UPDATE UML ‘SHOCKED’ AT KARKI APPOINTMENT Kathmandu, 8 May: UML in a statement Wednesday said it was ‘shocked’ at the endorsement by President Dr. R am Baran Yadav of former Secretary Lokman Singh Karko during the royal regime as CIAA chief. The party had earlier recommended Karki’s appointment now calling him a ’controversial’ figure’ responsible for excesses during a popular movement seven years ago. The party said presidential endorsement of a constitutional council recommending the appointment was ‘undemocratic and as against spirits of the 2006 people’s movement’. Nnnn THURSDAY’S VALLEY BANDH WITHDRAWN Kathmandu, 8 May: Thursday’s Valley bandh called by 13 student unions affiliated with political parties was withdrawn and said it will be held another unspecified day.. Students said the bandh clashed with mother’s day. Students had been daily protesting a decision to appointment Lokman Singh Karki CIAA chief. nnnn