Charred vehicles at the Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA) garage inside the Tribhuvan University premises, Kirtipur. An unidentified group Sunday afternoon hurled petrol bombs at the three government vehicles destroying it, Jan 29 06. nepalnews.com

An unidentified group Sunday afternoon bombed three government vehicles at the garage of the Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA) located inside the premises of the Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur.

According to reports, a jeep, a van and a car belonging to Tribhuvan University (TU) were completely destroyed in the explosions.

According to the police, three persons on a motorcycle hurled bombs at the vehicles.

Police said, “The explosions could have been caused by petrol bombs,” adding, “They are investigating the incident.” Nobody has claimed the responsibility of the incident.

The Bheri Zonal Hospital has suspended operations at the hospital till February 8 citing shortage of oxygen required for operations.

Reports said that the hospital administration asked patients to wait till February 8 for surgeries. Those patients who were already admitted for various operations were also discharged on Sunday. Doctors stopped operations of three patients who were taken to operation theatre on Sunday and requested them to contact them after municipal polls, reports added.

Reports say that over a dozen patients have returned after the hospital administration refused to admit them for operations. However, the hospital administration is quoted to have said that urgent operations would be carried out.

The hospital has 150 beds and is the busiest hospital in Nepalgunj.

Hundreds of Nepalis participated in a protest rally at Lafayette Park in front of The White House on Sunday afternoon to protest against the February 1 royal takeover of last year.

Participants carried banners and placards with slogans calling for early restoration of democracy in Nepal and restoration of peace ending the decade long insurgency that had claimed over 13,000 innocent lives in Nepal.

The release quoted T Kumar, Advocacy Director for Asia and Pacific for Amnesty International, USA as saying that King Gyanendra used military force to kill, silence and violate the human rights of his own people when he should have been taking care of them like a father figure.

He further said that Amnesty’s next goal is to pressure the US government to stop all forms of military training and exercises with the Royal Nepalese Army that are being conducted secretly.

The DC rally organizers also vowed to continue with their protests until King Gyanendra restored democracy in the country.

The organizers said they are currently discussing a ‘1,000 Men March’ against King Gyanendra’s royal move’ from the Capitol Hill to the White House in early summer this year.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Buddhiman Tamang (File photo)

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Buddhiman Tamang (File photo)
The Tamang community across the country and abroad are celebrating the Lhosar festival with much fanfare on Monday.

The festival is celebrated as their New Year. This festival is observed in Nepal by the Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Jirel, Nesyangba, Bhote, Dura and Lepcha communities.

However, these communities observe the festival on different dates under different names like Tola Lhosar, Sonam Lhosar and Gyalpo Lhosar.

The Tamang community is celebrating this festival as a new year.

A rally was organized in Basantapur area to mark the occasion. People of Tamang community, decorated in their traditional costume participated in the rally.

Girls from the Tamang community in their traditional costume in a rally marking ‘Lhosar’, their New Year, at Basantapur, Monday, Jan 30 06. nepalnews.com/rh

They presented various cultural programmes of Tamang community on the occasion.

In a message to the Tamang community on the occasion of the Lhosar festival, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Buddhiman Tamang has extended hearty greetings for the good health, long life and prosperity of all the Nepalis observing the festival in Nepal and abroad.

In his message, Minister Tamang has wished that the Lhosar New Year, inspires cooperation, goodwill and unity among all Nepalis to work for building the nation with a new enthusiasm and vigor.

Visiting president of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), Steve Buckley, has said independent media in Nepal is part of the solution, not problem.

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (File photo)
A membership-based organisation, AMARC represents over 5,000 community radio broadcasters in 116 countries around the world.

Addressing a press meet in Kathmandu Monday morning, Steve said AMARC remained gravely concerned at the pressure under which independent radio stations operate in Nepal. “There can be no hope of a return to democracy without a strong and independent media,” he said.

Saying that Nepal was a signatory to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights and freedom of expression was guaranteed in clear terms by Nepal’s constitution, Steve called upon the Nepali government to respect these rights and cease what he called all interference in the affairs of independent broadcasters.

“(Nepal) government’s appeals to national security are not a legitimate basis for a ban on the broadcasting of news and information content. It is for the broadcasters themselves to determine the news and information they do or do not carry. In all other parts of the world, where independent and community and radio broadcasters exist, it is normal for them to carry news and information as a vital part of their service,” he added.

Steve said AMARC insisted on respect for the November 2005 Supreme Court ruling that confirms the right of independent broadcasters to carry news and information. We also call for the repeal of the October 2005 Ordinance and the suspension of further proposals for broadcasting law reform in the absence of full parliamentary scrutiny and democratic oversight, he said.

“We condemn all forms of indirect censorship and intimidation. In particular, we call for an end to the harassment and intimidation of journalists and other broadcasting staff and volunteers, a lifting of the ban on import of broadcasting equipment and removal of the restrictions on advertising by government departments and local government bodies,” he added.

AMARC also called upon on the international community to insist that Nepal respect its international commitments to human rights including the right to freedom of expression. “We urge the international community to monitor closely the state of freedom of expression in Nepal and to be prepared to take immediate action in the case of further violations,” a statement issued by AMARC said.

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (second from left) in a press conference Monday, Jan 30 06. nepalnews.com/rh
“Community radio in Nepal has provided a voice for poor and marginalized communities, contributing to improved livelihoods and better access to information, while private broadcasting has further added to the range of choice available to listeners,” said Steve.

Responding to a query by Nepalnews, Steve said media situation in Nepal remained very uncertain now compared to his last visit here in July 2005. “The fact that news broadcasts are still there (over the FM radio stations) is a positive element. But the situation remains fragile and uncertain. We are deeply concerned about continuing violation of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal. We will go beyond just issuing statements and will do whatever we can to help media colleagues, free expression activists and media organisations here,” he added.

Addressing the press meet, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Bishnu Nisthuri, alleged that the royal government was targeting private and community-based radios simply because they were empowering people making them aware. “Independent radio stations are the gift of democracy and we can’t tolerate attack on radio as well as on press freedom,” he added.

Former president of the FNJ, Taranath Dahal, said given the level of literacy and economic condition of Nepali people, radio was the most powerful medium of information in Nepal. He said little could be hoped from the Supreme Court that it will defend people’s right to information. “Hence, a strong and unified peaceful movement is the only way to defend the right to press freedom and freedom of expression guaranteed by the country’s constitution,” he added.

Coordinator of the Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM), Raghu Mainali, said it was nothing but ridiculous to close down radio stations by the authorities chanting slogans of so-called ‘nationalism.’ Freedom of expression is not a political issue, it is our fundamental right, he added.

The speakers also flayed what they called government’s attempts to establish a new ‘Broadcasting Authority’ saying that it aimed at gagging independent radio and TV stations in the country. The authorities have not said anything publicly regarding why they needed such an Authority at a time when there is no elected legislature.

Unidentified gunmen shot and injured a mayoral candidate for the Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City in Manbhawan, Lalitpur, Monday afternoon.

Dal Bahadur Rai, a candidate for the post of mayor of the Lalitpur Sub-metro representing the Jana Mukti Party, was shot at around 2:30 p.m., an official at the District Police Office of Lalitpur told Nepalnews.

The comatose victim is undergoing treatment at the Patan Hospital, police said.

Two gunmen who came on a motorbike shot Rai when he was sitting on the verandah of his residence in Manbhawan. The assailants then ran away towards Lagankhel.

Security forces have been mobilized in Manbhawan and surrounding areas to track down the gunmen, the police official said but added that identifying the persons would be difficult because the number plate of the bike was not known.

Police suspect the Maoists to be behind the murder attempt of the election candidate.

The candidates filing their nominations for municipal polls started their campaign from today. In Lalitpur, all candidates have agreed to campaign together in view of the security situation. The government has promised security to the candidates during the election campaign. The Election Commission had announced Rs 700,000 insurance for polls candidates.

Maoists shot dead a prospective mayoral candidate and member of Nepal Sadbhawana Party Bijay Lal Das in Janakpur last Sunday.

Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Pashupati Shamsher Rana, has said there is no possibility of immediate reconciliation between the protesting political parties and King in the near future.

Speaking at a face-to-face programme organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal in the capital on Monday, Rana said that triangular power struggle would convulse the country in what he called a ‘dangerous accident.’

Rana, however, said that his party would continue its efforts for reconciliation among the constitutional forces. “The split in the party will not affect our mission,” he said.

The RPP chairman further added that King must remain as constitutional head of the country and the symbol of unity of Nepali people. “Nepal without constitutional monarchy is beyond imagination,” he said.

Citing the proposed high level visit of a Chinese delegation to Nepal, Rana stressed the need of support from international power centers for reconciliation among the constitutional forces in Nepal. India, China or the United States could exert pressure on the King to initiate dialogue with the mainstream political parties to give an outlet to the present political turmoil, he maintained.

Reacting to queries of media persons, Rana denied that Nepali people would choose republican system in the country at the present situation.

Speaking further, Rana described the municipal polls a “complete failure”. He said that municipal polls would not address the present national issues.

The RPP has not joined the street protests with the seven-party alliance after the royal takeover but has been stressing the need of dialogue between the King and constitutional forces and formation of all party government.

Soon after the royal takeover on February 1 last year, the RPP dubbed the King’s move as a step backward for the progress of democracy in the country.

The party split into two factions after some central committee members led by Home Minister Kamal Thapa formed a rival RPP and decided to participate in the municipal polls.

The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) has said that it is providing security in the upcoming municipal elections.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, spokesperson of the RNA Brigadier General Nepal Bhusan Chand said that Maoists are increasing their violent activities to disrupt the municipal elections. To that affect, “The army is ready to be mobilized to maintain law and order in the country as per the direction of the government,” he added.

The RNA is ready to provide full security to the people contesting the municipal elections as it did in the previous polls, Brigadier General Chand added. He further said that the RNA is always ready to provide security to the people and maintain law and order in the country.

He refuted allegations that some candidates of the municipal polls have been kept in army barracks.

According to RNA, Maoists suffered heavy loss in recent actions in Hatuwagadhi of Bhojpur district, Manakamana of Syanjha district and Jhurjhure of Makawanpur district.

According to RNA, 5,086 Maoists were killed after the termination of the second round of peace talks on August 26, 2003, till September 2, 2005. Likewise, 275 Maoists were killed from September 3, 2005. The Army suspects 1,206 more causalities in the Maoists’ side during the period.

581 armymen were killed following the termination of second round of talks with the Maoists, the RNA said.

2,889 Maoists surrendered to the security forces expressing dissatisfaction of Maoist activities till September 2, 2005. Likewise 928 people surrendered to the security forces from September 3, 2005, the RNA said.

The army said that Maoists are continuing their terror, adding, 2,009 general people including children and old people were killed by the Maoists for expressing dissatisfaction over their violent activities.

The RNA also said that it confiscated large amount of explosives from Bahuni area of Morang district on 23rd January.

Brigadier General Chand informed that Maoists are using modern weapons like the AK-47 to spread terror in the country. He made it clear that the RNA does not use such weapons.

He did not comment on the issue about suspension of arms assistance by some donor countries, but said that the RNA has sufficient arms and ammunition to fight the Maoists.

The RNA also expressed its commitment for the protection and promotion of Human Rights. A statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of RNA said it had replied to two allegations of the Asian Human Rights Commission and also investigated 2,441 complaints against the RNA.

The RNA also made it clear that representatives of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal are visiting the detention centers of the RNA.

Hundreds of professionals affiliated with the Professional Association for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD) staged a protest rally in Kathmandu, demanding restoration of democracy in the country.

Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD) staging a protest rally at New Baneswore, Monday, Jan 30 06. nepalnews.com/rh

Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD) staging a protest…
Carrying banners and placards with slogans demanding democratic rights, the professionals took out the rally from New Baneshwor which converged into a gathering at Maitighar.

Speaking at a gathering, representatives of various professional organizations expressed support to the ongoing movement being waged by the political parties.

Meanwhile, over two-dozen students were arrested from Mahendra Campus in Nepalgunj, Banke district, this afternoon when they were staging protests against the recent government clampdown in peaceful student protests.

Similarly, in Kathmandu, students in various colleges staged protests against the Tribhuvan University’s decision to extend the winter vacation by 11 days, until February 9, in view of the municipal polls on February 8.

Eight student unions affiliated with the agitating political parties have accused the TU administration of taking the decision at the pressure of the government, warning of strong resistance.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has been monitoring the condition of political detainees detained at various detention centers in the Kathmandu Valley, has asked the government to provide basic facilities to the detainees.

A statement issued by the commission on Monday following visit of a NHRC monitoring team at the Armed Police Force (APF) barrack in Duwakot, Bhaktapur, where dozens of political leaders have been kept, said the water provided to the detainees is not drinkable and a number of detainees have fallen sick after drinking impure water.

Saying that most of the cells in the detention centre are damp, the NHRC asked the authorities to set up tents and keep the toilets in proper condition and provide medical checkups to detainees suffering from health problems.

The monitoring team comprising NHRC members Sushila Singh Silu, Sudeep Pathak and Dr Ram Dayal Rakesh found 11 political detainees including CPN-UML leaders Subash Nemwang, Gopal Shakya, Yubaraj Karki, Nepali Congress (Democratic) leader Bimalendra Nidhi and student leader Ram Kumari Jhakri with health problems.

The rights watchdog asked the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to take immediate steps to ensure basic facilities, including reading materials, to the political detainees and allow their family members to meet them.