NC backs govt’s stand in talks with Maoists

BY A STAFFF REPORTER

Kathamndu, Sept. 21: The Nepali Congress today supported the stand taken by the government over the issue of Nepalese Constitution and Institution of Monarchy during the dialogues with Maoists. It also directed the government to continue the process of holding the next phase of dialogue with Maoists.

The ruling party’s Central Working Committee, after the end of two-day long meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar, further instructed the government to implement the points of agreement reached with CPN-Maoists in the first round of talks. During the talks, the CWC said, it was mentioned that both the parties holding dialogues would not use or show force in their activities in order to facilitate the talks.

The Maoists who are holding dialogues with the government representatives to end their about six year long bloody campaign are demanding the abrogation of the present Constitution and introduction of republic in the nation. But, the government has rejected these along with other demands which are very fundamental to the people in a democratic state.

In its instruction to the government, the NC’s apex decision-making body has also issued directives to the government to implement those points of understanding which the Maoists agreed to do in the second round of talks held a week ago in Bardiya.

The CWC instruction includes the immediate halt of use, demonstration and trafficking of weapons, collections of weapons and looting by Maoists. It also demanded that the Maoists must immediately release the policemen, Bajura’s NC District President Dev Raj Joshi and all other common citizens whom the Maoists have kidnapped and held captives.

The instruction also includes the stoppage of forceful collection of donations and illegal and forceful use of intimidation to use public vehicles as well as forceful resignation by elected people’s representatives and obstruction for civil servants from going to their offices and locking out of the offices. Likewise, it also asked Maoists to instantly cease its acts of forceful closure of industry, tourism and educational institutions.

It also told the government that during the period of dialogues between the government and rebels, there should not be any public meeting and processions that may prove detrimental to the dialogues between the two parties.

In its second resolution, the Congress CWC has instructed the government and its representatives to forge and strike a broader alliance with all political and national parties of the country on the national level to consolidate more the unalterable institutions of Constitutional Monarchy, parliamentary system, people sovereignty, fundamental rights of the people and non-partisan judicial system of the country which have been guaranteed by the Constitution.

It has further asked the government and its representatives to develop the atmosphere of reconciliation and understanding with all political parties as per the 14-point agenda proposed by Former Prime Minister and Party President Girija Prasad Koirala.

It also told them to give impetus to the understanding reached among all parties after holding positive discussions in order to find out an all-party understanding on the issues related with Maoist problems and their demands.

The government was also asked to take ahead its reform programmes by acknowledging social, economic. Cultural and educational problems and to enact necessary policies and laws to address these problems.

Ultimately, the Congress CWC meeting chaired by the Party President Koirala and participated by 18 members condemned the last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on New York and Washington City of the USA.

It said: " CWC condemns vehemently the inhumane and terrorist attacks in the city of New York and Washington on September 11 and expresses its deep condolence over the immense loss of lives and properties. It also expresses its sympathy to the American people in their hour of these grief and loss."

The CWC also urged all the peace-loving people of the world to unite against the fight of terrorism.

RPP stresses serious talks with Maoists

Kathmandu, Sept. 21 (RSS): The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has said that HMG and the Maoists should hold serious discussions on various principles and conceptual matters and reach an understanding during the third round of talks between them.

A press release issued by the party here today states that though the government has initiated the process of withwrawal of cases and release of Maoist activists, the Maoists have continued to constitute people’s governments at various levels, raise fund through intimidation and threats, force people’s representatives to resign, collect arms and terrorise society, and if the process of dialogue is to be taken ahead sincerely, then such undesirable and unlawful activities should stop at once.

The press release further states that taking into consideration the geo-political situation of Nepal and recent events in the world, and keeping the interests of the people and the protection of nationalism uppermost in mind, the party was of the view that the prevailing tension and strife in the country should be dealt with through dialogue and understanding.

It is also stated that discussions should be held on new possibilities for social unification through an institutional process of dialogue, understanding and coordination.

Instead of making Nepali society dream of total change through strife and war, a resolve should be made to take society ahead through democratic ways, the release adds.

Govt warns against anti-constitution actions

Kathmandu, Sept-21:The Defence Ministry has said as the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom cannot be exercised in ways other than those determined by the existing laws, if anyone is found to be indulging in undermining the dignified institution of monarchy or giving unwanted expressions with the idea of undermining the institution or demonstrating weapons at mass meetings or kidnapping individuals, security agencies will be forced to take action as per the laws.

A press release issued by the Ministry of Defence today stated that whereas the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal guarantees the exercise of fundamental rights only within the bounds of law, expressions of several speakers are likely to spread hatred and abhorrence and undermine the institution of monarchy, and kidnapping of citizens and demonstration of weapons at mass meetings have violated the norms and values of rule of law to which the ministry’s attention has been drawn.

US seeks support to check terrorism

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 21: Director at the American Centre Robert Kerr has said that the United States would not accept any kind of terrorist activities like that of September 11 against the US and that it sought support from all the democratic governments of the world to eradicate such a heinous social evil.

"The attack on thousands of innocent lives at New York’s World Trade Centre and Pentagon, the US security head quarters at Washington DC, is not only the attack against America but also against humanity and that it should be retaliated unitedly.

Director Kerr was speaking at an interaction programme organised by Press Chautari-Nepal (PC-N) here this afternoon.

Meanwhile, he said that America was not going to take revenge on anybody on account of their religious faith or anything like that but would eradicate those forces that wanted to create instability in the world with the support of global community.

As to if the possible retaliation of the USA against Afghanistan would violate human rights condition and innocent women and children would become the victim of attack, Kerr said that the US was going to take military action in a very organised manner if the main suspect Osama bin Laden were not handed over. He also said that the USA, with support from world’s peace loving community, would target only those places and people where the Talibans were giving shelter to the terrorists and were training them.

But he declined to elaborate on how the US declaration regarding the eradication of global terrorism was going to address the terrorist activities being launched in different countries like Nepal.

The programme was chaired by the PC-N president Shambhu Shrestha.

US, EU pledge to combat terrorism

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 21: The United States and the European Union today pledged to work together against terrorism.

"In the coming days, weeks and months, the United States and the European Union will work in partnership in a broad coalition to combat the evil of terrorism," a press release issued by the American Embassy in Kathmandu said. "We will act jointly to expand and improve this co-operation world-wide."

The joint US-EU ministerial statement said those responsible for the recent attacks must be tracked down and held to account. "We will mount a comprehensive, systematic and sustained effort to eliminate international terrorism – its leaders, its actors, its networks. Those responsible for aiding, supporting or harbouring the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable. Given the events of September 11, 2001 it is imperative that we continue to develop practical measures to prevent terrorists from operating."

"Our resolve is a reflection of the strength of the US-EU relationship, our shared values, and our determination to address together the new challenges we face. The nature of our democratic societies makes it imperative to protect out citizens from terrorist acts, while at the same time protecting their individual liberties, due process, and the rule of law."

The US and the EU are committed to enhancing security measures, legislation and enforcement, the joint statement read. "We will work together to encourage greater co-operation in international fora and wider implementation of international instruments. We also co-operate in global efforts to bring to justice perpetrators of past attacks and to eliminate the ability of terrorists to plan and carry out future atrocities."

They have agreed to ‘vigorously pursue co-operation’ in aviation and other transport security, police and judicial co-operation, including extradition, denial of financing of terrorism, including financial sanctions in order to reduce vulnerabilities in our societies.

The other areas of co-operation include denial of other means of support to terrorists, export control and non-proliferation, border controls, including visa and document security issues and law enforcement access to information and exchange of electronic data.

Nepal-Tibet tourism promotion emphasised

Kathmandu, Sept. 21 (RSS): A meeting was held between Chhiring Dhoka, vice-chairperson of the People’s Government of Tibet Autonomous Region and Shankar Prasad Pandey, Royal Nepalese Consulate General to Lhasa at the Office of Foreign Affairs in Lhasa on Thursday.

The meeting focused on the problems tottering the tourism industry between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Mr Pandey pointed out that in view of only air services being rendered by the China Southeast Airlines between Kathmandu and Lhasa and its costly fare, it is essential to reduce the existing fare, run the air services throughout the year and to allow Nepalese travel agencies to sell tickets to the foreign groups who visit Lhasa via Nepal instead of existing provisions that allows only limited travel agencies in line with the policy of the Government of China and recognise Nepal an out-bound tourist destination.

Agreeing the the views expressed by Mr Pandey, vice chairperson Dhoka said the Tibetan authority is ready to discuss with the Nepalese party in this regard.

Informing that she was holding talks with the concerned airlines about reducing air service fares, she assured Mr Pandey of operating air services between Lhasa and Kathmandu in all seasons.

She also remarked that such talks would further strengthen the relations between Nepal and China.

Speaker rules on ex-MP’s whereabout

Kathmandu, Sept. 21 (RSS): At the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Speaker Taranath Ranabhat directed His Majesty’s Government to provide information about the whereabout of former MP and NC Bajura district president Devraj Joshi as well as the number policemen kidnapped by the Maoists within five days.

During zero hour of the House of Representatives, Homnath Dahal of the NC requested the government to provide information about NC district president Devraj Joshi as the party and family members had no information about him (Mr Joshi) despite the information given by Krishna Raj Mahara of the CPN-Maoist that Mr Joshi was released yesterday.

Even though the Maoists claim that only 46 policemen are being held by them while newspaper reports states that the number is much higher, Mr Dahal had demanded that the government provide the actual number of policemen being held prisoners by the Maoists.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya has said that of the total scholarship being received by His Majesty’s Government for higher education, 400 scholarships have been allotted for M.B.B.S and B.S.S. Courses in various medical colleges for the students of the remote districts.

Responding to the queries raised by mps during question-answer at the House of Representatives today, Minister Upadhyaya made it clear that at present, their is no such a provision of providing remuneration to the "Parichar" (help assistants) working in the schools for a long time equivalent to that of the pay of peons.

MPs Devi Lal Thapa and Durga Linkha had asked questions to Mr. Upadhyaya.

The meeting of the House of Representatives public accounts committee held today has decided to invite the Defence Secretary to provide information on the procedures relating to the purchase of the Super Puma helicopter at its next meeting to be held on September 24.

The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Subas Nemwang.

Likewise, Dr.Dliraj Khanal of the CPN-UML, speaking at the special hour of the House of Representatives today, said that the verdict given by the Supreme Court in connection with buying and selling of land has created a serious problem.

Stating that the government should move ahead cautiously in connection of land reforms, Dr. Khanal stressed the need to implement the report of the Badal Commission in letter and spirit in order to provide land to the landless people.

Dilliraj Sharma of the NC said that the Kaligandaki "A" project had not been giving serious attention to problem of inundation being caused in the village development committees of Parbat, Syangja and other neighboring districts.

Stating that the Kaligandaki "A" project had not fulfilled its commitment of building a motorable rod to Setibedi Bazaar, Mr Sharma said that the government should consider supplying electricity to constituency No. 2 of Parbat district through the Modikhola hydroelectricity project.

Netralal Shrestha of the RPP said that the government should not create problems for the people by carrying out work against the constitution, MP Surendra Chaudhary should not be deprived of his special priviledges, and a ceiling should be imposed on property and distributed to the poor people.

Narayan Man Bijuckchhe of the NWPP, lauding the withdrawal of prohibitory orders imposed in three districts of Kathmandu Valley and said that the the government should introduce the land reform programme with the concept of whoever cultivates the land owns the land.

Dharmanath Prasad Saha of the CPN-UML said that as the land being distributed in the name of the landless people were not being received by the landless people in Siraha district as a result of the harmony between the CDO, the land revenue officer, the chief of the survey section and the chairman of The Landless Squatters Problem Resolution Commission, such land deeds should be declared null and void.

He demanded that the constitution be amended to provide citizenship certificates to 3.5 million Nepalese people.

Similarly, Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) boycotted the meeting of the House of Representatives today demanding ceiling on land as well as property for establishing social justice in the country.

At the beginning of the meeting, Rajendra Mahato of the NSP accused the government of imposing a restriction on the people’s rights to property.

After the verdict given by the Supreme Court yesterday, Mr Mahato demanded that the government shoulder moral responsibility for it’s wrong decision.

The main opposition party has not been fulfilling its role of serving as a watchdog of the government, he said, announcing that his party would boycott the meeting of the house of representatives as His Majesty’s Government had not presented any programme for imposing a ceiling on property.

Later on all the NSP legislators walked out of the meeting of the House of Representatives.

In another House report Smritinarayan Chaudhary, chairman of The Finance Committee presented the committee’s report concerning Value Added Tax (first amendment) Bill 2057 at the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

Meanwhile, Minister for Population and Environment Prem Lal Singh has disclosed that Rs. 1.6 million has been allocated this fiscal year for conservation of environment in the Kankrebihar region of Surkhet district.

Furnishing replies to verbal queries from MPs at the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Minister Singh said Rs. 2 million was allocated last fiscal year for the same purpose.

His Majesty’s Government is very sensitive towards conserving environment at the historic religious site of Swargadwari and a study is being carried out towards that end, he said.

He replied to queries from NC’s Hridaya Ram Thani and Hari Acharya of Rastriya Janamorcha.

Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahesh Acharya has said the government has made available sufficient amount of vaccines and is moving ahead with disease control work in order to save sheep and goats from falling victim to disease outbreak in Humla district since April/May this year.

Responding to verbal queries from MPs at today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Acharya said the government will continue the vaccination program for the next five years for effective control of the disease.

He also said that the distribution of sheep and goats to farmers in Humla district will be made more effective.

Minister Acharya replied to queries posed by Devi Lal Thapa as authorized by CPN-UML’s Gorakh Bahadur Bogati.

Maoists still hold 188 captives

Kathmandu, Sept. 21 (RSS): The Home Ministry has released a list of names of members of the general public and police personnel abducted by the Maoists at different times from different districts and those still under captivity.

According to the list released today, the total number of members of the general public abducted and still under captivity by the Maoists is 117 while the number of abducted police personnel is 71.

Among the abuducted members of the general public, 48 are from Rolpa, 17 from Salyan, seven from Kalikot, five from Jumla, three from Jajarkot, five from Dang, four from Dolpa, two from Bajura, three from Jhapa and two from Ilam and one each from Panchthar, Sunsari, Ramechhap, Kavrepalanchowk, Dailekh and Banke districts.

Likewise, the abducted police personnel include 59 from Rolpa, nine from Banke, two from Rukum and one from Baitadi district.

The civilians abducted by the Maoists are Shiva Kumal of Mahamai VDC and Chandra Kumar Niraula of Mahamai VDC, Ilam, Ambika Bohara of Yasoka-1, Panchathar, Chatrapati Subedi of Damak Municipality-1, Dhan Bahadur Danuwar of Bahundangi-4 and Avaya Kumar Chaudhari of Anarmani-3, Jhapa, Nunulal Mehata of Bhokraha VDC-4, Sunsari, Kul Bahadur Tamang of Makadum, Ramechhap, Balaram Sapkota of Panchkhal VDC, Kavhrepalanchwok, Shyamnath Teli and Ghanashyam Teli of Gangaparaspur-1 and Ram Bahadur Adhikari of Shree Gaun-2, Dang district.

Similarly, Budhi Ram B.K.of Tewang-2, Padam Bahadur Malla of Pakhapani-4, Sunamaya Budha and her one-year old son of Iriwang-3, Kul Bahadur Dangi of Pakhapani-4, Bijaya Bahadur Gharti and Tek Bahadur Gharti of Gharti VDC, Shyam Bahadur B.K. of Harjang-5, Purna Bahadur Thapa of Gajul-1, Raman Singh Rathaur of Jugar-4, Punya Pun of Harjang-3, Tilak Ram Giri of Harjang-2, Kaushila Pun, Bhagi Lal Pun, Om Prakash Pun and Judhabir Roka Magar of Harjang-2, Alaram Pun and Mahendra Puna Magar of Harjang-1, Mrs. Deepak Roka Magar of Kureli-6, Gajendra Bhandari of Sakhi-8, Bijaya Giri of Khungri-2, Gopi Lal Khadka of Jhanem-4, Shyam Gharti of Khungri-2, Rajkumar Ghartimagar of Liwang-1, Ghanashyam Basnet of Sakhi-2, Sarbajit Thakali of Harjang-2, Tara Bahadur Dangi of Sakhi-1, Narayan Dangi of Liwang-4, Bishnu Singh of Khungri-2, Amrit Bahadur Giri of Gauli Pokhari-5, Guman Khadka of Wadachaur-2, Raju Giri of Khungri-2, Dal Bahadur Budha of Iriwang-3, Dhaniman Pun Magar of Jelwang-8, Gorkha Bahadur Bista, Gyan Bahadur Bista and Jogman Kuwar of Mijhing, Purna Bahadur Bista, Dhati Bista, Khim Bahadur Giri, Iswarilal Budha of Homa VDC, Ganga Bahadur Thakali of Seram-4, Hari Bahadur Ghartim and Min Bahadur of Ota, Ram Chandra Rokka of Kureli-9, Siddha Bahadur Oli of Pakhapani, Lok Bahadur Budha of Bhawang and Mohan Rawat of Gaon-5 of Rolpa district are still in the captivity of the Maoists.

Others kidnapped by the Maoists are Arjun Hamal of Marmapari Danda, Dhan Bahadur Khatri of Sibarath-8, Ganesh Budhathoki and Ram Bahadur Budhathoki of Sibrath-5 , Pat Bahadur Pun of Bame, Tek Bahadur Danghi Kotmaula-9, Resham Oli of Kothmaula-8, Gaurilal Oli of Kothmaula-9, Khim Bahadur Chalaune of Sidheswori-4, Thal Bahadur Chanda of Darmakot-5, Amar Puna of Laxmipur-5, Dhana Bahadur Budhathoki of Wadagaun, Lal Bahadur Oli of Kotawara-2, Jaya Bahadur Khadka of Korwang Jhimpe-4, Krishna Prasad Budhathoki of Dhakadam-7, Jaya Bahadur Shaha of Bhulkhola and Ganesh Budhathoki of Khola Gaun-4 of Salyan district.

Likewise, Kashi Nath Pun Of Pipal-7, Chhaka Bahadur Budha of Ranmamaikot-7, Krisu Budha of Mahat-1, Sun Bahadur Budha of Mahat-2, Krishna Bahadur Shaha of Kholagaun-4 Babiram Basnet of Pipal-3, Harijung Malla of Syalapakha-4, Hira Bahadur Budha of Taksera-2, Dashrath Paudel of Pipal- 9, Bal Bahadur Budha of Sisne-2, Pahal Bahadur Khanal of Magma-2, Bhakta Bahadur Puna of Jhula-7, Kashi Ram K.C.of Chaukhawang-5, Chudamni Sunar of Chunwang-1 and Rajan Shahi Waphikot-5 Of Rukum district were kidnapped by Maoist workers.

Binod Giri of Satabariya VDC and Dron Devkota of Siri Gaun-6 of Dang district, Ram Prasad Khanal and Ashok K.C. of Khalanga-6, Jajarkot district, Dilip Kumar Thapa of Dailekh and Mrs. Sushila Shahi of Banke, Krishna Chandra Pande, Lale Pande, Dhanakrishna Jaisi, Lalu Pande, and Govinda Adhikari of Depayal Gaun of Jumla District and Top Bahadur Budha, Hari Bahadur Rokaya, Dil Bahadur Thakulla and Chankhe Budha of Dolpa district are also still in Maoist captivity.

Amar Bahadur Singh and Man Ram Singh of Odanaku-3, Narad Nath Yogi and Padam Nath Yogi of Sipkhana-7, Chhatra Bam and Birsa Bam of Syuna-8 and Nagmal Athayat of Kotwada-3 of Kalikot District and Deb Raj Joshi and Keshva Raj Giri of Bajura are also being held captive by the Maoists.

Likewise, the police personnel abducted from Rolpa include sub-inspector of police Tarkeswor Yadav of Inaruwa-5, Siraha, assistant inspector Shiva Khadayat of Kante, Achham, police constable Purna Bahadur Thapa Chettri, police constable Jung Bahadur Chand, Police Inspector Mandan Singh Gurung of siddharnagar Municipality, Rupandehi, Sub-Inspector Pashuram Malla of Khum-5, Pyuthan, Assistant Inspector Punaram Chaudhary of Sonpur, Dang, sergeants Kul Prasad Shrestha of Dharampani-2, Pyuthan, Ratna Bahadur Budha of Amitpur-8, Dang, Gungadutta Joshi, Hiktam Bahadur Chand of Bisalpur-2, Chettra Bahadur Rokka of Naubasta-6, Banke, Dilli Bahadur Rani of Hiulcha-2, Salyan, Keshav Singh Thapa of Matela-4, Surkhet, Buddhi Bahadur Gurung of Kerabari-8, Gorkha, Durga Bahadur Gurung, Opiram B.K. of Dharampani, Pyuthan and Prabhat Kumar Shrestha of Tribhuvannagar Municipality, Dang.

Similarly, police constables Chandra Bahadur Khadka of Sahare-7, Surkhet, Ghanashyam Busha Of Narayanpur-3, Dang, Krishna Bahadur Khatri of Masina-6, Rolpa, Bhim Bahadur Thapa of Majhena, Rolpa, Dhakbir Basnet of Dubidanda-7, Rolpa, Himnath Yogi of Manpur-2, Dang, Harjit Pal of Uku-4, Darchula, Durga Basnet of Sankha-2, Rolpa, Narayan Giri of Tribhuvannagar Municipality, Dang, Khadka Bahadur Basnet of Sankha-2, Rolpa, Bachha Mahato Koiri of Jhilkaiya-3, Bara, anup Shaha of Dhikpur, Dang, Top Bahadur Malla, Sachindra Shrestha of Khalanga-1, Pyuthan, Kusalraj Pandey and Tul Bahadur Gharti of Gadhuwa, Dang, Omprakash Pun of Okharkot-6, Myagdi, Bhola Rawat of Bangaon, Banke and Karna Bahadur Gurung of Hocheda-3, Kanchanpur were also abducted by the Maoists from Rolpa.

Also abducted from Rolpa were Assistant Police Inspector Keshav Bahadur Marasini of Jayanagar-3, Rupanedhi, Sergeants Gopal Prasad Lamsal of Nawalparasi, Tankanath Subedi of Byupata-1, Baglung, Ram Bahadur Bohara of Bandipokhara-6, Palpa, Ramesh Prasad Chaudhary and Shambhu Chaudhary of Sunaul-6, Nawalparasi

Likewise, police constables Hukum Basnet of Tulasipur Municipality-1, Dang, Rudra B. Gurung, Manpang-3 of Tanahu, Rajendra B. Lamichhne of Tilhar-7, Parbat, Ramkrishna Kumal of Tanahu-7, Tikaram Pokharel of Setudobhan-1, Syangja, Hom Narayan Gupta of Sangram-9, Navalparasi, Chhabilal Bishwakarma of Syangja,-10 Sanjaya Acharya of Libang-7, Rolpa, Sunil Kumar Thapa of Libang-8 Rolpa, Aman Budha of Game-6, Rolpa, Purna B. Gharti of Masina-7, Rolpa, Hemanta Budhathoki of Dubidada-1, Rolpa, Janak B. Pun of Raspurkot, Pyuthan, Amar B. Gharti of Dharampani-4, Pyuthan, Jahara Chaudhari of Hekuli-4, Dang, Parbir Bhandari of Rank-2, Rolpa, Kul B. Dangi of Tulasipur Municipality-5 and Khum B. Pun of Makhi-6, Rolpa were abducted from Rolpa and are still under captivity of the Maoists.

Sergeants Mukunda P. Bhushal of Pragatinagar Municipality-4, Resham B. Chand of Chhinchu-5, Surkhet, Bhim B. Pun of Simkha-6, Myagdi, Janak B. Singh of Kadel-1, Bajhang and Harilal Bohara of Mahendranagar Municipality-10, Kanchanpur and police constables Nagendra B. Shahi of Badakhola-1, Dailekh, Binod Koirala of Dumraha, Sunsari, Bhesharaj Sharma of Mainapokhari-6, Bardiya, Krishna B. KC of Shantinagar-1, Dang were abducted from Banke district while Dipendra B. Chand of Gurukhola-6, Baitadi was abducted from Baitadi.