CHETRI, BRAHMIN STRIKE CLOSES DOWN NATION Kathmandu, 10 May: Chetris, Brahmins and other groups closed down the capital and other parts in the country in a two-day national strike as differences between parties differ on a federal structure. Protestors are pushing two demands, including formation of a economic feasible province. The two largest ethnic groups a protesting their non-inclusion as indigenous groups in an official categorization of ethnic groups. The strike has brought life to a halt in the capital and other parts of the country. Muslims and Tharus have also closed down terai districts and a strike in the far-West continued for the 14th day Thursday opposing Maoist plans to bifurcate nine terai and hill districts. Demands for a federal structure are turning violent. Police fired on demonstrators in Nawalparasi Wednesday; five were killed and more than 30 were injured in a bombing in Janakpur where demands were being pushed for a Mithila state. Protests in the far-West have also turned violent. The far-West strike continued even as a 33-member talks team for negotiations with government was formed Wednesday. MORE BIG THREE, MADESHBADI PARTIES FAIL TO RESOLVE DIFFERENCES IN MIDNIGHT TALKS Kathmandu, 10 May: Effort of the Big Three and Madeshbadi parties in government and opposition made fruitless efforts the whole day Wednesday to resolve differences on a federal structure to replace a unitary structure with only 17 days remaining to promulgate a constitution. There was no breakthrough even as parties held inter and intra-party talks until midnight. Second biggest opposition UML asked main opposition NC which has joined the government of Maoists and Madeshbadi parties led by Baburam Bhattarai to withdraw from government. The Bhattarai government has failed to form a national government and resolve differences topics for inclusion in a constitution in three days as specified in a a breakthrough agreement last Thursday night. Differences on a federal structure are fundamental. Leaders said they will continue to find consensus on differences before the constituent assembly (CA) begins to adopt articles on a proposed constitution through voting Thursday afternoon after elusive understanding. ‘The burden is now on 601 members. The burden is off shoulders of some party leaders,’ said Maoist Chairman Prachanda referring to failure to resolve differences in a sub-committee he heads to resolve differences on themes for a proposed basic law. ‘A federal structure proposed during the insurgency isn’t acceptable,” said NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC. MORE