18/05/06 - 24/05/06




On who behest SPA is working to destabilize RNA

BY OUR REPORTER



After the mass of tens of thousand (make no mistake it was not the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) because none of the leaders of those parties were in the rallies) succeeded in ending the direct rule of the King by bringing the dead parliament to life and a government of the political parties, the first signs of the new government clearly showed that they are back into the game of politics of power.

Even the preliminary formation of the cabinet faced a snag when the two largest faction, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, fought for seats in the government. It is because of the politics of power that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has not been able to complete the formation of the government.

When the SPA, the government is practically at a loss of what to do next and how to do it, they have started diverting the attention of the people by ignoring and disregarding and even working to tear down the country's two most stable and enduring institutions, the Royal Nepalese Army and the Monarchy. By taking of oath by the ministers at Singha Durbar and later by the Speaker in the parliament they think they are ridiculing the monarchy. But at whose behest?

It has become clear that the SPA alone cannot do anything, even if they want to. The interview of Maoists' second man (?) Baburam Bhattarai to BBC immediately after the King restored the parliament was a clear sign that the SPA is nothing more than a façade of bigger power games being played. Even the incidents till now have shown that they are just pawns. The interview was a mild jolt to the SPA, which had started thinking that it was them that brought about the end of the King's direct rule. Then, the continuations of extortion and even killing despite the announcement of the ceasefire are other reminders that the SPA hardly controls any decision made by them.

Till now, the SPA and the government have not been able to make the Maoists comply not even to a single clause of their 12-point agreement while the SPA has been obeying what has been told to them for example the detention of the minister of the previous government. Their detention has been called as violation of human rights by the Asian Human Rights Center. Not even in 1990, the ministers of the last panchayat government were detained by the interim government formed then after. Then there is the suspension of the chief of the security forces and the transfer of the government secretaries. All these are being done in the pretext that they had worked to quell the movement. These are nothing but politics of revenge and vengeance.

Now, the target has been the Royal Nepalese Army and every attempt is being made to find fault during the 19-day protest. But much to the dismay of the SPA or those who are riding on its shoulder, the army had remained in the back and was not involved in the action. When they failed to find fault with the army's role that the army was involved in 'crushing' the movement they started nit picking, such as why the army chief organize feast for 'five-long' days in his daughter's marriage. Further to their dismay, the RNA and even security forces has remained quite unsplit even after the present upheaval. When they failed to find big, they have belittled the meaning of crushing a movement.

Even in the words of Dr. Thomas A. Marks (see last week's PR Nepal: Hope is not a method) " This is puzzling, because the security forces are quite intact and - contrary to yet another theme pushed by both activist elements of the new regime and their international activist backers - exercised remarkable restraint during the recent upheaval. Lathi charges are not semiautomatic volleys, and the latter did not occur."

That is the reason the SPA and the parliamentarians have balked from touching the RNA. Albeit they have been shouting to bring the RNA under the parliament and the prime minister be made the supreme commander of the army. It is very easy whose agenda it is. When the Maoists failed to defeat the army militarily, rather they suffered crushing blows at several times, they think they have found a easy ally in the SPA to defeat the army politically. And the SPA has fallen into this bait.

It is all the more clear that the SPA has been given a list of orders they are only carrying it out. If not, the SPA would have worked to make the Maoists allow their political activities resume in the villages, their cadres to return to their villages and stop banishing and killing their workers. While they ready to exhume even forgotten incidents of the alleged atrocities of the security forces, the parties have failed to utter a single word of the atrocities - killing, banishing, maiming, looting and forceful eviction of the party workers and innocent people -- committed by the Maoists.

If the parties think that by ignoring, disregarding and ridiculing the monarchy and destabilizing the RNA, they are doing a BIG wrong. What the parties are doing now is detrimental even to their interests. Now who might want to destabilize the RNA and write off the monarchy? One answer many people give is India and looking at the attitude they may not be wrong. Even if the Maoists, which want to make this country into a republic may need a stable security body to rule if they come to power. So, the Maoists too if they think by debilitating the army they can be assured of their goal they will be giving in to another big hand. It has become clear through the history that those who can incapacitate the army and weaken the monarchy can trample upon the sovereignty of this country. That is what India might be doing by using both the Maoists and the SPA and unfortunately, these two have become subservient to the interest of the big South.

Well , now i believe SPA is like STRIPPER it is just dancing when clients like US, INDIA shows them dollars bill. Also SPA is ready to take of its clothers If Maoist says so..All we can do hope SPA leaders have some brain ..I hardly doubt it .Revenge is fine and they took it.But in the name of revenge.What is good and what is bad .There should be accountablity the HOR contains corrupt MPS now that HOR is the most powerful can anybody dare to touch them??what they are creating is system with no check and balance.It would be good if we had honest leaders but we don't.

On whose behest SPA is working to destablise RNA? Of course, on people's behest, you moron.

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well the palace is like a mafia family and the RNA (now Nepal Army) like their private army, so what can you do? the recent protest was about changing this exploitative set up, since both these entities are funded by people's taxes!

there is nothing wrong with the SPA trying to bring the RNA under the control of the PM. people have been paying for the support of RNA with their hard earned money, and the RNA should be held accountable / responsible to the people - not to the palace! This is standard practice everywhere in the world. This movement was not about reinstating " royal democracy" (competitive multiparty democracy and hereditary constitutional monarchy), this movement was about ushering "samabeshi loktantra" with the Constituent Assembly to decide on the fate of Monarchy. and Constituent Assembly is not just a Maoists' demand. Lest you forget, go back to 2007 B.S. and revisit Nepal's history and you will know it’d been a demand of Congress Party and also other parties then.

the failure of the 2046 movement was its failure to bring the army under the civilian control, so to speak. let's hope it succeeds this time.

lest royalists & reactionaries are quick to blame the political parties of corruption and what not, let me clarify that the abuse of power and misuse of money by the palace and its chamchas have made even the poster boys of corruption - Mr. Govinda Raj Joshi & Chiranjibi Kumar Wagles - look like saints with a “halo” around his head in comparision. Given the choice between anyone representing the palace and Mr. Govinda Raj Joshi, for instance, my vote will go to Mr. Govinda Raj Joshi each and every time. You want to know why?

This is because under "loktantra", eventually Mr. Govinda Raj Joshi cannot get away with corruption for very long. He will run out of luck sooner or later. He stands as an indicator of the maturity level of the democratic set up of Nepal. The instance he falls, we will know for certain that democracy is coming off age!

But under "constitutional monarchy", the palace's abuse of power or misuse of people's money is for eternity. As long as they are above the constitution, you cannot "bell the cat". They can even get away with murder, and allegedly have on more occasions than one.

It's not like the palace doesn't have lots of business stakes - with relative/absolute advantages over other private companies. They don’t have to pay custom duties - or income taxes. They have no business running a business empire (if they don’t want to play by market rules) and sucking up peoples' money at the SAME TIME. They have no business running National Parks & KMTNC on top of their business empire and people’s money. What could be more exploitative than this! This is fascism! This is greed run amuck! Which is why the stripped kings of India are offering their daughters to our Kingss sons or sons to the daughters of our top army brass? It’s a win win!

And yet when the palace sometimes preached about how free market economy or liberalising Nepali economy is good for Nepal, I have almost puked. You think these guys are for fostering competition. I think they are for killing off market competition, if any.

Ultimately what was wrong with the palace and the RNA was that they were intent on running Nepal like it was their own company, NEPAL INC - but with the hard earned money of the people. This was an out and out exploitative system - the worst elements of the feudalism combined with the worst elements of capitalism!

And the RNA was actually supporting this system! The Thapas/Basnyat/Ranas were being paid off handsomely to support this exploitative system with the guns, choppers, tanks, if need be.

The RNA is not without its problems. They are by and large composed of poor Nepali people – they have the kind of farmers’ face - and they have to wash clothes / cook foods /run errands for their masters. These soldiers’ salaries are paid by the people's money, yet they are told to protect the palace at the expense of the people. They are taught that ‘the people are their enemies”. What nonsense!

The top army brasses' sons (who are also in the army) are stationed safely in Kathmandu, whereas these poor RNA soldiers - intended sacrificial lambs - have to fight it out in the Maoist heartland. You think the RNA is what it's cracked out to be. Mind you, it is a private army of the palace. It will sacrifice as many soldiers (children of people) as it takes to strengthen the palace and the few top army brass.

You don't need evidence to prove how bad monarchy & rna have been. Our great great great parents have lived under their system and we've lived under their system as well. And if we don't watch out, our children and grand children are gonna get it even worse.

Orwell wrote: Imagine a boot pressing your face to the ground FOREVER. this is what has characterized autocratic monarchy and RNA ever since the royal coup.

The SPA declaration has declawed and defanged the palace, and I hope it will bring the army under the control of the people as soon as possible, even if it has to remove some top army brass. This declaration – the Nepali “magna carta – the outcome of the rhodendron revolution - is good for the people as well as for the poor Nepali army soldiers who have been exploited for too long.

The rule of a few over the majority is finally over. The USA and UK have supported the declaration. So has India. The sooner the top army brass gets this lesson, the better it is for all concerned.

hey bineet....you are too much in support of King, c'mon, let's face the reality and you every time carry the points abusing only SPA but praising kings and bhardars. You aren't quite up to the mark. i know u will stick to your colours and so are your opposers.
come out of yourself. Actually, in 21st century, people wont accept active monarchy nor will be the monarchy successful in its endevaour to rule the country.

bineet bhai,

you cant save your king by struggling here in sajha board. Really, I used to be in support of the king some time back thanks to leaders careless, irresponsible attitude toward the poor nepali people, but given the past records of events like Royal massacre, I have to say with brave heart that Nepal doesn't need king. And the kings dealing with maoist problem and recruiting PMs like slaves, calling tender for the post of PM two years back and such and such activities from the Palace have fallen short of my expectations.

King has time and again sacked and admitted the new pm like homekept slaves, helper. Had he been going as per the morale of constitution? By saying this I cant glorify the present leaders in the parliament. King, party leaders, maoists have a share in making what Nepal is today.

Everything that was stated on HOR declaration was in sync with both popular aspirations and most importantly maoists. Indeed the dawn of new era has come after paying a heavy price. It was the maoists who are the main “Kheladi� players among the amateur politicians–everyone agrees on it.


Where in the world do you find active monarchy sustaining in keeping with political parties. King shouldn't enter into politics. Okay--he should be in his own place. or If possible can abdicate if he desires so.

Even after the CA--if Maoists came to power I would heartily welcome them as they have already said that their style of government wouldn’t be like that of China but rather multiparty democracy, election. We must support the Revolutionary change secured by invincible TIME.

why we don"t punised for maiost for there autocraties ?

@bineet.

If you are not immature... it is very surprising to see you batting for King. Accept the fact that he is part of history now. Only thing acceptable would be complete ceremonial kind of king.

Yes I agree that there is need to be careful towards maoists also. Communists world wide have never been a trust worthy bunch. If they break their promises to join democratic mainstream and instead try to capture kathmandu by force and push whole nepal to 'equal oppurtuinity for poverty... the communist republic' I wont be much amazed...

However the character of army must be changed from being kings private army to army of nepal.

R u ready to punish Maoists mr naveen? do you have guts? its government duty; but leaders leading the government is inside the maoist's wing, its like letting the grass grow under the feet that means if government has guts it wouldn't join hands with them to eye the return of political democracy.

Not to mince matters, if you try to punish maoists, more instability leading to intense civil war will be in the offing.

Instead of debating about punishing maoists as a bone of contention, why not just let them join hands with each other to create better Nepal with full of happy future.

yes yusuf, army should be under the heart and brain of People. IF not, there will be conspiracy to endanger or jeopardize the newly gained democracy. I dont like to talk much. But .......???
It stands to reason that If king has brain with lovely, charismatic heart, he would have fight shy of all the present adversity from home and abroad.But the leaders should leave no stone unturned to live up to the people's expectation. But I smell a rat!!! But let's hope and wish for the new nepal.

Prachanda to surface in Kathmandu 2 June, other details
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: Maoist Chairman Prachanda will surface in Kathmandu 2 June.

Posters were posted on walls in the capital announcing he will surface at the Open Air Theatre at one in the afternoon that day.

Prachanda will appear in Kathmandu one day after the fifth anniversary of the Narayanhiti Royal palace massacre and when the seven party coalition (SPA) is working to bring Maoists into an interim government ahead of elections for a constituent assembly.

The election will not be fair, free and impartial because the SPA has already adopted a republican agenda by curbing the powers of the King and army ahead of the assembly proposed polls.

Governments in Nepal and the region are known have to manipulated polls to suit the agenda of ruling parties.

If free, fair and impartial elections are to be held for an assembly, it must be conducted by a neutral government.

Meanwhile, the NC central committee Saturday asked Maoists to stop extortions and forcible recruitment into their militia.

The committee asked the government led by the party to push talks with the Maoists to regularize a 12-point agreement.

The committee welcomed Thursday's parliamentary proclamation.

The NC committee accused Maoists of not honestly implementing the 12-point accord accusing Maoists of continuing extrotions and recruitment.

Industries on Birgunj have closed down after Maoists demanded more than Rs 100 million in extortion money.

Sher Bahadur Deuba was Saturday elected the parliamentary party leader. Challenger Bijaya Kumar Gachedar collected only13 votes to Deuba's 24.

Former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, PL Singh and Deputy Speaker Chitralekha Yadav didn't cast their ballots.

People’s News/BR


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More climbers atop Everest Saturday
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu , 20 May: Six Indians of the "BSF Everest Expedition 2006" and six guides scaled the 8848 meters high Mount Everest Saturday, the Ministry of Tourism said.

They climbed the peak at six in the morning.

Loveraj Singh Dharmshaktu ,33, Kamlesh Kumar Bounthiyal,36, . Praveen Singh Lohis ,31, Kedar Singh ,30, Bhagat Singh Rawat ,28, and Manoj Dahal ,28, climbed Everest Saturday.

They were assisted by six Nepali guides.

Seven members and six guides of the "Alpine Ascents International Mt. Everest Expedition 2006" team also climbed Mt. Everest Saturday.

David Charles Morton,35, mountain guide from, Seattle, Washington , USA,. Chris Nichols ,47, attorney, Reno, Navada, USA and Alistair Sutcliffe ,40, Family Doctor, Sleights, North Yorkshire, Great Britain climbed the peak with two sherpa guides.

Minutes later, Vernon E. Tejas ,53, mountain guide, from, Seattle, Suzanne Nance, 46, from Inverway, USA, Dr Jacques Pirenne , from Jachthoorn, Belgium, Gerhard Alfons Winkler ,50 from Vienna, Austria and five guides climbed the peak.

Altitude Worker of "2006 IMG Everest Expedition (II)" team climbed Mt. Everest at 3.00 a.m. on 20th May 2006.

Mr. Da Nuru Sherpa ,49, of the "2006 IMG Everest Expedition (II)" climbed Everest Saturday.

One member and one guide of the "IMG Everest Expedition (I)" also climbed Everest Saturday. Brenda Lucky Walsh ,33, mountain guide from climbed the peak with Mingma Tenzing Sherpa, 20, from normal route.

People’s News/BR


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20th May, 2006 (Saturday)

Excerpts of an interview with senior advocate Ganesh Raj Sharma and constitution expert broadcast by the BBC Nepali Service and printed in Jana Sathha
Translated by Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: The translated excerpts.

"Their [leaders of seven parties] statements I read after the reinstatement of parliament, is for activating parliament. "They launched a movement to re-activate parliament saying the King had violated the constitution.

"We lawyers came out on the streets [I didn't participate] for the rule of law.

"I don't believe parliament would be declared supreme when the move was to make the people sovereign."

In reply to a question parliament was reinstated through royal proclamation and to legalize it the constitution has to be changed, Sharma said," It [Reinstatement of parliament] happened through a constitutional process. Otherwise, declare the central leadership of seven parties all-powerful.

"I recall the proclamation as saying 'In this all legal provisions will be unacceptable.'" Can parliament make such a declaration?"

"Sometimes some political forces bypass the law and constitution. There have constitutional battles in the world to keep things under law and the constitution. When there was a battle in Great Britain between the King and parliament, one lawyer said the King is under god and law.

"All actions are under the constitutional procedure. They [members of parliament] have only been reinstated without being elected."

"Currently in Nepal, it's not a legal, constitutional battle. It's in a quagmire of a political battle with deep constitutional and legal implications. The constitution is the victim. Under the present circumstances, if the constitution has been side-lined, it will be considered as such and through use of force.

"They will encounter difficulties when one day they will need the support of the people under normal circumstances."

'This was not a movement to overthrow the constitution. We saw the prime minister take the oath of office under the constitution.

"The parliament was reinstated under the constitution."

"They can attain their objectives through a constitutional process. But if a tradition is established to bypass the constitution, they will bypass it today because they are powerful. Tomorrow someone else will be powerful."

"Tomorrow a leader established through election for a constituent assembly will say the constitution is useless. A wrong will establish a wrong precedent. This is the biggest concern."

People’s News/BR


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Deuba elected parliamentarian party leader
Kathmandu , 20 May: NC(D) president Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected as the leader of the parliamentarian party of NC(D) in Parliament. Deuba received 24 votes against his rival Bijaya Gachadar’s 13 votes. 37 MPs attended the poll. Election was held today.

Gachadar was demanding for ‘one person one seat’ and putting pressure to Deuba for nominating him as parliamentarian party leader.

Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Chetra Lekha Yadav and PL Singh were absent during the voting.

Singha has boycotted House affairs saying that the restoration of parliament was an unconstitutional practice.

Expansion of the cabinet was delayed due to the differences in NC(D) party regarding the issue of leader of the parliamentarian party. It is believed that now, after election of the leader of parliamentary party, Deuba will recommend names of the personalities participating in the cabinet led by Grija Prasad Koirala.

More likely, by Monday, the full-phage seven-party cabinet will be announced.

People’s News/Pujab


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NC central committee meets
Kathmandu, 20 May: The NC central committee began meeting at the residence of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Saturday.

The meeting is discussing government expansion, talks with Maoists, parliament declaration, the unity on the seven party alliance and internal party issues, party sources said.

People’s News/BR


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US welcomes proclamation
Kathmandu, 20 May: The Aaerican Center Friday issued a statement saying Washington has proclaimed Thursday's proclamation by parliament.

It didn't attribute the statement to anybody.

Instead, the Center attached a statement of Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard A Baucher made in a sub-committee of the House of Representatives on Nepal Wednesday.

Parliament's proclamation came Thursday.

People’s News/BR


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Bush pledges to work with Koirala
Kathmandu, 20 May: US President George W Bush, in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, said the transition period in Nepal was critical and added Washington was ready assist the people of Nepal who have stood up for freedom and democracy.

Bush saluted Nepali people's commitment and struggle to restore democracy.

Bush said Washington was ready to extend assistance to Nepal.

Danish prime minister has congratulated Koirala on his appointment and announced the resumption of Rs 1.2 billion in assistance suspended after 1 February 2005.

People’s News/BR


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European parliament welcomes interim government
Kathmandu, 20 May: The European Parliament which met in Strasbourg this week adopted a resolution on Nepal welcoming the restoration of democracy, parliament and the formation of what it called an interim government, a statement issued by the Delegation of the European Commission in Nepal said.

The resolution was adopted on the intervention of Neena Gill, chair of the delegation to SAARC and South Asian countries.

The resolution called for a more representative electoral system.

The parliament called for a appointment of a special rapporteur for Nepal.

People’s News/BR


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Deputy prime minister going to Malaysia
Kathmandu, 19 May: Deputy prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is going to Malaysia, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.

He is going to Malaysia to participate in a meeting of the co-ordination bureau of non-aligned countries.

People’s News/BR


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U.S. welcomes parliament proclamation
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 May: United States supports the Nepal Government as it continues its efforts to restore and strengthen democracy in Nepal and supports Thursday's parliament proclamation, the US Embassy said

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher testified on developments in Nepal before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs on Thursday (May 18). He affirmed U.S. support for Nepal.

" Nepal's future is in the hands of its people and its political leaders must take steps to meet the people's aspirations," said the Assistant Secretary.

"We have no interest in prescribing the architecture of their democracy. The United States stands behind the people's right to make that choice themselves through a free and fair political process, and will stand against any who attempt to deny them the freedom that is their right."

People’s News/BR


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Two teams climb Lhotse
Kathmandu, 19 May: Two teams scaled the 8561 metres high Lhotse Wednesday and Friday, the Ministry of Tourism said.

Tunc Findik ,41 , a professional Turkish climber, from Lojmani climbed the peak Wednesday to become the first Turk climber to scale the sister peak of Mount Everest, the Ministry of Tourism said. Turkey.

The 12-member team is led by Gonzalez Calleja Jesus of Spain.

People’s News/BR


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Govt starts executing proclamation
Kathmandu, 19 May: One day after a historic proclamation of parliament Thursday, government Friday ordered all units to implement provisions by removing the words His Majesty's Government.

Government ordered its units to make changes by replacing words His Majesty's Government with Nepal government.

Nepali Congress ordered victory rallies in all districts to celebrate Thursday's proclamation.

People’s News/BR


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Appa Sherpa climbs Everest for record 16th ascent
Kathmandu , 19 May: Appa Sherpa Friday improved a personal record to climb the world's 8848 meters high Mount Everest for the 16th time, the Ministry of Tourism said.

He climbed the peak from the normal route with several sherpa colleagues and members of an American team.

Appa has been returning to Everest despite repeated announcements he will stop climbing.

Waves of expeditions have been climbing Everest since Wednesday capitalizing on good weather in the Khumbu region.

People’s News/BR


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19th May, 2006 (Friday)

Govt declares holiday
Kathmandu , 19 May: Government declared Friday a public holiday to celebrate parliament's proclamation Thursday.

The Home Ministry ordered celebrations abroad at Nepali embassies and other diplomatic missions.

People’s News/BR


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Further details of Appa Sherpa's Everest climb, other details on Everest
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 May: Appa Sherpa recorded his 16th ascent of Mount Everest, the 8848 meters high Mount Everest, with an American and two other sherpa guides at 10.50 in the morning Friday, The Ministry of Tourism said.

He was climbing with the "Team No Limits Everest Expedition 2006"..

Appa stepped on the summit with Myung Joon Kim ,44, banker, from Los Angles, California, USA, Ang Pasang Sherpa ,38, and Pasang Temba Sherpa ,36.

People’s News/BR


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Golden jubilee of supreme court to be observed
Kathmandu, 19 May: The golden jubilee year of the supreme court will be observed 22 May with a holiday at all courts and tribunals nationwide.

The apex court took a decision Thursday.

A three-day celebration will begin Saturday.

People’s News/BR


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Prachanda may surface 2 June
Kathmandu, 19 May: Maoists are holding a mass meeting at the Open Air Theatre on 2 June, Suryodaya reports.

Chairman Prachanda may surface that day if environment for talks is positive.

If the environment is not conducive, Maoists said only Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deb Gurung and other leaders will attend the programme.

Thousands are expected to attend the meeting being organized by the CPN (Maoist) special central command.

People’s News/BR


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Proclamation not democratic: Bharat Keshari Simha
Kathmandu, 18 May: ADC to the King Bharat Keshari Simha said the proclamation is parliament is not democratic. Annapurna Post reports.

He said the declaration of a secular state in a country with a 90 percent Hindu population is wrong and sad.

He said the process and procedure to remove Shah rule are absolutely wrong and added priority of 200,000 people over a 25 million population is flawed.

People’s News/BR


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Yet another agitation
Kathmandu , 19 May: After the success of people’s agitation led by the seven party and the Maoists the country is facing yet another agitation, writes Dharahara weekly.

The angry agitators burned down three government vehicles on Tuesday protesting against the newly formed government for not respecting the general people’s emotions after coming in the power.

The security forces also stayed quiet and took no actions against the aggressive agitators as the newly formed government has terminated all four chiefs of the security enforcement committee and punished the security personnel just because they followed the government’s order and took the situation under their hand in order to abate the angry agitators.

Since the next government could also punish them for following the order of this government the security forces are compelled to stay quiet no matter how destructive shapes this agitation takes.

People’s News/KDB


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Government delaying peace process
Kathmandu , 19 May: When it comes to the matter of holding peace talks with the Maoists and fulfilling the general wish of Nepalese people the new government is moving with the pace of a tortoise, writes Dharahara weekly in its editorial.

The main agenda of the recent agitation was to bring lasting peace in Nepal by resolving the Maoist problem, but the restored parliament is busy discussing on simple subject matters and delaying the peace process.

This irresponsive attitude shown by the government will only create further clashes and disputes in the coming days.

People’s News/KDB


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Indians encroach Nepalese soil
Kathmandu, 19 May: The Indians have encroached the Nepalese land in Susta area of Nawalparasi and build a three kilometer long road over it while the restored parliament and the government of Nepal seem unconcerned with the following situation, writes Janadharana weekly.

Similarly, the Indians have forcefully intruded the cultivable land at Guleria region of Bardia district with the help of border security force of India.

The Indians are taking advantage of the following situation as Nepal government has not provided citizenship and proper land document to these residents.

The resident of these areas have appealed the MPs from their respective districts to draw attention of the parliament about this burning issue of Nepal.

People’s News/KDB


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I have been outcast in the party: Maya Gyawali
Kathmandu , 19 May: “Since the two parties united and formed UML, I have become an outcast from the party”, said former political activist, Maya Gyawali in an interview to Roadmap weekly.

Maya Gyawali, widow of Late Jib Ram Ashrit, who got killed at Dasdhunga incident further stated, “After the death of my husband, the family has been facing lots of adversity and hardship. I have not been able to pay my house rent for ten months.”

“Now a new government has been formed as a result of people’s agitation and the major party UML that suffered from Dasdhunga incident thirteen years ago is also involved in this government. The party should not forget the fact that I was the general secretary, central committee member as well as the Member of Parliament. The Dasdhunga incident must be remembered and fulfill the dreams of those who lost their precious life at the incident. A committee must be formed to investigate the death of Amar Lama and find out the culprit.”

People’s News/KDB


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Parliament proclamation victory for 12 points with serious concern: Prachanda
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 May: Hours after the historic announcement of parliament stripping the powers of the King Thursday, Prachanda said the proclamation was a victory of the 12-point understanding between the ruling seven party alliance and Maoists.

"Our party welcomes it and supports as a victory of the 12-point understanding and the Nepal people's historic movement," the statement said.

In a cautious welcome, Prachanda whose party is demanding a republic, said: " But the declaration has attempted to address the people's desire of ending monarchy by politically limiting to a ceremonial role."

Prachanda noted the 12-point agreement was not mentioned in the declaration giving rise to suspicion only the SPA was attempting to take credit for the April movement.

"The proclamation does not, on the whole, address the needs and aspirations of the people," the rebel strongman said.

"The silence on peace talks as a solution to the serious problem of a decade-old civil war has given rise to a serious suspicion," he said.

Published reports said Friday Chief of the Army Staff Gen Pyar Jung Thapa met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala before the proclamation was announced.

Details of what transpired at the meeting was not known.

Some schools in the capital observed a holiday Friday to celebrate the parliament announcement.

People’s News/BR


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Taranath Ranabhatt sick
Kathmandu, 19 May: Former Speaker Taranath Ranabhatt collapsed Thursday and was rushed to hospital, family sources said.

Ranabhatt has a blood clot in the forehead.

People’s News/BR


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India keeping watch
New Delhi, 17 May: India will talk to the new government in Nepal on all security related issues including ISI activities, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday, Times of India reports.

Minister of state for external affairs E Ahamed said during question hour that the new government in Nepal had the support of Maoists.

He said the Nepalese government had assured India that they would not allow any anti-India activities, including those of ISI, from their soil.

Ahamed said the government was aware of contact between Naxal groups and Nepal's Maoists but denied any operation linkages between the two.

' India has consistently called for the process of general dialogue between constitutional forces of Nepal to find a peaceful solution to challenges facing the country, including the Maoist insurgency," the Minister said.

He said India has been closely following events in Nepal arising out of the movement for the restoration of multiparty democracy there, which rapidly gathered momentum in April 2006.

People’s News/BR


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Parliament declares itself supreme authority; declares all clashing constitutional provisions ultra vires [Has more details on the provisions in the parliament proclamation]
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 18 May: Parliament unanimously passed a resolution by voice vote a House of Representatives Proclamation -2063 that empowered it with supreme authority.

The nine-point proclamation with sub-clauses declared all provisions in the 1990 constitution that clash with the declaration ultra vires.

RPP chairman Pashupati SJB Rana who supported the proclamation called his party the opposition, said his party was not consulted while preparing the historic document.

"This is the dictatorship of the majority," Rana said before foreign diplomats who were present at parliament Friday.

The declaration now declares Nepal a secular state.

The position of the supreme commander-in-chief of the Royal Nepal Army, now called the Nepal Army, has been abolished.

The chief of the army staff will now be appointed by the government and will be responsible to the prime minister who heads the national security council.

All executive authority is now vested in the council of ministers.

Royal Palace officials have been incorporated into the government civil service.

NC(D) chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba supporting the proclamation said," I'm the happiest man."

Surya Bahadur Thapa of the Rashtriya Janata Party said," The declaration is the need of time."

Ailing Girija Prasad Koirala couldn't read out the proclamation which was read out by Speaker Subash Newang.

But Koirala who was led to the podium read out a prepared statement warning people and institutions not to challenge the proclamation which the attorney general has said does not have legitimacy.

"Anybody who minimizes or attempts to will not be spared," Koirala warned. "The proclamation makes the people sovereign."

The proclamation will be valid pending the announcement of another arrangement.

Parliament was adjourned until Monday.

People’s News/BR


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337 kgs of refined hash seized
Kathmandu, 18 May: Altogether 337 kg of refined hash was seized from a vehicle in the capital Thursday, drugs enforcement officials said.

The drugs were concealed in false bottoms of suitcases in the vehicle near a rivulet.

Two Indian nationals have been arrested in the biggest drug haul in the capital in recent years.

People’s News/BR


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More climbers scale Everest
Kathmandu, 18 May: Five more members and three guides of the "Falvit Everest Expedition 06" from Poland climbed the 8848 meters high Mount Everest Thursday, the Ministry of Tourism said.on 18th May 2006.

Boguslaw Stanislaw Ogrodnik (41), lawyer from Wroclaw, Tomasz Andrzej Kobielski,33, manager, Gliwice, Dariusz Jerzy Zaluski ,47, engineer,from Warsaw Janusz Adam Adamski,37, economist, from Szczecin and Marta Eliza Wojciechowska,32, journalist, from Warsaw scaled the peak.

Dorjee Sherpa,40, Phur Tenji Sherpa,32, and Mingma Sherpa, climbed with the Polish climbers.

People’s News/BR


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Five more members and three guides of the "HG Everest Expedition 06" team climbed . Everest Friday, the Ministry said.
Ms. Serena Helen Brocklebank,39, British attached with the British embassy in Kathmandu, Charles Pomfret ,44, Mark Squirrell,34, from, Melbourne, Australia, Dr. Addries Norte Botha ,54, doctor from Vancouver, Canada also climbed the peak.

They were assisted by Pasang Dawa Sherpa,36, Pasang Nuru Sherpa ,30, Ang Namgyal Sherpa ,23, and Chewang Dorjee Sherpa ,25.May, 2006

Three members and three guides of the "International Everest Expedition 06" team climbed Everest Thursday.

Juan Antonio Olivieri Callis,37, social worker from Mallorca, Spain, Bartolome Calafat Marcus ,36, technician, Mallorca, Erwin Emata ,33, tourist guide, from Tagum City, Philippines, Pemba Rinji Sherpa ,36, Lakpa Gyalzen Sherpa ,25, and Nima Kancha Sherpa ,31, climbed the peak.

One member and one guide of the "Friendship Everest Expedition Spring 06" also climbed Everest Thursday.

Fabrica Imparata ,34, consultant from London and Dawa Chhiri Sherpa ,40, climbed Everest. Two members and two guides of the "Dream Everest Expedition 2006" team also climbed Everest Thursday.

Jung Lee ,41, teacher from Chung Nam in South Korea,. Ju Youl park ,36, office worker, also from Chung a Nam, Temba Sherpa ,38, and Lakpa Chhiri Sherpa ,30, stepped atop Everest.

One member and three guides of the "2006 IMG Everest Expedition (I)" team climbed also climbed Everest Thursday.

Justin Reese Merle ,28), guide from Durango, Colorado, USA, Ang Tshiring Sherpa ,44, Karma Sherpa ,23, and Kami Rita Sherpa ,31, climbed the world's tallest peak.

Five members and three guides of the "2006 IMG Everest Expedition (II)" team climbed Everest Thursday.

Walter Laserer ,45, guide, from Graz, Austria, Markus Paul Buel ,58, doctor, from Luzern, Switzerland, Karl Wolfgang Flock,53, doctor, from Weilheim, Germany, Jean Francois Carrey,25, student, from Ottawa, Canada, Da Nuru Sherpa,28, Dorjee Lama ,36, and Samduk Dorjee Tamang,36, climbed Everest.

One member and two guides of the "2006 Korean Chung Dong 100" team climbed Everest on Wednesday.

Jang Seop Shin (41), businessman from Yang San Dong, South Korea and two guides climbed the peak.

People’s News/KDB


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Slavery system in NC
Kathmandu , 19 April: The tradition of slavery still prevails in NC party as the activists of the party are bound to stay within the line drawn by the party president Girija Prasad Koirala writes Ruprekha weekly.

Any person who tries to criticize Koirala in favor of truth, justice and party ethics cannot stay in NC party for a long period that is why the NC activists are bound to stay quiet at this crucial period brought by their party leader Koirala which may turn out to be the main factor of risking the party’s reputation.

People’s News/KDB


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Kantipur propaganda
Kathmandu , 19 April: ‘Kantipur’ newspaper and TV are supporting the ongoing agitation by publishing and broadcasting fake news to delude the general people, writes Khantalas weekly.

Recently, a news of agitation joined by about fifty demonstrators in Chhapagaun, Lalitpur, was faked by ‘Kantipur’ TV news saying 'more than one thousand people' and aired the footage of Chitwan’s demonstration.

The popularity of ‘Kantipur’ has highly been diminished as it has been deceiving the news viewers by reading the news of one place and broadcasting the footage from the other to intensify the agitation.

People’s News/KDB


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Political parties responsible for present situation: Rewati Raman Subedi
Kathmandu, 19 April: “The practice and development of journalism during the fifteen years after the restoration of democracy in Nepal has been disappointing”, says journalist Rewati Raman Subedi in an interview to Ruprekha weekly.

“Journalists of Nepal are misusing the term ‘journalism’ as they have crossed the limit of press freedom. Every organization has its definite boundary and if someone tries to cross that boundary, it is not freedom, it is anarchy.”

“Only political organization holds the right to question the constitution but when it comes to Nepal, journalists are attacking the constitution openly. Anarchism is being promoted in the name press freedom.”

“When it comes to blaming the constitution and King for bringing Nepal into this condition, both constitution and the King is blameless as the political parties did not intend to revise the constitution when they were the ruling party and governing the nation. The appeal of seven parties for changing the constitution at this period of time is absurd.”

People’s News/KDB


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Nepal 's situation very tough: Sasgar Nepal
Kathmandu, 19 April: “The present condition of Nepal is tough but, it is not that worse either, says Vice President of Non-residential Nepalese Society, Sagar Nepal in an interview to Yugasambad weekly.

“There are several other nations having worse condition than that of ours. It is our own fault for bringing Nepal into this condition, so it is our duty to make an effort to resolve the situation by ourselves.”

“The political forces should sacrifice their selfish behavior and come up for the dialogue as suggested by the King to resolve the crisis of Nepal.”

People’s News/KDB


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SPA should be cautious
Kathmandu, 19 April: The political experts have stated that, the rejection of agitating parties on King’s offer to hold dialogue among all the political forces has made the situation worse, writes Yugasambad weekly.

Both seven political parties and the government should be cautious and be careful before taking any step for resolving the problem.

The seven parties and government should be flexible and clear with their demands then only Nepal will find a proper outlet towards democracy and lasting peace.

People’s News/KDB


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18th May, 2006 (Thursday)

Parliament to declare itself supreme
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu , 18 May: Parliament will Thursday ratify a delayed proclamation declaring itself empowering the House of Representatives will full sovereignty.

The cabinet Thursday morning approved the declaration approved Wednesday by the seven party alliance.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala will present the declaration before the house at 2 PM [11.15 GMT].

The proclamation empowers parliament will all state powers.

The King will not longer be the supreme commander-in-chief of the Royal Nepal Army which; is being renamed Nepal National Army.

King will be stripped on his right to declare his heir.

The Raj Parishad will be abolished.

The King's income will be taxed.

Members of the royal family will come under law and questions can now be raised in parliament over their activities.

The proclamation was originally scheduled in parliament Monday and was also scheduled to be presented before the House of representatives only after the expansion of government.

Meanwhile, local administration Thursday issued prohibitory orders banning strikes and meetings before the Narayanhiti Royal Palace and Singha Durbar before parliament meets.

People’s News/KBD


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Three teams scale Everest
Kathmandu, 18 May: Benedikt Arnold (39) from, Burlgen, Switzerland, Namgye Sherpa,35, and Nima Thundu Sherpa,26, scaled the 8848 meters high Mount Everest, the Ministry of Tourism said.

The seven-member expedition was climbing the normal route.

People’s News/BR


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Proclamation illegal: Ganesh Raj Sharma
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu , 18 May: Senior advocate Ganesh Raj Sharma said a political proclamation being made by the House of Representatives is illegal, Shamakaleen reports.

In an interview to BBC Nepali Service yesterday, constitution expert Sharma said when there was no revolution to throw away the constitution, he suggested not to make any declaration against the spirit of the constitution.

He argued parliament functions under law. He warned the country will face a future crisis is a wrong convention is established to bypass the constitution.

He said: "If political decisions are going to be taken through the use of force, another power tomorrow can overturn the decision."

Sharma asked those calling for the rule of law to govern through the rule of law. He suggested amendments in the constitution instead of announcing a proclamation from the House of Representatives.

He said the rule of law means to move within the parameters of the constitution.

He said the leadership of the seven parties should be declared all-powerful if the constitution is to be bypassed.

'This House of Representatives is not the supreme body and it cannot do anything as it likes," The Himalayan Times quoted Attorney General Yagya Murti Banjade as saying.

The Attorney General is the government's chief legal advisor.

The newspaper reported Thursday: "He also questioned the legitimacy of the much-expected declaration of the House. "How can the declaration get legitimacy?'"

"People will not accept autocracy from any quarter, Banjade said. "Unless the declaration is incorporated into the Constitution through amendment, how can we believe that it is part of the Constitution?" he asked the newspaper reported.

Advocate Bhimarjun Acharya said that such a declaration of supremacy of the parliament is sheer violation of the rule of law.

"This is nothing but undermining the rule of law and lacking in legitimacy," he said, adding that it amounted to nothing different from the "King's autocracy."

People’s News/BR


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USA 'wary' of 12-point accord
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 18 May: US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard A Baucher said Wednesday the USA was 'wary' of the 12-point accord between the government and Maoists.

He said this in a statement to a sub-committee of the House of Representatives.

He called on Maoists to renounce terror and violence and lay down arms to gain legitimacy.

"In keeping with the high hopes and expectations of the people of Nepal, the government is moving forward to implement this [12-point] agreement with the Maoists -- but we remain wary.

"The Maoists have been an exceptionally brutal insurgency, and their forces have become accustomed to control over the countryside exercised through terror.

"They must renounce violence and the instruments of control, such as extortion, that have terrorized Nepal. Should they lay down their weapons, end their use of violence and intimidation and accept the rule of law, and accept the will of the Nepali people through the democratic process, there will be a place for them in Nepal's."

He said April's developments were "positive" adding developments were also "hopeful and uncertain".

He said the Army was cooperating with the government after the sweeping changes.

Washington is ready to resume military assistance on request, he said.

Baucher said the Koirala government is implementing a 12-point accord with Maoists which Washington earlier denounced.

Full text on Nepal statement.

There have been positive developments in Nepal over the past weeks, and we hope that country is now on the path to restoring democracy to its people.

Opportunity :

Nepal is at a juncture both hopeful and uncertain, with the potential for a dramatic move toward democracy and peace.

The people of Nepal have shown they are not prepared to live under an autocratic monarch. Their success in forcing a return to democracy has created a broad spirit of optimism for the future. We are looking at ways in which we can further strengthen democracy and, through greater public participation in the political process, strengthen the momentum for peace.

I traveled to Nepal earlier this month with my National Security Council counterpart to assess the situation firsthand and to emphasize U.S. support for the new government. We found normally fractious party leaders of the 7-party coalition ready to cooperate. The army, which had largely stood apart from Nepal's recent chaotic transition, is ready to follow a civilian leadership in the new democratic setup.

The Administration stands ready to support the aspirations of the Nepali people for democracy. We laid the foundations for this support before the recent unrest when USAID refocused its assistance programs on democracy, governance and conflict mitigation. In FY 2006 alone, we are using U.S. assistance to strengthen the Election Commission, Peace Secretariat, National Human Rights Commission, and corruption ombudsman. We have sought to broaden participation in political parties and make them internally more democratic.

Areas in which we feel we can make a positive difference include technical assistance and equipment to the Parliament and to a constitutional reform process, assisting reintegration of internally displaced persons, and funding election monitors. In addition, we want to assist the Nepali people with projects that can promote economic recovery, especially in rural areas.

The U.S. supports the new government's efforts to bring peace to Nepal. The cease-fire is holding and the new government has made clear its readiness for peace. I told Prime Minister Koirala on May 2 that we stand ready to provide assistance to security forces if his government were to make a request. This offer includes our ongoing commitment to improve the human rights record of Nepal's security forces.

The alliance between the political parties and the Maoists, based on their mutual antagonism to the King and his autocratic ambitions, is based on a "12 Point Understanding." According to this agreement the government will support elections to a constituent assembly, a long-standing Maoist demand. In exchange, the Maoists have accepted a commitment to support multi-party democracy. In keeping with the high hopes and expectations of the people of Nepal, the government is moving forward to implement this agreement with the Maoists -- but we remain wary. The Maoists have been an exceptionally brutal insurgency, and their forces have become accustomed to control over the countryside exercised through terror. They must renounce violence and the instruments of control, such as extortion, that have terrorized Nepal. Should they lay down their weapons, end their use of violence and intimidation and accept the rule of law, and accept the will of the Nepali people through the democratic process, there will be a place for them in Nepal's political arena. Until the Maoists take steps to change their character, we will not be convinced that they have abandoned their stated goal of establishing a one-party, authoritarian state.

We stand ready to work with other governments to ensure the realization of Nepal's democratic gains, and the benefits of peace. The international community has an important role to play. During the period of royal misrule and usurpation of power a number of donor governments withdrew or reduced their assistance. We hope that these governments will join us in supporting democracy, good governance and human rights as they evaluate how best to support Nepal over the longer term.

Those of us who watched images of Nepalese from all sections of society, young and old, demanding democracy in their largely non-violent demonstrations last month can only be inspired by the faith and hope they have placed in their future. We have no interest in prescribing the shape of Nepal's democracy; it is for Nepal to decide. We stand behind the people's right to make their own choices through a free, fair and open process.

People’s News/KDB


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OHCHR expresses its concern on detention of five former ministers under PSA
Kathmandu, 18 May: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)- Nepal has expressed concerns over the use of the Public Security Act (PSA) to take five ministers of previous royal government in preventive detention.

In a statement issued by OHCHR on Wednesday said the OHCHR conveyed its concern to the Home Ministry regarding the use of the Public Security Act (PSA) to hold five former ministers in preventive detention.

"OHCHR-Nepal believes that the use of the PSA raises serious questions about the legality of the arrests and detention. According to the detention letters issued by the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, all detainees were "involved in conspiratorial activities including organizing secret meetings likely to jeopardize the sovereignty of the people and the people's rights achieved by the people's movement," the statement said.

"The detention letters however do not indicate the basis on which these accusations are being made, nor do they give specific details of the "conspiratorial activities" and how such activities "immediately jeopardise the sovereignty, integrity, or public tranquility and order of the Kingdom of Nepal."

Then ministers Minister Kamal Thapa (Home), Ramesh Nath Pandey (Foreign Affairs), Shrish SJB Rana (Information and Nikshya Shumsher Rana (Health) were arrested on May 12 and are currently being held in the Nepal Police Academy and the Armed Nepali Police barracks in Tripureshwor.

However, the UN rights body said its monitoring team that visited the detention centers on May 14 found the condition of detention of the former ministers "generally acceptable".

"OHCHR-Nepal has repeatedly condemned the use of the PSA in the past to hold individuals in preventive detention in violation of international human rights standards. It is disappointed that the new Government has continued this practice at a time when it should be setting new standards for fully respecting human rights and upholding the rule of law," the statement quoted Ian Martin, the representative of the OHCHR-Nepal as saying.

"Those responsible for human rights violations should be brought to justice, but I call on the authorities to ensure that the rights of anyone accused in connection with their activities under the previous Government are fully respected."

People’s News/KDB


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i cant read all this bro, so make it shorter as much as possible. It is defacing the look of board. You cant run away from yourself. Wish you would Hit the Nail on the head, next time!!! I hate to sit on the fence and hope you too.