Their Majesties leave for India today

Kathmandu, June 23 (RSS): His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah are leaving here this afternoon on a state visit to the Republic of India at the friendly invitation of Indian President K.R. Narayanan and Madame Usha Narayanan.

His Majesty’s state visit to India is His Majesty’s first foreign visit following His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Experts on foreign relations here say that the maiden visit of His Majesty the King will add a new dimension to Nepal-India relations and would be fruitful in further consolidating the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, a former foreign minister is confident that the first visit to India by the new King would have a long-term impact on the bilateral relations.

"India is a very close friend of Nepal and His Majesty’s visit will open up roads to further smoothening and greater expansion of the mutual relationship enjoyed by the two countries", said Dr. Mahat.

He also expressed the confidence that the visit would be very fruitful in developing the working as well as personal relation between the heads of state of the two countries.

The visit being made at a time when the country is suffering from terrorism will help garner additional support in our fight against terrorism, Dr. Mahat said adding that there are various aspect and dimension of Nepal-India relations which will gain new heights following the visit.

New vigour

Prof. Dr. Lokraj Baral, former Royal Nepalese Ambassador to India expressed confidence that the state visit by His Majesty the King would be successful in further strengthening the foundation of Nepal-India relations and would add new vigour to enhancement of mutual understanding.

Stating that the bilateral relations should be moved ahead looking at the future rather than the past, Dr. Baral said it is also equally essential to resolve the problems existing between the two countries.

Fruitful

Foreign relations expert Hiranya Lal Shrestha expresses the hope that His Majesty’s visit to India would prove to be fruitful in renewing bilateral relations at the highest level as well as in promoting mutual understanding. Noting that problems between the two countries can be resolved to their mutual interests, he stressed both the countries should understand each other’s problems and seek solutions to them accordingly.

He said that Nepal-India mutual relations which have evolved into the 21st century should be carried ahead and given a new direction to suit the times.

The common border between the two countries should be managed well and one country should cooperate with the other in the present context when the country has been affected by terrorist activities, he said and pointed out that a balanced foreign policy should be maintained with all the neighbouring countries.

Mutual understanding

Similarly, Nepal Council of World Affairs chairman Keshav Raj Jha is of the view that His Majesty’s visit to India would contribute to promoting mutual understanding and in clearing away misgivings and misunderstandings if any.

He expressed the conviction that the visit would also contribute to further deepening Nepal-India multilateral ties.

The exchange of views and interaction that will be held with senior Indian leaders will provide an opportunity for Nepal to present its views in the regional and international context, he said and added that the visit attaches a great importance since discussions will also be held with the Indian leaders on the kind of contributions that could be made towards pacifying the tensions rife in South Asia.

Historic

Relationship between Nepal and India is of historical importance and the two countries enjoy cordiality in socio-economic and religious terms as well. The about 1,750 kilometre open border between Nepal and India also highlights the friendly relations enjoyed by the two countries since times immemorial.

In this context, the high level visit made by heads of state and government, the exchange of visits at various level of the two governments and the visit at the people’s level have undoubtedly cemented the friendship between the two countries.

Exchange of visits and ideas by heads of state and governments made in the past have been instrumental in consolidating the relationship and enhancing mutual intimacy.

Regular assistance

Since the past 50 years India has been regularly assisting in the development endeavours of Nepal and has provided co-operation in various sectors including the building of roads and bridges, education, health, communication and water resources.

Among them, the B.P. Koirala institute of Health Sciences, an institute of medicine running with Indian co-operation in Dharan of Sunsari, is one of the leading institutions in the whole of South Asia region. India has already expressed committment to continue its assistance to the institute for the next seven years.

Apart from Bir Hospital which was constructed with the cooperation of India, an agreement on the Bir Hospital extension project for operating an emergency and trauma ward at the hospital has also been reached with India.

Similarly, the Paropakar Indra Rajya Laxmi Maternity Hospital has also been constructed with Indian assistance.

India has been giving regular training for producing skilled manpower necessary for the hospital and would continue to extend this kind of cooperation in future also.

Bridges constructed

Likewise, 22 bridges constructed on the Kohalpur-Mahakali Highway with assistance from the Government of India have been handed over to His Majesty’s Government while construction of a 5.6-kilometre railway line from Raxaul to Sirsiya has also been completed with Indian assistance.

Phase one bilateral talks have already been held with India for operating the Raxaul-Sirsiya railway services and it is hoped the railway service will soon come into operation.

It is also learnt that feasibility study is being carried out regarding construction of a guest house at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 million under the greater Janakpur Development Project and for construction of the Rangeli-Bhadrapur road, Chatara-Birpur road and Janakpur ring road.

Similarly, the detailed report on construction of the Mahendranagar- Tanakpur link road is in the final stage of its completion.

Likewise, construction of dams on the Lalbakaiya, Kamala and Bagmati rivers, implementation of development-related provisions as outlined in the Mahakali Treaty and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Pancheshwar Multiple Project are in their last stages.

Mutual interest

As per bilateral agreements reached with regard to issues of mutual interest and concern between Nepal and India, India has come up with some more proposals in other sectors of development. The sectors thus proposed by India are those relating to rural and community development and development of the dairy industry.

Doti and Nawalparasi districts have been selected for the rural and community development programme and it is learnt that the National Planning Commission was working towards that end.

A feasibility study is being carried out for establishing a technical and vocational institute in the far western development region and for construction of the east-west rail tracks. The draft of the feasibility study for the technical and vocational institute and the East-West Railway track had been prepared during Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit to India sometimes back.

Similarly, bilateral agreement has been reached between Nepal and India regarding development of the East-West Highway optical fibre link project in the field of telecommunications. The project would be implemented in the next two years, it is learnt.

Preserve self-dignity, Deuba tells Congressmen

Kathmandu, June 22 (RSS): President of the Nepali Congress and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that he had to take the hard and historic decision recently in the party in line with the spirit and aspirations of all the self-respecting and struggling activists and for the protection of the country and democracy.

Prime Minister Deuba said this today during the gathering of the party activists of the Bagmati Zone at his residence at Baluwatar.

Stating that the party at present was facing a challenging situation, NC President Deuba called upon the entire cadres to go to each and every village, win the heart of the people and transform the challenges into opportunities.

He had the majority in the Parliamentary party and the majority of the general convention was on his side and therefore the party should have the election symbol of tree in accordance with the constitutional process, he claimed.

Referring the full support he had received from within and outside the country in combating terrorism, NC president and Prime Minister Deuba said that election would be held on the specified time and as the morale of the security forces was high the terrorists would be finished by then.

Stating that he wanted to convert the Nepali Congress into a party of the poor, farmers, all the backward and down trodden indigenous people and nationalities, he called upon one and all to extend to cooperation in this endeavour.

Minister of State for Health Mohan Bahadur Basnet said that expulsion of the Prime Minister who had been successful in ensuring cooperation from within and outside the country was a hatched conspiracy.

President of NC Lalitpur District Committee Sagar Shumsher Rana, Banepa Municipality Mayor Dr. Surendra Bade Shrestha, Thimi Municipality Mayor Madan Krishna Shrestha, NC Kathmandu district leader Damodar Gautam, President of Freedom Fighters Association Kamal Chitrakar, former Dhading DDC chairman Bhimsen Kumar Shrestha, former president of NC Nuwakot district committee Badri Ram Bhandari, Bhaktapur Mahasamiti member Janaki Prasad Kuikel, Indramani Adhikari of Kabhre and other leaders and activists expressed their views on the occasion.

Meanwhile, chairperson of Nepali Congress Central Working Committee and Prime Minister Deuba has urged NC leaders and workers to go to the public with the views and programmes approved by the recently held historical general convention of the party.

Addressing a gathering of NC general committee members, general convention representatives, leaders and workers from Seti and Mahakali Zone at the Prime Minister’s residence today, Mr Deuba made it clear that the recommendation for mid-term polls was made in his capacity as the Parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress and in line with constitutional provisions.

Stating that the Maoist terrorists will soon be wiped out, Prime Minister Deuba said he would not hesitate in taking any step to maintain law and order in the country.

Koirala appeals for national unity

Pokhara, June 22 (RSS): Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has stated that the need of the day was for one and all to move ahead to protect and promote democracy and his aim was also to defend democracy.

At a function hosted here today, he said that the entire Nepalese should unite to fight murder, violence and terror.

Stating that those practising politics should learn to become patient, he laid emphasis for everyone to join hands to resolve the challenges and problems faced by the country.

On the occasion, former Deputy Prime Minister Ramchandra Paudel said everybody should abide by the democratic norms, values and conducts and expressed his commitment never to deviate from the road of democratic socialism.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Shailaja Acharya said that the country was passing through a critical stage at present and the Maoists’ movement was at its climax.

Former ministers Govinda Raj Joshi and Arjun Narsingh KC, National Assembly members Shukra Raj Sharma and Khagendra Regmi and former MP Susheel Koirala said that the rights received through people’s movement should not only be protected but strengthened.

Arjun Joshi, Chinkaji Shrestha, Rajan Pant, Shankar Joshi, Babu Ram Rana, Kamalesh Kumar Sharma, Pitambar Sharma, Dr. Bhogendra Khadka, Hari Prasad Shrestha, Raghunath Paudel, Krishna Chandra Nepal and other speakers expressed the view that the need of the day was to go on preserving and consolidating democracy.

Former minister Ramkrishna Tamrakar presided over the function.

‘50 terrorists may have been killed’

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, June 22: The Defence Ministry has confirmed the death of terrorists in fresh encounters with the security forces in various parts of the country. It has assumed that about 50 terrorists may have been killed in the crossfire at Rukum’s Khara Wednesday night.

A terrorist named Narayan Sunuwar Rai was killed in course of the search operation of the security forces in Khiji Phalate area of Okhaldhunga district Friday. He was the ward chief of the so-called village people’s government of the terrorists’ organisation. Two terrorists aliases ‘Bhalaya’ and ‘Kabita’ were killed in Bilandu and Yasam villages of the same district. The Ministry said there could have been more deaths on the terrorists’ side.

The forces seized socket bombs, explosives and terrorist documents from these places.

Three other terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the border of Nuwakot’s Basunchet and Dhading’s Satyadevi villages. They have been identified as Bimal Ghale, Ramesh KC ‘Ananta’ and Punam Lama.

The forces have recovered explosives, four computers, a printer, Rs. 3,056 cash and terrorist documents from the site.

A terrorist named Shyam Bahadur Karki - the deputy chief of the so called village people’s government - was shot dead on the spot while laying an ambush against a security patrol team at Jhimruk area of Pyuthan district. He was involved in laying ambush in the past too.

Also on Friday, Jhuma Pun was killed in the crossfire with a search team at Jankot area of Rolpa district.

One armed terrorist was killed in Deurali area of Nuwakot district Thursday. The forces have seized explosives, terrorist documents and Rs. 3,522 cash from the site.

The forces in their search operation launched after a gang of terrorists attacked a security base camp at Khara Wednesday have recovered magazines of automatic weapons, 7.62 mm bullets, parts of .303 rifles and 200 socket bombs from the site of incident.

POL product adulteration being probed in Parasi

By Our Correspondent

Parasi (Nawalparasi), June 22: The District Administration Office of Nawalparasi has begun investigations into the adulteration of petroleum products in the district. The Office started its probe after receiving complaints of excessive adulteration in almost all the 49 filling stations in the district. Administrative Officer Krishna Prasad Pandey said that they had brought in an expert from the Bureau of Standard and Measurements from Bhairahawa to resolve the problem.

Mani Bhusal of Kawasoti said he bought petrol from Panchakanya Oil Stores in Kawasoti, but within 10 minutes his motorcycle had stopped running after the engine seized. "I had to overhaul the whole engine of my new motorcycle," he said.

Many other drivers say they face similar problems. Excessive adulteration of petrol and diesel is said to be behind the frequent breakdowns of vehicles. "All those oil stores that sell adulterated fuel must be punished," says Narayan Chapagain.

Pandey said the extent of adulteration is such that adulterated petrol contains as much as 60 per cent kerosene, while diesel has 50 per cent kerosene. The administration says it will initiate strong action once the probe is over.

The excessive mixing of kerosene with petrol and diesel is forcing many motorists and vehicle owners to fill their tanks at Narayanghat or Butwal.

One petrol station owner said that they must make immediate payment to Nepal Oil Corporation for the fuel, but many vehicle owners, especially those with large numbers of vehicles, pay on a monthly basis. At times some pay once every three months. "We mix kerosene with petrol and diesel to recover the interest from such clients," he said.

Thimi heritage will be saved: Mayor

Bhaktapur, June 22 (RSS): Mayors of Madhyapur Thimi, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur municipalities Madan Krishna Shrestha, Buddhiraj Bajracharya and Prem Suwal jointly inaugurated here Friday the making public of the Madhyapur musical symposium souvenir at a programme organised by the Madhyapur Art Council Thimi, on the occasion of the International Music Day.

The three mayors also released jointly a book ‘Lumanti Pau’, at the symposium.

Thimi mayor Madan Krishna Shrestha said the municipality is gearing ahead for developing Thimi, an exemplary storehouse of art, culture, and heritages into a cultural city.

Bhaktapur mayor Suwal stressed on the development of indigenous art, culture and music at a time when the western music and culture have been encroaching upon our identity.

Lalitpur mayor Buddhiraj Bajracharya stressed on the need to make lively the art and culture as they are our identity.

Raj Parishad member Dr. Ratnakamal Baidya said music has been helping the country and the people to make known to the outside world.

On the occasion, musician Ajaya Kranti Shakya, lyricist Anjan Shakya, and cartoonist Ekram Singh were honoured.

At the programme presided over by Madhyapur Art Council Thimi chairman Ganesh Ram Lachhi , various other speakers including Newa De Dabu chairman Laxman Rajbanshi, Madhyapur musical symposium ‘Lumanti Pau’ editor Subas Ram Lachhi and Dil Krishna Prajapati also expressed their views.

Deal signed to promote Lalitpur, UK country ties

Lalitpur, June 22 (RSS): Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan city and Denbighshire County Council of the United Kingdom have signed an agreement on exchanging educational and cultural cooperation.

Mayor of the Sub-metropolitan City Buddhi Raj Bajracharya and chairman of the Council G. Williams signed the agreement, the Sub-metropolitan Corporation has stated.

The agreement signed between the two municipalities aims at exchange of visits of students, teachers, archaeologists and experts on culture and other related and relevant matters.

A six-member delegation led by mayor Bajracharya had left for Britain on June 7 to take part in the discussions programme on the management and financial activities of various cities of that country in the context of urban management and financial diversification of Lalitpur Sub-mtetropolitan City launched with the cooperation of the Chester City.

Preservation of the historical sites and heritage, archaeological exploration, tourism development, and urban management projects have been launched in Lalitpur.

The European Union, Chester City of Britain and Feltre town of Italy have provided Rs. 61.3 million for the two-year project, mayor Bajracharya said.

During the sojourn in Britain, discussions were also held on establishing sisterly relations between Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City and Chester City.

The team led by mayor Bajracharya has already returned home on completion of the 10-day study and observation tour of the various cities of Britain.

Govt lack policy on human trafficking victims

Kathmandu, June 22 (RSS): Although Nepal has signed 21 conventions and instruments on various topics and expressed its commitment to them so far, no standards have yet been set as to the implementation of these covenants and agreements.

This view came up at a seminar on "minimum human rights standards required in dealing with the victims of human trafficking" organised by an institution called the Joint Programme Against the Sale and Trafficking of Women here today.

Speakers at the programme complained that although the government has expressed its commitment on the covenant regarding ‘minimum human rights standards in dealing with the victims of human trafficking’, it has not worked out any national policy regarding its implementation.

They pointed out that positive works concerning women should be encouraged and promoted, that women’s right to work overseas should be protected, criminals involved in women trafficking should be penalised by the state, various means should be sought for the dignified rehabilitation of the victims of women trafficking and political protection given to criminals involved in human trafficking should be strictly dealt with by law.

Speaking at the programme, member of the National Human Rights Commission Indira Rana underlined the need for political commitment and willingness for the prevention of a grievous crime such as women trafficking.

Programme representative of Oxfam Mina Poudel, while highlighting the contents of the seminar, pointed out that protection of women should begin from the family itself.

Advocate Indu Tuladhar expressed the view that the responsibility of the state towards the victims of women trafficking such as ensuring that there is no discrimination against them as far as their minimum human rights is concerned, the responsibility of ensuring the security of and dealing fairly with the victims of women trafficking and their right to return home and unite with their families were very important issues that should be kept in mind in the rehabilitation of the victims of human trafficking.

From the chair, Assistant Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) Bharati Silwal Giri underlined the need for ensuring the safety and protection of the victims of women trafficking.

National Programme Manager of the joint programme Alka Rajauria Rijal and representative of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Shyam Kumar Shrestha shed light on the objective of the seminar.