Ramgram: Newly found human skeleton adds attraction

Parasi, Feb. 5 (RSS): The Ramgram Stupa, a historical and religious site in Lumbini, which houses the Astadhatu (the relics) of Lord Gautam Buddha, should be developed into a tourist site.

The otherwise unknown Ramgram Stupa came to light after the excavation recently of a human skeleton by archaeologist Shukra Sagar Shrestha of the Department of Archaeology was publicised in the mass media.

Ever since the finding of the human skeleton from the ruins surrounding the Stupa was publicised, there has been a steady flow of people there to look at the skeleton to the extent that it has hampered the exacavation works still going on there, according to archaeologist Shrestha.

He said the excavation work would be continued by covering the skeleton with a special protective cover.

A terracota monastry complex dating back to the Maurya Dynasty and the Huen Tsang dynasty was traced during the excavation around the Ramgram Stupa.

About the human skeleton unearthed during the archaeological excavation, Mr. Shrestha said that on the basis of the 32 teeth intact on the skeleton is believed to be the skeleton was of a person more than 38 years of age.

He said whether the skeleton was from the Buddha’s time or from the time of Huen Tsang would be determined later. He said the skeleton should be sent abroad for dating.

Vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust Omkar Prasad Gauchan, chief district officer Bishnu Raj Kusum, DDC vice-chairman Chintamani Pokharel, journalist Laxmi Prasad Poudel, Devi Subedi of the Nepali Congress and others who were present at the site of the excavation said that the historical artifacts excavated from the Ramgram Stupa periphery have established the historical and archaeological importance of the place.

NC condemns attack on CJ, others

Kathmandu, Feb. 5 (RSS): The Nepali Congress has strongly condemned the barbaric attack by elements called Maoists on the Chief Justice and members of his team, who were heading for Birendranagar, Surkhet in connection with an inspection of courts there on Feb. 3, leaving registrar of the Appellate Court, Surkhet Baldev Dhital and four security guards dead.

The party has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and extended profound condolences to the bereaved family members.

A press release issued here today said that since the Maoists are killing unarmed NC workers in the villages in a barbaric manner, maiming and slaughtering many innocent people in front of their own families, abducting people, looting their property and forcing children and women to join their violent activities thereby depriving them of their right to live in peace, the party has already declared them to be terrorist elements.

Many other cruel activities including the recent barbaric attack on the Chief Justice have further testified to this fact, the party said in the press release demanding that in order to restore peace in the country the government should take sternest action against such elements which are out to destroy the developmental and economic base of the country, ruin industry and tourism, deprive students of education and ultimately push the country into a crisis.

Outgoing NC general secretary and MP Sushil Koirala has also issued a press release today condemning the attack carried out by the Maoists on Chief Justice Upadhyaya and his team, leaving the registrar of the Appellate Court, Surkhet and four security personnel dead.

He has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and extended deep condolences to the bereaved families.

NDBL, IDBI sign deal for mutual benefit

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Feb. 5 The Nepal Development Bank Limited (NDBL), one of the newest private commercial banks of Nepal, has entered an agreement with the Industrial Development Bank Ltd. of India (IDBI).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two banks was signed on January 25, 2001. The MoU was signed by Uttam Pun, Executive Chairman of NDBL, and S.K. Chakrabarti, Deputy Managing Director of the IDBI.

This was informed at a press meet today organised by the NDBL. Under the agreement under which the IDBI holds a 10 per cent stake on the financial and technical collaboration and equal participation of the NDBL.

Due to the participation of IDBI in the shares of NDBL, one of the representatives of IDBI would be appointed in the management of the NDBL. IDBI also will provide help in technical assistance giving institutional recommendation, merchant banking, financial management and others including service and trainings to NDBL.

At the press meet Pun said the NDBL was first development bank of Nepal established under the Development Bank Act 1996, with an authorised capital of Rs.320 million and issued capital of Rs.160 million.

According to a press statement issued by the bank, the bank had started operation six months ago and during that period, it has collected a deposit of Rs. 1.55 billion and Rs. 1.38 was given as loan investment. It also said during the period it has collected a operational profit of Rs. 18.6 million.

Pun said, "In the second annual year of the limited 30 per cent shares are separated to general public".