Maoist rebels in Nepal have abducted seven government employees in an eastern district, officials say.
Security forces in the region have already been alerted and a search operation is underway, a local official told the BBC.
He said the officials were headed to an area where the rebels had called a transport strike.
This is the single largest incident of civil servants being abducted by the rebels in recent month.
There has been no word from the insurgents regarding the latest abduction so far.
The Maoists have been waging an armed struggle in an attempt to replace monarchy with a people's republic.
King Gyanendra's seizure of direct political power almost six months ago has failed to stall conflict-related violence.
About 12,000 people have died in the 10 years since the Maoists began their fight for a republic. "
Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Reuters AlertNet - U.S. criticises jailing of former Nepal PM
KATHMANDU, July 28 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday criticised the 'extra-judicial' jailing of Nepal's sacked prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and said the move would undermine attempts to restore democracy after King Gyanendra seized power.
The Royal Commission for Corruption Control, set up by Gyanendra after he sacked the multi-party government, sentenced Deuba and a member of his deposed cabinet on Tuesday to two years in jail, saying they were guilty of corruption while choosing a contractor for a water supply project.
'Acting outside of the Nepalese judicial system, the Commission served as investigator, prosecutor and judge in this case, ultimately imposing a harsh sentence on the former prime minister for alleged corruption,' Sean McCormack, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said in a statement.
Deuba, a three-time prime minister, is Nepal's senior most politician ever to be jailed on corruption charges.
'Unfortunately, the conviction of the former prime minister through an extra-judicial process represents another setback for the restoration of democracy,' McCormack said in the statement provided by the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu.
The nation's mainstream political parties, fighting to restore democracy, have dubbed Deuba's jailing an act of political vendetta by the king.
In his power seizure on Feb. 1, Gyanendra jailed politicians and suspended civil liberties but justified his move as vital to fight a Maoist insurgency which has left more than 12,500 people dead since 1996 in the impoverished Himalayan nation.
The king's move attracted widespread international flak, including from the United States, Britain and neighbour India.
In continued turmoil, hundreds of students in the capital Kathmandu clashed with police and forced colleges to close on Thursday to protest Wednesday's arrest of a prominent student leader, Gagan Thapa, for criticising the king.
But despite the protests and international pressure, the king is no closer to talks with the parties or the Maoists who want to overthrow the monarchy and establish a communist republic. Sphere: Related Content
The Royal Commission for Corruption Control, set up by Gyanendra after he sacked the multi-party government, sentenced Deuba and a member of his deposed cabinet on Tuesday to two years in jail, saying they were guilty of corruption while choosing a contractor for a water supply project.
'Acting outside of the Nepalese judicial system, the Commission served as investigator, prosecutor and judge in this case, ultimately imposing a harsh sentence on the former prime minister for alleged corruption,' Sean McCormack, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said in a statement.
Deuba, a three-time prime minister, is Nepal's senior most politician ever to be jailed on corruption charges.
'Unfortunately, the conviction of the former prime minister through an extra-judicial process represents another setback for the restoration of democracy,' McCormack said in the statement provided by the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu.
The nation's mainstream political parties, fighting to restore democracy, have dubbed Deuba's jailing an act of political vendetta by the king.
In his power seizure on Feb. 1, Gyanendra jailed politicians and suspended civil liberties but justified his move as vital to fight a Maoist insurgency which has left more than 12,500 people dead since 1996 in the impoverished Himalayan nation.
The king's move attracted widespread international flak, including from the United States, Britain and neighbour India.
In continued turmoil, hundreds of students in the capital Kathmandu clashed with police and forced colleges to close on Thursday to protest Wednesday's arrest of a prominent student leader, Gagan Thapa, for criticising the king.
But despite the protests and international pressure, the king is no closer to talks with the parties or the Maoists who want to overthrow the monarchy and establish a communist republic. Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
VOA News - Children Suffer Grave Abuses in Nepal Conflict
Nepali woman holds her child as Maoist soldiers take part in a ceremony (2004 photo)By Anjana Pasricha
New Delhi
26 July 2005
Human rights group Amnesty International says children in Nepal are being killed and tortured by both rebels and security forces in the country's brutal civil war.
A new report by the London-based human-rights group Amnesty International says a decade-long rebellion that aims to turn Nepal into a communist republic has been a disaster for children.
Claire Castillejo, who wrote the report, says the situation is worsening as the rebellion intensifies. 'We found that children are being killed, they are being detained illegally, tortured, girls are being raped and children are being abducted and used as soldiers,' she said.
The report says the rebels use children for fighting, spying on security forces or carrying arms and ammunition. These children then become the target of security forces, who detain and torture youngsters suspected of involvement with the Maoist rebels. Ms. Castillego says the government forces are also guilty of extra-judicial executions.
'Amnesty is concerned that security forces are just not distinguishing between children and adults,' she said. 'When they come to look for Maoist suspects, if they think the children are involved in Maoist activities they are picking them up, arresting them and treating them as they would adults. We are calling on security forces for separate rules for engagement for children and adults.'
A Nepalese army spokesman denied allegations that security forces had killed or tortured children, and said the army is committed to protecting human rights.
The Amnesty report says hundreds of children have died in bomb blasts or" Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Xinhua - English | 200 people suffer from food poisoning in eastern Nepal
KATHMANDU, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 200 persons were admitted to hospital after becoming ill following a feast that they took part at a village in eastern Nepal, Mechi Zonal Hospital said here Tuesday.
'The local people at Methibari Garamani village, in Jhapa district, some 500 km east of Kathmandu, who had attended a feast organized by a local villager, arrived at the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever on Monday,'the hospital said in a press statement.
The feast was organized to mark the first death anniversary of a villager, the statement noted.
The hospital witnessed a critical shortage of heath workers and physical infrastructures after the large number of patients rushed to the hospital following the incident.
'The patients had to be accommodated into all available spaces of the hospital, including the surgery room, after the existing emergency room became too crowded,' the statement noted.
Most of the patients returned home after primary treatment, while five are still undergoing treatment in the emergency ward. " Sphere: Related Content
'The local people at Methibari Garamani village, in Jhapa district, some 500 km east of Kathmandu, who had attended a feast organized by a local villager, arrived at the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever on Monday,'the hospital said in a press statement.
The feast was organized to mark the first death anniversary of a villager, the statement noted.
The hospital witnessed a critical shortage of heath workers and physical infrastructures after the large number of patients rushed to the hospital following the incident.
'The patients had to be accommodated into all available spaces of the hospital, including the surgery room, after the existing emergency room became too crowded,' the statement noted.
Most of the patients returned home after primary treatment, while five are still undergoing treatment in the emergency ward. " Sphere: Related Content
Monday, July 25, 2005
Reuters AlertNet - Nepal parties reject Maoist rebels offer of talks
KATHMANDU, July 25 (Reuters) - Nepal's main political parties rejected on Monday an appeal by the country's Maoist rebels for talks to plan joint opposition to King Gyanendra's seizure of power, saying the guerrillas should stop killing civilians first.
'We urge the Maoists to stop attacking unarmed civilians, including political activists, and stop extortion,' the top leaders of seven parties said in a statement.
'We appeal to the rebels to create an atmosphere of confidence and demonstrate that they are sincere about talks with the political parties.'
Nepal's parties have been protesting against the Feb. 1 sacking of the multi-party government by the king, who also suspended civil liberties and curbed media freedom.
Earlier this month, the elusive Maoist guerrilla chief Prachanda proposed talks with political parties to discuss the possibilities of common protests against the king to press him to roll back his seizure of power.
The rebels -- since launching their violent campaign to set up a single-party communist republic by toppling the monarchy -- have killed hundreds of civilians, including political workers, straining their ties with mainstream political groups.
In April, a landmine planted by the Maoists killed 38 civilians on a bus, but the rebels apologised saying the device was aimed at an army convoy.
The king has ignored international pressure, including from the United States, to restore democracy and analysts say he is far from cutting any deal with the parties or the Maoists.
Gyanendra said he seized power as squabbling parties had failed to control the Maoist rebellion which has left more than 12,500 people dead since 1996. " Sphere: Related Content
'We urge the Maoists to stop attacking unarmed civilians, including political activists, and stop extortion,' the top leaders of seven parties said in a statement.
'We appeal to the rebels to create an atmosphere of confidence and demonstrate that they are sincere about talks with the political parties.'
Nepal's parties have been protesting against the Feb. 1 sacking of the multi-party government by the king, who also suspended civil liberties and curbed media freedom.
Earlier this month, the elusive Maoist guerrilla chief Prachanda proposed talks with political parties to discuss the possibilities of common protests against the king to press him to roll back his seizure of power.
The rebels -- since launching their violent campaign to set up a single-party communist republic by toppling the monarchy -- have killed hundreds of civilians, including political workers, straining their ties with mainstream political groups.
In April, a landmine planted by the Maoists killed 38 civilians on a bus, but the rebels apologised saying the device was aimed at an army convoy.
The king has ignored international pressure, including from the United States, to restore democracy and analysts say he is far from cutting any deal with the parties or the Maoists.
Gyanendra said he seized power as squabbling parties had failed to control the Maoist rebellion which has left more than 12,500 people dead since 1996. " Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, July 24, 2005
30 injured in Nepal clash
Kathmandu, July 24.(PTI): At least 30 people, including two ex-ministers, were injured here today as riot police baton-charged protestors demanding release of former Nepalese prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba from detention, party sources and police said.
Some 500 Deuba supporters, including his Nepali Congress (Democratic) leaders and students chanting anti-King slogans and waving party flags demonstrated at Pulchowk in Kathmandu, in front of the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) that is trying the former prime minister.
Police baton-charged the demonstrators as they blocked the road, raising slogans like 'Release our leader, scrap the illegal Commission' and 'We want a republic'.
The protestors also pelted stones at the police, injuring several of them, an official said.
Those injured in the lathicharge included former ministers Homnath Dahal and Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC (Democratic) spokesman Minendra Rijal said.
Two student leaders were also seriously injured during the clash.
The demonstrators were demanding the release of Deuba and former minister Prakash Man Singh, who are facing trial under detention of the RCCC for alleged financial irregularities in connection with an ADB-funded drinking water project.
However, the final hearing of the case could not take place today as expected and next hearing is slated for tomorrow.
Deuba says the commission is illegal and has refused to cooperate with it." Sphere: Related Content
Some 500 Deuba supporters, including his Nepali Congress (Democratic) leaders and students chanting anti-King slogans and waving party flags demonstrated at Pulchowk in Kathmandu, in front of the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) that is trying the former prime minister.
Police baton-charged the demonstrators as they blocked the road, raising slogans like 'Release our leader, scrap the illegal Commission' and 'We want a republic'.
The protestors also pelted stones at the police, injuring several of them, an official said.
Those injured in the lathicharge included former ministers Homnath Dahal and Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC (Democratic) spokesman Minendra Rijal said.
Two student leaders were also seriously injured during the clash.
The demonstrators were demanding the release of Deuba and former minister Prakash Man Singh, who are facing trial under detention of the RCCC for alleged financial irregularities in connection with an ADB-funded drinking water project.
However, the final hearing of the case could not take place today as expected and next hearing is slated for tomorrow.
Deuba says the commission is illegal and has refused to cooperate with it." Sphere: Related Content
Friday, July 22, 2005
Xinhua - English | 11 guerrillas killed in security operations in Nepal
KATHMANDU, July 22 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 11 anti-government guerrillas were killed in separate security operations in different parts of Nepal, the Army said here Friday.
Security forces on Friday killed two anti-government guerrillasat Koilbar area of western Kapilbastu district, some 300 km west of Kathmandu, Royal Nepal Army Public Relation Directorate said ina press statement.
The security forces killed another two anti-government guerrillas at Thadibhija area of central Dhanusha district, some 200 km southeast of Kathmandu, the press statement said.
Security forces discovered four bodies of guerrillas from the clash site in Juwakot area of Arghakhanchi district of western Nepal, some 300 km west of Kathmandu.
They also discovered huge cache of explosives, socket bombs and guerrillas logistics from clash sites on Friday.
On Thursday, the security forces killed three guerrillas duringa search operation at Purtimkada area of mid-western Rukum district, some 400 km west of Kathmandu, according to the press statement." Sphere: Related Content
Security forces on Friday killed two anti-government guerrillasat Koilbar area of western Kapilbastu district, some 300 km west of Kathmandu, Royal Nepal Army Public Relation Directorate said ina press statement.
The security forces killed another two anti-government guerrillas at Thadibhija area of central Dhanusha district, some 200 km southeast of Kathmandu, the press statement said.
Security forces discovered four bodies of guerrillas from the clash site in Juwakot area of Arghakhanchi district of western Nepal, some 300 km west of Kathmandu.
They also discovered huge cache of explosives, socket bombs and guerrillas logistics from clash sites on Friday.
On Thursday, the security forces killed three guerrillas duringa search operation at Purtimkada area of mid-western Rukum district, some 400 km west of Kathmandu, according to the press statement." Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Norway cuts financial aid to Nepal
Kathmandu, July 21 (PTI): Norway said today it would reduce its aid to Nepal by 10 per cent next year and will not enter into any new agreements with the Himalayan Kingdom to protest the seizure of power by King Gyayendra in February.
'The Norwegian government considers the development after February 1 as a serious setback with regard to multi-party democracy, constitutional monarchy, human rights and to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing Maoist conflict,' a statement issued by the Royal Norwegian Embassy here said.
The government of Norway has also decided not to enter into any new bilateral agreement with Nepal, Norwegian Ambassador Tore Toreng said.
The assistance includes funding the crucial 26.5 km diversion tunnel from Melamchi River to Sundarijal.
Norway has also cut-down its financial assistance to Nepal by 2.25 million US dollars committed for 2006.
Norway will now focus more on efforts to promote democracy and human rights, including support to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights mission in Nepal.
However, the decision to cut financial aid will not affect Norway's ongoing commitments under the Education for All Programme, the statement said.
Norway said it would reconsider the development assistance if concrete steps are taken to restore multi-party democracy, improve human rights situation and to engage in a peace dialogue." Sphere: Related Content
'The Norwegian government considers the development after February 1 as a serious setback with regard to multi-party democracy, constitutional monarchy, human rights and to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing Maoist conflict,' a statement issued by the Royal Norwegian Embassy here said.
The government of Norway has also decided not to enter into any new bilateral agreement with Nepal, Norwegian Ambassador Tore Toreng said.
The assistance includes funding the crucial 26.5 km diversion tunnel from Melamchi River to Sundarijal.
Norway has also cut-down its financial assistance to Nepal by 2.25 million US dollars committed for 2006.
Norway will now focus more on efforts to promote democracy and human rights, including support to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights mission in Nepal.
However, the decision to cut financial aid will not affect Norway's ongoing commitments under the Education for All Programme, the statement said.
Norway said it would reconsider the development assistance if concrete steps are taken to restore multi-party democracy, improve human rights situation and to engage in a peace dialogue." Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
China delivers on old deal under new Nepal regime
Posted online: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 0101 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JULY 19: As the political process in Nepal gathers steam with the political parties putting up a united front, there are signs of Beijing trying to strengthen its engagement with Kathmandu.
While no military order has so far been placed with Beijing after King Gyanendra assumed power in February, China has recently supplied five armoured personnel carriers (APC) to Nepal. Earlier, Nepal had asked India for APCs.
This, sources say, was part of an old contract signed two years ago according to which China is to supply 14 wheeled APCs to Nepal. Seven of them were delivered last year while five more have been given now. The carriers, all painted white, have been kept at the UN Training School in Kathmandu. It’s learnt that this flows from an understanding to assist Nepalese forces going for UN peacekeeping assignments. These forces are trained at this school ahead of any such international commitment.
However, South Block officials felt this cannot be seen as an effort by China to broaden the scope of its military supplies to Nepal as no fresh orders have been placed after February 1. But there is a sense that China is inclined to engage Nepal on the issue of military supplies, given the difficulties it is facing with India, US and the UK.
While New Delhi has released some jeeps and other material to Nepal, the resumption of supplies is restricted to non-military aid. Kathmandu is more keen on immediate resumption of small arms ammunition supplies. It apparently faces an acute shortage of this ammunition and feels this is beginning to hamper the Royal Nepal Army’s efforts against the Maoists.
Washington too has been inclined to reassess resumption of complete military aid to Nepal but New Delhi feels Gyanendra has to first take more ‘‘credible’’ steps towards restoring democracy.
The Maoists, meanwhile, have indicated a willingness to hold talks with the political parties. Sphere: Related Content
NEW DELHI, JULY 19: As the political process in Nepal gathers steam with the political parties putting up a united front, there are signs of Beijing trying to strengthen its engagement with Kathmandu.
While no military order has so far been placed with Beijing after King Gyanendra assumed power in February, China has recently supplied five armoured personnel carriers (APC) to Nepal. Earlier, Nepal had asked India for APCs.
This, sources say, was part of an old contract signed two years ago according to which China is to supply 14 wheeled APCs to Nepal. Seven of them were delivered last year while five more have been given now. The carriers, all painted white, have been kept at the UN Training School in Kathmandu. It’s learnt that this flows from an understanding to assist Nepalese forces going for UN peacekeeping assignments. These forces are trained at this school ahead of any such international commitment.
However, South Block officials felt this cannot be seen as an effort by China to broaden the scope of its military supplies to Nepal as no fresh orders have been placed after February 1. But there is a sense that China is inclined to engage Nepal on the issue of military supplies, given the difficulties it is facing with India, US and the UK.
While New Delhi has released some jeeps and other material to Nepal, the resumption of supplies is restricted to non-military aid. Kathmandu is more keen on immediate resumption of small arms ammunition supplies. It apparently faces an acute shortage of this ammunition and feels this is beginning to hamper the Royal Nepal Army’s efforts against the Maoists.
Washington too has been inclined to reassess resumption of complete military aid to Nepal but New Delhi feels Gyanendra has to first take more ‘‘credible’’ steps towards restoring democracy.
The Maoists, meanwhile, have indicated a willingness to hold talks with the political parties. Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Reuters AlertNet - Students hurt in Nepal street protest
19 Jul 2005 08:07:32 GMT
Source: Reuters
KATHMANDU, July 19 (Reuters) - Six people were injured in Nepal on Tuesday when police broke up a protest staged to demand the release of student union leaders arrested for opposing a government order to print photographs of the king in text books.
'It was like a battlefield. Some of the students were profusely bleeding after police beat them,' Kathmandu taxi driver Bhagawan Chhetri said. 'The students then threw stones at cars before being chased away by police.'
Police in the Nepali capital said six of the roughly 200 demonstrators were hurt and dozens were detained.
The impoverished nation has been in turmoil since February, when King Gyanendra suspended democracy and seized power saying the move was necessary to crush an anti-monarchy Maoist revolt in which more than 12,500 people have died since 1996.
The Maoists want to install a communist republic in the Himalayan nation, which is tucked between China and India.
Pro-democracy activists and students regularly protest in Nepal, shouting slogans against the king and criticising the extraordinary powers he retains even after lifting emergency rule in April. Last week, top U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi called during a visit to Nepal for an early restoration of democracy and an end to the conflict with the Maoists, saying one of the world's 10 poorest nations was facing a serious crisis.
In new violence, suspected Maoist rebels stormed a spinning mill in eastern Nepal at the weekend and bombed a key factory producing yarn, police said. " Sphere: Related Content
Source: Reuters
KATHMANDU, July 19 (Reuters) - Six people were injured in Nepal on Tuesday when police broke up a protest staged to demand the release of student union leaders arrested for opposing a government order to print photographs of the king in text books.
'It was like a battlefield. Some of the students were profusely bleeding after police beat them,' Kathmandu taxi driver Bhagawan Chhetri said. 'The students then threw stones at cars before being chased away by police.'
Police in the Nepali capital said six of the roughly 200 demonstrators were hurt and dozens were detained.
The impoverished nation has been in turmoil since February, when King Gyanendra suspended democracy and seized power saying the move was necessary to crush an anti-monarchy Maoist revolt in which more than 12,500 people have died since 1996.
The Maoists want to install a communist republic in the Himalayan nation, which is tucked between China and India.
Pro-democracy activists and students regularly protest in Nepal, shouting slogans against the king and criticising the extraordinary powers he retains even after lifting emergency rule in April. Last week, top U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi called during a visit to Nepal for an early restoration of democracy and an end to the conflict with the Maoists, saying one of the world's 10 poorest nations was facing a serious crisis.
In new violence, suspected Maoist rebels stormed a spinning mill in eastern Nepal at the weekend and bombed a key factory producing yarn, police said. " Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Xinhua - English | Guerrillas bomb biggest spinning mill in Nepal
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-17 17:24:11
KATHMANDU, July 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Nepali anti-government guerrillas Saturday night exploded cylinder bombs at the country's biggest spinning factory, local police officer said Sunday.
'The rebels detonated powerful bombs at Reliance Spinning and Weaving Mills in Khanar, Sunsari in eastern Nepal at around 10:45 p.m. (0500GMT) Saturday night,' local police officer said, adding,'Nobody has been reported injured in the incident.'
'About 15 rebels carrying weapons and bombs overpowered the security guards and entered the control room of the factory,' saidD.P. Mishra, chief officer of the mill.
The guerrillas bombed the control room and two of its warehouses which led to fire, and the fire has engulfed the factory and had not been controlled till early Sunday morning, Mishra said.
Two factory buildings have been destroyed completely. The explosion and the subsequent fire outbreak in the mill caused damage worth 300 million Nepali rupees (4.3 million US dollars), according to Mishra.
Locals, security personnel and factory employees along with 10 fire brigades had been fighting to bring the fire under control, the police officer added.
The mill, the largest spinning mill in Nepal, was established with an investment of 2.8 billion Nepali Rupees (40 million US dollars) in 1995." Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Nepali anti-government guerrillas Saturday night exploded cylinder bombs at the country's biggest spinning factory, local police officer said Sunday.
'The rebels detonated powerful bombs at Reliance Spinning and Weaving Mills in Khanar, Sunsari in eastern Nepal at around 10:45 p.m. (0500GMT) Saturday night,' local police officer said, adding,'Nobody has been reported injured in the incident.'
'About 15 rebels carrying weapons and bombs overpowered the security guards and entered the control room of the factory,' saidD.P. Mishra, chief officer of the mill.
The guerrillas bombed the control room and two of its warehouses which led to fire, and the fire has engulfed the factory and had not been controlled till early Sunday morning, Mishra said.
Two factory buildings have been destroyed completely. The explosion and the subsequent fire outbreak in the mill caused damage worth 300 million Nepali rupees (4.3 million US dollars), according to Mishra.
Locals, security personnel and factory employees along with 10 fire brigades had been fighting to bring the fire under control, the police officer added.
The mill, the largest spinning mill in Nepal, was established with an investment of 2.8 billion Nepali Rupees (40 million US dollars) in 1995." Sphere: Related Content
Friday, July 15, 2005
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Nepal King Appoints a Dozen New Ministers
Friday July 15, 2005 7:01 AM
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA
Associated Press Writer
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's king appointed a dozen loyalists to ministerial jobs on Friday in a setback for chances of reconciliation between the monarch who seized absolute power early this year and the country's political parties.
King Gyanendra had asked the country's main political parties to nominate candidates for the Cabinet. But the parties all refused because they oppose the king's direct control over the government and instead organized street protests to demand that he restore democracy. The 12 new ministers and junior ministers announced Friday are all known supporters of the king.
The appointments announced by the royal palace were the king's third shuffling of his ministers since he seized absolute power in February, ousting the previous government and imposing tight controls on dissent.
``This indicates the king is going to do what he pleases, and he will not try to reconcile with the political parties,'' said Arjun Narsingh, spokesman for the Nepali Congress party.
Among the new ministers are former Home Minister Niranjan Thapa, who played a key role in trying to put down a 1990 revolt. That uprising had forced the previous king to establish parliamentary democracy. He was named the new law and justice minister.
Prakash Koirala, who was expelled from Nepali Congress party for his open support for the king, was given the post of minister for environment, science and technology. Other party defectors were also rewarded with ministerial jobs.
Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal and country's five other major parties have formed an alliance to try force the king to roll back his takeover of the government in this Himalayan country. The king said he needed the expanded authority to fight the country's Maoist insurgency and control corruption among the politicians." Sphere: Related Content
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA
Associated Press Writer
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's king appointed a dozen loyalists to ministerial jobs on Friday in a setback for chances of reconciliation between the monarch who seized absolute power early this year and the country's political parties.
King Gyanendra had asked the country's main political parties to nominate candidates for the Cabinet. But the parties all refused because they oppose the king's direct control over the government and instead organized street protests to demand that he restore democracy. The 12 new ministers and junior ministers announced Friday are all known supporters of the king.
The appointments announced by the royal palace were the king's third shuffling of his ministers since he seized absolute power in February, ousting the previous government and imposing tight controls on dissent.
``This indicates the king is going to do what he pleases, and he will not try to reconcile with the political parties,'' said Arjun Narsingh, spokesman for the Nepali Congress party.
Among the new ministers are former Home Minister Niranjan Thapa, who played a key role in trying to put down a 1990 revolt. That uprising had forced the previous king to establish parliamentary democracy. He was named the new law and justice minister.
Prakash Koirala, who was expelled from Nepali Congress party for his open support for the king, was given the post of minister for environment, science and technology. Other party defectors were also rewarded with ministerial jobs.
Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal and country's five other major parties have formed an alliance to try force the king to roll back his takeover of the government in this Himalayan country. The king said he needed the expanded authority to fight the country's Maoist insurgency and control corruption among the politicians." Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, July 14, 2005
It's Go-Go in Kathmandu, but Nepal frozen in crisis
By Terry Friel
KATHMANDU, July 14 (Reuters) - It's an hour before midnight and Kathmandu's Go Go Bar, a portrait of the Dalai Lama by the entrance, is packed with the boisterous sons of Nepal's new middle class stuffing cash into the dancers' knickers.
Kathmandu is humming, its young people spending big on drugs, disco and drink. Sometimes, within sight of King Gyanendra's palace, as in the Go Go Bar, where the dancers wear everything from full traditional dress to skimpy shorts and bra.
But while the capital parties, Nepal is paralysed by a political crisis and an increasingly bloody Maoist rebellion aiming to oust Gyanendra, who seized power in February, ended 15 years of democracy, arrested politicians and censored the media.
'Nobody knows what will happen -- a kind of terror still exists,' says human rights campaigner Krishna Pahadi, freed this month after 143 days imprisoned in a room in a police camp.
'There is a climate of fear. The rule of law is totally demolished.'
The military presence on the streets of Kathmandu is less overt than it was six months ago, except for occasional foot patrols and armoured cars.
But political activists say 25,000 plain-clothes security men are on the streets, eavesdropping on anyone who stops too long.
Gyanendra said he was forced to take over because the politicians were incapable of quelling the Maoists' 'People's War', which has killed at least 12,500 people since 1996.
But five months on he is no closer to a deal with the guerrillas or with the seven mainstream political parties. Both the army and the Maoists concede they cannot win on the battlefield.
COMPROMISE OR TURMOIL?
'If there was a military solution, then the army would have done it by now or the Maoists would have taken over Kathmandu,' says S.D. Muni, a South Asia expert at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University.
The political parties are slowly forming a united front and appear to be moving closer to the Maoists, who have appealed to the parties to talk with them to increase pressure on the king.
The Maoists and the parties now agree there should be an election for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution and review the role of the monarchy.
'The two (parties and rebels) coming together would build up pressure on the king,' says Muni. 'Either he makes compromises, or if he does not, then I think Nepal will see a lot of turmoil in coming years.'
But analysts expect no real breakthrough for at least three to four months, when the parties can organise protests after the monsoon and crop-sowing season.
The political parties have so far failed to rally popular support against the king, despite his increasing unpopularity.
'The parties have to first understand what the people want,' says Nara Hari Acharya, a senior member of the leading Nepali Congress party who was imprisoned for five months. 'The parties still have the same old leaders who have failed us in the past.'
Even before the Feb. 1 royal coup, the Hindu kingdom, one of the world's poorest nations, had seen remarkable political instability, with 14 prime ministers in under 15 years.
In fact, for hundreds of years, it has seen bizarre power plays, murder, exile and takeovers between royalty and the upper caste Brahmins and Chettriyas who dominate the still largely feudal country.
Parliament has been dissolved since 2002, when Nepal was supposed to prepare for elections. Gyanendra sacked the then prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, for failing to hold them.
The palace says Gyanendra is popular and adored, but many Nepalis are suspicious of the way he came to power, after his brother, King Birendra, and several other members of the royal family were gunned down by the then crown prince in 2001.
'His actions have definitely made him unpopular,' says Acharya. 'But he was always unpopular, particularly after the royal massacre. People don't have confidence in him. It is not easy to protect and save the monarchy in Nepal now.'
Said one teenage girl, careful not to be overheard: 'We don't like monarchy. We want democracy. We will get it.'
Acharya, a 52-year-old former minister touted as a possible leader among the next generation of politicians, suggests the constitution be changed to allow periodic votes on whether the monarchy should continue.
Analysts say support for a republic is growing.
During festivities marking Gyanendra's 59th birthday last week a visiting priest from India's holy Hindu city of Ayodhya, 63-year-old Swamy Sudarsanacharya, blessed the man revered as an incarnation of the Hindu god of protection, Vishnu, so that he could bring peace to his nation of 26 million.
'There must be peace so that everyone in Nepal will be happy and prosperous,' he said, waiting in line to see the king." Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 14 (Reuters) - It's an hour before midnight and Kathmandu's Go Go Bar, a portrait of the Dalai Lama by the entrance, is packed with the boisterous sons of Nepal's new middle class stuffing cash into the dancers' knickers.
Kathmandu is humming, its young people spending big on drugs, disco and drink. Sometimes, within sight of King Gyanendra's palace, as in the Go Go Bar, where the dancers wear everything from full traditional dress to skimpy shorts and bra.
But while the capital parties, Nepal is paralysed by a political crisis and an increasingly bloody Maoist rebellion aiming to oust Gyanendra, who seized power in February, ended 15 years of democracy, arrested politicians and censored the media.
'Nobody knows what will happen -- a kind of terror still exists,' says human rights campaigner Krishna Pahadi, freed this month after 143 days imprisoned in a room in a police camp.
'There is a climate of fear. The rule of law is totally demolished.'
The military presence on the streets of Kathmandu is less overt than it was six months ago, except for occasional foot patrols and armoured cars.
But political activists say 25,000 plain-clothes security men are on the streets, eavesdropping on anyone who stops too long.
Gyanendra said he was forced to take over because the politicians were incapable of quelling the Maoists' 'People's War', which has killed at least 12,500 people since 1996.
But five months on he is no closer to a deal with the guerrillas or with the seven mainstream political parties. Both the army and the Maoists concede they cannot win on the battlefield.
COMPROMISE OR TURMOIL?
'If there was a military solution, then the army would have done it by now or the Maoists would have taken over Kathmandu,' says S.D. Muni, a South Asia expert at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University.
The political parties are slowly forming a united front and appear to be moving closer to the Maoists, who have appealed to the parties to talk with them to increase pressure on the king.
The Maoists and the parties now agree there should be an election for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution and review the role of the monarchy.
'The two (parties and rebels) coming together would build up pressure on the king,' says Muni. 'Either he makes compromises, or if he does not, then I think Nepal will see a lot of turmoil in coming years.'
But analysts expect no real breakthrough for at least three to four months, when the parties can organise protests after the monsoon and crop-sowing season.
The political parties have so far failed to rally popular support against the king, despite his increasing unpopularity.
'The parties have to first understand what the people want,' says Nara Hari Acharya, a senior member of the leading Nepali Congress party who was imprisoned for five months. 'The parties still have the same old leaders who have failed us in the past.'
Even before the Feb. 1 royal coup, the Hindu kingdom, one of the world's poorest nations, had seen remarkable political instability, with 14 prime ministers in under 15 years.
In fact, for hundreds of years, it has seen bizarre power plays, murder, exile and takeovers between royalty and the upper caste Brahmins and Chettriyas who dominate the still largely feudal country.
Parliament has been dissolved since 2002, when Nepal was supposed to prepare for elections. Gyanendra sacked the then prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, for failing to hold them.
The palace says Gyanendra is popular and adored, but many Nepalis are suspicious of the way he came to power, after his brother, King Birendra, and several other members of the royal family were gunned down by the then crown prince in 2001.
'His actions have definitely made him unpopular,' says Acharya. 'But he was always unpopular, particularly after the royal massacre. People don't have confidence in him. It is not easy to protect and save the monarchy in Nepal now.'
Said one teenage girl, careful not to be overheard: 'We don't like monarchy. We want democracy. We will get it.'
Acharya, a 52-year-old former minister touted as a possible leader among the next generation of politicians, suggests the constitution be changed to allow periodic votes on whether the monarchy should continue.
Analysts say support for a republic is growing.
During festivities marking Gyanendra's 59th birthday last week a visiting priest from India's holy Hindu city of Ayodhya, 63-year-old Swamy Sudarsanacharya, blessed the man revered as an incarnation of the Hindu god of protection, Vishnu, so that he could bring peace to his nation of 26 million.
'There must be peace so that everyone in Nepal will be happy and prosperous,' he said, waiting in line to see the king." Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Air Sahara to resume flight to Nepal- The Economic Times
IANS[ WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2005 12:04:42 PM]
NEW DELHI: Air Sahara will resume its daily service to Kathmandu Sep 1, exactly seven months after a royal coup and declaration of emergency forced the airline to shut operations to the Himalayan kingdom.
'We should resume services to Kathmandu Sep 1. It's a sector that has a lot of demand and we've lost out on revenue after the political events in Nepal, but things on the flight services front should be normal soon,' Air Sahara president Ronojoy Dutta said.
Air Sahara cancelled flights between Delhi and Kathmandu after King Gyanendra Feb 1 sacked the Sher Bahadur Deuba government and declared a state of emergency with the army's help.
The day Gyanendra took over, an Air Sahara morning flight had reached Kathmandu and hovered over Tribhuvan international airport before returning to Delhi as air traffic controllers refused permission to land.
Following the closure of Nepal's airspace, other Indian airlines - Jet Airways and State-run Indian Airlines - also cancelled services to the country.
India's Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had said that flights would resume only when the Nepal government created a conducive situation.
'We hope to resume services before Sep 1 as we're losing revenue every day, but these things are not just in our hands. The feedback from our partners (travel agents) indicates that the passengers want this (flight) to be operational as soon as possible,' Dutta said.
Dutta added that the airline was looking to launch operations on the Hong Kong and Bangkok routes, subject to a go-ahead from the government and availability of airport slots." Sphere: Related Content
NEW DELHI: Air Sahara will resume its daily service to Kathmandu Sep 1, exactly seven months after a royal coup and declaration of emergency forced the airline to shut operations to the Himalayan kingdom.
'We should resume services to Kathmandu Sep 1. It's a sector that has a lot of demand and we've lost out on revenue after the political events in Nepal, but things on the flight services front should be normal soon,' Air Sahara president Ronojoy Dutta said.
Air Sahara cancelled flights between Delhi and Kathmandu after King Gyanendra Feb 1 sacked the Sher Bahadur Deuba government and declared a state of emergency with the army's help.
The day Gyanendra took over, an Air Sahara morning flight had reached Kathmandu and hovered over Tribhuvan international airport before returning to Delhi as air traffic controllers refused permission to land.
Following the closure of Nepal's airspace, other Indian airlines - Jet Airways and State-run Indian Airlines - also cancelled services to the country.
India's Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had said that flights would resume only when the Nepal government created a conducive situation.
'We hope to resume services before Sep 1 as we're losing revenue every day, but these things are not just in our hands. The feedback from our partners (travel agents) indicates that the passengers want this (flight) to be operational as soon as possible,' Dutta said.
Dutta added that the airline was looking to launch operations on the Hong Kong and Bangkok routes, subject to a go-ahead from the government and availability of airport slots." Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Nepal bomb explosion kills two children
KATMANDU, Nepal, July 12 (UPI) -- Two children died and three were injured Tuesday in western Nepal when a stray bomb they found in the jungle exploded, police said.
A district police officer said two 13-year-olds were killed and three other children were hospitalized with serious injuries in the accident that occurred in the jungle area of Amkhaiya in the district of Kailali, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) west of the capital of Katmandu.
The youngsters were grazing their livestock in the jungle when the explosion occurred, the Katmandu-based Kantipur Online reported.
Maoist insurgents frequently leave bombs in fields, along roads and even in schoolyards to intimidate local populations into complying with their demands.
More than 12,000 Nepalese have been killed since the anti-government insurgency began in the Himalayan kingdom in February 1996." Sphere: Related Content
A district police officer said two 13-year-olds were killed and three other children were hospitalized with serious injuries in the accident that occurred in the jungle area of Amkhaiya in the district of Kailali, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) west of the capital of Katmandu.
The youngsters were grazing their livestock in the jungle when the explosion occurred, the Katmandu-based Kantipur Online reported.
Maoist insurgents frequently leave bombs in fields, along roads and even in schoolyards to intimidate local populations into complying with their demands.
More than 12,000 Nepalese have been killed since the anti-government insurgency began in the Himalayan kingdom in February 1996." Sphere: Related Content
Monday, July 11, 2005
India not satisfied with Nepal King - Sify.com
Sunday, 10 July , 2005, 11:29
New Delhi: After sending a consignment of non-lethal defence equipment to Nepal, India on Sunday said the movement towards restoration of democracy in that country was 'not satisfactory' and further military supply would be under review.
'The situation in Nepal is the same. There is no improvement,' official sources said, a day after Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, India's Ambassador to the Himalayan Kingdom arrived to brief the government on the latest developments in that country.
Insisting that King Gyanendra, who seized power on February one, was not doing enough to restore democracy as promised to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Jakarta in May, sources said 'there is an unsatisfactory stalemate'.
They noted that a number of political prisoners have been released from jails recently but said not much is being done to lift curbs or holding of elections.
India has sent a consignment of non-lethal defence equipment to Nepal which 'was in the pipeline', the sources said.
The equipment is very crucial for the Nepal Army for its fight against Maoists, they said, indicating that there was no move to resume lethal supplies.
Mukherjee, who will be here for about a week, will brief the government about the latest situation in Nepal. He will meet External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and other senior officials of the External Affairs Ministry." Sphere: Related Content
New Delhi: After sending a consignment of non-lethal defence equipment to Nepal, India on Sunday said the movement towards restoration of democracy in that country was 'not satisfactory' and further military supply would be under review.
'The situation in Nepal is the same. There is no improvement,' official sources said, a day after Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, India's Ambassador to the Himalayan Kingdom arrived to brief the government on the latest developments in that country.
Insisting that King Gyanendra, who seized power on February one, was not doing enough to restore democracy as promised to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Jakarta in May, sources said 'there is an unsatisfactory stalemate'.
They noted that a number of political prisoners have been released from jails recently but said not much is being done to lift curbs or holding of elections.
India has sent a consignment of non-lethal defence equipment to Nepal which 'was in the pipeline', the sources said.
The equipment is very crucial for the Nepal Army for its fight against Maoists, they said, indicating that there was no move to resume lethal supplies.
Mukherjee, who will be here for about a week, will brief the government about the latest situation in Nepal. He will meet External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and other senior officials of the External Affairs Ministry." Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Four killed in Nepal blast
Kathmandu, July 10. (PTI): At least four people including two civilians were killed in a landmine blast triggered by the Maoists in western Nepal.
Two security personnel and two civilians were killed in the Maoist-laid ambush that exploded at Butawal in west Nepal last evening, police said.
The security team was returning from a patrolling mission on a tractor when they were ambushed.
The civilians killed were the owner of the tractor used by the security personnel and a woman fetching water from a nearby tap at the time, who was caught in the cross-firing that followed the blast.
Five security men and a civilian also sustained injuries in the incident. They were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment." Sphere: Related Content
Two security personnel and two civilians were killed in the Maoist-laid ambush that exploded at Butawal in west Nepal last evening, police said.
The security team was returning from a patrolling mission on a tractor when they were ambushed.
The civilians killed were the owner of the tractor used by the security personnel and a woman fetching water from a nearby tap at the time, who was caught in the cross-firing that followed the blast.
Five security men and a civilian also sustained injuries in the incident. They were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment." Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Tigers training Nepal's Maoists: South Asia : Hindustan Times.com
Kathmandu, July 9, 2005|11:58 IST
Sudeshna Sarkar (IANS)
Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrilla group is providing military training to Nepal's Maoist insurgents in Bihar near the Nepalese border, a media report has said.
In its Friday edition, the South Asia Tribune, an ezine - magazine published on the Internet - from Washington said the Lankan rebels were teaching Nepalese outlaws to form human bomb squads for suicidal missions.
The Tigers are said to be running a training camp in Narkatiaganj and Ghorasahan in Bihar near Nepal's border.
'Women and teenage boys and girls were being recruited for these squads. They also carry cyanide capsules with them,' the report said. The report is said to be based on an interview taken in New Delhi with a Maoist leader.
Though the report did not name the leader, who was described as having come to the Indian capital from Purnea in Bihar, other media reports speculated whether it was Baburam Bhattarai, once the second-in-command of the Maoists, who visited New Delhi in May and met Indian politicians as well as Nepalese political leaders.
The LTTE, also known as Tamil Tigers, and prominent Indian separatist group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were present as special invitees.
The secret meeting reportedly decided the Tigers would provide full support to the Indian and Nepalese Maoists and Indian Maoists would provide shelter and training camps to Nepal's Maoists.
'Tamil Tigers have formed four Human Bomb Dalams (squads) of women,' the report said.
'Each dalam has 20 women. Similarly, 12 dalams of the suicidal squads have been formed. Each dalam has 40 young boys and girls. Indian and Nepalese Maoists are being jointly trained in this camp.'
The report also says French trainers are providing training to Nepalese rebels in Uttaranchal, in districts like Tanakpur, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
The report also said the Maoist leader admitted that Nepal's rebels had joined hands with the Indian outlaws to attack a police station and two state-owned banks in Bihar last month, in which at least 21 people were killed.
However, the Maoists' top leadership had issued a statement soon after such reports, denying any involvement in the raid." Sphere: Related Content
Sudeshna Sarkar (IANS)
Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrilla group is providing military training to Nepal's Maoist insurgents in Bihar near the Nepalese border, a media report has said.
In its Friday edition, the South Asia Tribune, an ezine - magazine published on the Internet - from Washington said the Lankan rebels were teaching Nepalese outlaws to form human bomb squads for suicidal missions.
The Tigers are said to be running a training camp in Narkatiaganj and Ghorasahan in Bihar near Nepal's border.
'Women and teenage boys and girls were being recruited for these squads. They also carry cyanide capsules with them,' the report said. The report is said to be based on an interview taken in New Delhi with a Maoist leader.
Though the report did not name the leader, who was described as having come to the Indian capital from Purnea in Bihar, other media reports speculated whether it was Baburam Bhattarai, once the second-in-command of the Maoists, who visited New Delhi in May and met Indian politicians as well as Nepalese political leaders.
The LTTE, also known as Tamil Tigers, and prominent Indian separatist group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were present as special invitees.
The secret meeting reportedly decided the Tigers would provide full support to the Indian and Nepalese Maoists and Indian Maoists would provide shelter and training camps to Nepal's Maoists.
'Tamil Tigers have formed four Human Bomb Dalams (squads) of women,' the report said.
'Each dalam has 20 women. Similarly, 12 dalams of the suicidal squads have been formed. Each dalam has 40 young boys and girls. Indian and Nepalese Maoists are being jointly trained in this camp.'
The report also says French trainers are providing training to Nepalese rebels in Uttaranchal, in districts like Tanakpur, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
The report also said the Maoist leader admitted that Nepal's rebels had joined hands with the Indian outlaws to attack a police station and two state-owned banks in Bihar last month, in which at least 21 people were killed.
However, the Maoists' top leadership had issued a statement soon after such reports, denying any involvement in the raid." Sphere: Related Content
Friday, July 08, 2005
Nepal army warned about abuses
KATMANDU, Nepal, July 8 (UPI) -- Nepal's army chief has warned soldiers against committing human rights abuses during defensive operations against Maoist rebels.
Maoists hold 11 security personnel hostage (June 23, 2005) -- Nepal's human rights commission has urged Maoist rebels to release 11 kidnapped security personnel taken after clashes.
Nepal army rescues 600 kidnapped children (May 16, 2005) -- Royal Nepalese soldiers have rescued about 600 students who were kidnapped by Maoist rebels from their schools in western Nepal.
India fears influx of Nepalese immigrants (May 3, 2005) -- Political upheaval in Nepal has caused uncontrolled thousands of Nepalese to flee across the border into India, causing growing security ...
Nepal schools close after Maoist attacks (April 18, 2005) -- Most private schools in Nepal outside of the capital and major towns were closed Monday due to threats from Maoist insurgents, local news reports ...
Gen. Pyar Jung Thapa told his soldiers that the protection of human rights was crucial in the fight against the rebels, the BBC reported Thursday.
Thapa also said the army is investigating what he described as alleged extra-judicial killings and would punish those found guilty.
More than a hundred soldiers have been jailed, dismissed or demoted over the past three years.
Both the army and the rebels have been accused by national and international human rights groups of committing excesses. However, since King Gyanendra's takeover in February, the human rights groups have been more critical of government troops.
The king fired the coalition government Feb. 1, seizing direct powers and imposing restrictions on civil liberties. In reaction, India, Britain and the United States withdrew their military support.
In a recent change in policy, India and the United States have resumed the provision of non-lethal assistance, but the suspension of the supply of arms and ammunitions has remained. External military assistance is crucial for the Nepalese army to fight the rebels." Sphere: Related Content
Maoists hold 11 security personnel hostage (June 23, 2005) -- Nepal's human rights commission has urged Maoist rebels to release 11 kidnapped security personnel taken after clashes.
Nepal army rescues 600 kidnapped children (May 16, 2005) -- Royal Nepalese soldiers have rescued about 600 students who were kidnapped by Maoist rebels from their schools in western Nepal.
India fears influx of Nepalese immigrants (May 3, 2005) -- Political upheaval in Nepal has caused uncontrolled thousands of Nepalese to flee across the border into India, causing growing security ...
Nepal schools close after Maoist attacks (April 18, 2005) -- Most private schools in Nepal outside of the capital and major towns were closed Monday due to threats from Maoist insurgents, local news reports ...
Gen. Pyar Jung Thapa told his soldiers that the protection of human rights was crucial in the fight against the rebels, the BBC reported Thursday.
Thapa also said the army is investigating what he described as alleged extra-judicial killings and would punish those found guilty.
More than a hundred soldiers have been jailed, dismissed or demoted over the past three years.
Both the army and the rebels have been accused by national and international human rights groups of committing excesses. However, since King Gyanendra's takeover in February, the human rights groups have been more critical of government troops.
The king fired the coalition government Feb. 1, seizing direct powers and imposing restrictions on civil liberties. In reaction, India, Britain and the United States withdrew their military support.
In a recent change in policy, India and the United States have resumed the provision of non-lethal assistance, but the suspension of the supply of arms and ammunitions has remained. External military assistance is crucial for the Nepalese army to fight the rebels." Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Xinhua - English | UN team to assess situation in Nepal
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-07 13:29:59
KATHMANDU, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- A three-member United Nations team will be visiting Nepal on July 10-15 to assess the overall situation in the country, a statement from the UN Information Center here said Thursday.
'The visit aims at expanding contact between the UN and the Nepali government, leaders of political parties and representatives of the civil society' the statement said.
According to the statement, the team will be headed by Lakhda Brahimi, Special Advisor to UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, and Special Assistant Asif Khan and Senior Political Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Political Affairs, Samuel Tamrat, will be accompanying Brahimi.
Besides gathering information from UN officials in Kathmandu, the team will meet vice-chairmen of the Council Ministers, or cabinet, Tulsi Giri and Kirti Nidhi Bista and Minister for ForeignAffairs Nath Pandey and leaders of all mainstream political parties.
'Brahimi's visit holds special significance because he is the highest-level official sent by Annan to Nepal to study developments here,' it noted.
The team will submit its report directly to Annan, the statement said." Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- A three-member United Nations team will be visiting Nepal on July 10-15 to assess the overall situation in the country, a statement from the UN Information Center here said Thursday.
'The visit aims at expanding contact between the UN and the Nepali government, leaders of political parties and representatives of the civil society' the statement said.
According to the statement, the team will be headed by Lakhda Brahimi, Special Advisor to UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, and Special Assistant Asif Khan and Senior Political Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Political Affairs, Samuel Tamrat, will be accompanying Brahimi.
Besides gathering information from UN officials in Kathmandu, the team will meet vice-chairmen of the Council Ministers, or cabinet, Tulsi Giri and Kirti Nidhi Bista and Minister for ForeignAffairs Nath Pandey and leaders of all mainstream political parties.
'Brahimi's visit holds special significance because he is the highest-level official sent by Annan to Nepal to study developments here,' it noted.
The team will submit its report directly to Annan, the statement said." Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Xinhua - English | Non-lethal arms delivered to Nepal: Indian embassy
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-06 18:20:04
KATHMANDU, July 6 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior official at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu confirmed Wednesday that India had delivered the first shipment of non-lethal arms to Nepal since Feb. 1, 2005.
This was in line with a decision of the Indian government, said Sanjay Verma, spokesperson of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu.
Earlier, some Indian media reports said the shipment crossed the border into Nepal at the weekend.
According to Indian Express, a leading Indian daily, the supplies to Nepal included jeeps, bulletproof jackets, concertina security wires, bunker protection devices and mine-proof vehicles.
India, the United States and Britain had suspended their military aid to Nepal in protest of the assumption of executive powers by the Nepali king on February 1, 2005.
The US officials recently said they had already resumed supply of non-lethal military aid and training for Nepal Royal Army. Britain is also expected to follow suit." Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 6 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior official at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu confirmed Wednesday that India had delivered the first shipment of non-lethal arms to Nepal since Feb. 1, 2005.
This was in line with a decision of the Indian government, said Sanjay Verma, spokesperson of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu.
Earlier, some Indian media reports said the shipment crossed the border into Nepal at the weekend.
According to Indian Express, a leading Indian daily, the supplies to Nepal included jeeps, bulletproof jackets, concertina security wires, bunker protection devices and mine-proof vehicles.
India, the United States and Britain had suspended their military aid to Nepal in protest of the assumption of executive powers by the Nepali king on February 1, 2005.
The US officials recently said they had already resumed supply of non-lethal military aid and training for Nepal Royal Army. Britain is also expected to follow suit." Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Xinhua - English | 17 die of snake-bite in western Nepal
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-05 13:03:23
KATHMANDU, July 5 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 17 persons died of snake-bite in western Nepal since mid of April, an official at the Lumbini Zonal Hospital confirmed here Tuesday.
"At least 17 persons died out of 133 snake-bite patients admitted at the hospital, some 300 km west of Kathmandu, since April 14, this year," Laxmi Raj Regmi, medical recorder from Lumbini Zonal Hospital told reporters.
More snake-bite patients come to the hospital this year in comparison with last year, he noted, adding, "Last year 20 people died out of 110 snake-bite patients admitted at the hospital, but this year 17 people died only in three months."
Every year, with the rise of temperature in summer season, snakes become rampant in almost all districts of the Terai Belt, with hundreds of people dying due to the bites, Regmi noted.
The snake-bite patients, mostly from Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi and Dang districts of western and mid-western Nepal, always come to the hospital for treatment, he added. Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 5 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 17 persons died of snake-bite in western Nepal since mid of April, an official at the Lumbini Zonal Hospital confirmed here Tuesday.
"At least 17 persons died out of 133 snake-bite patients admitted at the hospital, some 300 km west of Kathmandu, since April 14, this year," Laxmi Raj Regmi, medical recorder from Lumbini Zonal Hospital told reporters.
More snake-bite patients come to the hospital this year in comparison with last year, he noted, adding, "Last year 20 people died out of 110 snake-bite patients admitted at the hospital, but this year 17 people died only in three months."
Every year, with the rise of temperature in summer season, snakes become rampant in almost all districts of the Terai Belt, with hundreds of people dying due to the bites, Regmi noted.
The snake-bite patients, mostly from Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi and Dang districts of western and mid-western Nepal, always come to the hospital for treatment, he added. Sphere: Related Content
Monday, July 04, 2005
Xinhua - English | China Study Center sets up branch in mid-western Nepal
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-04 13:34:27
KATHMANDU, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- China Study Center, a non-governmental academic organization in Nepal, has set up a new branch in the country's mid-western city of Nepalgunj.
The branch will play an effective role in strengthening the relationship between Nepal and China from the local level, chairman of the organization, Madan Regmi, told Xinhua.
"It is this year when we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our diplomatic relations. The founding of Nepalgunj Branch is also one of celebrations of amity between our two countries," he said.
According to Regmi, about 40 committee members are working in the newly opened branch including diplomats, doctors and sociologists.
Founded in 2000, China Study Center has already set up 12 branches with over 1,000 members in Nepal's major cities, including Butwal, Biratnagar, Dhulikel, Nepalgunj, Lumbini as wellas Chitwan district.
According to Regmi, the center is planning to establish three more such branches in other places of Nepal by the end of this year, bringing the total number of branches nationwide to 25 within one or two years, he added. Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- China Study Center, a non-governmental academic organization in Nepal, has set up a new branch in the country's mid-western city of Nepalgunj.
The branch will play an effective role in strengthening the relationship between Nepal and China from the local level, chairman of the organization, Madan Regmi, told Xinhua.
"It is this year when we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our diplomatic relations. The founding of Nepalgunj Branch is also one of celebrations of amity between our two countries," he said.
According to Regmi, about 40 committee members are working in the newly opened branch including diplomats, doctors and sociologists.
Founded in 2000, China Study Center has already set up 12 branches with over 1,000 members in Nepal's major cities, including Butwal, Biratnagar, Dhulikel, Nepalgunj, Lumbini as wellas Chitwan district.
According to Regmi, the center is planning to establish three more such branches in other places of Nepal by the end of this year, bringing the total number of branches nationwide to 25 within one or two years, he added. Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Colgate Palmolive plans closure in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 2 (PTI): Colgate Palmolive Nepal Ltd., a subsidiary of Colgate India, is planning to stop operations in the Himalayan Kingdom citing security reasons and scarcity of raw materials, according to a media report here.
CPNL, which started operations in 1997, had closed down for a week in October last year owing to Maoist economic blockade and scarcity of raw materials.
The company now wants to stop operations in the country permanently, local daily Hetauda Sandesh said.
Achyut Raj Pandey, general secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, said over 120 workers of the factory located at Hetauda in central Nepal will directly loose jobs if the company closes down.
About 600 dependents of the workers and thousands of others involved in packaging and other related works will also suffer, he added.
However, the Colgate Palmolive has not yet officially announced its closure. The manager of the company was not immediately available for comment.
Maoist insurgency has affected a number of business enterprises in Nepal including hotels, manufacturing industries and transport companies.
"Colgate Palmolive is not an exception," Pandey said.
A number of Indian joint ventures have allegedly received Maoist threats in the past. Sphere: Related Content
CPNL, which started operations in 1997, had closed down for a week in October last year owing to Maoist economic blockade and scarcity of raw materials.
The company now wants to stop operations in the country permanently, local daily Hetauda Sandesh said.
Achyut Raj Pandey, general secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, said over 120 workers of the factory located at Hetauda in central Nepal will directly loose jobs if the company closes down.
About 600 dependents of the workers and thousands of others involved in packaging and other related works will also suffer, he added.
However, the Colgate Palmolive has not yet officially announced its closure. The manager of the company was not immediately available for comment.
Maoist insurgency has affected a number of business enterprises in Nepal including hotels, manufacturing industries and transport companies.
"Colgate Palmolive is not an exception," Pandey said.
A number of Indian joint ventures have allegedly received Maoist threats in the past. Sphere: Related Content
Friday, July 01, 2005
Xinhua - UN human rights body to expand network in Nepal
www.chinaview.cn 2005-06-30 13:12:18
KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The Office of the United NationsHigh Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kathmandu is all set to expand its network by establishing its branches outside the Kathmandu Valley in the near future, head of the UN body said here Thursday.
"We are actively preparing for the opening in August of our first branch office outside Kathmandu, which will be in Nepalgunj,the largest city in western Nepal, some 500 km west of Kathmandu,"said Ian Martin, head of OHCHR Kathmandu.
OHCHR is also planning to open two other regional offices in Pokhara, some 200 km away from Kathmandu, and Biratnagar, the largest city in eastern Nepal, some 250 km east of Kathmandu, by October.
OHCHR's independent operating mission in Kathmandu was formed as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nepal government and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbouron April 11 this year. Sphere: Related Content
KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The Office of the United NationsHigh Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kathmandu is all set to expand its network by establishing its branches outside the Kathmandu Valley in the near future, head of the UN body said here Thursday.
"We are actively preparing for the opening in August of our first branch office outside Kathmandu, which will be in Nepalgunj,the largest city in western Nepal, some 500 km west of Kathmandu,"said Ian Martin, head of OHCHR Kathmandu.
OHCHR is also planning to open two other regional offices in Pokhara, some 200 km away from Kathmandu, and Biratnagar, the largest city in eastern Nepal, some 250 km east of Kathmandu, by October.
OHCHR's independent operating mission in Kathmandu was formed as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nepal government and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbouron April 11 this year. Sphere: Related Content
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