CLOSURE OF FAR-WEST CONTINUES Kathmandu, 8 May: protests against Maoist plans to divide nine provinces in the far-West continued Tuesday even as government formed a three-member head headed by Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula to discuss local demands not to divide the poorest region. Protestors Monday welcomed the government initiative but said they will continue agitation and negotiations simultaneously in the region and not elsewhere. The region was closed down for the 12day Tuesday causing severe shortage of essentials. The eastern region was also closed down with locals there demanding a separate province. Janakpur was closed down Tuesday as well as supporters of Mithila state continued protests for murder of five activists in a bobbling attack which injured more than 30 others. Nnnn MEDIA GOOGLE “If the threats are real, I now have only 10 more days to live. My own party can provide a few cadres for my security but what I want from the government is to trace the numbers and punish those behind this. The government’s failure to book those guilty has made me wonder if people issuing threats are receiving government protection.” (Rashtriya Janamorcha Chairman Chitra Bahadur KC detailing threats for his anti-federal stance, Republica, 8 May) nnnn