CONTROVERSIAL TOP RETIRED INDIAN IN TOWN; RETURNS HOME AFTER HIGH-LEVEL CONSULTATIONS Kathmandu, 17 July: Controversial top Indian diplomat Shyam Sharan was in town the same time Indian Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh was on a five-day official visit this month. Shyam Sharan was promoted to foreign secretary after completing his assignment as ambassador. He was the point-man for the Indian government along with now official government candidate for president of India Prabab Mukherjee to push a republic. Sharan is now retired. But government of India still uses services of former top officials. Former Ambasssador KV Rajan is a frequent Nepal visitor. Sharan held discussions with Maoist Chairman Prachanda, NC President Sushil Koirala, UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. He also held discussions with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Shitaula .former NC General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi and other leaders, Dhristi reports. Sharan held extended discussions with Prachanda Thursday night. nnnn