THARUS AND ADVOCATES OF GREATER FAR-WEST REGION HOLD SEPARATE PROTESTS Kathmandu, 11 May: The far-West was closed down for the 15th day Friday amid shortages of essentials. One group demanded a Greater undivided region of nine states opposing a Maoist plan to bifurcate the region. Tharus also came ot on the streets and held a public meeting and rally also in Dhangadi demanding a Tharu province putting together Kailali and Kanchanpur. Nnnn INDIAN AMBASSADOR HOLDS DISCUSSIONS WITH SUSHIL KOIRALA Kathmandu, 11 May: NC President Sushil Koirala held discussions with Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad at a time when the constitution drafting process has hit a roadblock with only 16 days remaining to promulgate a basis law. The meeting comes at a time when Prasad was present at a meeting of political parties with Prime Minister Bhattarai at the official residence of the government chief discussing matters related to the constitution, government formation and other issues. Maoists, once opposed to Indian hegemony according to the party now leading the government, didn’t oppose Prasad’s presence. But activities of the ambassador have been opposed by other parties, nnnn