Mizoram to grant OBC status to Gorkhas: Mizoram to grant OBC status to Gorkhas: Minister

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Aizawl, July 14 (PTI) The Mizoram government will do “everything” to ensure the inclusion of Gorkhas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Rural Development Minister H Vanlalauva said here today. “Gorkhas as have been living in the state for more than a hundred years and have gained acceptance,” he said at a function of the Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association to commemorate the 194th birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya, a Nepali religious leader and writer.

“Gorkhas are now included in the voters’ list for village council polls” the minister said. A crematorium was set up for the community by the Local Administration Department. ”The fact that 21 Gorkhas went underground and joined the Mizo National Front (MNF) when the latter was fighting for independence from the country showed the solidarity of the community with the Mizo people,” he noted. Acharya was born in Nepal on July 13, 1814 and was a prominent religious leader, who translated the Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali. PTI HCV SUS JO 07141807 DEL

One arrested for cheating a Nepalese national

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Kolkata Jul 14 (PTI) One person was arrested on the charge of cheating a huge amount of money from a BPO executive who was a Nepalese national here today.

Bobby Seal- a resident of Behala in the Southern fringes of the city was arrested by the detective department of Kolkata police because he has allegedly cheated 4.23 lakh from Jasbahadur Nepal-joint director of a Nepal based BPO- Ruk Net Business. ”Nepal’s company owed 1.5 crore from a India based comapny and Seal who owned a detective agency named- Bolstered Recovery Agency — promised Nepal of recovering the money” Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department), Jawed Samim said.

“He took the entire sum in different ways sometimes for leagal formalities and sometimes for providing money to musclemen who will facilittate process of recovering the amount” Samim said. This is not the first Seal has been involved in these kinds of cheating cases. In January this year he was arrested on the basis of a complaint by the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax who alleged that Seal took money from different people by saying that he would give them job in the income tax department.

Nepali Baba: Saint of a non-Gorkhali Community

By Jyoti Thapa Mani

Paramhansa Yogananda: …the truth in the scriptural verses which state that a man of self-realization can appear at different places in two or more bodies at the same time. [Inset: Mahatmaji. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani]

On the 15^th of April, hundreds of people stream into a little village to celebrate the annual Pooja of the ‘Nepali baba’ also known as Mahatmaji. The celebration is unique as it was totally multi-ethnic—Ghiraths, Paharis, Gorkhalis, —all gathered unanimously to sing bhajans and perform religious ceremonies for the late Nepali Mahatmaji.

He appeared one day in the small non-Gorkhali village of Makroti in the Kangra District of HP. This was way back in the 1940s. He told them his name was Nar Bahadur Thapa, and that he was from Nepal. Initial suspicions gave way to such earnest devotion, that when Nar Bahadur or ‘Mahatmaji’ died years later, Makroti and other surrounding villages literally fought over his burial site. More than half a century after his demise, Makroti worships him as a saint. They believe he brought prosperity, good luck and happiness to the impoverished village

About twenty kms from Dharamshala, Makroti is an archetypical Himachal village above the meandering curve of the river Gaj Khola. Narrow paths wind around walls enclosing courtyards with huts, cows, buffaloes and trees. Life moves at a lazy pace here. The inhabitants are by and large Ghiraths; the ancient agricultural community of Himachal Pradesh. Mahatmaji lived in a three-sided room in the upper storey of a farmer’s home. Today, the family has kept the room exactly as it was during his time. The floor is clean and coated with the cow dung paste, crusty and smoothened in circular curves. His pair of wooden khadaus or slippers still remains here. [Inset: A statue of Mahatmaji in a temple dedicated to him. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani.]

Further away towards the outskirts of the village Mahatmaji had built a meditation hut. Situated at the village’s edge above the wide Gaj Khola River below, Mahatmaji stayed here whenever he sought solitude. Now there is just a foundation. There are lots of tales about this place. Once a curious boy decided to peer in from the thatched roof and saw Mahatmaji in a sitting posture with a huge cobra around his neck.

Finally after some years of meditation, discourses and bhajans, Mahatmaji announced that he was going into a long samadhi and nobody was to disturb him. The villagers were instructed to refill a bottle of water that he would leave outside once a day. He then collected all his papers and books and set them afire outside the door. Thereafter he barricaded himself soundly inside and never emerged. Everyday the empty bottle would emerge, be refilled and left outside the hole provided for the transaction. This went on for quite some weeks till the bottle remained uncollected for many days. When they broke open the door they found Mahatmaji lying on his side with his head on his folded elbow. He was gone.

Peer support

FROM DNA MUMBAI

Lord Billimoria, the man who introduced Cobra beer to the British curry-eating masses, is pleading on behalf of Gorkha soldiers in the UK. He recently made a speech in the House of Lords, asking that a bill that disallows Gorkha soldiers in the British army from staying on in Britain after retirement should be reconsidered.

A fellow peer called the speech a “moving address.” Lord Billimoria’s enthusiasm for Gorkha soldiers is not unsurprising — his father, Lt General, Faridoon Bilimoria who was the former GOC-in-C of the Indian Army and president of the Gorkha Brigade commanded the 5th Gorkha Rifles Frontier Force.

World’s oldest blogger’ dies in Australia

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Sydney, July 14 (AFP) An Australian woman described as the world’s oldest Internet blogger has died at the age of 108 after posting a final message about singing “a happy song” in her nursing home. Olive Riley “passed away peacefully on July 12 and will be mourned by thousands of Internet friends and hundreds of descendants and other relatives,” a note on her website said.

Riley had posted more than 70 entries on her blog since February last year, sharing her thoughts on modern life and her experiences living through the entire 20th century. Born on October 20 1899, she lived through two world wars and raised three children while doing various jobs, including ranch cook and barmaid. In her final post on June 26, she wrote: “I can’t believe I’ve been here in this nursing home for more than a week.
“How the days have flown, even though I’ve been in bed most of the time. I still feel weak, and can’t shake off that bad cough.

“Penny, who’s in the next bed to mine, had a visit one day this week from her daughter, who’s a professional singer. Guess what happened! She and I sang a happy song, as I do every day, and before long we were joined by several nurses, who sang along too. It was quite a concert!” Riley’s blog, initially on www.Allaboutolive.Com.Au and more recently at http://worldsoldestblogger.Blogspot.Com, was “mind-blowing to her,” her great grandson Darren Stone said.

French Republic Day celebrated at Puducherry

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Puducherry, July 14 (PTI): Union Territory of Puducherry, a former French colony, celebrated 219th French Republic Day today.

French Consul General in Puducherry Joelle Rayet, Territorial Administration Revenue Department Secretary T M Balakrishnan, two French delegates from Puducherry (incharge of overseas French citizens in Paris Assembly) Tiru Ramachandran and Shankar Vazhumuny and office bearers of various associations of retired French military and civil service personnel were among those who had paid homage at the statue of ‘Soldat Inconnu’ (unknown soldier), on the premises of the War Memorial here, as part of the celebration.

The band wing of the Puducherry police played the Indian and French national songs at the venue. All French Government institutions and organisations here will have a holiday today in view of the French Republic Day `Fete National`, which is also celebrated as a national festival. PTI COR GKT KJV GKT 07141307 DEL

Noisy scenes in Assam House over condition of roads in state

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Guwahati, Jul 14 (PTI) Assam assembly today witnessed noisy scenes as ruling and opposition members traded charges on the condition of roads in various parts of the state. As Minister Ajanta Neog was replying to a question by Asom Gana Parishad’s (AGP) Prabin Gogoi on the progress of building roads under the Prime Ministers Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) on behalf of the chief minister, Opposition leader Chandra Mohan Patowary intervened by stating that condition of roads was “extremely bad”.

This infuriated ruling party members including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bharat Narah who pointed out that opposition MLAs have no right to intervene and disrupt the minister’s reply. Patowary was joined by members of the BJP, Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) and the CPI who insisted that the government issue a statement on the progress in improving roads under the (PMGSY).

With Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai asking the members to listen to the reply of the minister, Neog announced that a vigilance committee has been formed to monitor the progress of the PMGSY.
The matter came to an abrupt halt wi

Muggers in the jug

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

By Rinzin Wangchuk

14 July, 2008 – Thimphu district court this week handed down prison terms to four persons, including two high school students, ranging from to two years to four years and six months in connection with the mugging of two men in Thimphu town.

One student, who was earlier convicted in a burglary case, and his accomplice, who was also charged for assaulting his father, received a four-year-six-month prison term each.

Another accomplice, who worked in a Thimphu hotel, was sentenced to four years. A 17-year old student was sentenced to two years as he is a minor.

One student was studying in Nima high school in Taba and other in Darjeeling, India, when they committed the crime. The student from Darjeeling had come home on a summer break.

The defendants, aged between 17 and 25, beat up two men and robbed them of Nu 1,000 and a mobile phone worth Nu 9,000 on the night of May 31.

In his statement to the court, one of the victims, Lungjay, said that he and his friend Sonam Dorji were returning home after visiting Norbuling Drayang entertainment and met with a group of boys on a narrow dark path behind the Norbuling Drayang. “One of the boys asked me to give him Nu 10,” said Lungjay, who added that he gave the money instantly.

He said that they started attacking them when he refused to give them Nu 50, which they then demanded. “Then they started hitting the two of us and snatched cash and mobile phone from our pockets.”

During the melé, one of the attacked shouted, “Police, police!” and the boys ran away but one of them was caught by the victims and handed over to the police.

The other two accomplices were arrested the next day. The third accomplice was arrested on June 3.

Dranpon Pema Wangchuk, judge of bench IV, who passed judgment, said that, with the growing youth population, such kind of offences was on the rise. “Such anti-social behaviour will create social disharmony if unchecked or deterred from the very beginning,” he said.

Bhutia Has A Ball At The Star-Studded Charity Tie In Munich

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

Panaji: When Djemba Djemba picked up Baichung Bhutia at the heart of the rival defence, thousands in India must have said a prayer. Bhutia neither disappointed Djemba, his captain Clarence Seedorf nor the legions of supporters back home as he escaped his marker, chested the ball and slammed it past Brazilian goalkeeper Dida from handshaking distance.

The India captain went on to score another goal after the change of ends. And even though his side — Edu — lost out 6-9 at the Alianz Arena in Munich, Bhutia still remained every inch a winner in the All-Star match that kicked off the ‘Goal4Africa’ programme.

‘‘It was an unforgettable night,’’ Bhutia told TOI minutes after starring in arguably the most stirring match of his 14-year international career. ‘‘It was a special feeling to share the stage with some of world football’s biggest stars. I met the superstars after the game and their simplicity was what stood out. They were all as humble as ever,’’ he said. Bhutia had F1 great Michael Schumacher for company upfront with Djemba Djemba and Dutchman Clarence Seedorf providing a flurry of passes.

But it was not until the 12th minute, when snarling midfield hard man Gennaro Gattuso snapped at his heels, that Bhutia got into the frame. ‘‘Gattuso played hard throughout the match, but he didn’t scare me,’’ joked Bhutia pointing to the spurt of tackles from Italy’s midfielder.

Apart from the brace, Bhutia had his moments, like the one-two with Seedorf, for instance. But, for long spells, Bhutia was overshadowed by Schumacher’s eagerness to add his name to the scoresheet.  ‘‘It’s good he got one in the end,’’ said the India captain, who was watched, amongst others, by his wife Madhuri and uncle Kalma Bhutia.

The ‘Goal4Africa’ campaign hopes to raise more than $90 million before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and build a lasting legacy for the continent.

BAICHUNG DID US PROUD

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

It was a very special night for Indian football. To think that one from among us had been chosen to rub shoulders with the world’s best was in itself a heady feeling. To see him dazzle at Munich’s Allianz Arena and score two goals made me doubly proud.

It may have been a charity tie where the cause was greater than the match, but how many Indians have had the honour of being invited to play in such a star-studded match? Why just India, Baichung Bhutia was the sole representative from the whole of Asia on this starry night.

Baichung has been a pioneer, having played club football in England. The team he turned out for – Bury FC – featured in the second division, but we all know how competitive football in England is. He showed once again on Saturday night that he’s really special.

A striker’s job is to score. Baichung was spot-on, gifting his team two lovely goals. But he also excelled as a teamman, assisting in build-ups and coming up with some delightful one-touch passes. A giveand-go with Clarence Seedorf, especially, will remain etched in memory. The former Dutch World Cupper would have scored had Brazilian custodian Dida not produced an excellent save.

The other memorable moment for me was when Michael Schumacher shook hands with Baichung.Indeed, watching Baichung in action against Michael Ballack’s team left me wondering whether he is an Indian or from a major footballing country. We lag behind in world football so much that sometimes it’s difficult to believe someone like Baichung is a part of Indian football. His fearlessness and confidence, coupled with dedication and hard work has made Baichung what he is today – a role model for youngsters.

Bhutia scores a brace against Ballack’s team

FROM DNA MUMAI

MUNICH: It was a night to remember for India captain Bhaichung Bhutia who stood out with his brace alongside some big names in world football in a charity match here at the Allianz Arena. The Saturday night match was organised by former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf and Brazil striker Ronaldo to raise money for the ‘Goal 4 Africa’ project, which was inspired by Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela’s dream of “Education for all — all for education”. Seedorf is also the brand ambassador for the ‘Goal4Africa’ project.
The match was played in true spirit as the two teams were name ‘Edu’ and ‘Cation’.

Bhaichung turned out for Seedorf’s side Edu, which lost 6-9 to Michael Ballack-led Cation. The Indian captain scored two and set up one for legendry Formula One driver Michael Schumacher and made his presence felt among the constellation of stars, who sweated out on the home turf of Bayern Munich for a noble cause. The Indian forward, who played upfront, had to overcome a tough challenge from the solid Italian defender Gennaro Gattuso, something that Bhaichung could have never done with the national team.
Bhaichung also made some good moves and on one occasion set up Seedorf but the latter failed to get past Brazilian goalkeeper Nelson Dida.

A few minutes later, Bhaichung released Schumacher on the right and on receiving the return pass shot it wide. In the 33rd minute came the much awaited moment when the Indian captain chested the ball and unleashed his powerful left footer to beat Dida from close range. After the breather, Bhaichung came close to scoring again after being set-up by  Schumacher. The Indian striker chased the ball and his resultant kick missed the bar by a whisker. Few minutes later, Seedorf laid the ball for the Indian star to place it in the net. This was Bhaichung’s second goal for his losing team but for a noble cause.

The campaign hopes to raise more than $90m (£45m) by 2010. Goal4Africa hopes to build a lasting legacy for the continent – using football, a game that is hugely popular across Africa, to help achieve its objective.
Fans will be encouraged to pledge money by text or online for every goal scored by their favourite team over the next two years.

India end Portugal tour on a high, beat Gouveia XI 4-0

FROM PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, July 13: Indian football team reserved their best for the final match as they thumped Gouveia XI 4-0 to end their 12-day training-cum-exposure Portugal tour on a high note. Sunil Chettri scored a brace while Abhishek Yadav and Tarif Ahmed found the target once each at Estadio Caldas, last night. India thus lifted the first Gouveia Cup, introduced on the suggestion of city mayor Alvaro Amaro, with an all-win record.

They won the first match against Gouveia Select 2-0 last Saturday at Estadio Municipal de Gouveia before the 4-0 result last night.  In between, India beat GD Gafanha, a first division side of Aveiro League, 3-2 on Thursday.  India, who led the first half 1-0, were the overwhelming winners with impressive performances from Chhetri, Climax Lawrence and Tarif.

Best Foot Forward!

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Indian captain Baichung Bhutia (left) celebrates with Dutch star Clarence Seedorf and F1 great Michael Schumacher after scoring a goal during the ‘Goal 4 Africa’ charity match in Munich on Friday. Playing for the ‘Edu’ team captained by Seedorf, Bhutia scored his brace against no less than Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper Dida, but the Michael Ballack-led ‘Cation’ side won the match 9-6. Arsenal’s Robin van Persie, Dutch star Mark van Bommel, Italian World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso and Bayern Munich’s Ze Roberto were some of the big names who played

BRIGADIER SHER JUNG THAPA MEMORIAL PARK

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PHOTOS BY JYOTI THAPA MANI

Bhanu Jayanti marked in Tanahu

FROM GORKHAPATRA SANSTHAN

DAMAULI, July 13: The Bhanu-Ghansi Memorial Park, Tanahu today organized a programme at Ghansikuwa on the occasion of 195th birthday of pioneering poet Bhanubhakta Acharya.

The speakers at the programme shed light on poet Bhanubhakta’s contribution to the development of Nepali language. They stressed on moving ahead being untied for the linguistic promotion and progress.

Former minister of state Amar Raj Kaini said the path guided by late poet Bhanubhakta should be followed for the development of Nepali language.

Also speaking at the programme presided over by Chairman of the Park Conservation Committee, Moti Kumar Shrestha, Chief District Officer Kashi Nath Marasini, former local development officer Ram Chandra Pokhrel and Prakash Chandra Bhattarai among others highlighted on poet Bhanubhakta’s personality and literary works.

Senior literati Kashi Nath Neupane, Shankar Raj Nahaki and Nilnath Neupane among others recited poems on late poet Bhanubhakta.

Similarly, Adikavi Bhanubhakta Campus, Damauli and Bhanubhakta Multiple Campus, Khairenitar organized various programmes marking the Bhanu jayanti today.

In Janakpurdham, a book eulogizing the great poet of Mathili language Bidyapati has been launched amidst a function here today.

Nepal rebel police surrender, hostages freed

FROM REUTERS

Seven senior police officers who had been taken hostage by their subordinates at a police base in southwest Nepal were freed and the rebel junior officers surrendered, police said on Monday.

 

About 200 policemen at a riot police camp in Nepalgunj, a town 320 km (200 miles) from Kathmandu, took seven officers hostage on Saturday. The policemen said they were ill-treated and given poor quality food.

“The rebel policemen have surrendered to me and laid down their arms,” Bharat Bahadur Gharti Chhetri, the most senior police official in Nepalgunj, said by phone.

“All seven officers have been freed unharmed. They are with me right now.”

Officials say the rebel policemen will be charged with indiscipline.

The incident was the latest in a series of revolts by junior policemen against what they call low-quality food and ill-treatment by senior ranks.

Nepalese police release superiors

 

FROM CNN [LATEST]

KATHMANDU, Nepal (CNN) — A group of 200 officers surrendered at a police camp in western Nepal early Monday after holding seven of their superiors hostage for about 36 hours, authorities said.

The seven hostages were in good condition, senior police officer Govinda Pariyar told CNN in a phone interview from Nepalganj, where the camp is located.

The junior officers had demanded better treatment and food in the barracks, Nepalese officials said.

The officers took control of the camp, about 248 miles (400 kilometers) from the capital, Kathmandu, at about noon (0615 GMT) on Saturday.

By Sunday, authorities called in other policemen who cordoned off the area while negotiations continued.

“Those involved will be charged as per law,” said Pariyar.

Officials who convened at an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday evening decided against speaking with the hostage takers, who had presented a 20-point demand. Instead the police officials supported disciplinary action against the junior officers.

Nepal police officers held hostage by their subodinates

FROM REUTERS  

Four senior police officers have been taken hostage by their subordinates at a police base in southwest Nepal because the junior officers say they are ill-treated and given poor quality food.

About 200 policemen at a riot police camp in Nepalgunj, a large town 320km from Kathmandu, took the officers hostage in a protest move on Saturday, said a home ministry spokesman.

Local media reports said seven officers were taken captive.

Dissident cops to retaliate if attacked

FROM SOUTH EAST ASIAN MEDIA NET

KATHMANDU: Nepalgunj remained tense today, as dissident lower rank police personnel of Riot Control Police Battalion were yet to release the seven senior police officials they had been holding hostage since yesterday. A high ranking security official said the district administration was planning to announce the site a riot-hit zone. The agitating police personnel today made public 20-point charter of demands, including an end to discrimination, exploitation and corruption in the police administration.

The local administration has restricted the movement of vehicles from Puspalal Chowk to Birendra Chowk in Nepalgunj since morning. Armed police personnel have cordoned off the the battalion. Movement of vehicles was restricted in a radius of 500 metres around the battalion to prevent any untoward situation, acting Banke CDO Krishna Acharya said. Armed police led by APF superintendent Man Singh Mauni and civil police led by DSP Govindaram Pariyar have been deployed in the area. A helicopter of Nepal Army inspected the site this morning. Nepalgunj locals did not venture out of their houses after the NA helicopter sortie.

The dissident cops held a meeting with human rights activists and mediapersons late in night. The cops said they would sit for talks with the government only after it commits that no action would be taken against them. Sub Inspector Dhan Bahadur BK, who is leading the dissident group, said they were interested to talk only to DIGP of mid-western region Bharat GC. However, DIGP GC was yet to arrive till the report was filed. Dhan Bahadur BK threatened: “We will retaliate if force was mobilised against us. If our demands were neglected, the consequences will be bad. The senior officials would not be released until our demands are met.”

DAO gives seven days to Pradhan led NOC to vacate office

 

FROM GORKHAPATRA SANSTHAN

KATHMANDU, July 13: After not complying with the directives of the government, Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) gave a seven days ultimatum to Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan led Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) to hand over the office and properties of NOC to the reinstated NOC headed by Rukma Shumser Rana.

Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a letter in the name of Pradhan Friday stating to transfer the properties within seven days after they received the government order.

Administration office issued the ultimatum after Rana pledged the government to manage the office accusing that the Pradhan led group did not transfer the office and all movable and immovable assets to them, reads the letter signed by Jay Mukunda Khanal, Chief District Officer.

A ministerial level meeting on June 24 decided to recognize Rana led NOC declaring Pradhan led NOC as illegal. The government had said that it acted to dismiss Pradhan’s NOC because his committee came into existence by holding an election on March 13, 2006, which was actually prohibited by Patan Apallete Court.

Nepali CA passes 5th amendment to Interim Constitution

FROM PEOPLE’S DAILY ONLINE [CHINA]

Nepali Constituent Assembly(CA) on Sunday evening passed the fifth amendment to the Interim Constitution in capital Kathmandu.

The bill was adopted with 442 votes in favor and seven in objection.

The 601-seat CA, declared Nepal a federal democratic republic in its first meeting on May 28, is supposed to draft a new constitution for the country in two years.

Madhesi parties, which hold over 80 seats, were absent Sunday’s meeting, saying the amendment bill tabled by the government failed to address their demands, among which was the establishment of an autonomous region in south Nepali Terai plains area.

The amendment with supplementary were registered in CA on Wednesday. The CA members representing various political parties had 72 hours to express their views before Minister for Law and Justice Indra Bahadur Gurung officially tabled the bill on Sunday.

Chairman Prachanda of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M), which emerged as the single largest party in the CA with 227 seats in hand, told Xinhua after the meeting that “the amendment in constitution has formed a procedure to make a new government.”

“First we will elect the president and make a new government within next two to four days,” he said.

The bill was firstly registered in CA on June 26. It mainly includes: The man who is not CA member can be minister in the cabinet; President, vice president and prime minister should be elected through a simple majority but not two-thirds majority, etc.

Uproar in Nepal House over use of Hindi

 

FROM IANS

Kathmandu: Nepal might be one of the most avid watchers of Hindi films and Hindi soap operas, but it is now up in arms over Hindi being spoken in its newly- elected constituent assembly.

The three Terai parties from south Nepal, who are agitating for a Madhesi state in the plains for people of Indian origin, are under fire for speaking in Hindi in the House.

The lawmakers from the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Terai Madhesi Loktantrik Party and Sadbhavana Party – which together form the fourth largest bloc in the 601-member assembly – have triggered a furious debate. Nepalis have criticised them for first taking oath in Hindi and then, continuing to speak on the floor of the assembly in the language strongly identified as a legacy from India.

The three parties kept the assembly, which also serves as Nepal’s caretaker parliament, paralysed for nearly two weeks to pressure the government into agreeing to the creation of a fully autonomous Madhes state that would also enjoy the right to self-determination. The demand has sparked fears that it would lead to the disintegration of Nepal with Madhes in future trying to secede or even merge with India.

The demand also delayed the formation of a new government that is to be headed, for the first time in the history of Nepal, by its former Maoist guerrillas, who in the past fought a 10-year war to end Nepal’s 239-year-old dynasty of Shah kings.

With the House resuming business yesterday, it remains to be seen if the government formation and election of republic Nepal’s first president will progress or be blocked again due to the Terai parties’ protests.

The national anger at the disruption erupted yesterday with people from different sections of society taking the Madhesi parties to task for speaking in Hindi instead of the main languages spoken in the plains.

Nepal official dies after scuffle with Maoists

FROM DAILY TIMES

KATHMANDU: Government offices were closed and state employees staged street demonstrations Sunday in southeastern Nepal to protest the death of a colleague after he was grabbed by Maoist activists, an official said.

Education officer Mohammed Hasrat Ali collapsed while scuffling with the activists and died en route to a hospital on Saturday at Rajbiraj, about 300 kilometres southeast of the capital, Kathmandu, said Sitaram Pokharel, chief government administrator in the area. Ali was carrying a bag with cash and had stopped at a service station when his vehicle was seized, Pokharel said. It was not clear why the man was accosted. The attackers escaped.

The activists are believed linked to the former rebels, formally called Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), who are set to lead a new coalition government after emerging as the largest political party in the April election. Pokharel said Ali had a heart ailment and there was no sign of him having been seriously injured in the scuffle. District police chief Birkam Thapa said roads in the Rajbiraj area by the protesters, but there was no report of any violence. ap

KATHMANDU: Government offices were closed and state employees staged street demonstrations Sunday in southeastern Nepal to protest the death of a colleague after he was grabbed by Maoist activists, an official said.

Education officer Mohammed Hasrat Ali collapsed while scuffling with the activists and died en route to a hospital on Saturday at Rajbiraj, about 300 kilometres southeast of the capital, Kathmandu, said Sitaram Pokharel, chief government administrator in the area. Ali was carrying a bag with cash and had stopped at a service station when his vehicle was seized, Pokharel said. It was not clear why the man was accosted. The attackers escaped.

The activists are believed linked to the former rebels, formally called Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), who are set to lead a new coalition government after emerging as the largest political party in the April election. Pokharel said Ali had a heart ailment and there was no sign of him having been seriously injured in the scuffle. District police chief Birkam Thapa said roads in the Rajbiraj area by the protesters, but there was no report of any violence.

Nepal policemen riot against bad treatment

FROM DAILY TIMES

Nepalese police seize police camp, take officers hostage

KATHMANDU: About 500 riot policemen took senior officers hostage in a revolt in western Nepal over ill treatment and poor food, officials said Sunday.

The policemen seized the riot police camp at Nepalgunj, about 500 kilometres west of Kathmandu, on Saturday and were holding seven senior police officials hostage, said Krishna Acharya, a government administrator in the area. Armed rebel policemen were guarding the camp’s entrances and there had been some shooting but no one was injured, Acharya said. Other police surrounded the camp and the area has been cordoned off while negotiations with the rebel officers continue, he said.

The rebelling policemen told reporters they were protesting ill treatment of lower-ranking officers by their supervisors, low-quality food they are given and other police force issues. Home Minister Krishna Sitaula said he ordered the police chief to take “all necessary action” to deal with the situation. ap

Nepal’s Madhesi parties boycott Constituent Assembly meeting

FROM NEW KERALA.COM

Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Sadbhawana Party and Dalit Janajati Party boycotted the CA meeting that will discuss the amendment bill before endorsing it.

The Madhesi parties had on Saturday decided to boycott the CA debate on the bill, which they say fails to address the issues raised by them.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress has issued whip to its CA members to attend the CA debate and voting on the amendment bill. Earlier today, NC organised a meeting of its parliament party to discuss its role in the CA.

Kathmandu, July 13 : Nepal’s Madhesi parties boycotted the Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting on Sunday, expressing discontent over the constitution amendment bill tabled by the government.

According to Nepalnews, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Sadbhawana Party and Dalit Janajati Party boycotted the CA meeting that will discuss the amendment bill before endorsing it.

The Madhesi parties had on Saturday decided to boycott the CA debate on the bill, which they say fails to address the issues raised by them.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress has issued whip to its CA members to attend the CA debate and voting on the amendment bill. Earlier today, NC organised a meeting of its parliament party to discuss its role in the CA.