Operation on against terrorists
Equipment, arms and accessories recovered

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Dec. 3: The Royal Nepalese Army have been defeating, one after the other, all attacks made on security personnel and administrative units following the intensified military campaign against the Maoist terrorists.

A press release of the Defense Ministry said today, security personnel on Sunday effectively rendered unsuccessful the Maoists attacks at Sindhupalchowk district headquarters Chautara, a police post at Bhimphedi in Makawanpur and Sindhuli district headquarters.

Similarly, a peon of the District Development Committee of Sankhuwasabha district is undergoing an investigation after an army search team found a pistol with him.

Locals at Jupu village of Accham district this morning took under control one of the Maoists after the terrorists physically attacked Ward Chairman Rana Bahadur Bhandari and his family.

Following the incident, security personnel had reached the spot to give a sense of security to the villagers.

The Ministry said, even foreign tourists have also expressed aversion towards the cruel and barbarous acts of the Maoists. A tourist at Phaplu airport said he saw with his own eyes the Maoists chopping off the heads of their dead comrades – who were badly defeated during their attacks against the army -- and carrying them away. "This heinous deed was something I did not even witnessed during the World War II," the Ministry quoted the tourist as saying.

In today’s separate search operations at Phirmile in the bordering area of Jhapa and Ilam districts in eastern Nepal, security personnel arrested five terrorists and confiscated arms from them.

Likewise, in their action at Nuwagoan of Rolpa district today, security personnel recovered communication equipment, arms and accessories, ammunitions and explosives the terrorists had looted from the Dang army barrack last Friday. The army also recovered two official jeeps belonging to the District Development Committee the terrorists had taken away.

Over 650 Maoist terrorists in eight different districts surrendered before the administration in the last two days, according to the Home Ministry.

In Nuwakot district, 300 persons associated with the terrorist groups surrendered today before the district administration.

In Okhaldhunga, 157 have surrendered in the last two days. Similarly, 68 in Ramechhap, 44 in Rasuwa, another 44 in Sankhuwasabha, five in Gorkha, 4 in Syangja and 42 in Baglung have also given themselves up today before the districts’ administration.

Nepal- Israel ties
Israel's parliamentary team in Capital

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Dec. 3: Members of high level parliamentary delegation of Israel have stressed for the need to constantly renew the friendly ties between Nepal and Israel.

Speaking at a brief meeting with the press this afternoon, Israeli Deputy Speaker Nawaf Mazalha said, "Friendship cannot last if you can’t invest on it." He said that cooperation was absolutely necessary for a lasting friendship adding that the present visit could further contribute in expanding the friendly relations between the two countries that have a 41-year long history of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The four-member Israeli delegation, which comprises of Deputy Speaker Mazalha, chairman of state control committee of Knesset Professor Amnon Rubinstein, member of joint committee for the defence budget Gideon Ezra, and journalist cum member of foreign affairs and defence committee Tomy Lapid, is currently in the capital to help make the bilateral relations warmer and closer by exploring the possibilities of cooperation.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Taranath Ranabhat had invited the Israeli delegation to visit Nepal while he led a Nepalese parliamentary delegation to Israel a few months back.

Israeli ambassador to Nepal Avraham Nir, meanwhile, expressed his belief that there were many things that Nepal and Israel could do together. He reminded that lack of information about each other’s countries could make cooperation difficult.

"There must be more visits like the recent visit of Nepalese parliamentary delegation to Israel and the current visit of the Israeli counterparts for renewing and familiarising the relations," he said.

During the meeting, the members also spoke on themes ranging from national and international politics to terrorism. On the occasion, journalist Tomy Lapid said that Israel was never involved in terrorist tactics. "Terrorism is always harmful to everybody and to every nation," he said.

As part of exchange of investment, Israel has been offering scholarships to about 40 agricultural officials for advanced studies and training in Israel while Israeli health workers have been coming to Nepal for internship in the health secter and so on.

It may be recalled that Nepal is one of the first countries in Asia which established diplomatic relations with Israel in as early as 1960.

UML hosts all-party meeting

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Dec. 3: An all party meeting, was held at the Parliamentary office of the Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) to discuss the present political situation in the country.

The meeting held at the initiation of the CPN-UML the main opposition party in the parliament, was participated in by all opposition parties including the CPN-Marxist-Leninist and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).

Leaders of 12 political parties in and outside of the Parliament expressed their opinion about the State of Emergency and current situation in the country at the meeting.

The meeting also decided to inform Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba about its decisions, according to a UML press release.

The meeting was participated in by UML's Amrit Kumar Bohara, Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Yub Raj Gyawali, Subash Chandra Nemwang, Surendra Prasad Pandey, Raghuji Pant and Parashuram Meghi Gurung, RPP's Prakash Chandra Lohani, Rabindra Nath Sharma, Pashupati Shamsher Rana and Kamal Thapa. Similarly Bamdev Gautam and Trilochan Dhakal of the CPN-ML, Bishnu Bahadur Manandhar and Hemant BC of the CPN-United, Lila Mani Pokharel of United People's Front Nepal, Chitra Bahadur KC from National United People's Front and Narayanman Bijukchhe and Chaitanya Shakya of Nepal Workers and Peasant Party.

Likewise, Lok Narayan Subedi of CPN-Marxist, Kuber Sharma and Badri Prasad Khatiwada of Nepal Hariyali Party, Dr. Mina Acharya of Nepal Praja Parishad, Rajendra Mahato and Muktinath Mandal of Nepal Sadbhawana Party, Rajeshwor Devkota and Jagat Bahadur Gurung of the RPP (Nationalist), Krishna Das Shrestha and Sita Ram Tamang of the CPN-MLM and Upper House MP Rameshnath Pandey.

TV interview
Emergency to contain acts of terrorism, asserts Gupta

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Dec. 3: Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Gupta has assured that the State of Emergency is not against anybody, but to curb terrorism so as to maintain peace and security in the country. Since the nature of the Emergency is constitutional, there arises no question of violating rights of civil society. Hence the objective of declaring the State of Emergency is to guarantee the peace and security to the people, Minister Gupta said while talking to Dishanirdesh programme of the state run Nepal Television.

Minister Gupta further affirmed that it was 'high time to declare the State of Emergency.' And the government has no other alternatives following the terrorist activities of the Maoists, he said.

Of course the State of Emergency is sign of difficult situation in the country, but it's nature is different than that of others. 'People are convinced that the State of Emergency will restore peace across the nation,' Minister Gupta said. In response to a query about the types of the Emergency he said ' It is very popular as it has been put into force according to the constitutional norms.'

Regarding the 'Press freedom' during the current situation, Minister Gupta noted that the Press has got adequate freedom, but it is 'requested' not to give place in the media that justifies terrorist activities. This State of Emergency has not barred any citizen to enjoy his/her rights, except the act of terrorism, Minister Gupta affirmed.

He further said that the government is conscious not to let the misuse of power occur during the period of the Emergency.

Replying to a query about the duration of the Emergency, he expressed his belief that the situation will be normal within the period of three months.

'We are very optimistic with success that has been achieved in the last seven days.'

Minister Gupta further stressed that the government would leave no stone unturned in providing peace and security in the country.

Maize farming should be modernised

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): An international maize symposium kicked off here today under the joint sponsorship of Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and hill maize research project.

At the symposium experts on maize research from Nepal, India and Mexico discussed the latest research findings.

In Nepal, maize is the second most important cereal crop and the first most important in the hills.

The demand for maize is growing by more than four per cent a year in Nepal due to increases in population and the rising demand for its use in animal feeds.

As the production of maize has not kept pace with increases in demand, therefore, unless production is increased, maize will have to be imported.

Given the importance of maize in the food security of the hill areas of Nepal and the difficulties of transporting foodgrain into these areas, the Hill Maize Research Project was established.

The project is now in its third year and substantial advances in developing and disseminating new technologies have been achieved and will be reported at the symposium.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, preliminary reports reveal that 1,484,112 metric tones of maize has been grown on about 824,525 hectares of land in Nepal in the fiscal year 2057/58.

Inaugurating the seminar, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahesh Acharya said as maize is an important crop grown and consumed in Nepal, the development, dissemination and utilisation of technology for enhancing its production forms a crucial subject related to the quality of lives of our people.

Referring to the fact that quality seeds alone can contribute 15-20 per cent of total production, Acharya said the high yielding variety and hybrids need to be developed with their package of practices for maize and maize-based farming system that also conserves the natural resources.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Cooperatives Laxman Mehta said that despite a number of efforts made in the past, the contribution of agricultural sector to the GDP has remained low.

Nepal, a foodgrain exporting country in the past, is now importing foodgrains, he said, adding that the time series statistics indicate that the productivity of major food crops in general, and maize in particular, was not encouraging in the recent past.

The 15 high yielding maize varieties that were developed and recommended for cultivation in the country could not contribute to overall productivity growth due to lack of organised seed supply mechanism in both Terai and hills, he added.

Member of National Planning Commission Hari Shanker Tripathi expressed the view that the hybrid maize should be cultivated in order to improve the living standard of the rural poor.

Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Ratneswar Lal Kaystha, from the chair, said as the yield of maize increased by one per cent in every subsequent year, the farmers should be provided with improved seeds of maize and advanced technology to increase maize production in the country.

Artiste Pradhan awarded in London

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): Nepalese artiste Suresh Chandra Pradhan has been presented the Social Service Cultural Award and letter of commendation at a function organised jointly by Yeti, Association Nepalese in U.K., Koseli Sanskritik Pariwar, U.K. and Nepali Literature Development Council, U.K. in London.

The Social Service Cultural Award carries a cash prize of Rs 65,000.

Giving away the award letter of commendation, Yeti President Dr. Raghav Prasad Dhital said that it is a matter of pride for all the Nepalese to honour artiste Suresh Chandra Pradhan for the contribution made by him in introducing Nepal in United Kingdom through his cultural activities.

Speaking from the Chair President of Koseli Sanskritik Pariwar, U.K. Madan Thapa and president of Nepali Literature Development Council, U.K. Hari Singh Thapa said that Suresh Chandra Pradhan had made significant contribution in publicising Nepalese folklore instrument in the United Kingdom.

General Secretary of Yeti Chiranjibi Dhakal, General Secretary of Koseli Sanskritik Pariwar and Nepali Literature Development Council Suresh Jung Shah and Social Worker Indra Raj Sitaula threw light on the personality and contributions of Suresh Chandra Pradhan.

Speaking on the occasion award winner Pradhan said that the three Nepalese institutions based in the United Kingdom had played an exemplary role in promoting Nepalese folk culture in the United Kingdom.

Pradhan also presented folk songs and played folk instruments on the occasion.

Seminar discussions
Occupational safety discussed

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): A seminar on "present situation of occupational safety and health and its legal provisions" was held here today under the aegis of occupational safety and health project.

About 50 representatives from government bodies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations took part in the seminar held on the second day of National Occupational Safety and Health Week-2058.

During the seminar, discussions were held on occupational safety and health issues, international conventions dealing with the issues endorsed by ILO, labour laws of Nepal, the existing legal framework to address these issues and the proposed draft in this regard.

Inaugurating the seminar, Minister of State for Labour and transport Shiva Raj Joshi noted that His Majesty's Government remains steadfast in its efforts in accelerating the pace of development in the industrial and trading sectors, ensuring safety workplace and creating healthy atmosphere so as to resolve the unemployment problem of the country.

Referring to the rises in the accidental cases in the chemical factories and the health hazards arising out of such accidents, Joshi said despite a number of provisions made to address the occupational safety and health issues in the Labour Act-2058, the provisions are not being put into practice duly and the government is thus, contemplating to chart out a new act relevant to the present context.

There should be concerted efforts between government agencies, employers, employees and the general people, he said, adding that a regular interaction among themselves should be held in order to bring about social transformation.

MP of Nepali Congress Formulla Mansoor pointed out the need for both the employers and employees to implement the existing labour act effectively.

MP of the CPN-UML Fatik Bahadur Thapa and MP of Ratriya Janamorcha Nepal Dilaram Acharya dwelt on the vulnerability seen in the occupational safety and health issues in Nepal.

Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management Poshan Nath Nepal, from the chair, said friendly industrial relations, proper legal framework and occupational safety are the keys for attaining advancement in the industrial sector.

Director of ILO/IPEC Leyla Tegmo Reddy pointed out that every labourer is entitled to have their rights regarding individual freedom and occupational safety guaranteed by his or her employer.

Disabled Day
Artificial legs, hands give new life to the disabled

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): Santosh Dhital, 9, of Lamjung who had lost his right leg in an accident three years ago, is the happiest of persons at being able to walk again today after receiving an artificial leg provided by the Disabled Cooperation Trust.

Karna Bahadur Kuwar, who had lost his right hand 22 years ago, was overwhelmed with joy when he received an artificial hand and could say "Namaste" with folded hands. Similarly, Khadga Maya Pun of Ramechhap, who had lost a leg in a fall, looked happy on being able to walk again.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Rajendra Kharel fitted the artificial limbs on the disabled with his own hands at a function organised here today on the occasion of International Disabled Day.

On the occasion, Kharel felicitated teacher at Laboratory High School Jung Bahadur Bogati for introducing the Braille script in Nepal in 1959, and Govinda Khanal of Adarsha High School, Gajuri and Om Sherchan of Shrijana School for the deaf. He also gave them cash prizes.

Kharel gave away the Chandra Kumar Bhattarai prize for the sightless to Kashi Nath Gyawali "Mishrit" for his special contribution to literature, and the Disabled Talent Awards to Achyut Koirala, Prashansha Lamsal, Sita Rijal and Seema Thapa.

He likewise gave away tricycles, wheelchairs, orthopaedic shoes and scholarships to disabled children.

Addressing the function, Kharel said that the disabled need opportunities and not pity, and disclosed that disabled certificates will be distributed in 24 districts from today.

Trust President Taranath Koirala, presiding over the programme, said that means and resources were needed for providing artificial limbs to the physically disabled.

Member cum Secretary of the Social Welfare Council (SWC) Dr. Tika Pokharel said the SWC will continue to extend cooperation for providing artificial limbs to the disabled and impart skill oriented training to enable them to stand on their own feet.

Member cum Secretary of the Trust Chandra Kumar Bhattarai, programme manager of Handicraft International Rukunuj Jaman and a host of other speakers also expressed their views at the programme.

As per an estimate by the World Health Organisation (WHO), l0 per cent of the people in Nepal are disabled.

The trust founded in the year of the disabled, 1981 with a revolving fund of Rs 550,000 has hitherto extended its cooperation to l6,000 disabled, it is learnt.

Ranabhat stresses electoral reform for clean politics

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): Speaker Taranath Ranabhat has stressed minimising the influence of money in elections.

Addressing a discussion programme organised by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) here today, Speaker Ranabhat pointed out the need for giving primary attention towards making the election code of conduct effective.

He also suggested that polling centres should be distributed in a scientific and practical manner.

Former chief election commissioner Bishnu Pratap Shaha underlined the need for making the Election Commission autonomous and the financial transactions of political parties transparent.

He also suggested discussions on fundamental issues of electoral reform at the political level.

On the occasion, a book entitled "The Fourth Parliamentary Election", prepared for IIDS by Ashok Sainju, was also released.

The book is a study of the evolving democratic process in Nepal and focuses on the last parliamentary election (1999) as a part of the emerging democratic process in Nepal since the restoration of democracy in 1990.

The general objective of the study is to present an overall picture of the election. The study has attempted to assess and analyse the process and the outcome of the election in the context of overall political development in the country.

Some notable observations made in the book are that the political parties should get their income and expenditure records audited, legal provisions should be made for scraping the registration of parties not taking part in elections, the voter identity card system should be implemented in all the electoral constituencies, provisions made so that one candidate would not be allowed to file nominations from more than one constituency, the maximum limit on election expenditure revised, the Election Code of Conduct-1997 and the Election Crime and Punishment Act-1991 strictly enforced, and stern action taken against those breaching the election code of conduct and committing election-related crime.

At the programme, IIDS executive director Dwarikanath Dhungel said that in the coming days the centre would employ election study and observation procedures and techniques used in other countries to monitor elections.

NC forms coordination panel, constitutes central organs

Kathmandu, Dec. 3 (RSS): The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee, as per the decision of its Nov. 25-26 meeting, today formed a "party and government coordination committee" under the convenorship of party General Secretary Sushil Koirala.

The committee members include ministers Khum Bahadur Khadka and Chiranjibi Wagle, Arjung Narsingh K.C. and Dr Ram Baran Yadav. All of them are also members of the party Central Committee.

Likewise, in line with the decision taken by the Dec. 1 high level monitoring committee meeting chaired by party president Girija Prasad Koirala, the party has formed an "information analysis task force."

The task force has Ananda Prasad Dhungana as convenor, and Puskar Nath Ojha and Ramnath Adhikari as members.

Also as per the decision of the meeting, a "Liaison Task Force" has been formed to gather information about the present situation in the districts.

The task force headed by Benup Raj Prasai includes Arjun Prasad Joshi and Ram Chandra Tiwari as members.

Meanwhile, Central Departments of the Nepali Congress (NC) have been constituted in accordance with the Clause (7) of Article 21 of the Constitution of the Nepali Congress 2017 (with amendments in 2051, 2054 and 2057).

Accordingly, Ram Kumar Chaudhari, Shiva Prasad Humagain, Ram Nath Adhikari, Ram Chandra Tiwari, Krishna Prasad Gautam, Trailokya Pratap Sen, Shyam Lal Shrestha, Basudev Sharan Koirala, Surendra Bhari and Mrs Sujata Koirala are members of the Organisation Department headed by central member Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

Similarly, Ram Bahadur Bishta, Hari Bhakta Adhikari, Tanka Prasad Sharma Kandel, Hridaya Thani, Hira Dutta Bhatta, Bishnu Raj Acharya, Chandra Maharjan, Ram Chandra Khadka, Govinda Bhattarai and Mitha Ram Bishwakarma Dukhi are members of the cCoordination Department headed by central member Dil Bahadur Gharti.

Likewise, central member Gopal Raj Pahadi is the chief and Hari Prasad Sapkota, Kailash Nath Kasaudhan, Sushil Man Sherchan, Shivadhari Yadav, Omjung Rana, Krishna Lal Sapkota, Ram Chandra Dhakal, Sitaram Bhandari, Bhojraj Aryal and Mukti Lal Chuke are members of the department relating to parliamentary and local bodies.

The members of the International Affairs Department headed by central member Chakra Prasad Bastola are Pushkar Nath Ojha, Romi Gauchan Thakali, Gopal Prasad Sharma, Dr. Durgesh Man Singh, Dr. Jaya Raj Acharya, Keshav Raj Jha, Dr. Bishwambhar Pyakurel, Hari Sharma, Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise and Pradip Kumar Shrestha.

Likewise, central member Narahari Acharya is the chief and Benup Raj Prasai, Ram Bahadur Gurung, Jagannath Paudel, Prof. Dr. Parasar Koirala, Bandhu Priya Thapa, Kulchandra Wagley, Mrs Benju Sharma, Govinda Subba, Dhananjaya Sharma and Kabeer Rana are members of the Publicity Department.

Likewise, central member Ram Chandra Paudel is the head of the Policy and Programme Department while its members are Ananda Prasad Dhungna, Mohammed Aftab Alam, Mahendra Kumar Raya, Janak Raj Giri, Padma Narayan Chaudhari, Damodar Gautam, Man Mohan Bhattarai, Jagat Raj Shakya, Chandra Bhandari and Ram Krishna Ghimire.

Likewise, the members of the Women’s Department headed by Mrs Nona Koirala are Kamala Panta, Kashi Paudel, Miss Ambika Basnet, Mrs Giriraj Kumari Prasai, Kamala Maskay, Krishna Kumari Shrestha, Pushpa Lama, Kiran Koirala, Saraswati Bajimaya and Shobha Shakya.

Laxman Prasad Ghimire is the head and Dilendra Prasad Badu, Chinkaji Shrestha, Mrs Meena Panday, Lokesh Dhakal, Prof. Krishna Khanal, Dr. Purna Kanta Adhikari, Dr. Teertha Khaniya, Chitra Bahadur Karki, Naresh Shankar Palikhe and Gowri Prasad Dawadi are the members of the Training Department.

Central member Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat is the head of the Research and Evaluation Department and Suresh Malla, Shiva Kumar Basnet, Lekhnath Neupanay, Surya Prasad Pradhan, Arjun Prasad Joshi, Ram Hari Dhungel, Sanjaya Gautam, Rajendra Bahadur Shah, Yagya Murti Banjade and Bir Bahadar Hamal are members of the department.

Central member Arjun Narsingh KC is the head of the Bauddhik and Byawasayik Department and its members are Shribhadra Sharma, Shankar Prasad Panday, Dr. Gopal Koirala, Uddhav Dhakal, Brishesh Chandra Lal, Chiranjivi Nidhi Tiwari, Harihar Dahal, Rishikesh Tiwari, Ishwar Raj Wonta and Keshavananda Giri.