar Trade International and Rs 14.35 million to Bhimeshwar Trade House.

In the wake of tremendous pressure from the public, the ministry had agreed to investigate the fake VAT bill scam.

But the ministry did not disclose the actual amount that the firms have defrauded.

It also did not provide the list of large taxpayers. As of October 19, IRD has slapped Rs 3.45 billion tax and fine on 365 out of 518 firms, which had evaded VAT by producing fake invoices.

Of the remaining cases, Large Taxpayer Office is handling 105 cases, according to the IRD.

“The ministry expects to collect more tax and fine from large taxpayers,” a source at the finance ministry said.
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PM BHATTARAI TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE OVER RADIO NEPAL FOR SECOND TIME

PM BHATTARAI TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE FOR
SECOND TIME

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Prime Minister will interact with people directly for the second time after assuming office nearly two months ago by responding to questions of people over state-owned Radio Nepal.
He will respond to questions of Radio Nepal listeners for 50 minutes from 8.10 Monday evening.
The premier will respond to questions from the studio of the
state radio.
The government chief is the fist premier to take n questions from thepeople in the programme that will be broadcast live over Radio Nepal.
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GOLD PRICE SURGES

Kathmandu, 31 Oct.: Gold price surged Rs.1,650 per told when the bullion market opened for the fist time after tihar Sunday.
The precious metal was traded for Rs.52,900 per tola.
Reports said gold sake increased threefold during tihar.
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BUDHAHILKANTHA SCHOOL ASKED TO SUSPEND SCHOLARSHIP EXAMNATIONS

BUDHANILKANTHA SCHOOL ASKED TO STOP SCHOLARSHIP TESTS
Kathmandu, 30 Oct.: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has directed the Budhanilkantha School to postpone the scholarship examinations for Grade five scheduled for November 5 on the suspicion of lack of transparency and inclusion.
CIAA´s Spokesperson Ishwori Prasad Paudel said that the direction was given by sending a letter to the Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Chairman of the School Management Committee, Shanker Prasad Pandey.

Based on a complaint filed by the Budhanilkantha Staff Union, the CIAA has directed the School to make the scholarship selection process systematic, transparent, decent, regular and inclusive, and make it in line to the academic year.

Similarly, the CIAA has directed to publish the notice for scholarship examinations to ensure that it is accessible to all.

However, the school Principal Narayan Sharma claimed that no irregularity has taken place so far in scholarship selection process.

The Union has been agitating for long demanding to appoint the school principal through open competition and calling for an investigation into the irregularities carried out by the present management committee.
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COUNTRY ENTERING NEW PJASE SAYS MAOIST CHIEF

Kathmandu, 30 Oct.: Chairman of the UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the country would step into a new phase soon, RSS reports from Janakpur.

Speaking at a greetings exchange program organized by the party´s Mithila State Committee on the occasion of Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals on Sunday, Dahal stressed for national unity among the political parties to conclude the peace process and promulgate the new constitution.
The former Prime Minister Mr Dahal on the occasion expressed the commitment to fulfilling the responsibility of concluding the peace process as the only living leader to sign the comprehensive peace accord.

Dahal said that he was ready to give his best to develop Janakpur and Janaki Temple as a religious site.

Also speaking at the program, Maoist vice-president and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha warned of negative consequences in the country if peace process and writing of the constitution were not concluded based on political consensus.

Epoch-making transformation of the Nepali society, safeguarding of the national sovereignty, peace process and constitution writing were the historical and major tasks at present and all should think seriously in this respect, Shrestha added.

Party´s standing committee member and Madhes Bureau in-charge Giriraj Mani Pokhrel said it was responsibility of all parties to conclude the peace process and draft the constitution as wished by the country and people.

In-charge of the Mithila State Committee Bishow Nath Saha, central leaders Shrawan Yadav and Ram Kumar Sharma, senior journalist Rajeshwor Nepali, among others drew the attention of the government for the development of the Mithila region.
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SPEAKER NEMWANG HOPES FOR CONCLUSIVE RESULTS

Kathmandu, 30 Oct.: Constituent Assembly Chairman Subash Nembang has expressed his confidence that the intensive discussions held for the peace and constitution writing processes among major three parties this time will bring positive result, RSS reports.

Talking to media persons at his office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, CA Chairman Nembang said he was hopeful that the remaining tasks of peace process will be settled soon.

"I appealed to the Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai to forge political consensus during the meeting with him; he seemed to be positive and cheerful," said Nembang.

He further said that determination of numbers regarding the PLA integration and rehabilitation package was not the complicated one and added, the result will be positive as the political parties are working out to settle down the differences.
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ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN TANAHU VEHICULAR ACCIDENT
Kathmandu, 30 Oct.: A tractor driver died and two others were injured in a road accident at Chiti rivulet of Purkot VDC in Tanahu district, on Sunday morning, RSS reports from Damauli.

The deceased has been identified as Rajendra Kandel, 40, of Satbise-6 of Lamjung district, according to Police Post, Purkot.

The accident took place when the tractor heading towards Dumre of Tanahu district from Alkatar of Lamjung district fell some 50 meters down from the road at Chiti rivulet.

The injured are Lal Bahadur BK of Satbise and Raj Kishor Patel, 28, of Bhatauda-9 of Bara district. They are undergoing treatment at BK is the helper of the tractor at Laxmi Hospital, Dumre, informed police.

Kandel died on the way to Gorkha Polyclinic, Turture, for further treatment.
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