Crown Prince to visit Austria, France (Breaking News)
By Pushpa Raj Pradhan
Kathmandu, 18 Feb: At a time when the so-called civic society leaders are saying that Nepal has been isolated from the world community and none of the Royal Family members are being invited by the foreign government, a highly placed source revealed that the Crown Prince is scheduled to visit Austria and France, among other countries, in March.
After 1 February, 2005 move, His Majesty visited Indonesia, China, Qatar, Tunisia, Burundi.
The Crown Prince visited Japan and South Korea.
People’s News/Pushpa
News distorted
By Pushpa Raj Pradhan
Kathmandu, 18 Feb: A daily newspaper publishing from Nepal, while quoting the Chinese Ambassador to India, has tried to spread a message that China has changed her stance on Nepal, wherever, a high-level Chinese Embassy source has revealed that China has not changed her stance.
The Chinese diplomat said that China, from the beginning, taking the same stance that China had never changed her stand on political developments in Nepal.
China follows the principle of non-interference and she is always saying that Nepal should be able to resolve her internal issues.
“When the Foreign Minister of China had visited to Nepal last year, he had said that the constitutional forces should be united to tackle terrorism.”
China has said nothing more than this, the diplomat said.
People’s News/Pushpa
Bird flu surfaces in India
Kathmandu, 18 Feb: Bird flu is coming closer to Nepal.
Radio reports said avian flu was detected Saturday in Maharasthara.
Tests, so far, have confirmed no traces of the disease in Nepal.
Nepal and India have an open border.
People’s News/BR
NCCN to be dissolved
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: National Construction Company (NCCN), a government undertaking, will be dissolved by 13 April Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
People’s News/BR
Musharaff to discuss Nepal in China
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Pakistan president Pervej Musharaff will discuss Nepal during his China visit from 19 to 23 February, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
The president has asked the latest situation in Nepal from the Pakistan embassy.
People’s News/BR
Three Maoists surrender in Ilam
Ilam, 17 Feb: Three Maoists surrendered in Ilam Friday, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Raj Bhakta rai "Rajesh", Arjun Rai "Bishwas" and Jhalendra Chauhan "Aabinash" surrendered to the district administration.
People’s News/BR
Govt proposes discussion of power exchange with India
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Government has proposed discussion of power exchange with India, Kantipur reports.
India has not responded to repeated requests for discussion on the subject after 1 February 2005.
A committee that discusses the issue has not met for three years.
People’s News/BR
Telephone connections of leaders not restored yet
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Government has not restored telephone connections of more than 100 leaders of seven agitating political parties snapped one months ago, Kantipur reports.
Parties said they have been released following their arrests before municipal polls but their telephone connections haven't been restored.
People’s News/BR
Maoists murder dalit
By Bikram Giri in Kantipur
Kharkada, Darchula, 17 Feb: Maoists have killed a dalit abducted four months ago.
Dilip Ram Parki was abducted from home 10 November from Kharkada-9 Jhalati.
The family was informed of the murder only several days ago.
He was killed on the day of his abduction.
He was killed on the minor issue of a loan.
People’s News/BR
Maoists intensify extortion drive
Argakanchi, 17 Feb: Maoists have intensified an extortion drive in the villages, Kantipur reports.
They are extorting money from traders, farmers, teachers, soldiers in foreign armies as help for the people's war.
Locals said armed group enter homes and demand unaffordable sums of money.
People’s News/BR
Red panda sighted in Langtang
By Krishna Thapa in Kantipur
Ghunche, Rasuwa, 17 Feb: A red panda has been sighted at Polangpati, 15 km from district headquarters.
It was sighted within the Langtang National Park.
The number of pandas in the Park is not known.
People’s News/BR
New turn if politics in offing
Translated by Bhola B Rana
Kathmandu, 18 Feb: National politics in taking a new turn after the release of NC(D) leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Janasatta reports.
Indications are constitutional forces are coming closer.
After his release, Deuba doesn't look aggressive against the King; he is, instead, attempting to create an atmosphere of reconciliation.
The USA and UK , have in one voice, have come out against the alliance between seven political parties and Maoists.
Both the countries are attempting to open a dialogue between the King and political parties.
Interestingly, the US ambassador met NC president Girija Prasad Koirala and Rashtrita Janasakti party chairman Surya Bahadur Thapa before making public the US position.
People’s News/BR
Security person killed while defusing bomb
Kathmandu, 18 Feb: A security person was killed while defusing a Maoist planted bomb in Palpa Saturday, an official announcement said.
Other details were not released by the Defence Ministry.
People’s News/BR
Indian ban on reporting Naxal activities
Raipur, 17 Feb: The Chattisgarh assembly has passed a controversial bill, barring the media from carrying reports of any king of 'unlawful activities' (read Naxalites /Maoist violence) in the state, The Times of India reports.
It can become law only after the presidential assent.
The bill says the step has been taken to safeguard people's lives and property and to maintain public order, peace and tranquility.
People’s News/BR
Rana urges media to treat terrorism in proper way
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: State Minister for Information and Communications Shrish Shumsher Rana said Friday that the country would not have taken recourse to Article 127 and the present situation would never have arisen if the media had struck minimum agreement while disseminating news and views on terrorism.
Citing an example, he said the media failed to acknowledge the real standing of the so-called leaders of the terrorist outfit Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai and refrained from dubbing them as terrorists, which was a grave mistake on their part.
Rana was addressing in a valley level meeting of the editors and publishers organised by Federation of National Journalists (FENAJ) Nepal today.
"Who and which media or publication houses dared to call them terrorists in the last 15 years?" he questioned adding had the media forged a common stance while referring to such people in their news then the country would not have reeled under the scourge of terrorism.
"As the media failed to play a responsible role while writing about terrorists and terrorism and the state affairs for the last 15 years were guided by the whims."
He said that the media had an important role to consolidate the democratic institutions.
Rana called on the so-called democrats to uphold the constitution instead of trying to show all the time that they had succeeded to bring His Majesty the King under the purview of the constitution.
His comments were directed at political parties that regarded themselves of being above the constitution.
Referring to the hue and cry created by the media over the news that the government was looking forward to make some amendments in the media ordinance thereby paving the way to form the Media Council, Rana suggested that the media study the prevailing practices in other countries.
Lashing out at the agitating political parties, he said party politics should not be used as a means to rise to power like to the terrorists are doing.
"We would no longer remain modern and democratic unless we learn to work according to the provisions enshrined in the Constitution."
Rana expressed astonishment at the attitude of the political parties to interpret the constitution to suit their convenience. The parties have the tendency to view all decisions as constitutional when they suit them and when they are in power, but whenever they don't start protesting, he said.
Minister Rana said that neo-feudalism should not be flourished in the name of foreign back up.
The nation was unable to develop professional journalism because of the dual nature of journalists, Rana said.
The journalists he said were carrying the flags of the political parties and doing things according to the wish of the political parties. "It has become a matter of self-humiliation."
Senior journalist and executive chairman of the National News Agency P Kharel said that the FENAJ had achieved significant achievement for the protection of the rights of the working journalist and development of professional journalism during the last eight months of its inception. " It is a matter of pride to be a nationalist."
Other journalists participating at the programme included Gokarna Dev Pandey, Padam Thakurathi, Prem Kaidi, Devendra Gautam, Binod Raj Pandey, Gopal Paudel, Anar Singh Karki, Yagya Dhakal, Jeevram Bhandary and Ram Prasad Khanal.
Speaking from the chair, executive president of the FENAJ Jasuda Pradhan informed that the Federation was planning to constitute Communication Legal Help Committee, Journalists' Treatment Help Committee and Welfare Fund for the Families of Conflict Hit Journalists.
All committees would help protect the rights of professional journalists and address their problems, she said
Secretary of the FENAJ Kumar Yatru presented a paper on 'Challenges and Future Policies of Nepalese Press' in the closed session. Journalist Prem Kaidi and Pushpa Pradhan commented on the paper.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
New wholesale prices of POL fixed, retail rates may vary
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: The price of petroleum products is likely to increase following Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC)'s decision Friday to allow the private sector to fix the retail price of those products.
Nepal Petroleum Dealers' Association (NPDA) said the price of kerosene was likely rise as high as Rs. 48 per litre, up from Rs. 39 at present. Similarly, the price of diesel would be in the range of Rs. 53 to Rs. 55 against Rs. 46 and petrol at Rs. 67-68 per litre throughout the country.
NPDA vice president Nabin Chandra Shrestha said that these were tentative estimates of the prices. "But, given unequal transportation cost, actual prices can vary from place to place," he added.
The NOC officials said at a press conference on Friday that the average price of kerosene was expected to be Rs. 47.42, Rs. 52.65 for diesel and Rs. 66.72 for petrol.
The NOC said that it would offer concessions of up to Rs. 1.50 per litre to the people of remote areas, low-income groups and students as per the recommendation of District Development Committees (DDCs) and Municipalities.
Acting general manager of the NOC, Umesh Dahal said that it would now sell the kerosene, diesel and petrol to the petroleum dealers at varied wholesale prices from its 10 depots in the country. "The dealers will determine the price as per their costs incurred," he added.
The NOC still controls the retail price of aviation fuel and LP Gas. It has increased the price of aviation fuel from Rs. 53 per litre to Rs. 55. However, the price of LP Gas remains intact.
He said that the new system would decrease NOC's monthly loss from Rs. 570 million to Rs. 200 million because the NOC had arranged the prices of kerosene, diesel and petrol to keep its income at breakeven point. The Corporation still bears loss in LP Gas.
Dahal said that the NOC's liability had accumulated to Rs. 10 billion. It has taken loans of Rs. 4.4 billion from various commercial banks and owes about Rs. 4 billion to Indian Oil Corporation. "We managed to pay only Rs. 900 million recently out of Rs. 4.74 billion," he said.
NOC has imposed wholesale price of kerosene from minimum Rs. 44,818.82 per kilo litre in Birgunj depot to the highest Rs. 47,590.91 in Dipayal. The price in Kathmandu has been fixed at Rs. 45842.87 per kl.
The price of diesel is minimum at Birgunj depot with Rs. 49,871.40 per kl and the highest in Dipayal at Rs. 53,287.98. The price is Rs. 51,028.57 in Kathmandu.
Likewise, the NOC has put price of petrol at Rs. 63,073.22 per kl in Birgunj and Rs. 66,382.66 in Dipayal at its lowest and highest price ranges. The price is at Rs. 64,230.40 in Kathmandu, according to the NOC.
Dahal said that the new system had been introduced as per the NOC decision of January 13 to deregulate the retail price of petrol and diesel. But the Corporation later announced it would also deregulate the retail price of kerosene.
Chairman of the NOC, Dr. Madhab Ghimire said that the new system was introduced as per the government's policy to push ahead the reform programmes.
He said that NOC had a policy to adjust wholesale price as per the international market prices of petroleum products in the days to come. "But the government has not taken a concrete on the matter yet," he added.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
Mahashivaratri celebration body constituted
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: A 551-member Main Programme Committee has been constituted under the convenorship of Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yangkila Sherpa for celebrating the Mahashivaratri festival as a great festival in a systematic manner on February 26.
Minister of State Sherpa is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).
Likewise, a 'worship, Chandan distribution, volunteer, security and shoes and slippers management committee' has been constituted under the convenorship of Member-Secretary of the Trust Basanta Chaudhary and a Financial Management Committee under the convenorship of Trust treasurer Shambhusaran Prasad Kayastha.
Similarly, a Publicity, religious activities and cultural committee has been constituted under the convenorship of member of the Trust Ram Prasad Dahal.
A health, accommodation, food, physical infrastructure development and decoration Management Committee has been constituted under the convenorship of member Ranjan Singh Shaha and a Sanitation, Local Cooperation and Market Management Committee has been constituted under the convenorship of member Baikunthama Shrestha.
It was informed at a meeting held in this connection today that some 200,000 devotees performed the worship last year on the occasion of the Mahashivaratri festival and it is expected that more devotees would come this time. Minister of State Sherpa presided over the meeting.
A significant number of Indian devotees are expected to come for the Shivaratri festival as publicity campaign has been conducted in India this time, it is said.
Arrangements have been made for putting the devotees in line, distribution of Chandan on the way back and at the temple premises, parking of vehicles, taking care of the shoes and slippers of the devotees, food distribution, organizing health camp, fun fair and security.
At the meeting, Minister of State Sherpa urged all the organizations and individuals to provide services and facilities to the devotees coming for offering worship to Lord Pashupatinath, the God venerated by all the Hindus throughout the world.
She stressed the need for developing the Pashupati area into a major centre of religious tourism and called on the Trust to increase its financial resources.
The meeting was participated in by the office-bearers of the Trust, representatives of different organizations.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
Programmes to mark Democracy day
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: The Birth Anniversary of His Late Majesty King Tribhuvan and the 56th National Democracy Day is being observed for three days beginning Friday by organising a variety of programmes across the kingdom.
National flag will be hoisted at the offices of the metropolitan city, sub-metropolitan city and municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley on the occasion, and illumination programmes conducted in the evening, according to the Tribhuvan Jayanti and the 56th National Democracy Day Main Celebration Committee.
Likewise, the committees formed with District Development Committee Chairmen as the coordinators in different districts outside the Valley will organize different programmes including morning processions, talk programmes, cultural shows, sports competitions and illumination programmes for marking the occasion, it is said.
Different sub-committees have been formed with various individuals as the coordinators under the Main Celebration Committee with the view to celebrating the National Democracy Day in a decent manner.
The Main Celebration Committee headed by Chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee Parashu Narayan Chaudhari comprises the Chief Justice, Speaker, Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Ministers, former Prime Ministers, former Chief Justices, Deputy Speaker, Vice-chairman of the National Assembly, Member of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee, Vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission, Justices of the Supreme Court, National Assembly Members of the Kathmandu Valley, Vice-chancellors of different Universities, mayors of the valley and high level officials of His Majesty's Government.
A 12-member Dissemination Sub-committee has been formed with Minister of State for Information and Communications Shrish Shumsher JB Rana. The Sub-committee comprises senior officers from the field of communications as the members.
The Main Celebration Committee has requested the officials of the constitutional bodies, leaders and workers of different political parties, civil servants, employees of the corporations, teachers, students, youths, workers, peasants, women, representatives of different organizations, businessmen, religious persons and the general people for the participation in a special programme to be held at the Royal Nepal Army Pavilion on February 19, and carry out illumination in the evening.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
NTB wins PATA award
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has won the prestigious PATA Gold Award 2006 in the CD Rom category for its Nepal Interaction CD Rom.
This is the second time that NTB has own gold award in the CD-Rom category. Earlier, NTB's CD Rom "Mt. Everest & More?.Experience it in Nepal" won the PATA Gold Award 2000.
Altogether 28 travel-related organizations and individuals are being honoured with the award this year. The award will be presented during the 55th PATA Annual Conference to be held at Pataya, Thailand on April 23, according to NTB.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
Image Channel goes satellite
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Image Channel, the first private channel of Nepal being operated under the flagship of "Sanghrila Television Pvt. Ltd. can now be received in more than 70 countries after it entered into satellite broadcasting Friday.
"Image Channel has gone satellite through the Global Beam APSTAR 10 Satellite which would have the capacity to broadcast in more than 70 countries including Nepal," said R. K Manandhar, Director of Image Channel.
Now the programmes of the channel can be received through disc antenna in most of the regions of Nepal. The locations in Nepal are Central region of Bagmati, Janakpur, Narayani Zones, Eastern Region of Koshi, Mechi, Sagarmatha Zones, Western Region of Lumbini, Gandaki, Dhaulagiri Zones, Mid- Western Region of Bheri, Rapti Zones, Far-Western Region of Seti, Mahakali and Karnali Zones.
The channel was confined inside the Kathmandu valley prior to its link up with the satellite.
Manandhar, said that so far all the TV stations in Nepal were hooked to the Thai COM regional beam satellite but the Image Channel has chosen Global Beam APSTAR 10 Satellite.
He said the reason behind choosing this satellite is that it covers whole of Asia, Africa, Australia and almost all of Europe. He said that now it can be received in 4037 Mega Hertz.
Inaugurating the launching programme, Manandhar said that the channel has been able to upgrade its facilities with growing financial soundness.
"To compete with other national and international channels, we obviously need quality programmes and interesting events", he said. For this we need qualitative productions and well-equipped manpower, he added.
With its uplinking to the satellite, Image channel has extended its transmission time. It can now be tuned on round-the-clock throughout the year.
Prior to the recent progress, Image channel had been broadcasting more than 34 programmes in a week.
Besides television, Image Channel was broadcasting one-and-a- half-hour morning programme via Nepal Television as Image Metro Channel and Image FM 97.9 radio.
Minister of Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali and Keshavraj Raj Bhandari, Chief Election Commissioner were present at the inaugural programme along with other important personalities from different walks of life.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
NATIONAL EDUCATION DAY 13 best schools to be awarded
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: The Ministry of Education and Sports has selected the 13 best schools for the different awards to be presented on the occasion of the 31st National Education Day this year.
The selection of the best schools has been done on the basis of the results of the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations- 2005, the number of students admitted in Class 9 in 2004, the number of students passing the SLC Test examinations-2005, the number of students sitting in the SLC examinations and the national-regional average student population.
Accordingly, Mangalodaya Secondary School, Thankot has been selected from amongst the community schools at the national level while Panchawati Secondary School, Udayapurgadhi, Udayapur District, Gyanodaya Secondary School, Bafal, Kathmandu, Saraswati Secondary School Ahale, Gorkha, Banglamukhi Secondary School, Gulariya Bardiya and Lamatola Secondary School, Lamatola, Bajhang have been selected from the Eastern Development Region, Central Development Region, Western Development Region, Mid-western Development Region and the Far-western Development Region respectively at the regional level.
Similarly, amongst the institutional schools, Gyanodaya Balbatika Secondary School Sanepa, Lalitpur has been selected at the national level while Little Flower English Secondary School, Anarmani, Jhapa from the Eastern Development Region, Dipendra Police Higher Secondary School, Sanga, Kavre from the Central Development Region, Gandaki Boarding School, Lamachaur, Kaski from the Western Development Region, Tulasi Boarding Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang from the Mid-western Development Region, Stepping Stone English School, Chauraha, Kailali from the Far-western Development Region and Pandu Secondary School, Padesh, Bajhang from the remote area have been selected at the regional level.
The schools adjudged the best schools at the national level will receive a cash award of Rs. 100,000 each and he Birendra Vidhya Shield, the banner and a certificate while the schools adjudged best at the regional level would receive Rs. 50,000, the Birendra Vidhya Shield, the banner and certificate.
Similarly, the Ministry has constituted a technical committee under the convenorship of the Joint Secretary at the Higher Education and Education Management Division of the Ministry to present a report with necessary recommendations regarding the bases of evaluation for making timely reforms and improvements in the basis of the selection of the best schools from amongst the community and the institutional schools to be awarded on the National Education Day next year.
The Director General at the Department of Education, the Controller of Examination, educationalists, representatives of the teachers unions, PABSON and N-PABSON.
The Awards would be presented on the occasion of the National education Day on February 24.
People’s News/The Rising Nepal
Surya Executives Released
Birgunj, 17 Feb: Three officials of Surya Nepal Private Limited, abducted from Bara, were released in Makawanpur on Friday. Prabhakar Bikram Shah, Dambar Mani Limbu and Sarbajit Rana were abducted on February 3. The abductees were released after Surya Nepal and ANTUF reached a seven-point understanding, a member of a team comprising journalists and rights activists that observed the officials’ release said.
People’s News/The Himalayan Times
Nepal rights abuse on EU agenda
By Arjun Bhandari
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: The European Union (EU) Parliament is scheduled to hold a “serious” meeting and public hearing and formulate a European-level policy on Nepal during the parliament’s sub-committee meeting on February 20.
Chief of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, Ian Martin, is leaving for Brussels, Belgium, tomorrow to take part in the parliament meeting, where he is expected to brief the committee on Nepal’s current scenario.
The government is also sending its officials to Brussels to present its position on human rights and measures taken to control cases of impunity. Former member of the National Human Rights Commission, Sushil Pyakurel and president of the NGO Federation Dr Arjun Karki have already left for Brussels. They are expected to speak on how the government has curtailed civil liberties in a “systematic, planned and targeted manner”.
“The EU Parliament’s sub-committee will hold a serious public hearing on Nepal’s current political situation and come up with a European-level policy,” Subodh Pyakurel, director of Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), said.
He said the draft policy would be presented as a European voice on Nepal during the 62nd session of the UN Commission on Human Rights to be held in Geneva from March 15 to April 22.
While making public a report on human rights situation in Nepal, Martin yesterday highlighted cases of arbitrary killings, detention, routine torture and disappearances carried out by security forces and cases of abduction, killing of civilians and intimidation by the Maoists.
Martin had also raised the issue of impunity enjoyed largely by security personnel while dealing with suspected Maoists and Maoist sympathisers in detention centres.
On OHCHR’s allegation of impunity, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (PMO), Dibakar Pant, who also looks after human rights and legal issues at the office, said the government had taken legal action against a number of human rights violators. He said 154 personnel of the Royal Nepalese Army were indicted in 98 cases and 56 police personnel were indicted for human rights violation. The nature of punishment, according to Pant, included one month to seven years of imprisonment, discharge from service, demotions, forfeiting of grade and promotion, warnings and compensating victims. He said the government would furnish replies to queries raised during the meeting on rights issues and make clear its position on measures taken to improve the condition of civil liberties.
People’s News/The Himalayan Times
Deuba for amending 12-point pact
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: The president of the Nepali Congress-Democratic, Sher Bahadur Deuba, today said the 12-point understanding reached between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists on November 22 needed some clarification.
“Some (points) need to be clarified, others need to be added or taken out,” Deuba told reporters at his residence at Budanilkantha after meeting Indian ambassador to Nepal, Shiv Shankar Mukherjee. Party sources claimed that Mukherjee asked Deuba why the 12-point understanding was not being implemented properly. Deuba is learnt to have told the Indian envoy that he would take up the issue in the upcoming meeting of the seven agitating parties.
“Mukherjee told Deuba that only talks and consensus between the King and the parties would lead to a solution to the crisis,” the sources said. The envoy is also learnt to have expressed his country’s concern over the surge in Maoist violence if the King and the parties remain divided.
Informed party sources said Deuba told the ambassador that the “Constitution has been activated with the SC’s verdict (on RCCC).” Deuba said the ambassador inquired how he was treated in jail. Mukherjee told reporters that the meeting was only a ‘goodwill call.’ He refused to comment when asked if India had changed its views on the 12-point pact after having read the US ambassador’s comments on Wednesday. Mukherjee also held a separate meeting with Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman, Pashupati SJB Rana at the latter’s residence.
People’s News/The Himalayan Times
Landslide buries entire village in Philippines
Philippines, 17 Feb: About 200 people were believed killed and 1,500 others were missing in the central Philippines today when an entire village was buried in a landslide, the Red Cross said.
The landslide hit the village of Guinsaugon in Saint Bernard town in the southern part of Leyte island, according to the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, Richard Gordon.
Local officials said the disaster happened at about 10:45 am (0245 GMT).
Civil defence officials said only four bodies had been recovered so far, but the full extent of the incident was not immediately clear as it was difficult to reach the village. Leyte Congressman Roger Mercado said in a radio interview that the village had a population of 3,000 to 4,000 and expressed fears that as many as 2,000 had been buried by the landslide.
Government radio said 45 people had been rescued from the mud so far. Eyewitnesses from the scene said only a few houses were still standing among the hundreds that were once there after the landslide from the neighbouring mountain.
President Gloria Arroyo’s spokesman Ignacio Bunye said rescue and relief teams were being rushed to the scene, adding he hoped the private sector would contribute to the relief effort.
The head of the military rescue team, Colonel Nestor Sadirin, said helicopters were ready to be dispatched to the area but that cloudy weather was preventing them from going there. Gordon said the Red Cross was trying to dispatch sniffer dogs to the area to attempt to find any survivors.
Heavy rains had been battering the area for about 10 days. The head of the government vulcanology office, Rene Solidum confirmed a mild earthquake, measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale, had hit the southern part of Leyte at about 10:36 am. But it was not believed the tremor itself had been enough to trigger a landslide, he said, adding that heavy rainfall was the likely cause. Leyte Governor Rosete Lerias said in radio and television interviews that many of the people in the affected area had been evacuated. Television reports said that the roads had also been washed out, hampering travel to the village.
People’s News/The Himalayan Times
17th February, 2006 (Friday)
King in Pokhara
Kathmandu , 17 Feb: The King arrived in Pokhara Friday afternoon to begin a visit of the Western Development Region – the second after one February, 2005. The King will be visiting Mustang, north of the Himalaya, which he didn't visit last year.
The Queen was already in Pokhara. The Royal Couple just completed a visit of the Eastern Development Region.
The King will address the nation from Pokhara on King Tribhuwan Memorial and National Democracy Day on Sunday.
The Royal address may contain important political messages.
People’s News/BR
Army chief instructs protection of rights
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Pyar Jung Thapa Thursday instructed security forces to promote and protect human rights during operations against Maoists.
He asked deployed forces to protest the rights of the people.
He said this while inspecting base camps in three districts in the east and the central regions.
He asked security forces to "honestly implement repeated instructions" of the Royal Nepal Army Headquarters to protect human rights and ordinary citizens.
People’s News/BR
15 killed
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Fifteen persons were killed late Thursday afternoon when a jeep fell l100 metres off the road at Jhulaghat in Baitadi, local police reports said.
They injured are undergoing treatment across the border in India.
Then jeep was heading for district headquarters from Jhulaghat.
People’s News/BR
Tatopani to reopen today
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Tatopani in Sindhupalchowk will reopen today, Bimarsha reports.
The Immigration Department will now issue temporary passes.
Following this, the boycott of Tatopani by traders from Thursday has been lifted.
People’s News/BR
Dhankuta mayor resigns
Biratnagar, 16 Feb: Just elected Dhankuta mayor Gokul Lal Shrestha resigned Thursday, Annapurna Post reports.
He was elected on a ticket of RPP Thapa.
He cited insecurity as the reason for his resignation.
People’s News/BR
Don't' criticize USA :KP Oli
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Member of the standing committee of the CPN-UML KP Oli has asked Maoists not to repeatedly criticize the USA.
Oli said the US ambassador's lack of faith in the Maoist is the result of the criticism.
"It is possible the lack of faith and suspicion of US ambassador James F Moriarty is in the repeated Maoist criticism At any place and every place."
He asked Prachanda and Baburam not to oppose USA.
People’s News/BR
Nepal conference in New Delhi
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Anthony Stokes, head of South Asian Group at the British and Commonwealth Office, came to Nepal ahead of a meeting in New Delhi Friday on the conflict in Nepal, Annapurna Post reports.
He left for New Delhi with British ambassador Keith George Bloomfield to participate in the meeting Thursday, according to Mitra Pariyar of the British emebassy.
People’s News/BR
India closes border for three hours
Nepalgunj, 16 Feb: Following a Maoist warning, Indian security forces closed the border entry point Rupaidiya for three ours Thursday morning, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Maoists sent a written warning through villagers.
People’s News/BR
Bhutanese refugees to form united front
Inaruwa, 16 Feb: Bhutanese refugees will from a united front to make the movement for their home return effective by dissolving all organizations and parties, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Refugees are forming the front under the leadership of Bhutanese human rights leader Tek Nath Rijal.
A meeting Wednesday in Birtamodh asked refugees to dissolve organizations and parties by 23 February.
The meeting asked Tek Nath Rijal be declared the supreme leader like Ganesh Man Singh.
People’s News/BR
Insurance for foreign job seekers
By Baburam Khadka in Nepal Samacharpatra
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: A new foreign employment insurance policy is being introduced within Falgun[ 13 February to 13 March].
This is being to better manage insurance with additional benefits for labourers seeking foreign employment.
Twenty insurance companies in the country will establish a joint insurance fund through the insurance scheme will be provided.
People’s News/BR
Nepal loses to Malaysia in Thomas Cup
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Top seeded Malaysia defeated Nepal in the Thomas Cup tournament being played in Jaipur, India, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Malaysia swept Nepal 5-0.
People’s News/BR
Maoists abduct three from Solu
By Salikram Koirala in Rajdhani
Kawasoti, 16 Feb: Maoists have abducted three persons from Solokhumbu, including a teacher.
Maoists abducted teacher Jana Bahadur Rai, Kedar Karki and Jagat Bahadur Basnet.
Basnet, was a former Maoist platoon commander, who defected.
People’s News/BR
Doors open for dialogue with parties, Maoists: Shrish Shumshere Rana
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Government has always kept doors open for talks with seven parties and Maoists, Rajdhani reports.
Government has concluded talks could not be held because of pre-conditions set by them.
Minister of state for communications Shrish Shumshere Rana said the King has always opened the door for talks; talks could not be held because of the pre-conditions of seven political parties and Maoists.
"His Majesty the King, according to article 127 of the constitution, has appealed for talks and understanding. There have been obstacles because of the pre-conditions of seven parties and Maoists," he told a delegation of the National Journalist Federation Thursday.
He said, except for the election, the American position made public Wednesday was positive.
Rana said seven parties and Maoists cannot be placed in the same table.
People’s News/BR
800 policemen haven't received relief
By Suraj Kuwar in Kantipur
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Nearly 800 policemen injured in the conflict have not received relief; they were injured five years ago.
According to a source, only 380 policemen received relief last from among 1,180 injured in the Maoist insurgency affected districts. They were provided Rs 10.17 million. Government has not released Rs 20.25 million for the rest.
People’s News/BR
Moriarty's comment "natural" Deuba
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Deuba said Moriarty's criticism of the understanding was "natural", Kantipur reports
" USA is against terrorism and violence," Deuba said." Maoists haven't abandoned violence. The American reaction could be a result of this."
People’s News/BR
Villagers flee
By Dilliran Khatiwada in Kantipur
Rajbiraj, 16 Feb: Hundreds of youth have fled to India from villages here fearing Maoists.
They fled after Maoists pressurized youth from one dozen villages in the western part of the district to join their army.
"Hundreds of youth have fled with their families," Mahendra Shah said.
People’s News/BR
RIM asks Maoists to be steadfast on revolution
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: International Revolutionary Movement (RIM) has asked Maoists to be steadfast on the revolution through a statement 13 February, Sambodhan reports.
"The war your party launched 10 years ago taking up some demands of the people. Under the leadership of Prachanda you have played an important role for new democracy and social revolution," the statement said encouraging Maoists."RIM hopes the communist revolution will succeed in Nepal."
RIM suggested counter revolutionaries should be defeated as India, China, UK and USA help the Royal Nepal Army.
People’s News/BR
Justices congratulated
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Justices who gave a verdict against the RCCC are receiving hundreds of telephone calls, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
"I am receiving countless calls at the home and office," one judge Anup Raj Sharma said.
People’s News/BR
King and people two sides of coin
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: Nepal is the country having Monarchy since its formation. For consolidation, democratization, unification and constitutional process, the Monarchy has played remarkable role, writes Rastravani weekly in its editorial.
From the ancient time to the 21 Century, the King and the people have remained as the two sides of the coin.
The second phase of the Monarchial democracy was introduced after the 1950 revolution whereas the third phase was introduced by late King Birendra and the forth phase started from King Gyanendra's ascend to the throne. The constitution of Nepal 1990 has stated the King as the patron of the constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy in the country. Hence, the Nepalese people, with enormous trust upon the Monarchy, are continuing the democratic process. This has helped to contribute flourishing of democratic good-governance.
People’s News/Pujab
Municipal polls conducted successfully: Basanta Chaudhari
Kathmandu , 17 Feb: "There is no place to blame the King alone. It is because, from 2002 to October 4, 2004, parliament and local bodies had remained vacant," said Basanta Chaudhari, a noted businessman and social worker in an interview to Sanghu weekly.
"The King, for about two and a half year, had given the opportunity to the political parties to resolve crisis and hold elections. But we have lost that period. Why was not honest approaches made by the party leaders? This is the time to evaluate their role."
"The political leaders had kept the people in mess by saying that there was no environment for conducting polls. The King, with bravery has shown that there is an environment for polls."
"It was to observe that whether polls could be conducted in free and fair manner without any obstacle. The 8 February polls have shown that it came true."
The municipal polls have given the message to the friendly countries which had wished for democracy in Nepal, have seen that there is the environment for polls.
People’s News/Pujab
Madhab Nepal's brother defeated
Kathmandu, 17 Feb: UML general Secretary Madhab Nepal's brother Umesh Nepal had contested for the mayoral post in Gaur, Rautahat. He has been defeated, reports Charcha weekly.
This defeat has surfaced the family dispute and in spite of active boycott by Madhab, above 72 percent of vote was caste in the hometown of Nepal. Local people have given strong reply to the UML announced boycott.
Due to the defeat of own brother, Madhab Nepal is not even been able to show his appearance to the people of Gaur.
People’s News/Pujab
Strong reply to Girija and Madhab
Kathmandu , 17 Feb: The result of the municipal polls has given strong reply to Girija and Madhab, leaders of the agitating parties, reports Charcha weekly.
UML leaders, who were believed that there will be no polls. When they found the polls environment then they joined hands with the Maoists. Despite the violent threats, above 21 percent people have participated in polls.
People’s News/Pujab
10 percent vote in Kashmir was legitimated
Kathmandu , 17 Feb: "I saw, people had participated in polls. In spite of obstacles and violent threats, people gave candidature and also caste vote. This is a positive side," said Manisha Koirala, noted film actress in an interview to Janabhawana weekly.
"Previously, people were talking that there will be below five percent voting, in fact the turnout is 21 percent, which is excellent."
People’s News/Pujab
Rohit to quit politics?
Kathmandu 17 Feb: The chairman of Nepal Majdur Kisan Party, Rohit, hasn't made any public remarks for a longtime. It is a mystery that he didn't have any comment about the municipal elections which were held successfully. Now-a-days it is unknown that what he is doing, reports Partispardha weeky.
Many political parties and the public have expressed their strong support to the polls, which was not unusual for the people who believe in democracy. The political parties who boycotted the polls, were busy speaking against the election, among them the chairperson of Nepal Mujdur Kisan Party, Rohit, who had strong hold in Bhaktpur, didn't express any comment about the municipal polls. Neither he supported polls nor he gave speech against it. Once, his party had significant role in the politics of country but later it has remained only limited within Bhaktpur.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
CPN , NC 's future uncertain
Kathmandu 16 Feb: The political parties which rejected the Royal proclamation of 1 February, have failed to pave the way of their future. When they were in the government they could not hold election and after the Royal takeover they decided to launch agitation against the Royal move but later when the present government held elections successfully they have become confused and pathless, reports Pratispardha weekly.
Elections were held at a time when the country was facing conflict and the situation was critical.
This event has forced the Nepali Congress to realize their past and to think seriously about the future.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Action against human rights activists urged
Kathmandu 16 Feb: It is justified that the human rights activists in the country are not real rights activists but are doing the dollar business by fulfilling the foreign interests. They used to claim that they were fighting for the rights of the people but their claims were in vain when they didn’t observe the last municipal elections instead they made hue and cry against it.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Misuse of press freedom: Denmark in trouble
Kathmandu 15 Feb: Journalists in Denmark never realized that the misuse of press freedom could spoil the identity of whole the nation and it could hassle the privacy of others as well as it could seriously harm the religious aspect of the large number of people in the world. Finally, they got the result of their deeds. The prestige of Denmark turned into dust when they published the satirical cartoon in the newspapers, reports Nva Sotantrata weekly.
As they published the cartoon of Muslim religious leader Mohammad Paigamber as the leader of terrorist carrying the bomb, the whole Muslim people in the world have launched campaigns against Denmark to remove it from all the Muslim countries in the world. As a result, Denmark had to order her ambassadors to leave Indonesia last Sunday. After the order all the Danish have already left Indonesia.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Maoists need to clear their views: Mohan Gopal Khatan
Kathmandu 17 Feb: Prominent industrialist Mohan Gopal Khatan has said that the interviews of Prachanda, which were appeared in some newspapers, have not been able to make clear their stance. Khetan said that Prachanda was ready to restore peace but he has failed to materialize his views regarding restoration of peace, reports a Weekly.
The leading businessman further said that if the Maoists are ready to respect the voice of public and to resolve the problem by dialogue, they should be clear rather then performing double standard.
He added that if the Maoists wanted to come in the mainstream politics, they had to request the human right activists, industrialists, businessperson and other recognized organizations for a meditation.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Successes of elections: Crocodile's tears of political parties
Katmandu 15 Feb: People have giver better answer by participating in polls to those who were questioning about possibility of polls. Voters used their fundamental rights of voting and the government managed proper security situation, writes Dibya Chhau weekly.
The turnout was little more in the yesteryears because there were lots of false votes caste through booth capturing rigging, which didn't happen this time.
The peaceful elections of municipal has given a clear message that there were no booth capture, no bomb explosion and no physical loss.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Paving way for general elections
Kathmandu 17 Feb: The elections, which were held in a very critical time has its own value though the percent of voters was only twenty-one percent. This election has given the message to national and international society that the public could select their leader even during the critical time. On the other hand, the local bodies have got elected leaders as these bodies had remained without local representatives for a few years. This is a big message of the current elections. The participation of national political parties in the election will give more pleasant result and general elections next year is very much possible.
Now the government should prepare for the general elections as per the wish of the King and the people to bring on trek the derailed democracy, reports National News weekly.
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Successful municipal polls a clear message to all: Govinda Khanai
Kathmandu , 17 Feb: "Municipal poll has really spread clear message that we are able to conduct general elections next year," said Govinda Khanai, central committee member, RPP, in an interview to Ruprekha weekly.
"The national politics is rolling on to the election of parliament. Even this is clear that the election of VDCs and DDCs is also possible. It is because I feel that the country is going towards a democratic process."
"It is foolishness to claimed that there was no participation of people in election. They (agitating parties) blamed that it was just a drama because they couldn't took part in that. Despite threat of life of candidates and voters, people took part in polls. Now, not the government but the agitating parties are performing drama."
People’s News/Binod Thapa
Nepal beat South Africa
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Nepal beat South Africa in Sri Lanka by two runs to enter the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup Plate Championship for the second time.
Nepal scored 214 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs after winning the toss.
South Africa, in the run chase, scored 212 runs for the loss of all wickets.
Nepal will meet New Zealand in the final.
People’s News/BR
Army chief congratulates units for successes against Maoists
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Pyar Jung Thapa congratulated army units for recent successes against Maoists, The Defence Ministry said.
He visited base camps in Bhojpur, Dhankuta and Sindhuli in the East and Center and issued directives Thursday during an inspection visit.
A civilian died in Maoists bomb explosion in Parsa Thursday.
People’s News/BR
Moriarty calls on Deuba
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: US ambassador James F. Moriarty called on former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and discussed current Nepali politics, party officials said.
Moriarty visited Deuba one day after a statement welcoming his release and the supreme court decision to dissolve the RCCC.
People’s News/BR
Dalai Lama emissaries in China
Dharmasala, 15 Feb: Envoys of the Dalai Lama are in China for talks, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leaders' office said on Wednesday, The Himalayan Times reported quoting AP.
Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, the special envoy of the Dalai Lama, was accompanied by another official and two aides.
People’s News/BR
Naxalites kill tribals
Raipur, 15 Feb: Over 50 Maoist rebels stormed Chereli village in Chhattisgarh shot dead three tribals, accusing them of helping the police in anti-insurgency push, authrities said on Wednesday, The Himalayan Times reported quoting the Himalayan News Service.
People’s News/BR
Everest hero arrested
By Khim Ghale in Kantipur
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Pemba Dorji Sherpa, who has established two records on Mount Everest, is under detention in Hamuman Dhoka police station.
He has been accused of cheating.
He climbed the mountain three years ago in 12 hours; he also climbed the peak twice in five days.
He denies the charge.
People’s News/BR
Govt not to award upper Karnali to India
By Bikash Thapa in Kantipur
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Government has decided not to award the upper Karnali hydro electricity project to India after it showed no interest following 1 February.
"We will take up the project ourselves," the government told the Indian embassy in a letter two weeks ago.
People’s News/BR
16th February, 2006 (Thursday)
Nepal Telecom starts distributing pre-paid mobile telephones
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: Nepal Telecom Thursday morning restored pre-paid mobile telephones disrupted from 19 January, telecom officials said.
Nepal Telecom has distributed 20,7000 lines nation-wide while Spice Nepal has distributed 70,000 lines.
People’s News/BR
Suspicious object placed at Tinkune
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: A suspicious object at Tinkune, Maitighar, has disrupted the movement of vehicles Thursday, eyewitnesses said.
A bomb disposal unit is examining the object.
People’s News/BR
Released after 61 days
Lamjung, 15 Feb: Maoists Tuesday released Lamjung district committee unit member Shyambabu Tiwari 61 days after his abduction, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
People’s News/BR
Seven Indian Maoists on hunger strike
Jhapa, 15 Feb: Seven Indian Maoists launched a fast to death Wednesday at Jalpaigudi jail in India's West Bengal, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
They were arrested two years ago on charges of forging a working relationship with Nepal's Maoists and waging an armed rebellion.
People’s News/BR
Two Maoists arrested
Dipayal, 115 Feb: Security forces arrested two Maoists Wednesday in Gulariya VDC in Kanchanpur district, Annapurna Post reports.
Rajaram Chaudhari "Rajesh" and 15-year-old Bijaya Kuwar "Sapana" were arrested.
People’s News/BR
Meeting ends without agreement
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: A meeting of eight student elections ended Wednesday night without an agreement for the coming elections of free independent unions, Rajdhani reports.
An understanding for competitive understanding for the elections on 28 February couldn't be reached.
Another meeting could be held for an agreement.
People’s News/BR
Protests against cartoon in Pokhara
Pokhara, 15 Feb: Five organizations associated with Islam in the city have protested the satirical cartoons of the Prophet published in Danish newspapers, Rajdhani reports.
Nepal Muslim Committee Pokhara, Nepal Muslim Anjuman Islam, Islam religion Protection Service Committee, Nepal Women Itejma Group and Islamic Welfare Society protested through a statement.
The statement alleged the newspapers were seeking cheap publicity in the name of free debate.
People’s News/BR
Curfew lifted in Pokhara
Pokhara, 15 Feb: Kaski district administration lifted a curfew slapped on Pokhara from Monday, Rajdhani reports.
The curfew was slapped before then just concluded municipal polls fearing a Maoist attack.
But the curfew continues along highways in the district.
People’s News/BR
Sadhus pour in for Shibaratri
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Sadhus started pouring in to Pashupatinath for Sshivaratri from Tuesday night, Gorkhapatra reports.
Female hermits have also started arriving.
A Shivaratri environment prevails around Pashupati.
The festival is on 26 February.
People’s News/BR
Govt serious about Maoist strategy: Minister Pun
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Land reforms minister Narayan Singh Pun government is serious about Maoist strategy and is conducting special homework, Annapurna Post reports.
"The statement of Prachanda to capture state power by 6 April could mean a special strategy. The home ministry has started special homework which cannot be revealed now," Pun told the Reporters' Club Wednesday.
People’s News/BR
Traders will not lift goods through Tatopani from today
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Traders will not lift goods from Tatopani on the Nepal-Tibet border from Thursday, Annapurna Post reports.
Traders said they will stop lifting goods through the only trading point between Nepal and Tibet because government has not looked into grievances following the imposition of passport and visa for travel between Nepal and Tibet by China.
People’s News/BR
South Korean envoy pays farewell call
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: South Korean ambassador Park Sang-Hoon paid a farewell on the King at Narayanhiti Royal palace Wednesday.
Ambassador Park is returning home after the completion of his assignment.
People’s News/BR
EC assist
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: The European Commission (EC) has set aside six million euros from its humanitarian budget to help natural disaster preparedness efforts in Nepal and other South Asian countries, an announcement said.
The assistance aims to improve response capacity of local population to fight disasters.
People’s News/BR
SC decision positive
By Bhola B Rana
Kathmandu, 16 Feb: US ambassador to Nepal James F. Moriarty said Wednesday the supreme court decision to dissolve the RCCC was positive.
"This decision was a positive step, an it was encouraging to see this issue settled through the rule of law," he said in an addresss.
He said in an address entitled " Nepal's Political Crisis: A Look Back, A Look Forward" the decision " also enabled the release of former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba."
He dedicated his address to Bijaya Lal Das, Tribeni Majhi, Jitendra Shrestha and Umesh Thapa killed in the 8 February municipal polls even as he opposed the vote in a contradictory address.
He repeated his governments view that the " exercise was hollow" but went on to say," In sum, the elections represented yet another missed opportunity to effectively begin tackling Nepal's problems."
He condemned the Maoist violence and killings ahead of the election.
"The insurgents threatened candidates and their families and even assassinated to office seekers. Absolutely nothing justifies such measures, and all supporters of a just and peaceful Nepal should condemn them," he said.
People’s News/BR
Govt, parties must hold talks: Pun
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Minister for Land Reforms and Management Narayan Singh Pun said today that the differences between the King and the agitating political parties should first be sorted out before holding any talks with the insurgents.
He said the civil society and the media could play an important role to bring the agitating parties to the negotiating table.
“Talks with the Maoists are possible only after the government and the agitating parties mend fences, keeping each other’s prestige intact,” said Minister Pun at the Reporters’ Club.
He said the parliamentary parties had a long political history and the crises facing the country can never be resolved by isolating them. Pun, a retired official of the Royal Nepalese Army, said there was no military solution to this kind of insurgency, “linked to security, political, economic and social aspects”.
“The government, therefore, must follow an integrated approach to resolve the problem of insurgency and the rebels must also realise that they cannot win over the state militarily,” said Pun, who initiated talks with the insurgents on behalf of the government in 2003. He said it would take at least 10 years to completely resolve the long-drawn-out conflict.
Asked to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the Royal Commission for Corruption Control, Pun said he respects all decisions of the apex court.
Commenting on Maoist leader Prachanda’s recent interview, he said he found some positive aspects in his interview. Prachanda’s commitment to respect the decision of an election to a constituent assembly was one of the positive aspects of his interview. He, however, condemned his remarks against the King.
Replying to a query, Pun said the Home Ministry was working out how to ensure safe release of three employees of Surya Nepal from the Maoist captivity.
People’s News/The Himalayan Times
ADB pleased
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the largest donor to the US$ 464 million Melamchi Water Supply Project, is pleased with the Supreme Court verdict on the Royal Commission for Corruption Control. A two-member ADB mission arrived in Kathmandu Tuesday to apprise itself of progress at the project and current developments.
"ADB seems quite pleased with present developments," said project executive director Suman Prasad Sharma. The mission is holding consultations with project officials, and these will conclude Thursday. Only days before the RCCC gave its controversial verdict on the Melamchi project in July last year, the ADB had submitted its own report stating that there were no irregularities in the award of a project contract.
People’s News/The Kathmandu Post
OHCHR meets Surya Nepal abductees
Kathmandu, 15 Feb: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Nepal has met the three Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. employees abducted by Maoists on February 3.
According to a press statement issued by OHCHR-Nepal Wednesday, an OHCHR-Nepal team met Sarabjit Rana, Prabhakar Bikram Shah and D.M. Limbu on February 14. "The three men were generally in good health, and this information has been conveyed to their families by OHCHR-Nepal," the statement said.
People’s News/The Kathmandu Post
