- OPPOSITION INTENSIFY ANTI-GOVT. PROTESTS Kathmandu, 7 Aug.: At least seven vehicles were vandalized during a four-hour disruption of traffic movement nationwide, including the capital, Tuesday morning disrupting morning sessions of educational institutions. Opposition Youth Association of UML spearheaded the anti-government protest for the third day and will continue Wednesday. Disruption limited to the Valley for two days was extended to urban centers outside the capital Tuesday. UML standing committee has concluded government, whose resignation has been demanded by nine opposition youth groups, anti-government protests has to be intensified as Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai wonlt concede opposition demands. Nnnn PROMOTION OF NA OFFICIALS STALLED Kathmandu, 7 Aug.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai's decision to shelve the promotion of Colonel Raju Basnet, who faces serious charges of human rights violation, has stalled the promotion of other candidates in the Nepal Arm, The Kathmandu Post reports.. None of the other colonels in line of promotion can be elevated to the rank of brigadier general unless Basnet's issue is settled, according to sources at the Ministry of Defence. The proposal calling for promotion of Col Prabhu Ram Sharma has not been moved to the Cabinet citing 'indecision' over Basnet's case. “The prime minister is not in favour of promoting Col Basnet who faces conflict era charges for disappearing dozens of Maoist cadres from the Bhairabnath Battalion,” said the source. “We cannot promote an officer junior to him until there is a formal decision regarding the rejection.” Prime Minister Bhattarai, who also assumes the defence ministry portfolio, has not yet directed officials to send a formal notice rejecting the promotion request. Basnet will automatically retire if he is not promoted by October 19. “If there is no decision, we cannot promote any colonel to the rank of brigadier general immediately,” the source stated. The sources added that the promotion process could resume if Basnet resigns on his own before the expiry of his term. NA sources, however, said Basnet was unlikely to quit but would adopt a “wait and see" approach. He is still optimistic that the government will eventually endorse his promotion. The NA will request for promotion of its senior officers after General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung retires on September 9. With the appointment of General Gaurav Shumsher JBR to the post of Chief of Staff, few top posts including lieutenant general, major general and brigadier general will remain vacant. The stalemate will only obstruct promotion of colonels but not other top ranks, added the official. Nnnn MAOIST CHIEF CULTIVATES OTHER PARTIES, INCLUDING BAIDHAYA GROUP Kathmandu, 7 Aug.: One-and-a-half months after the party was rocked by a split, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stepped up efforts to strike a "working alliance" with the CPN-Maoist led by Mohan Baidya, Kamal Dev Bhattarai writes in The Kathmandu Post.. With a view to consolidating his grip on the party, Dahal is also planning to "re-strengthen" relations with Madhesi parties and Janajati constituencies, according to sources. The sources added that Dahal will once again take 'centre stage' in national politics if he succeeds in his efforts. "Dahal is working to build an alliance with the CPN-Maoist to boost his strength in national politics," said leader Khajaraj Bhatta. Leaders close to Dahal said the chairman has already held talks with Baidya, who broke away from the UCPN (Maoist) to form his own party, and urged him to maintain a working alliance. Dahal believes that there are many common issues that the two parties can work on in tandem despite ideological differences. According to leaders, issues related to a new constitution such as ethnic federalism, right to self-determination and forms of government are where the two parties have similar positions. Dahal reportedly told Baidya that the “bargaining power” of both the sides will increase if they strike the alliance. “A working alliance is possible on national issues that are agreed upon," said Pampha Bhusal, the CPN-Maoist spokesperson. Leaders from both the parties claim such an alliance will prepare ground for party unity in the future. Dahal also plans to enhance strategic alliance with the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) so that their power to bargain with the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML gets a boost. The current alliance between the UCPN (Maoist) and the Madhesi Morcha began with the signing of a four-point deal on August 28 2011, which paved way for the formation of the Baburam Bhattarai-led government. “The basis of unity among the Maoists and the Madhesi Morcha is the four-point agreement. The alliance could be at risk if the Maoists renege on the accord,” said Spokesperson of the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Sarvendra Nath Shukla. Dahal is also holding talks with different Janajati outfits and Janajati leaders, including UML Vice Chairman Ashok Rai, from various parties to forge an alliance. According to one leader, the UCPN (Maoist) boss is taking such a step to ensure ethnic federalism. nnnn