Sajha staff urge Govt to withdraw its decision

RSS

LALITPUR, March 6 : The Employees of the Sajha Yatayat Sansthan dissolved by His Majesty’s Government on January 24 organised a press conference here today and demanded that the government withdraw its decision of dissolving their institution.

At the press conference organised by the Sajha Yatayat Employees’ Action Committee, it was informed that the employees had not received Provident Fund benefits since Mangsir, 2055 B.S. and salary since Baisakh, 2058 B.S., additional benefits in accordance with the decision taken by His Majesty’s Government in Magh, 2058 B.S. after the dissolution of the Sajha Yatayat Sansthan as well as the employees’ regulations.

Convenor of the Employees’ Action Committee Sambhu KC said that after His Majesty’s Government dissolved the Sajha Yatayat Sansthan which had been running at a loss because of incompetent management and political intervention, 3,500 people depending on 728 employees of the Sansthan had been affected.

The employees said that the Sajha Yatayat Sansthan could be operated by taking alternative measures.

Yogi blames govt for social disharmony

Post Report

KATHMANDU, March 6 : Yogi Narahari Nath has blamed the government for increasing religious disharmony in the Nepali society.

Speaking at a press-meet organised by the Kotihom Mahayagya main committee here on Wednesday Yogi said, "The Singh Durbar takes bribe and allows people to play irreligious activities in Nepal which creates clash between the palace and the ordinary people",

" The Sanskrit language has been slandered and humanity has been lost", blamed Yogi.."The foreign-invested ideas have been playing their role to create the Maoist problem," he said adding "They play the role of "break and rule" in Nepal". So only the slogans of Om Shanti can control the privileged violence in Nepal."

Speaking at the programme, the general secretary of the Pooja Committee, Keshab Raj Sharma Poudel said that the committee has a plan to establish an Ayurvedik hospital at Balambu with the property collected at the Pooja.

On the occasion, he clarified that the committee had not received any illegal money from the palace as charged by the people. The pooja will be held for a month.

Bhugol Park to get a facelift

Post Report

KATHMANDU, March 6 : The historic park situated in the central business area of the capital city, Bhugol Park, is getting a new face soon, thanks to a private industry that is showing interest in public works.

Jawalakhel Distillery Industries Pvt Ltd is spending almost four million rupees to improve the Bhugol Park at New Road, that is believed to be the first public park of the country.

An agreement was signed between JDI and Kathmandu Metropolitan City two weeks ago.

Mohan Paudel, the manager of JDI said that the actual construction will begin by the middle of March and would be complete in six months.

"We are driven by the notion of taking part in social works to improve the park that has historic significance and also has become an identity of the city itself," he said.

The then Prime Minister Juddha Sumshere Rana had it constructed around 60 years ago after he exempted the loan he distributed to thousands of people whose houses were damaged in the 1934 earthquake. It is said that he buried all the documents he made to provide the loans.

Paudel said that the park with such a characteristic has become a place where even decent people do not like to visit because of which the park remains deserted, dirty and only the people of suspicious characters are to be seen there.

"It has remained in the state of neglect and neither the general people nor the authorities are concerned about it, so we tried to affiliate ourselves to this park. We feel privileged to have this opportunity to improve the condition of the park," he said.

Engineer of KMC Public Works Department Anjan Joshi said that the park would be developed in three phases and made attractive. "The heavy boundaries will be removed and the main entrance will be made just the opposite of Fire Brigade Office. There will be a colourful water fountain and tourist information centre in the middle of the park. In addition, there will also be the section with the pillar and Shankar’s image on the top will be decorated with flower vases and chairs around it," he said.

Joshi said that several parties had showed interest to improve the Bhugol Park but KMC chose JDI because its contribution has been quite successful in the Jawlakhel crossroads.

He said the KMC might employ some city policemen to provide security in the park.

Mahashivaratri world music festival to be organised

Post Report

KATHMANDU, March 6 : The Namaste Cultural Studio (NCS) is organising ‘Close-up 8th Mahashivaratri World Music Festival - 2058’ on March 11 and 12 in Kathmandu and on March 15 and 16 in Pokhara.

In the four days concert 40 different styles in music will be performed by popular Nepali bands and singers from across the country. The main attraction of the programme is modern pop songs and traditional folk Dohari. In the music festival popular bands from Japan, Australia and America are also performing.

Ishwor Gurung of NCS disclosed the programme at the press conference here today.

Addressing the press meet Gurung said that the new generation have forgotten the real way of celebrating the festival and have taken the festival as the licence for free use of drugs like hemp (bhang) and marijuana. "One should pray the Lord of music and dance Shiva on that day and has to find the ways for creative works," Gurung said.

According to Gurung, the fund raised from the festival will also be used for the promotion of Nepali music. The fund raised from the concert in the capital, Rs 50,000 will be deposited in the fixed fund set up in the name of veteran folk singer Ali Miyan. In addition, the music albums of Miyan (of his voice and collection) and Shrawan Mukarung (voice and music) will be released.

Amidst the festival to be held in the capital the New Generation Band 1974 AD and Robin and Luzaa will also be felicitated.

In the same way, at the music festival to be held in Pokhara, a felicitation programme will be organised to honour different singers.Besides, a portion of the fund raised at the Pokhara festival, that is, around Rs 20,000 will be provided for the building construction of the Pokhareli Youth Cultural Family and Rs 1,50,000 will be provided to buy microphone, speaker and other sound systems.

The NCS was formed 13 years ago as the Namaste Band for the promotion of original Nepali art and cultural across the world.

Veteran singer Om Bikram Bista and drummer of the Namaste Band Dev Rana also expressed their views at the press conference.

Relief aid for Maoists’ victims

RSS

KATHMANDU, March 6 : The Public Service Commission (PSC) employees have decided to make financial contribution to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

According to the decision, the chairman of the Commission will contribute 11 days’ salary, the members ten days’ salary, the secretary seven days’ salary, the joint-secretaries five days’ salary, the under-secretary level staff four days’ salary, the officer level employees three days’ salary and the non-gazetted level staff two days’ salary while the peon level staff one day’s salary to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Similarly, government employees in Parsa district have also committed financial assistance to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

As per a decision taken at a meeting of the employees, all civil servants of the gazetted first class and above level will provide five days’ salary to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

The meeting was chaired by Chief District Officer Narayan Gopal Malego.

His Majesty’s Government, Council of Ministers had recently decided to set up the fund with the purpose of contributing to families of the security personnel, employees and ordinary people who have fallen victims to the Maoist violence or to those who have been injured or dismembered in terrorist attacks.

Equal rights to women stressed

RSS

KATHMANDU, March 6 : Chief Whip of the NC Parliamentary Party Tek Bahadur Chokhyal, speaking at a discussion programme organised by the Nepal Women’s Association (NWA) here today, said that Civil Code (11th Amendment) Bill will be ratified by the Parliament as the CPN-UML has pledged to support it.

Stating that as the Civil Code (11th Amendment) Bill has made provisions concerning abortion, divorce, polygamy, child marriage, inheritance of property and property of women, Chokhyal refuted the allegation that the women were lagging behind because of the right to paternal property.

Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare Sushila Swnar said the women had moved one step ahead even though they did not receive full rights.

Calling on the women to continue fighting for their remaining rights, she said that preparations are being made for setting up a family court.

Whip of the CPN-UML parliamentary party Parshuram Meghi Gurung and President of the All-Nepal Women’s Association Vidya Devi Bhandari reiterated their party’s stand that women should be provided equal rights.

Stating that CPN-UML had decided to extend support in passing the bill by maintaining the party’s stand, they said that the bill should be discussed at the Business Advisory Committee and tabled before the Parliament immediately.

NWA President Uma Adhikari presided over the programme.

Forest management emphasized

RSS

LALITPUR, March 6 : Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Gopal Man Shrestha inaugurated the Central Plan Formulation Seminar of Fiscal Year 2059/60 B.S. under the Ministry here, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shrestha pointed out the need for forest technicians to launch programmes that aid in preserving forests, wildlife and valuable herbs and in poverty alleviation as well as tourism promotion.

From the chair, Minister of State for Forest and Soil Conservation Surendra Hamal said, "at a time when there is a resource crunch, we should formulate plans that help to make us self-reliant by giving continuity to forest management and community programmes."

Forest and Soil Conservation Ministry Secretary Chandi Prasad Shrestha called on the departmental heads to select plans in a practical manner with a view to necessity and priority because of the limited budget this year.

Also speaking on the occasion were joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Dr. Madhav Ghimire, Regional Forest Director Chakra Man Shakya and Chief Planning Officer Sharad Kumar Rai.

Convict with handcuffs at court

KATHMANDU, March 6 (PR) - A convict was presented the other day before the bench with handcuffs against international standard. Responding to a writ petition challenging the detention of Keshab Khadka in the Children’s Welfare Centre by the Prison Management Centre, the Supreme Court had ordered to present him before the court on March 4. Since the convict was presented before the court the other day with his handcuffs, human right activists demanded not to put on the handcuffs on the convict. However, the division bench of justices Hari Prasad Sharma and Nagina Singh denied the request saying "who will be responsible if the convict escapes."

‘Police has no right to issue licence’

KATHMANDU, March 6 (PR) - A writ petition has been filed with the Supreme Court demanding an immediate halt of the practice of issuing driving licence by police since the police has no right to issue such a licence. The petition filed by advocate Sambar Raj Aryal states that there is a clear legal provision that such licence should be issued by the office under the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management. The petitioner demands for the order of mandamus as the Home Ministry and the traffic police have worked beyond their jurisdiction.

UNFPA chief meets Minister Singh

KATHMANDU, March 6 (PR) – Deputy Director of the United Nations Funds for Population Activity (UNFPA) Kuniko Waki met P.L. Singh, Minister for Population and Environment at the later’s office here today, a press release from the Ministry of Population and Environment stated here today. Minister Singh informed the visiting UN official that the government of Nepal is formulating a long-term policy on population to alleviate poverty but pointed out the need to obtain UN support. Waki said that the UN would consider the proposed assistance in the current financial year.

Maoists smuggle arms through Nepal-India border

By Madhav Dhungana

BHAIRAHAWA, March 6 : The government has not worked out any strategy to prevent Maoist rebels from ferrying arms and ammunition through the open Nepal-India border even after the declaration of the state of emergency.

Local authorities believe that the Maoists smuggle arms into Nepal through the porous border. Officials say though security has been beefed up in major customs points between Nepal and India, the rebels use other areas where patrolling of the border is almost non-existent.

Four months ago, the Indian police had arrested a Nepali national, Pramod Yadav of
Bodabar VDC in Rupandehi district, along with cartridges for 303 rifle along the border. This  incident witnesses that the rebels are active in ferrying arms and explosives taking advantage of the open border.  The Nepal Police had earlier also captured a substantial amount of arms and ammunition from a Nepal-bound passenger bus in Kapilvastu district about three months ago.

It is believed that the rebels purchase such arms and explosive materials from two stores in Gorakhpur in India. Earlier, the Indian police had raided two shops from Alinagar and Town Hall in Gorakhpur, about 90 kilometres away from the border-city of Bhairahawa.

Security officials, however, say that they require a lot of resources and manpower to systematically monitor the porous border.

Chief district Officer in Rupandehi, Thaneswor Devkota, admitted the fact that the rebels have been taking advantage of the Nepal-India open border. "But we lack adequate manpower to control the illegal supply of arms," he added.

On the other hand, the customs officials in Bhairahawa are more concerned with revenue rather than security checks. "It is impossible to conduct a thorough checking of around 300 loaded trucks that are queued to enter Nepal everyday," said a customs official.

He said a mine detector needs to be installed in the major customs points to make sure that a
cargo truck is not carrying any kind of explosive. Sniffing dogs
could be more useful in such cases. "The sniffing dogs, however, are used to protect VVIPs in the Capital only," he added.

Security officials maintain that the intelligence wing can play a significant role in controlling the arms deal through the open border. "But we hardly receive any tip-offs from the personnel of the National Investigation Department," said a security official requesting anonymity.

Senior Superintendent of Police at the Regional Police Unit, Deepak Singh Dangden, said there should be a close co-operation between the security wings of both Nepal and India to control such illegal supply of arms and explosives.

Three dead in truck accident

Post Report

BARA, March 6 : Three died immediately when a heavily loaded truck met with an accident. It was heading towards Hetauda from Nijgadh and was loaded to the hilt with bricks. Due to an overload that exceeded its limits, the truck crashed down a slope 50 feet below road level.

Police Inspector Krishna Prasai said the truck was on high speed and suddenly it struck some substance, when the driver hit the brakes, it skidded out of control.

He added, the condition of the accident seems to be dreadful and the driver luckily escaped from death while the other two, a businessman and a conductor, died tragically.

The accident occurred during night hours.

Computer education in remote hill district

Post Report

DOLAKHA, March 6 : A government girls’ school in remote Dolakha district has started teaching computer science through its own creative initiatives.

Pashupati Kanya Mandir of Charikot, headquarters of the district, has already completed a class 9 course in computer science. Six girls – Mamta Dahal, Sumitra Sapkota, Anupa Shrestha, Chandrakala Shrestha, Dolma Tamang and Babita Malla – are preparing for their final examination on computer science, according to the headmaster of the school.

"A lot of students here and outside have shown interest in computer education but we are unable to teach more than this because of a lack in physical infrastructures," says Bal Krishna Sharma, headmaster of the first school in Dolakha district to conduct computer classes.

The students conducted a lottery and collected grains for sale to buy a computer for the school. "After learning of the initiatives taken by the students themselves, a non-governmental organisation, Books For Nepal, provided us two more computers," says Ramu Prasad Yadav, a computer isstructor in the school.

"We selected 6 talent students for computer studies as we have a less number of computers," said Yadav.

Sharma, Yadav and another teacher Govinda Narayan Manandhar participated in ‘Basic Training’ conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

"We are also teaching computer sciences to students of class 6, 7 and 8," says Sharma. "But just an introduction to computers."

The District Education Office had earlier collected information about the school for recommendation to the Ministry to provide computers to the school a few months ago. "But we have not received computers as yet," says Sharma.

"We have already recommended the school to the ministry for computers," says Krishna Subedi, school inspector. Subedi says he is appalled to see the delay in execution of the decision.

12ooo children deprived of education in Surkhet

By Motilal Poudel

SURKHET, March 6 : Despite the implementation of ‘Compulsory Primary Education (CPE), as a special package introduced in this district to cater opportunity for every child, approximately 12 thousand children in this district are still deprived of primary education, say sources at the District Education Office (DEO).

The DEO in the district has been implementing various educational programmes in tune with the CPE programme, after its successful test was carried out in Taranga VDC of the district in the fiscal year 1997/98.

"Guardians in rural parts of the district do not send their children to school, mostly due to an inability to realise the values that come with education as some of them are illiterate themselves and some due to their own domestic problems;" said Devidatta Bhatta, chief at the DEO.

However, he goes on to claim that the CPE programme, in action throughout the district, has brought about a significant increase in the number of children enrolled for primary education. Following implementation of the programme, the ratio of children attending school has gone up by 83.4% in the current fiscal year to that of 81.8% in the fiscal year of 1999/2001.

"Along with implementation of CPE in the district, the other programmes that are already in action within the district, like the Child Development Centre, Alternative Education, Branch Schools, Analysis of Education Programmes, Regular Evaluation System and others including the Educational Management Information System, will all be performed successfully," says Bhatta.

The DEO has been conducting a special package programme as ‘Community Mobilisation’ for the backward communities, with the objective of inspiring guardians to enroll their wards into schools.

In the remote Kafalkot and Bijura VDCs of the district, resided in by ethnic communities that records the least number of children enrolled in schools, another special package has been launched, as stated by sources at the DEO.

Under the special package, students in the area are not only provided with free educational materials but also with uniforms, it is known. Another programme of ‘nutritious food’ to the steadiest has also been instrumental in drawing students for
school education, said sources at the DEO.

Bhatta hopes that with effective implementation of the CPE and the other programmes in the district, with their regular monitoring, it is hoped and anticipated that the ratio of children attending schools will go up in the days ahead.

Oli hits out at Supreme Court

Post Report

BIRATNAGAR, March 6 : The leader of CPN-UML, Khadga Prasad Oli has flayed the Supreme Court for having deviated from political directions and leading the country on a wrong path. He made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the CPN-UML City Coordinating Committee here, today.

With his remark, he was hinting at the decision of the Court that had dismissed the recommendation made by the then Prime Minister Man Mohan Adhikari, who was leading the majority government of the CPN-UML in 1996. The recommendation of the then Prime Minister had sought to dissolve Parliament.

The main opposition party that has recently made conditional rectification to the existing ‘emergency’ in the nation is demanding amendment of the constitution. To the stand of the party, the ‘Constitution Draft Suggestion Commission’ has given a negative signal by calling it an inappropriate moment to amend the constitution, especially at a time when its fundamental rights are suspended.

"The elders of the so-called Maoist insurgency, ruling the roost, have worsened the situation in the country by blasting bombs in educational institutions of the county while their own children are enrolled in schools abroad," said Oli, adding that the present crisis of the country can be settled only through dialogue.

A phone call costs two days trek

Post Report

BHOJPUR, March 6 : As telephone lines in 21 VDCs of this district have ceased functioning for the past 15 days, the people in the affected areas are compelled to do a tiring trip of two or three days to the headquarters of the district for telephone facilities, said a source at the District Development Committee (DDC) Office.

"I had to make a two-day trek to the headquarters to make a call to my kin at Kathmandu whereas that could have been done from the VDC office, just a half hour walk from my house," said Toran Rai at Charampi VDC of the district.

Shanta Kumar Pradhan, Chairman of the district said that the 24 VDCs in the district have access to telephone facilities based on the MARTS and VHF system, however, 21 VDCs have been without the facility for the past fifteen days.

While contacting Binod Raya, chief at the Telecommunication Office in Dhankuta district, he responded saying that the telephone service in the district was disrupted following repairs and maintenance work at Dhankuta Exchange Office. The telephone sets in the VDCs will resume operation soon after repair work is over, as informed by Raya.

It is learnt that only 24 VDCs, out of a total of 63 VDCs in the district, have access to telephone facilities despite commitments from the government to connect all the VDCs of 75 districts within the country.

Locals observe ’illumination day’ as houses see light

Post Report

ILAM, March 6 : The people of Jamuna Village Development Committee (VDC) - 9, situated in the eastern part of Ilam district, celebrated an ‘illumination day,’ as all their houses saw lights for the first time. This magnificent brightness came about after the village installed a ‘peltric’ set that generated energy from the nearby Samaha river which culminated into the illumination of their houses.

The recently completed Micro Hydroelectricity Project of 1.5 Kilowatt capacity cost 222.5 thousands rupees. "The Micro Hydroelectricity Regional Centre of Ilam donated 85.5 thousand rupees for the project," said Engineer Manoj Kumar Khadka. 11 families of the village are now enjoying the basic perks of electricity at home.

The flow of water running through the 1kilometre and 30 metres high canal is generated by 12 liters per second that is adequate for producing electricity to illuminate 60 bulbs of 20 watts each for 60 houses in the village.

"More than 200 ropanis of land get the irrigation facility from the project," said Jai Bahadur Gurung, a teacher at a local school. "The students are also now showing interest in their studies because of their newly lit houses." "A minimum charge will be collected from members for the repair and stability of the project," said technician Khagendra Gurung.

"The Micro Hydroelectricity Regional Center is supporting another 3 micro projects of the same kind in remote areas of Panchthar, Terhathum and Dhankuta," said Homnath Adhikari, engineer at the project.

Gale destroys crops

RSS

KAKARBHITTA, March 6 : A strong gale on Tuesday has caused massive damage to cereal crops as well as vegetables and fruits grown in Jhapa district.

The gale caused tremendous damage to maize and wheat crops as well as plants of betelnuts, coconuts, potatoes and tomatoes particularly in Bahundangi, Mechinagar, Dhaijan, Jyamir Gadhi, Duwagaddhi, Budhabare, Shanishchare, Anarmani and Garamani VDCs.

Reports have been received here that species of wildlife not seen in the last few years appeared in some part of the district and caused damage to various crops.

Health centre constructed

Post Report

CHAURATA, March 6 : With donations collected by students of Holland, a concrete building for Barabise Health Centre has been constructed recently at Barabise Bazaar of Palpa district here.

The main building of the Health Centre, a guard house and also a beautiful garden on the premises of the Health Centre has been constructed with donations availed by a Holland-based foundation. The Foundation had provided the Health Centre with Rupees 1.3 million for the recently constructed building.

The newly constructed seven room building was jointly inaugurated recently by Maartin, although the Chairman of the Foundation at Holland and an Industrialist at the district, Jeet Bahadur Shrestha were not available.

"The students in Holland contributed the money to assist deprived people in rural
Nepal by organising lottery programmes," said Maartin, at the inaugural ceremony.

It is known that the foundation has been providing health services in rural parts of the district for the past few years. The foundation launched a free health camp and a health post last month in which around two thousand people were the beneficiaries.

A total of 70 patients suffering from various diseases, attending the health camp in the district backed by the Foundation, underwent free surgical operations at hospitals in the capital, said sources at the Barabise Health Centre.

The foundation is also providing assistance in the construction of drinking water projects and toilets in remote parts of the district, it is known.

Blizzard hits life in Humla

By Jaya Bahadur Rokaya

HUMLA, March 6 : The heavy blizzard that has hit this district the third time this year, on the last week of this month, has had an immense impact on the normal aspects of life down here. Residents in the district are once more compelled to remain indoors due to the inimical weather, while the district is facing a severe shortage of salt and other edible items.

The district looks like a huge flurry, cotton white ball with the thick snow that is recorded to have piled up to two feet at the district headquarters, Simikot, till today. Movement in the district has been completely disrupted owing to the heavy snow-fall.

On account of this adverse weather, the district has also been disconnected from postal and telephone services, while flights have stopped operating their services to the local populace for the past one month. The blizzard has also affected electric supply in district headquarters, which is lit by solar power.

The schools that were scheduled to operate from the first of this month are not in the condition to be run as thick snow has covered the class rooms as well. "The adverse weather is likely to affect the final examinations of this academic year," said Durba Kumar Basnet, a teacher at Manasarowar Higher Secondary School in the district.

Cattle in their sheds have not been fed for the past four days, it is learnt.

"I am tired of life here taking saltless food. I wonder as to when the bad weather will free us from this house arrest," said Krishna Chandra Poudel, Chief District Officer (CDO) in the district.

"This is the worst form of natural calamity ever witnessed since 1998," say the old folks down here.

Three arrested for gang rape

MORANG, March 6 (PR) - Police has arrested three youths of a gang, on the charges of a gang rape, here today. The trios are allegedly charged for raping a 20 years old girl who runs a grocery at Dharan. The arrested are identified as locals named Jeevan Katuwal, Jeevan Rai and Bishnu Khatiwada. The search for others involved in the case is on, said police sources here. The victim is going through mental disorders due to the unfortunate incident that happened to her.

Boy killed in camp fire

GULARIYA, March 6 (PR) - A 4-year-old boy died when 3 huts in a permanent camp for freed Kamaiyas were turned into ashes by a sudden fire on Tuesday evening here. Kishori Tharu, the son of Kuhire Tharu of Sicty Rihar of Sorahawa Village Development Committee (VDC)-3, died in the fire, according to police. "The fire started when no one was in the hut," said Area Police Station of Mainapokhari. Police refused to report the cause of fire before the investigation was complete. The fire also destroyed the huts of Gopal Tharu and Shiva Bahadur Tharu. Locals quickly extinguished the fire, according to police.

Murderers remanded to custody

HETAUDA, March 6 (PR) - The District Court has remanded two persons for juridical custody on charges of killing an old man here today. Shyam Bahadur Hamal, 35, and Gyanendra Singh Thakuri, 48, both of Bajra Barahi Village Development Committee (VDC)-5 were accused of killing Som Bahadur Tamang, 53, of Tistung VDC-1. The two convicts along with another 3 of Kathmandu killed Tamang by hitting him on head with a spade on January 30. The 3 others involved in the murder have escaped, according to police. The murderers buried Tamang’s body after killing him in a nearby forest. The other accomplices from Kathmandu were called in by the main accused on the same day of the murder, according to police.

‘Golden Festival’ to be held

BHADRAPUR, March 6 (PR) - The Indian Embassy has promised aid of 600 thousand rupees to Bhadrapur Municipality on the occasion of the ‘Golden Festival’ to be inaugurated on the 10th March. "The aid includes an ambulance worth rupees 15 hundred and 45 thousand rupees for the improvement of a 4 km. road from Chandragadhi to Yespimane," said Bharatendu Mallik, mayor of the municipality. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will not inaugurate the festival as previously scheduled, according to Mallik. Preparation for the 3-day long festival is almost completed.

224 Maoist suspects released

HETAUDA, March 6 (RSS) - Of the total 224 people being arrested on suspicion of being involved in Maoist terrorist activities in various VDCs and Hetauda Municipality of Makawanpur district, 208 people were released yesterday after completing necessary investigations, it is learnt from Makawanpur District Police Office. Meanwhile 10 Maoist terrorists from various VDCs have been sent to jail after investigations while 16 others are being held in custody by the security forces for necessary investigations, according to Superintendent of Police Prem Bahadur Gurung.

Journo’s death condoled

NUWAKOT, March 6 (RSS) - The Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Nuwakot unit has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Ramkrishna Pradhan, the editor of "Deurali" weekly published from Nuwakot. A message of condolence issued by the unit here says that the demise of Pradhan has caused an irreparable loss to the district’s journalism sector. Editor Pradhan died on Sunday while undergoing treatment at TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. He was 39.

Seven held with 36 kgs hemp 

RSS

HETAUDA, March 6 : Seven persons were arrested by a local security in possession of 36 kgs of hemp at Naukhande Village of Chitlang VDC in Makawanpur district.

Those arrested are Prem Bahadur Lama, Marichman Muktan of Dandakharka VDC-1, Ram Bahadur Muktan, Sitaram Muktan, Yamsingh Muktan, Jayabir Muktan and
Singha Bahadur Muktan of
Gagane VDC-9 in the district, said the Makawanpur District Police Office.