13 kidnapped by Maoists in Tehrathum

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

Myanglung, Tehrathum, Oct. 28: Guerrillas of the underground Maoist communist party kidnapped 13 people, who were celebrating Dashain, of the Khamlalung Village Development Committee yesterday afternoon. After the kidnapping by the Maoists of the people in the midst of Dashain the whole area has become tense.

Local people say at about 3:30 in the afternoon about 200 to 300 armed Maoist guerrillas raided the village and kidnapped headmaster of the local Mahendra Secondary School Mohan Pahim and 12 others.

According to District Police Office, those kidnapped by the Maoists include Man Bahadur Pahim, Bhawani Pahim, Marichman Pahim, Dil Kumar Pahim, Jeevan Pahim, Lalit Bahadur Pahim, Lalit Pahim, Kerabare Limbu, Saroj Limbu, Bhiwan Lungeli, Nar Bahadur Ishwon and Chandra Hangshrong.

An eyewitness, on condition of anonymity, said since the beginning of Dashain the Maoists had been giving troubles to the villagers by forcing the people to feed dozens of them without paying money. In opposition to those activities, local people had chased the Maoists away on Thursday. The villagers had also confiscated nine muskets from the Maoists. The Maoists had returned again yesterday and began beating up the people. There were even some confrontation between the Maoists and the local people, but the armed Maoists overpowered the people and they kidnapped the headmaster and many others.

According to Chief District Officer of the District Ram Prasad Ghimire, the people of Khamlajung had formed a resistance group against the Maoists and headmaster Pahim was the secretary of the resistance group.

The resistance group, formed under Tahal Bahadur Pahim, had been opposing and even resisting the free fooding and forceful collection of money by the Maoists.

The VDC lies about 20 miles from the district headquarters and after the attack local people have not ventured out to receive tikas and blessings from relatives outside the village. Local people also say that 400 to 500 Maoists have also surrounded the village.

Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Police Keshav Bahadur Gharti of the District Police Office said that a team of police has already left for the village to rescue the kidnapped ones and for the protection of the people against the Maoist atrocities.

However, after the increase of the Maoists' outrage, several village development committees of the district have formed resistance groups in the villages. These groups have begun to oppose the forceful collection of money and the forceful resignation of the local people's representatives.

On September 15, village chairman Dambar Ingnam of Iwa VDC had filed a complaint letter at the District Administration office against his inclusion in the Maoists' people's administration without his knowledge and consent. Ingnam with the help of local people had also opened up the VDC office locked by the Maoists.

Passengers left in lurch due to poor bus park management

Kathmandu, Oct. 28 (RSS): Although tens of thousands of passengers including the people from India embark on and alight from the buses at the Gongabu Bus Park, this has not yet been run in a systematic manner.

At the on set of the Bada Dashain and its conclusion, it is found that a number of the people face problems catching buses every day.

Many of the passengers who obtained tickets for journey are left in the lurch after being unable to find the buses for which they had bought tickets.

One who fails to catch the bus at Gongabu Bus Park have to rush to Kalankichok, a point from where all the buses leave Kathmandu Valley, in anticipation of finding the bus. Some passengers have even jolted with bitter experiences of travelling twice or thrice a day to and from Kalankichok to the Gongabu Bus Park to confirm a seat.

The bus park constructed with the financial assistance of the government of Japan in 2049 B.S., has been leased to Lhotse Multi-Purpose Company Pvt. Ltd. for the next 45 years. In return, Kathmandu Municipal Corporation receives Rs. 5.1 million annually.

According to the transport entrepreneurs, about 300 buses depart from the bus park every day. But the number goes up to one thousand on the eve of Bada Dashain.

At present, 50 ticket counters are in operation at the bus park. But all these ticket counters seem to be inadequate during the Bada Dashain.

I have been cheated as I bought a ticket from a ticket seller outside the bus park, a passenger who wants to go to Bhairahawa laments.

The target is to develop the bus park which extends over 161 ropanis of land as a model in the entire Asia.

Ticket counters for all the routes will be set up, a waiting room with television set, toilets, bathrooms, restaurants, shopping centres, banks and a flyover constructed for the convenience of the passengers, manager of the company Krishna Giri said.

Problems must be addressed from within framework of Constitution: HM

Kathmandu, Oct. 28 (RSS): His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has said political parties, civil servants, eminent persons along with all other citizens should be sensitive to the fact that solutions to the problems confronting our nation must be addressed from within the framework of the Constitution.

In a message on the auspicious occasion of the national festival of Bada Dashain, celebrated since time immemorial as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, His Majesty extended best wishes to all Nepalese, living within the country and abroad, for peace, prosperity and progress.

Stating that the institution of monarchy will, as in the past, always remain steadfast in its commitment to the unity and welfare of the Nepalese people, His Majesty said, it remains unwavering in safeguarding the Constitution and upholding nationalism.

"We must, therefore, remain alert and united, otherwise the possibility of our unity, religious tolerance and social harmony being undermined will always exist", His Majesty added.

Noting that the Nepalese people aspire to lead a comfortable life with political stability and good governance, His Majesty said at the same time, they also wish to see their national glory enhanced and religious and social harmony nurtured in an environment of peace and security.

The full text of the message from His Majesty the King as follows:

Beloved countrymen,

On the auspicious occasion of our national festival of Bada Dashain, celebrated since time immemorial as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, we extend our best wishes to all Nepalese, living within the country and abroad, for peace, prosperity and progress.

Earlier this year, we had to endure the bereavement of the tragic loss of our revered and benevolent brother His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and our affectionate and caring sister-in-law Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah along with some other members of the Royal Family. The extraordinary patience and fortitude displayed by our beloved countrymen, reposing deep love and trust in the institution of monarchy, was a clear manifestation of the unique characteristic inherent in the Nepalese people. Our people deserve profound appreciation.

The Nepalese people aspire to lead a comfortable life with political stability and good governance. At the same time, they also wish to see their national glory enhanced and religious and social harmony nurtured in an environment of peace and security. We should, therefore, be pragmatic in the analysis of our geo-political sensitivities, socio-cultural systems and economic realities, ensuring a just and equitable share for all. We should be mindful that a nation to prosper must be built on the foundations of moral character, and this character is the principal element of its strength and the guarantee of its permanence and prosperity.

The institution of monarchy will, as in the past, always remain steadfast in its commitment to the unity and welfare of the Nepalese people. It remains unwavering in safeguarding the Constitution and upholding nationalism. Political parties, civil servants, eminent persons along with all other citizens should be sensitive to the fact that solutions to the problems confronting our nation must be addressed from within the framework of the Constitution. We must, therefore, remain alert and united; otherwise the possibility of our unity, religious tolerance and social harmony being undermined will always exist.

The recent events that have taken place in the international arena have created an uncertain environment in the world, affecting our region too. Prudence dictates that we give timely attention to the adverse effects this could have on our nation.

May Goddess Navadurga Bhawani bless us all !

Jaya Nepal !

'Third round of peace talks would be positive'

Biratnagar, Oct. 28 (RSS): Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives and Nepali Congress central member Mahesh Acharya has expressed confidence that the forthcoming third round of talks between the government and the Maoists would produce positive results.

Talking to RSS at his own residence recently Acharya noted that the government has already made clear its views on the political demands forwarded by the Maoist during the talks.

Scrapping the Constitution is not possible at the present moment and the demand of republic is irrelevant and improper in the context of Nepal, said the minister, adding that all parties active in parliament are forging a common stand that the violence-based Maoist problem should be solved as early as possible and this is a positive sign towards solving the parliamentary system.

He also spoke of the need to discourage the attempt of fulfilling political objectives with the help of violence and murder, adding "We want to bring the Maoists into political mainstream for empowering the people and expediting social and political works."

Noting that we have a certain constitutional process to form as well as dissolve parliament and its formation and dissolution cannot be carried out at the whims of anybody, Acharya observed that if all political stand on the common ground, formation of a new government or changes in government may not be a new thing.

Political parties have now considerably closed their ranks and we have to make most of this situation to expedite socio-economic agenda, he said, adding that a huge cabinet is not necessary.

He also pointed out the need of streamlining the administrative machinery and making more responsible the bureaucracy.

Stating that behind celebration of Vijaya Dashami lies the essence of our brotherhood, togetherness, love and friendship, he said we should always keep our tradition and culture at the highest esteem.

In Chitwan, Minister of State for Water Resources Narayan Prasad Sharma Paudel has said the government-Maoist talks should end in success for the sake of peace and stability in the country.

He made this remark while speaking at a gathering organised by the NC Chitwan district committee today.

Assistant Minister for Physical Planning and Works Mrs Sabitri Bogati Pathak spoke of the need for cooperation from all quarters for the development of all nationalities.

Various other speakers also expressed their views at the function chaired by NC district president Krishna Lal Sapkota.

In Kapilvastu, Assistant Minister for Water Resources Birendra Kumar Kanaudiya has said that His Majesty's Government was working with commitment to resolve the Maoists' problem as early as possible to provide new dynamism to the country.

Kanaudiya was speaking at a programme yesterday organised by Barkulpur village committee of the Nepali Congress to exchange Bijaya Dashami greetings.

On the occasion, he said that the party activists should not shun away from the responsibilities that had befallen on their shoulders and the future of democracy would be bright if the NC leaders and cadres learn the mistakes of the past and forge ahead.

Chairman of NC village committee, Krishna Khanal, presided over the programme.

Dashain greetings
Let peace prevail: Leaders

Kathmandu, Oct. 28 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has wished for good health, happiness and prosperity of all Nepalese brothers and sisters within and outside the country on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.

Vijaya Dashami is a celebration of the victory of divine power over evil power and the victory of justice over injustice, Prime Minister Deuba said in a message on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, and expressed hope that Navadurga Bhavani would help one and all eschew mutual enmity, malice and anger and thereby maintain peace and goodwill.

Stating that the present government is committed to facing up to all economic and social challenges before the country, he called for the cooperation of all political parties, intellectuals, industrialists, businessmen and the people in general in fulfilling this commitment.

He also expressed confidence that this great festival will inspire all keep intact the Nepalese people' love for their nation and their desire for peace.

In a similar message, Speaker Taranath Ranabhat said Dashain gives out the message selfless goodwill, fraternity and unity which help peace, justice and truth prevail in society.

He hoped that goddess Durga Bhavani would provide one and all with strength and discretion for maintaining peace and security, and move along the path of prosperity.

Likewise, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala wished all the Nepali brothers and sisters a happy and prosperous life, adding that the festival would always inspire us to stand in favour of justice and truth.

Stating that Vijaya Dashami based on legends is the mainstay of our culture and this festival should be celebrated in a simple way without any flamboyance, Koirala said, "Let's pledge on this auspicious day to move ahead through mutual unity, cooperation and goodwill and to foil the conspiracy designed to push us from the light to the dark."

In a similar message, opposition leader in the House of Representatives and CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal has in a message stressed the need for all Nepalese to celebrate Dashain as a means of promoting fraternity, mutual goodwill, love and cordiality.

After prolonged violence, anarchy and killings the country is now desperate for peace, he said, adding all the Nepalese are hoping that after Dashain the country will no longer see violence and terror, all the people will get the opportunity to live in peace, the country will see an accelerated pace of development and progress and political stability and mutual cordiality prevail.

He has also wished for peace, good health and happiness of all Nepalese on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.

Likewise, RPP president Surya Bahadur Thapa on behalf of himself and his party wished that goddess Durga would inspire us to build a modern and prosperous Nepal by way of the democratic process by being committed and accountable to the country and the people.

HM proclaims Prince Paras as Crown Prince

Kathmandu Oct. 28 (RSS): His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has proclaimed His Majesty's son, his Royal Highness Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

His Majesty the King has conferred the title of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess on Her Royal Highness Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, the spouse of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the title of Her Royal Highness on His Majesty's daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Prerana Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah.

His Majesty the King has also conferred the Royal title of "Yubaraj Kumari" on Purnika Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, the daughter of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and her Royal Highness the Crown Princess.

This is stated in a notice issued Friday by the Principal Press Secretariat of His Majesty the King.