The index of Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) registered an increment of 7.17 points over the week thanks to the good performance of the banking group.

The Nepse index started at 317.69 points on Sunday and went up to 324.86 points on Thursday, the last day of the trading under a regular lot.

The Nepse index posted a growth of 1.23 points in previous week.

The leading groups including commercial banks, finance groups, development banks, and manufacturing groups registered a growth and trade and hotels groups’ index remained constant while and others group’s index declined.

According to the Nepse, a total of 305,740 units shares worth Rs 98,553,860 were traded through 1,723 transactions this week. A total of 134,291 units of shares worth Rs 45,476,647 were traded last week through 739 transactions.

Group-wise share trading data shows that commercial banks group registered a rise of 10.56 points, reaching its index to 358.37 points from 347.81 points. Development banks group experienced robust growth of 9.81 points. Its index rose from 252.02 to 261.83 when the market closed.

Indices of manufacturing and insurance groups increased to 277.95 points and 336.47 points respectively, up from 274 points and 334.16 points.

Finance group posted a nominal growth of 0.46 points to 246.78 points, up from 246.32 points.

However, the others group suffered a huge loss, its index diving by 9.51 points to 331.69 points, down from 341.20 points. Hotel and trading groups could not see any change, as no share belonging to these groups was traded over the week. Their indices remained static at 181.26 points and 148.07 points, respectively.

Of the total transactions that took place over the week at the Nepse floor, the commercial banks group continued to capture the largest share of 87.08 percent. The share of finance group comprised 7.11 percent, while the insurance group followed it at 1.90 percent.

Development banks were able to capture only 1.70 percent of total transactions.

President of the main opposition party of India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rajnath Singh, has demanded that the Indian government immediately convene a meeting of all opposition parties to discuss the internal situation in Nepal.

Newly elected president of Bharatiya Janata Party Rajnath Singh

Newly elected president of Bharatiya Janata Party Rajnath Singh (Photo source: manoramaonline. com)
“The government of India is totally silent on the internal development in Nepal, when India cannot ignore such a development taking place in a neighbouring country,” official PTI news agency quoted Singh as saying in the Indian city of Raipur on Saturday.

“Hence, the Centre should immediately call a meeting of the opposition parties to discuss the internal situation in Nepal and what should be the role of India in that,” he said.

Singh also said that the chief of Nepal Maoists, Prachanda, was not only holding press conference in Delhi but was also getting in touch with leaders of political parties. “But the Centre was remaining unmoved on that matter”, he said.

Prachanda recently gave exclusive interviews to leading Nepali daily, Indian daily “The Hindu” and the first TV interview to BBC on the completion of ten years of “people’s war” in Nepal. Reports claimed that all those interviews were conducted in or around the Indian capital.

Pro-Hindu BJP is said to have close ties with the royal palace of Nepal. A BJP leader, Bijay Jolly, who was in Kathmandu last month to take part in the first convention of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) told reporters that as a political party BJP was committed to constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy in Nepal.

Jolly disclosed that top leadership of the BJP had “very close” relationship with the royal palace of Nepal. “We also have cordial relationship with the political parties of Nepal. My visit here is to show that,” he added.

The delegation led by CPI (M) leader, Sitaram Yechuri, called for immediate restoration of democracy in Nepal.

Talking to reporters in Raipur, BJP leader Singh claimed that India’s position in the international level had been affected because of the wrong foreign policy of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh.

“Because of the Indo-US nuclear policy the scientist community of the country are worried,” he said.

An impression had been built up at the international level that India was considering United States “a bigger country”, he said and reminded that despite US pressure, the government led by AB Vajpayee went ahead with its nuke test for which there was economic sanctions against the country.

After months-long efforts, the Royal Nepalese embassy in Doha has established a ‘Nepali Expatriate Benevolent Fund (NEBF),’ to help Nepali workers in need.

”The fund aims to help Nepalese in distress in Qatar,” The Gulf Times daily quoted ambassador Shyamananda Suman as saying.

Assistance could include lodging, food, air tickets, and court fees.

There are an estimated 80,000 Nepalis in Qatar and a majority of them are low-paid, unskilled workers. Many of them get their wages after months of delay, some never get paid while many others do not have their residence permits stamped.

Some of these cases end up in the court but often the labourers find it hard to pay the court fee of QR300, the newspaper report said.

The embassy has just opened a dedicated NEBF account at the C Ring Road branch of Doha Bank. Its number is 2152583201100.

The ambassador appealed to “philanthropists of all nationalities, who are in a position to help”, to contribute to the fund. “They can directly deposit money in the account.”

The account will be managed by a committee of community representatives and an embassy official. The fund, which will function under the patronage of the ambassador, will be run by a board of officials, to be elected from amongst fund members.

“We have heard that the Indian Community Benevolent Fund is running very successfully and we would like to contact them to learn how they administer it,” the ambassador said.

The embassy had already organised a meeting of community elders and a constitution is being drawn up, he added.

According to the Nepali envoy, scores of Nepalese have to be provided with food since their employers do not pay them in time. Some of them need accommodation as well. The embassy’s resources are insufficient to provide all these services, he said.

The fund also plans to organise various functions, including picnics, to raise money.

Suman reiterated that the fund would need the generosity of everyone, including other nationals and their associations, to make it effective since most Nepalis were unable to spare much cash.

(Nepalnews special)

His Majesty King Gyanendra

His Majesty King Gyanendra (File Photo)
Opposition leaders protesting against the year-old direct rule of the King have alleged that the ‘Democracy Day’ message by His Majesty King Gyanendra on Sunday aimed at garnering support for his “autocratic rule.”

Talking to Nepalnews, CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam– who remains underground to escape arrest—said the message of the King was to give continuity to his autocratic move in the name of reconciliation.

“This is yet another attempt by the King to mobilize support for his autocratic rule, which has already been boycotted by the people,” said Gautam referring to the recently concluded municipal polls in which only 20 percent of the urban voters took part.

CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam

CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)
“I did not find any thing new in the King’s message,” added Gautam.

Dr Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress (Democratic) said that the King should do something concrete to resolve the conflict rather than issuing customary messages. “At a time when the country is passing through a difficult situation the King should be ready to return power to the people and restore peace and democracy in the country,” he said.

“What the king said is not important. What is important is what he does to resolve the problems dogging the country,” said Dr Rijal.

In his message to the nation on the occasion of the 56th Democracy Day on Sunday, King Gyanendra called on all willing political parties to come forth to fully activate the stalled democratic process in the greater interest of the nation.

“The nation seeks solidarity amongst all who have faith in multiparty democracy to formulate a mechanism which ensures that peace and democracy are never again jeopardized,” His Majesty said, adding ‘Democracy could be re-energised with the activation of all representative bodies through the electoral process in the coming days as well.’

Analysts, however, say the royal government’s call for reconciliation did not have ‘trust element’ in it as hundreds of opposition leaders, cadres, rights activists and journalists are still in detention.

Former minister Nilamber Acharya (File Photo)

Former minister Nilamber Acharya (File Photo)
Talking to Nepalnews, former minister and political thinker Nilamber Acharya said that the King was forced to talk about dialogue due to pressure created within the country, from the international community and the economic situation.

“I don’t see the door of dialogue opening due to the royal message,” said Acharya. “An environment for dialogue can’t be created unless the King agrees to return to the constitutional role by giving up his direct rule.”

Political analyst, C K Lal, too, believed that the royal message was only a rhetoric and lacked sincerity towards dialogue and reconciliation. “The royal message is likely to further energise the opposition parties,” he added.

Talking to the early morning talk show over Nepal FM on Sunday, Lal said to give continuity to the present government is nothing but the mockery of the very notion of the rule of law. “Of course, the king has kept some space for himself by saying that he is ready for dialogue. The autocratic and opportunistic regimes bow down before the pressure of the political movement. But, no compromise is possible once the `tipping point’ has been crossed,” he added.

So, does Nepali polity heading towards a dead-end? According to Nilamber Acharya, political process and peace process in Nepal are intertwined. “By announcing a ceasefire and inviting both the opposition parties and Maoists for negotiations, the king can still open the door of dialogue,” said Acharya.

“But, so far no such indications have been seen,” he added.

nepalnews.com Bhagirath Yogi/Pratibedan Baidya

One year after the murder of popular religious orator, Pundit Narayan Pokharel, the dalit wing of Maoists, Nepal Dalit Mukti Morcha (NDMM) has confessed its mistake in the killing, reports said.

Pokharel, president of the Nepal branch of the World Hindu Council, was shot dead by rebels on March 6 last year in Rupandehi district.

Addressing a press meet after the third national conference of the NDMD held recently at Bahane of Pyuthan district, its chairman Tilak Pariyar admitted the mistake, according to The Kathmandu Post daily.

“We always protest against Hindu extremism,” said Pariyar. “However, we admit the fact that we failed to rightly analyze the real circumstances at that time.”

Pariyar also stated that the party received more condemnation instead of gaining any advantage due to the incident.

This is not the first time Maoists confessed their mistake after the death of people.

Amnesty International (AI) has appealed the government to immediately release human rights defenders, journalists and political detainees arrested from peaceful demonstrations.

The London based international watchdog in an urgent action issued in the name of Nepal government on 18 February has called for the immediate and unconditional release of rights activist Krishna Pahadi, representatives of civil society Dr Devendra Raj Pandey, Dr. Mathura Prasad Shrestha, journalist Shyam Shrestha and student leader Kundan Raj Kafle.

Krishna Pahadi, Devendra Raj Pandey and Mathura Prasad Shrestha are being held at the National Police Academy and Shyam Shrestha and Kundan Raj Kafle are being held at the Armed Police Force Barracks No. 2 in Ranibari.

The international watchdog has also expressed concern over detainees’ access to clean drinking water and proper medical attention.

The AI further said, “Although over 150 detainees were released on 14 and 16 February from detention centres in Kathmandu and other towns around the country, hundreds of people, including political leaders and human rights activists, continue to be arbitrarily detained.”

The AI urged the government that all detainees be held in an officially recognized place of detention and, in conformity with national law, be brought before a judicial authority promptly after detention and called for all the detainees to be granted immediate access to their relatives and a lawyer, and medical treatment if required.

The appeal has also been sent to the King and the Home Minister and Minister for Communication and Information among others

The AI also expressed concern over the recent curbs in political activities in the country.

MMC (Manang Marshyangdi Club) defeated Mahendra Police Club (MPC) 2-0 while Nabil Three Star Club (NTSC) and Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) played to a 1-1 tie to leave MMC and NTSC to fight for the title in the matches played today at Dashrath Stadium in the ANFA Martyrs San Miguel “A” Division Football League.

Policemen baton-charging spectators. nepalnews.com/bt

Today could be written as “black day” for Nepalese Football as hundreds of football fans had to suffer and witness baton-charging by the cops at the end of the second match between NTSC and TAC at the stadium today.

The incident occurred when TAC’s Biswash mocked NTSC supporters and the crowd responded by pelting water bottles. Then the policemen baton charged climbing up the open ramp and forced thousands to exit through the small gate. A few of them received serious injuries in the one-hour scuffle around the stadium. The spectators even pelted some stones outside the stadium for few minutes to pour their anger and created violence.

The crowd tore up hoarding boards, broke the window of ticket counter and shouted slogans against ANFA and the policemen. They even stopped vehicles outside the road and disturbed traffic.

ANFA President Ganesh Thapa, who was at the game, climbed up to open ramp and tried to stop the baton-charge and control the crowd, but he also got pushed around. He finally managed to control the crowd somewhat, thus maybe preventing an even worse incident.

Meanwhile there was havoc inside and outside the stadium with people running everywhere. The media also showed up. Some spectators were seen with injuries, some getting rushed off to the hospital. Hundreds of policemen were guarding the stadium till 6:30 p.m., one and a half hour after the incident.

Earlier, MMC defeated MPC 2-0 riding on the crest of Nigerian import Nurudeen Salau.

MMC with 65 points and NTSC with 63 points will play their last games against each other for the title. All other teams have finished playing all their games.

Amidst fear of possible outbreak of avian influenza, also known as Bird Flu, the government on Sunday appealed to poultry importers not to import poultry and poultry products from neighboring India where spread of the disease has been reported.

Photo source : nature.com
“Considering the reports of spread of Bird Flu in parts of India, we have issued appeal to the importers not to import live birds and poultry products [from India] for the time being,” Dr Dhan Raj Ratala, program director of Animal Health Director, told Nepalnews.

Although there are conflicting reports about the emergence of disease in farm birds while a panel of scientists is still studying the cases in India, Nepal needs to maintain alert as it is considered a ‘high-risk zone’, he said.

Ratala informed that importers, who are required to obtain license from the government – to be renewed every three months – have been asked to cancel the imports from areas where the Bird Flu outbreak has been reported.

He added that the government is not in a position to impose ban on poultry imports due to legal constraints. He said distribution of poultry products, especially in bordering areas, would be strictly monitored.

Major portion of import of poultry comes from the Indian state of Maharastra, according to Ratala. Tests are conducted in 24 quarantine posts in borders including Tatopani in Sindhupalchowk district, which borders Tibet, to check possible outbreak of the disease.

Regular lab tests have been conducted since quite some time after reports of spread of the disease in China and India but no Bird Flu case has been traced so far in Nepal. Ratala said surveillance has been carried out in national parks around the country in view of the risk of spread of the disease by migrating birds.

“We have been receiving lab test reports from national parks because the disease is also passed on by migrating birds. No Bird Flu cases have been found so far.”

Avian influenza (flu) is an infection caused by avian viruses. Avian influenza is very contagious among wild birds and can infect domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys and kill them.

Till date, some six dozen people have already died of Bird Flu in different parts of the world.

Maoists looted a fire brigade vehicle in Dhangadi of far western region on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the far-western divisional headquarter of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), Maoists also abducted the driver and one fire fighter of the vehicle.

Maoists took the vehicle into control from Beli area of the Dhangadhi municipality and took it towards Urma village development committee.

The far-western divisional headquarter of RNA said security forces have been kept in high alert in the district following the incident in the suspicion that Maoists might attack security posts through the misuse of fire brigade vehicle.

The statement further said that one Maoist Khoja Ram Chaudhari alias Bhisan was seriously injured in a retaliatory action of the RNA in Gobrelaghat area of Kailali district on Saturday.

The incident occurred when Maoists tried to escape after hurling bomb at the patrolling security force. He was airlifted to Dhangadhi for treatment.

Security forces arrested another Maoist cadre Bishnu Chaudhari alias Raju from the incident site.

Leader of Janamorcha Nepal, Lilamani Pokahrel, addressing a mass gathering organised to mark the Democracy Day at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Sunday. nepalnews.com/rh

Leaders of the seven party opposition alliance have warned that they are preparing for the final showdown against what they called the “autocratic regime” in the country.

Addressing a protest rally at New Baneswore on the occasion of National Democracy Day Sunday, vice president of Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala alleged the King of being a major barrier towards restoring peace in the country. He also accused the royal government of prolonging violence in the country by refusing to reciprocate the four-month-long unilateral ceasefire called by the rebels last year.

Senior leader of the CPN (UML), Mrs. Sahana Pradhan, said there was no other option left than to further intensify protests against the royal regime. She called upon all to join the peaceful movement being launched by the seven party opposition alliance for the restoration of peace and democracy in the country.

Senior leader of Jana Morcha Nepal, Lilamani Pokhrel alleged that the king was not serious towards finding a democratic way out to the problems facing the country. He said out of 5,000 monarchies around the world in the past there are only 28 monarchies today out of which eight are autocratic monarchies.

The opposition leaders also denounced the killing of UML activist, Umesh Chandra Thapa, in firing by Royal Nepalese Army personnel in western district of Dang on February 8. They also demanded independent probe into the incident and compensation for the family of the victim.

Reports from around the country say opposition parties organised nationwide protests on Sunday calling for restoration of peace and democracy in the country. Police allegedly used force against peaceful demonstrators in the remote northern district of Mugu. Details are still awaited.

Meanwhile, police detained over a dozen activists affiliated to the Democratic Movement Co-ordination Committee of differently-able people in Kathmandu this afternoon as they were heading for New Baneswore to take part in the pro-democracy rally and mass meeting from Bhrikuti Mandap in their wheel-chairs.

Those arrested included Rukmangat Neupane, Bhijraj Shrestha, Dhurba Neupane, Tika Dahal and Kamala Budhathoki. They were kept at the ward police office at Singha Durbar and released later after a couple of hours.