PM Koirala administered oath of office

His Majesty King Gyanendra administered oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Prime Minister amidst a ceremony at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace Sunday morning.

84 years old Koirala entered the Palace at 10 a.m. and left in about 20 minutes. The oath ceremony of the newly appointed PM scheduled on Friday had been delayed due to the ill health of Koirala.

Mainwhile Alliance source said the number of ministers would not exceed 21. Sources said at least six ministers each will be drawn from the NC and the CPN-UML, three from the Nepali Congress (Democratic), one from the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandi) and two from civil society.

The Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party and Janamorcha Nepal are learnt to have decided to stay away from joining the all-party government. Sources said they want to join an interim government of which the Maoists are also a part.

The sources said NC general secretary Ramchandra Poudel may be asked to look after either Physical Planning and Works or Local Development, joint general secretary Dr Ram Sharan Mahat Finance, Chakra Prasad Bastola Foreign Affairs, Mahesh Archarya Defence, Mahantha Thakur Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, while Tirtha Ram Dangol was likely to be appointed Health and Population minister.

UML standing committee member K P Sharma Oli may become deputy-prime minister in addition to holding Home portfolio, Pradip Nepal may be given either Information and Communication or Water Resources ministry, Rajendra Pandey Local Development, Pradip Gyawali Civil Aviation, Tourism and Culture, Urmila Aryal Women, Children and Social Welfare, while Prof Mangal Siddhi Manandhar may be given the charge of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ministry.

NC-D general secretaries Prakash Man Singh and Bimalendra Nidhi may be given the charge of Labour and Transport Management and Education and Sport, respectively, while Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat is likely to be Environment, Science and Technology Minister. NSP general secretary Hridayesh Tripathi is likely to take the responsibility of Forest and Soil Conservation ministry.

Two ministerial berths for civil society were yet to be finalised. Sources said alliance is considering former speaker Daman Nath Dhungana, Dr Devenrda Raj Pandey, senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit and Dr Sundar Mani Dixit for the remaining portfolios.

Three Nepalese jailed in UAE

Three Nepali nationals have been sentenced to a month in jail and a Dh100 fine each by the Court of Appeal in Fujairah for assaulting a truck driver while the latter was on his way from Massafi to Fujairah, Kaleej times reports

The Court of Appeal upheld a judgment delivered by the Fujairah lower court which had passed the same verdict.

According to court records, the Massafi police station received a report from an Arab expatriate truck driver that he was assaulted by three men, while taking a brief stop on the Masafi-Fujairah Road.

He said he was surprised when three men approached him, talking in some foreign language, before attacking him without any provocation.

The three convicted Nepalis have been identified as Bam B., Deck B. and Bahej R.

The Nepalis initially denied the crime. But, an Yemeni expatriate who witnessed what happened testified to their crime in the court.

Proposal on constituent assembly filed

The proposal by Prime Minister Koirala to hold an election to a constituent assembly has registered in House of Representatives .

Deputy Speaker Chitra lekha Yadav read out a written message from Koirala that proposed the parliament to hold an election to a constituent assembly.

“Implementing the seven parties’ roadmap and the 12-point understanding (with the Maoists) will be my first commitment,” Koirala said in the written message, “as per my commitment to go to constituent assembly to resolve the problems facing the country, I have registered a proposal to hold constituent assembly elections at the Parliament today itself.”

Koirala’s proposal, titled “Necessary Proposal of Public Importance”, said, “Based on the people’s feeling expressed through the peaceful, joint popular movement; the roadmap put forward by the seven parties in the people’s movement, and the 12-point understanding reached between the seven parties and the CPN-Maoist, and instutionalising the fact that …State Authority and Sovereignty are inherent in the Nepali people as established by the people’s movement, this meeting of the House of Representatives vows and decides to hold constituent assembly elections to draft a new constitution to give an outlet to the current serious crisis facing the country.”

“For this purpose, I also express commitment to hold immediate dialogue with the Maoists, declare a ceasefire, and ensure an environment free of fright and fear,” the proposal says.

Koirala’s proposal was supported by parliamentarians Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Lilamani Pokhrel, Narayanman Bijukchhe and Hridayesh Tripathi.

The House echoed with a loud applause when Deputy Speaker Yadav read out Koirala’s proposal.

However, no discussion could be held on Koirala’s proposal because of his absence.

The next meet of the reinstated HoR that will start at 4 in the afternoon coming Sunday will hold discussion on Koirala’s proposal.

Most waited parliament begins

The first session of the reinstated House of Representatives (HoR) has begun at the Parliament Building, Singha Durbar, Friday afternoon.

The meet, which was earlier scheduled to commence at 1:00 in the afternoon started more than three and a half hours later. The first parliamentary session was presided by deputy speaker of the HoR, Chitra Lekha Yadav.Deputy Speaker of the reinstated Parliament, Chitra Lekha Yadav, chaired the parliament meet as speaker Taranath Ranabhat resigned from his post on Wednesday. Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala, who has been appointed the Prime Minister of the government to be formed next, was not present in the first meeting of the reinstated HoR due to ill-health. 84-yr-old Koirala has been sick for the past couple of days. Deputy Speaker Yadav read out a written message from Koirala that proposed the parliament to hold an election to constituent assembly.

His Majesty King reinstated the parliament, which was dissolved in May 2002, on Monday as per the roadmap of the seven-party alliance.

The Singha Durbar premises wore a new look after four years. Lawmakers seemed delighted to enter the parliament after four years.

Out of the total 205 members, only 202 MPs attended today’s meet. While the NC has expelled two of its MPs, Prakash Koirala and Narayan Singh Pun for supporting the royal government, UML parliamentarian Hem Narayan Yadav was killed a few years back.

Positions in 1999 General Elections

Parties seat secured
Nepali Congress 113
CPN-UML 68
Rastriya Prajatantra Party 12
Sadbhawana Party 5
Majdoor Kisan Party 1
Samyukta janamorcha 1
Rastriya Janamorcha 5
Total seats 205

Parliament session delayed

The first session of the reinstated House of Representatives (HoR) has been deferred for the later in the day.

According to the parliament secretariat, the session that was to kick off at 1 p.m. has been delayed till later in the day.

The meeting is taking place after four years after His Majesty the King reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday, dissolved on May 22, 2002 as per the roadmap of the seven major opposition parties.Mainwhile The swearing-in of the newly appointed Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, has been delayed due to his ill health.

The swearing-in ceremony has been delayed after doctors attending Koirala advised him for rest, NC sources said. However, the doctors have said he might be able to attend the ceremony and the first session of the reinstated House of Representatives in the afternoon as his health is gradually improving. The swearing-in ceremony was to take place at 9:30 this morning at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.Nepali Congress (NC) sources said there is still not much improvement in the health of 84-yr-old Koirala who has been ill for the last couple of days.

“Girija Babu is ill. It is very much unlikely that he will attend today’s meet of the Parliament,” NC General Secretary Ram Chandra Paudel, who reached Koirala’s residence to collect a written message from Koirala to be read out before the HoR told Repoters.“He couldn’t even attend the swearing-in ceremony.”

By 2:45 pm, almost all members of the reinstated House had arrived at the Gallery Baithak of the Parliament where the meet will take place. A few MPs are yet to arrive.

Besides the announcement of constituent assembly elections, which the SPA says will be the main agenda of the revived House, it will also form a “powerful commission” to take action against those who tried to suppress the recent popular movement and provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives and the injured of the popular movement.

Removing the terrorist tag and red corner notice imposed on the Maoists, reciprocating the rebels’ unilateral ceasefire and inviting them for talks to form an interim government are also the agendas of priority.

Nepali Congress- Democratic (NC-D), the breakaway faction of the NC, has been given the status of a separate party in the Parliament though it does not have the 40% of the total parliamentarians of the mother party, as required by the Act related to the Parliament.

Out of the total 205 members, only 202 MPs will be attending today’s meet. While the NC has expelled two of its MPs, Prakash Koirala and Narayan Singh Pun for supporting the royal government, UML parliamentarian Hem Narayan Yadav was killed a few years back.

Most of the parliamentarians present in today’s meet are not in the national dress, which was mandatory in previous meetings of the parliament.

Koirala appointed Prime Minister

King Gyanendra on Thursday appointed Koirala to the post of Prime Minister “as per the unanimous decision of the seven-party alliance and Article 36 (1) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990,” a communiqué from the Royal Palace Secretariat said.

This will be Koirala’s fifth stint as the country’s Prime Minister.

A meeting of the SPA on Tuesday had unanimously proposed Koirala’s name as the Prime Minister of the next government.

Meanwhile, 84-year-old Koirala is suffering from respiratory problems and is being attended by a group of doctors at his residence.

OHCHR calls for judicial probe into Belbari killings

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) -Nepal has called for independent judicial investigation into the incident Deploring the killing of seven civilians by the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) soldiers in Belbari, Morang, on Wednesday.

“OHCHR-Nepal deplores the latest killing of seven unarmed civilians by the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), in Belbari, Morang District, on 25 and 26 April, and calls for action to ensure that no further such killings occur,” a press statement issued by the OHCHR said, adding, “OHCHR-Nepal is therefore calling on the civilian authorities to establish, at the earliest opportunity, a fully independent judicial investigation into the shootings at Belbari.”

It added, “This investigation should establish the facts of what occurred on 25 and 26 April, and make recommendations for accountability mechanisms for the punishment of those responsible, as well as measures to ensure that such violations are not repeated.”

The OHCHR deployed its teams to Belbari, Itahari and Dharan to begin investigations into these shootings, according to the statement. “OHCHR-Nepal has confirmed that one civilian woman was shot dead on 25 April by RNA soldiers, and that a further six civilians were killed on 26 April when RNA soldiers fired numerous rounds at demonstrators who had gathered to protest the alleged rape and killing of this woman the previous day.”

More than 20 others are confirmed to have been injured in this shooting.

Reacting to the clarification of the Ministry of Defence on the incident, the UN rights body stated, “OHCHR-Nepal has found no evidence to support the RNA account that shots were fired from among the demonstrators on 26 April or that civilians were armed or presented an imminent threat to the lives of members of the RNA.”

This is the second time in less than ten days that RNA soldiers have opened fire with live ammunition on civilians in the Eastern Region, following the shooting at demonstrators at Chandragadhi, Jhapa District on 19 April, which resulted in two fatalities and at least 13 civilians suffering bullet injuries, the statement further said.

“It is essential, as part of Nepal’s current transition, that a new ethos of accountability is established. The shooting of unarmed civilians is inexcusable, and it is vital in order to establish public trust in the rule of law that an appropriate investigation be completed and sanctions imposed on those responsible. Those under investigation should be suspended immediately,” the statement quoted Ian Martin, OHCHR representative in Nepal as saying.

Mainwhile A four-member probe team has been formed under the coordination of Brigadier General Pawan Pandey of Brigade No 2 of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) situated at Dhankuta to carry out investigation into Belbari incident, in which six civilians were killed when army men opened fire yesterday.

The army had opened fire at the demonstrators who were protesting the killing of Sapana Gurung, a hotelier.

According to the information given in the press conference organised at the Eastern Division Headquarters of RNA in Itahari today, the probe panel includes SSP Prakash Kunwar and two army officials of the division.

Colonel Tara Bahadur Karki said, “If medical report shows the woman was raped, the guilty soldiers will be tried in a civilian court.” The report will be made public on Friday.

Meanwhile, a troop of security forces was dispatched to Belbari today. All the security personnel including commander of the camp Captain Pralhad Thapa Magar, who were at the camp at the time of incident have been called back to RNA Division in Itahari. Some security personnel including Thapa Magar have been taken into custody.

Among the killed, only Tekendra Chaudhari and Sunita Rishidev could be identified.

ICJ welcome reinstatement of Parliament

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has welcomed the reinstatement of the House of Representatives in Nepal and called on the new transitional Government and the CPN (Maoist) to declare indefinite ceasefires and jointly to sign a human rights code of conduct as one of several confidence-building measures towards peace.

"The reinstatement of parliament is a major step on the long path towards re-establishing democracy in Nepal and ensuring that democracy is stable and brings benefits to all the people of Nepal", said Nicholas Howen, Secretary-General of the ICJ.

"Human rights and democracy have been courageously defended by a largely peaceful movement in Nepal. It is essential that the King of Nepal and the Royal Nepalese Army now fully respect the authority of the transitional Government and that the international community remains focused on and supportive of the huge tasks ahead," added Nicholas Howen.

The ICJ urged that a series of confidence-building measures should be taken swiftly, to create an environment in which the remaining questions about how Nepal will be governed can be resolved and in which a negotiated political process can begin to end the 10-year armed conflict.
"The 12-point agreement signed by the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists in November 2005 sets out many commitments to human rights and the rule of law that should now be put into practice by both the transitional Government and the Maoists", said Nicholas Howen.

Reflecting the need for confidence-building measures that reduce violence and pave the way to a political process, the ICJ urged the Maoists and the Government to declare indefinite ceasefires and to agree a human rights code of conduct, which the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) could be asked to monitor.

The Government should also now move to stop the human rights violations that are being carried out by Nepal's security forces. A start should be made by repealing ordinances issued by King Gyanendra without a democratic process and that infringe on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Nepal, including the Terrorist and Destructive Activities (Control and Punishment) Ordinance, the Media Ordinance, the National Human Rights Commission (First Amendment) Ordinance, the Social Welfare (First Amendment) Ordinance, and the Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance.

The ICJ appealed to the CPN (Maoist) to take this opportunity to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and urged the CPN (Maoist) to refrain from imposing any kind of band, strike or other actions that would cause further deterioration to the precarious humanitarian situation in Nepal.

The ICJ also recalled that a process that ensures both that the truth is revealed and accountability is secured for past human rights violations on both sides, will be essential to the future stability of the country and respect for human rights.

The ICJ concluded by urging the international community to continue to support the democratic process in Nepal. "The 12-point agreement between the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists was also a call on the United Nations and the international community to support the Nepali people as they seek to resolve the conflict, including by monitoring the armed forces of both sides and assisting with mediation and future elections. Now is the time for governments that care about the future of Nepal to show their swift and steadfast support for democracy and human rights," concluded Nicholas Howen.

AG Nirala resigns from the post

Attorney General (AG) of the Kingdom of Nepal Laxmi Bahadur Nirala resigned from the post on Wednesday.

State run news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) quoted Nirala as saying that he decided to resign on his own so that it would be easier for the head of the government to appoint a new AG in the changed political scenario.

Janakpur based senior advocate Nirala, who had actively advocated in favor of panchyati regime, was appointed for the post on December 25 last year, replacing Pawan Kumar Ojha.

Legal status of MP's

After royal announcement of Monday has call for House of Representatives (HoR) on Friday, it is not clear about Some MPs, what will be their legal status.

legal status is not clear about MPs like Narayan Singh Pun and Prakash Koirala, both of whom were elected on NC ticket but have been expelled by the party.

Likewise, the CPN-UML now has 66 members, three down from initial strength of 69, with Hem Narayan Yadav from Siraha having died while Prem Bahadur Singh and Nara Bahadur Budhathoki quit the party. The status of the last two is unclear.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which had 11 members, has split into three. While RPP led by Pashupati Shumshere Rana has six MPs, RJP has four and the RPP led by Kamal Thapa has a solitary member.Rastriya Janshakti Party (RJP) supremo Surya Bahadur Thapa as well.He had launched his outfit after walking out of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) subsequently. The issue here is whether they will abide by the whip issued by their parent parties.

While Rastriya Jana Morcha and United People’s Front (UPF) had six MPs between them, the Jana Morcha Nepal —a nascent outfit which evolved after their unification has six. Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party has one MP. Nepali Congress has 72 after expelling Prakash Koirala and Pun, NC (D) has 39 if one includes K P Bhattarai.

The Nepal Sadbhavana Party and Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandi) have two member each, while one MP of united NSP has distanced himself from both the parties.

Constituent assembly only way

Speaking at a programme organised by the Nepal Bar Association on Wednesday, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dhungana urged the House to work towards holding constituent assembly election, forming an all-party government and scrapping all ordinances promulgated during the direct rule of the King.

"The time has come that the people get the right to decide a place for the King as kings have been deciding the rights of the people so far," he said. Dhungana, who is also one of the drafters of the 1990 Constitution, also said the constituent assembly would fix the rights of the people and the place for the King.

Member of the reinstated House, Subhas Nembang, asked officials who were appointed by the King during his direct rule and who had curbed the rights of the people to quit before Parliament initiates action against them. Also a former law minister, Nembang hoped that there would be no hindrance in going for election to the constituent assembly.

President of the Nepal Bar Association, Shambhu Thapa, said nobody should excuse a leader who involves himself in corruption and irregularities. "If we find any leader involved in any scandal, we will demand action against him even without giving him a chance," he added.

Senior advocates Basudev Dhungana and Bishwa Kanta Mainali urged the Parliament to focus on bringing the Maoists to the mainstream according to the roadmap of the seven-party alliance and the agreement reached with the rebels. Senior advocate Sushil Kumar Sinha said the Maoist problem should be addressed at any cost as it is the main problem plaguing the country.

Speaker Ranabhat Resigns

The Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Tara Nath Ranabhat resigned from his post today citing changing political scenario. Ranabhat tendered his resignation to the King in the run-up-to the first session of the reinstated House after four years.

However, he will remain as a member of the Lower House.

Politicians and professionals had demanded his resignation accusing him of supporting the royal takeover. Ranabhat had welcomed King Gyanendra’s address to the nation on Friday, calling political parties to purpose a name for the post of prime minister. The parties had flatly rejected the King’s offer and demanded the reinstatement of the House.

He resigned after meeting with top brass leaders of the seven-party alliance (SPA) this afternoon.He forwarded his resignation letter to the HoR through the deputy speaker this evening.His resignation comes two days before the first session of the reinstated HoR

Though the House was dissolved on May 22, 2002, Ranabhat had continued the job as Speaker.

Royal proclamation is unconstitutional

Some Legal expert says King Gyanendra's act of reinstating parliament through a royal proclamation is unconstitutional, leaving room for doubt that he may try to seize power again.

"The constitution doesn't give the King such sweeping powers," said Yubaraj Sangroula, advocate and executive director at Kathmandu School of Law."By reviving the house on his own, he signals he still has absolute power to make and unmake such stupendous decisions on his own."The reinstatement would have been legitimate had it been ordered by Nepal's Supreme Court, he said.

Sangroula said the Supreme Court failed to act as the custodian of justice and contributed to the King's absolute reign.The crisis started in May 2002 after the King dissolved the House of Representatives, sacked prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in October and appointed three prime ministers without a new parliament.

Fearing a constitutional crisis, a lawyer petitioned the Supreme Court in 2002, asking it to revive the house. But the petition is still gathering dust.Four days before Gyanendra sacked him again and sent him to jail, Deuba had a premonition and consulted Sangroula.

"I told him since the petition was already in court, he should ask it to be heard," Sangroula said."Or he could activate lawyers to file a fresh petition. If parliament had been reinstated, the King couldn't have sacked him and begun direct rule." The legal expert concedes there was a political necessity for restoring the house quickly. With anti-King protesters vowing to surround Kathmandu on Tuesday with about two million demonstrators, there were fears of a riot and bloodbath.

Still, all options to defuse the situation were not explored.

"At a time people want to end rule by kings, if he is still allowed to act unconstitutionally and take such bold steps, how can we hope to have a non-interfering, powerless king?" Sangroula said. The next few months would show if the King has really accepted the people's verdict.

"People want a constituent assembly election to decide if Nepal should stay a kingdom or become a republic. But the present constitution has no provision to hold such an election," Sangroula said. "So the reinstated house would have to amend the constitution. For that they would need the King's assent, though it's a formality."When the house sends the proposal to the King, he can stall it for two months. Then he can sign it or return it with recommendations for changes," he said.

"However, the house is not bound to implement them. If it sends the proposal to the King again, he would have to sign it. At the most, he can delay it for another two months."He can use the time to make covert manipulations," Sangroula said. "He can try to divide the parties, he can even use the army again."

Royal Ordinances must Scrap : NBA

The Nepal Bar Association on Tuesday called on the parliament, which is scheduled to convene on Friday, to scrap all the ordinances brought during the King's direct rule.NBA urged the parliament to scrap the ordinances that had been introduced to curb the rights of the people.

It also called for the dismissal, and if needed impeachment, of all those officials of the constitutional bodies who were appointed after February 1 last year and who curtailed the people's rights.

The NBA also called the parliamentarians not to accept salary and other facilities for the last four years when the parliament was not active. "Though the House has been restored, the members should not accept salary and benefits for the time when they did not work," NBA president Shambhu Thapa said.

"Everybody should think of solving national problems rather than personal ones," he added at a press conference on Tuesday.The lawyers' body also demanded the House to impeach the Supreme Court judges and officials of several other constitutional bodies who curtailed the right of the people and worked against the spirit of the constitution. "Now we want to see action taken against those who were appointed in the constitutional bodies just because of their link with the King," Thapa said, adding, "We will not accept appointment of any judge without the consent of the NBA."

NBA general secretary Madhav Baskota called the parliament to form a probe commission to punish the security personnel and government officials who exercised excessive force to suppress the movement and to provide compensation to the families of the martyrs and persons injured during the movement.

NBA also called the government-to-be-formed to announce a ceasefire, call Maoists for talks, amend the constitution to pave a way for holding elections to a constituent assembly, and implement the roadmap of the seven-party alliance.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association also called the parliament to curtail the power of the monarch including the provision on succession and Royal Nepalese Army. It also called for a dismissal of the Rajparishad.

This is political solution : legal Experts

In his address to the nation King Gyanendra has first time did not use any article of the constitution. This is totally political solution to reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives said legal experts .Before in every Royal Proclamation King Gyanendra used to site Article 127 of the Constitution .

"By any article of the present constitution, King has no rights to reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives" said professor Surya subedi talking to bbc nepali sewa. this is political solution to get out from the crisis he said further .

In Royal Proclamation on Sunday has said "Convinced that the source of State Authority and Sovereignty of the Kingdom of Nepal is inherent in the people of Nepal and cognizant of the spirit of the ongoing people's movement as well as to resolve the on-going violent conflict and other problems facing the country according to the road map of the agitating Seven Party Alliance, we, through this Proclamation, reinstate the House of Representatives which was dissolved on 22 May 2002 on the advice of the then Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990. We call upon the Seven Party Alliance to bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path to national unity and prosperity, while ensuring permanent peace and safeguarding multiparty democracy".

This kind of reinstatement can be precedent , if the political wave went in wrong direction told Advocate Manoj shrestha to legal news from Nepal .

Lawyers welcomes royal proclamation

Legal exports has welcomed the King’s address of Friday, saying that the proclamation would help the political forces in Nepal to engage in dialogue for reconciliation.

“We welcome the declaration of King Gyanendra and we think that the king s speech will help the political forces to engage in dialogue and realize political reconciliation,” talking to legal news from nepal Advocate Keshav prasad Dahal told .

"The King should now assume a ceremonial role for good governance" told Advocate Ram chandra subedi.

"Now, once again the political parties have got a great opportunity with the sacrifice of more than a dozen people within two weeks to rectify themselves and drive the country into right path" told Advocate mahesh thapa .

Mainwhile People jumped to the streets immediately after the royal proclamation out of excitement and rapture, in the capital on Monday.

The streets of Kathmandu reverberated with merrymaking and whistles.People started pouring into the streets in the Capital and other major cities of the country to welcome the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.

Parliament restore

King Gyanendra has reinstated the House of Representatives dissolved in May 2002.

Addressing the nation, The King also called the session of the parliament on Friday (April 28) at 13:00 p.m. at the parliament building in Singh Durbar The King expressed his heartfelt condolence to those who lost their lives and wished steady recovery to those injured in the people’s movement.

The move is aimed at "protecting multiparty democracy and restoring peace", he said in a televised address.The announcement comes after almost three weeks of opposition protests in which at least 14 people have died. The King had dissolved House of Representatives on May 22, 2002 on recommendation of the then prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Click here to watch Royal Adress

Full Text of the Royal Proclamation

Beloved Countrymen,

Convinced that the source of State Authority and Sovereignty of the Kingdom of Nepal is inherent in the people of Nepal and cognizant of the spirit of the ongoing people's movement as well as to resolve the on-going violent conflict and other problems facing the country according to the road map of the agitating Seven Party Alliance, we, through this Proclamation, reinstate the House of Representatives which was dissolved on 22 May 2002 on the advice of the then Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990. We call upon the Seven Party Alliance to bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path to national unity and prosperity, while ensuring permanent peace and safeguarding multiparty democracy. We also summon the session of the reinstated House of Representatives at the Sansad Bhawan, Singha Durbar at 1 pm on Friday, April 28.We are confident that this House will contribute to the overall welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese people.We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives in the people's movement and wish the injured speedy recovery. We are confident that the nation will forge ahead towards sustainable peace, progress, full-fledged democracy and national unity.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!

NBA will supports on Tuesday protest

The NBA said that the lawyers will participate in the demonstration on Tuesday and support the political parties’ movement for restoring democracy in the country.“The NBA has decided to support the political parties’ movement. Therefore, every bar unit should actively participate in the movement,” the circular issued by NBA General Secretary, Madhav Banskota, states.

It also urged lawyers practising in the valley to participate in a rally on Tuesday.

Earlier this morning, separate meetings of the SPA asked its central-level leaders to join the top brass leaders from various parts in the capital for tomorrow’s demonstrations.

Meanwhile The embassy of the United States in Kathmandu on Monday has ordered mission family members, US employees and citizens to leave the country due to the deteriorating situation and ongoing security concerns after 18 days of pro-democracy movement and general strikes."Under ordered departure, mission family members and non-emergency American employees would depart Nepal as soon as possible. American citizens should also depart Nepal as soon as possible," the embassy said in a statement.

14 died, 5,000 were injured

In the last 18 days of protest against king's direct rule, At least 14 people have died, 5,000 were injured and four remain missing . Almost two-dozens have been physically disabled while eight have permanently lost their vision.

Eyewitnesses said they saw injured protesters being picked up and ferried away in military vans.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said that security personnel have been found using excessive force without prior warning, to control peaceful and unarmed demonstrations of the seven-party alliance.

A press statement issued by the NHRC said, "NHRC has recommended to the government to immediately stop excessive use of teargas, baton charging and even firing bullets without prior warning, while controlling unarmed and peaceful demonstrations."

The national rights watchdog wrote a letter to this effect to the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday, after it found abuse of human rights by security forces in the name of controlling pro-democracy demonstrations.The NHRC expressed deep concern over the authorities’ failure to develop a mechanism to allow ambulances, health workers, media and human rights organizations to move around.

NHRC has also asked the government to immediately release all detainees arrested in the course of the ongoing pro-democracy movement of the country.

The national human rights watchdog has also appealed to the seven-party alliance to arrange for transportation of necessary goods like medicines, foods and fuel as the general strike has made people's life difficult.

Main while , Nepalese Govenment is breaking rules of international law by useing helicopters to mobilized for aerial surveillance on demonstrations . The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) used helicopters in Kathmandu valley to keep surveillance over peaceful demonstrations and to direct ground troops. In many instances, protesters have complained that security forces on the ground opened unprovoked fire immediately after choppers were seen circling above.

Govt under Article 35 can make political decision: AG Nirala

At a time when there is debate about the use of Article 35 after His majesty the King has called on seven party alliance to form a government that enjoy executive power as per Article 35 of the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990, Attorney General (AG) Laxmi Bahadur Nirala has made it clear that the government with executive power as per Article 35 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990 can take political decision and that the decision would be enforced.

Talking to state run Radio Nepal, Attorney General Nirala said as per Article 35 of the Constitution, the government with executive power can run the administration of the state.

According to Article 35 (3), the responsibility of issuing general directives, controlling and regulating the administration of the Kingdom of Nepal shall, subject to the Constitution and other laws, lie in the Council of Ministers.

The work to be carried out by His Majesty would be only upon recommendation and decision of the Council of Ministers, AG Nirala said. As all the works except those to be carried at His Majesty’s discretion would be carried out as per the decision of the Council of Ministers there is no reason to have any doubts over it, he said.

Children Among Victims of Police Attacks on Protestors :HRW

Nepali government’s crackdown on the current wave of demonstrations, police have brutally beaten and shot children, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said .The Nepali government must take immediate action to end all unnecessary use of force against pro-democracy protesters by the security forces. The authorities must also independently investigate and prosecute all officials found to be responsible, including those at the highest levels HRW said .

“The security forces have brutally beaten demonstration leaders with intent, and children as young as 12 without regard,” said Jo Becker, an advocacy director for Human Rights Watch. “These forces are meant to protect people exercising their rights, not abusing them for it.”

Massive protests have taken place across Nepal for the past two weeks as part of a nationwide strike called by Nepal’s seven opposition parties and Maoist rebels calling on King Gyanendra to relinquish direct power. The protests have drawn tens of thousands of people into the streets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other areas across the country.

More than 2,000 people reportedly have been injured and at least nine have died as security forces responded to the largely peaceful protests with live and rubber bullets, beatings, and tear gas. Human Rights Watch said it has visited six Kathmandu hospitals that collectively have treated more than 1,350 injured protesters during the past two weeks of protests. At four of the hospitals, Human Rights Watch interviewed more than a dozen injured protesters who had suffered gunshot wounds, bone and skull fractures, and head trauma.

Three of the victims were children, including two 12-year-old boys. One boy suffered a skull fracture from being hit by police during a demonstration on April 16. Another boy was shot in the head while running away from a protest in Gongabu in northern Kathmandu on April 11, and a bullet remained lodged near his right ear.

HRW said Injured protesters told that they believed the security forces deliberately targeted protesters’ heads. This allegation was supported by medical personnel at three hospitals, who reported that more than 60 percent of the injured protesters had suffered head injuries, primarily from being struck with lathis (long police batons).

Be careful, Looting Cases Increased

Over a dozen cases of looting and beating were reported when curfew was relaxed in the Valley during the last few days, police said. According to the Valley Police Office, six cases of looting and two cases of beating were reported on Saturday .

A group of armed persons looted Rs 1,200 from Ramesh Khadka of Okhaldhunga at Ghattekulo when he was heading for his residence at Baneshwor height. The looters showed khukuris and overpowered Khadka and took away his purse, police said.

At Kalopul, two persons looted Rs 700 and a gold ring from Ramkumar Kharel of Balaju while he was going to his relative's house. Kharel told the police that the two persons looted him by showing a knife. "They snatched my purse and the ring and fled away," he told the police.

Similarly, Hira Gauchan of Baglung was beaten up by an unidentified group near Sankhamul bridge at around 9 pm when he was going to his residence from Patan.

A group of armed persons broke into the house of Rajkumar Rai at Kapan and made away with property worth Rs 200,000 last evening. Police said seven persons asked Rai's daughter to open the door. "When I opened the door, they showed me a pistol and asked to keep quite," police quoted her as saying. Police said that the gunmen overpowered all the six members of the house and made away with Rs 35,000 cash and other valuables.

Police said that five minor cases of looting were reported on Friday .

Huge protest in Tuesday -SPA

SPA announce fresh protest plan on Tuesday with its high level leaders in RingRoad area reports said.

Meanwhile Neither a curfew and tear gas nor King Gyanendra's offer to give up control of the state stemmed the fury of his subjects on Sunday, as protesters, for the first time in 18 days of demonstrations, broke through police lines to pierce the ancient heart of the city, reaching within a few blocks of Narayanhiti Palace.

Protesters defied a daytime curfew in the Nepalese capital Sunday, clashing with security forces who fought back with tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition.

The protesters assembled Sunday on Katmandu were met by massed army troops who used barbed wire to cordon off some inner alleys.The police have opened indiscriminate fire at a huge mass of demonstrators at Koteswore in Kathmandu, on Sunday afternoon.

At least twenty persons were hit with rubber bullets. Tika Prasad Dhakal, a resident of Kavre, was taken to the B & B hospital by a UN vehicle. The police opened fire without warning at the demonstrators, a huge mass of around 30000 were protesting against the Fridays Royal proclamation in a peaceful manner. Around 200 protesters injured in scuffle after the police firing.

Thousands of demonstrators clashed with security personnel at Kalanki of Ring Road and other parts of the city as anti-king demonstrations continued in the Nepali capital on Sunday by defying the curfew orders.

According to reports, demonstrators including those who have arrived from Kirtipur clashed with police as the latter tried to stop them from moving towards Soaltee Mode in the inner parts of the city.

Three tiers of security have been set up to stop the demonstrators. On the front are civilian police followed by the personnel of Armed Police Force who are backed up the Royal Nepalese Army personnel. The number of soldiers patrolling the street is considerably higher today.Unlike Saturday when hundreds of thousands of people had marched towards the city center, security personnel are trying hard to stop masses from moving towards inner parts of the capital.

Huge masses carrying party flags are marching along the Ring Road. They have put up barriers at several points of the Ring Road to stop security vehicles from plying.

The city center was guarded by soldiers patrolling in armored personnel carriers, who seemed to be concentrating on areas where crowds had defied a curfew the previous day.

The king addressed neither of the coalitions' two principal demands: the restoration of the elected Parliament, suspended nearly four years ago, and a referendum to rewrite the Constitution and allow Nepalese citizens to decide on the future of the monarchy once and for all. Nor did the king say a word about the protesters still in detention, including doctors, lawyers and writers, nor the stream of laws that his royal government has imposed since his takeover 14 months ago.

Indeed, the protests that have ground life in the capital to a halt, strewing streets with bricks, broken bottles and burned tires, seemed increasingly to be more a referendum on the reign of King Gyanendra than a cry for democratic reforms.

Royal address did not solve the crisis : NBA

The Nepal Bar Association said the royal address neither met demands put forth by the seven-party alliance nor was it aimed at resolving the crisis.

"The present political crisis can be resolved only through the restoration of the House of Representatives and election to the constituent assembly," NBA general secretary Madhav Banskota said in a press release on Saturday.

The lawyers' body also called on the King, the seven-party alliance and the Maoists to hold talks to find a peaceful way out. "The royal address neither indicates the King is ready to give up autocratic rule nor does it meet the demands of the people who have been hitting the streets seeking democracy," the press release stated.

Main while former Supreme Court judge Krishna Jung Rayamajhi said the King’s offer to the seven political parties to form a new government under the existing Constitution’s Article 127 was in effect the same as the monarch appointing previous governments following his October 4, 2002 takeover.

“The parties have expressed their dissatisfaction at the King’s call. Even if they agree to his call, they will have just that much power as enjoyed by previous governments following the October 4, 2002 takeover,” former Supreme Court judge Krishna Jung Rayamajhi told . He added that the royal address suggests that the King has no intention of addressing the ongoing movement or resolving the Maoist problem.Rayamajhi also said, “The King has only changed the language of his address. He has failed to make any change in his roadmap, especially concerning the appointment of prime minister and tackling issues relating to peace and security, and restoration of democratic institutions through elections. The king’s reference to Article 35 giving power to the new government is nothing new since the King had already given the same power to former governments headed by Surya Bahadur Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba.”

“The political parties’ acceptance of the Monarch’s call will only legitimise the monarch’s power to activate Article 127 any time and the executive will be accountable to the King but not to parliament,” Rayamajhi added.

Constitutional expert Purnaman Shakya said the King failed to address the crisis since his only focus was on the appointment of a Prime Minister. “Since the royal call has failed to meet the people’s demands for revival of the House and election to the Constituent Assembly, the new government, if formed under article 127, will not have the authority to decide on these major demands.”

Nepal’s most wanted

Nepal police updated the list of 'most wanted' criminals and put the figure at 25. Crime Investigation Department (CID) of police headquarters updated the list and posted it today on its official website.

Police headquarters has listed 15 criminals (some of them accused) for murders, three for drug-smuggling, four for motorcyle thefts, one each for cheating, robbery and cow slaughter as most wanted criminals.

Nepal police spokesperson SSP Ramesh Chand said the convicts or those charged with crimes by the court and have been absconding for over six months are on the list. “If the accused or convicted persons are not professionals, we don’t list them as the most wanted criminals,” he said, adding, “If we think the criminals are a threat to peace and security of society, we put them on the most wanted list.”

“We have asked all police personnel in the country to catch the most wanted criminals any time and anywhere, without any prior order,” he added.

Dhol Bahadue Khadka, of Dolakha, murderer of father Gafne, a Japanese monk, and Raju Gorkhali, who has been charged with the murder of Rakesh Limbu, are among the most wanted murderers.

“Since drug-smuggling is a globally-organised crime, Nepal police forwards the list of most wanted criminals facing drug smuggling charges to International Police Organisation so that the organisation can keep an eye on them,” he added.

Police have put Ali Minya and Salim Shekh of Parsa and Manbir Moktan of Makawanpur as most wanted drug smugglers.

Though categorising criminals as most wanted means police have to step up measures to nab them, Nepal police has failed to do so due to the current situation. “On one hand, Nepal police has yet to develop work culture; on the other, police had to mobilise manpower in different “beats” like political demonstrations and fighting against the Maoists,” a police official at the CID said.

Nepal unrest :No more rule of law


Tens of thousands of people have come to the street in Kathmandu from various areas is heading defying the curfew imposed by the government Friday afternoon.

Authorities have clamped 12 am to 8 pm curfew in five municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley today. The district administrations of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur imposed curfew inside Ring Road areas of the Kathmandu Thousands of people from Gongabu shouting king's offer as a sham, is marching towards inner city areas, eyewitnesses said.

Earlier, the protesters burnt tyres, fell woodlogs on the road bringing the traffic to a complete standstill.

The protesters shouted "King's address is a sham," "Leaders don't compromise with the king," and "We want complete democracy."

Reports said that the prtoesters are also marching from Chabahil.

Meanwhile, security forces have opened fire at demonstrators in Triupreshowr.

Details are awaited.

Main while The meeting of top leaders of the seven-party alliance concluded by stating that the movement will continue until and unless everyone is assured about unhindered path to an election to a constituent assembly."King used same article while appointing me. But dismissed me under 127, " former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba said while talking to reporters after the meeting.

Article 35 of Nepalese constitusion

The King said he has returned the executive powers to the people in accordance with the Clause 35 of the 1990 constitution. The King has also called on the seven-party alliance to recommend a name for the post of Prime Minister to form the government. Until the formation of next government, current cabinet will take the responsibility of governance. what in Article 35 of Nepalese constitusion are

35. Executive Power:

(1) The executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and other laws, be vested in His Majesty and the Council of Ministers.

(2) Except as otherwise expressly provided as to be exercised exclusively by His Majesty or at His discretion or on the recommendation of any institution or official, the powers of His Majesty under this Constitution shall be exercised upon the recommendation and advice and with the consent of the Council of Ministers. Such recommendation, advice and consent shall be submitted through the Prime Minister.

(3) The responsibility of issuing general directives, controlling and regulating the administration of the Kingdom of Nepal shall, subject to this Constitution and other laws, lie in the Council of Ministers.

(4) Except in so far as any action is to be taken in the name of His Majesty pursuant to this Constitution and other laws, all other executive actions shall be expressed to be taken in the name of His Majesty's Government.

(5) Any decision, order or implementation warrant to be issued in the name of His Majesty pursuant to this Constitution and other laws shall be authenticated in such manner as may be set forth in rules made by His Majesty at His discretion. All other decisions, orders and implementation warrants to be issued in the name of the Council of Ministers pursuant to clause

(4) above shall be authenticated in such manner as may be set forth in rules approved by His Majesty.

(6) No question shall be raised in any court as to whether or not any recommendation or advice has been given to His Majesty pursuant to this Constitution by the Council of Ministers or any other institution or official, nor shall any question be raised in any court about what recommendation or advice has been given.

King Asks Parties to Name PM

King Gyanendra today announced that he has returned the executive powers he had assumed on February 1 last year, back to the people and called on the seven-party alliance to recommend a name for the post of prime minister to form a government. The King said he has returned the executive powers to the people in accordance with the Clause 35 of the 1990 constitution. The King has also called on the seven-party alliance to recommend a name for the post of Prime Minister to form the government. Until the formation of next government, current cabinet will take the responsibility of governance.

Main while The district administration offices of Kathmandu and Lalitpur Friday extended curfew by four hours.

According to the statements issued by the administrations, curfew will be in place within the Ring Road areas from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Curfew is illegal

Legal experts says curfew in Nepal is illegal .Professor Surya subedi has told that UN can format special court to see deadly police force against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators. Talking to BBC Nepali sewa , professor subedi told that the curfew is illegal . "although Nepal is not parts of some of the Human Rights declaration but It should bind its self in some human rights issue" he told further .

Same as Talking to Legal news from Nepal Advocate Depish shrestha told that government can not impose curfew in this moment . As per International Human Rights declaration Government have some condition to break Citizen rights . In the current condition of Nepal, while in peace rally, government had no rights to impose curfew. He told we can take this case to UN for investigation . Advocate shrestha is doing research in Human rights law in UK.

Main while The United Nations human rights experts Thursday called the use of deadly police force against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators "inexcusable" and said the Nepal government had violated agreements by banning the deployment of UN monitoring teams during the curfew it had imposed.

The government refused to issue passes to UN bodies, journalists and ambulances after announcing an 18-hour-long daytime curfew on Thursday that was further extended by seven hours later in the night.

Following the delivery of a letter from High Commissioner Louise Arbour, the Nepalese chief of Army staff promised that UN staff would be given curfew passes for Friday, the UN news website reported Friday quoting UN spokesman.

But Thursday's ban prevented UN teams from fulfilling their work in monitoring and playing a restraining role both with demonstrators and security forces.

Earlier Thursday, OHCHR spokesman in Nepal Kieran Dwyer said the denial of curfew passes was "a clear violation" of the agreement between the OHCHR and the government setting out the mandate the Nepal office which "provides that OHCHR-Nepal shall have 'freedom of movement throughout Nepal'."

"The law enforcement agencies have resorted to indiscriminate firing of rubber bullets - even on occasion live ammunition - into crowds, beatings, raids on homes and destruction of property. Scores of bystanders and demonstrators, including women, children, journalists and lawyers have been identified among the casualties," the experts said.

Government produced a detailed to SC

After lying several times to the Supreme Court, the government produced a detailed explanation to the Supreme Court last Tuesday on the deployment of army personnel on peace-keeping missions abroad.

The Ministry of Defence had filed affidavits that it had not signed any agreement with the UN while sending army personnel on any peace-keeping mission. When the SC cross-checked with the RNA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government bodies and the writ petitioners, the court found that the Ministry had lied to the court.

Then the court ordered all MoD and MoFA, RNA and the office of the Auditor General to produce the agreements and details on how RNA welfare fund was spent or face contempt of court action .In response , the Ministry of Defence sent copies of a dozen agreements with the UN on deployment of army men in peace keeping missions.

The Ministry told the court it had signed agreements with the UN while deploying army personnel in Middle East on 1973, Israel and Lebanon in 1977, Yugoslavia in 1992, Somalia in 1993 and Siralion and East Timor in 1999. According to the Ministry’s claim, it had signed agreements with UN while sending army men to Siralion, Kongo and Sudan in 2003 and Burundi and Haiti in 2004. Since the Ministry had sent the document marked as a secret one, the Supreme Court Registrar Dr Ram Krishna Timalsena decided not to provide a copy to anyone including the petitioners.

Only after the apex court warning to take action on contempt of court did the Ministry submit an agreement between the UN and the government signed in 2004 and declined to produce any other copies of agreements to the court . On August 23, a division bench of Justices Anup Raj Sharma and Sharada Prasad Pundit had directed the Ministry to furnish a copy of the agreement or face contempt of court action. Before the order, the court had, several times, directed the ministry and the RNA to furnish the copies of the agreements.

The Ministry and the RNA, responding the court’s initial show- cause notices, had claimed that they did not have any agreement with the UN for deployment of army personnel on peace- keeping missions but later claimed that though they had signed agreements they did not have any copy.

The petitioner had accused the RNA of giving those on peacekepping missions few facilities and wanted a court order to provide them facilities as per the agreement between the UN and the government. It had also charged that after not paying the peackeepers their due, a huge amount was saved in the RNA welfare fund which was massively misused.

King meets CJ

At a time when the seven-party alliance(SPA)’s pro-democracy demonstration is gaining momentum, King Gyanendra has granted audience to Chief justice Dilip poudel on Thursday. King has talk in legal matter for restore of the house of Representative source said .

Main while Hours after meeting King Gyanendra at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, Indian Prime Minister's Special Envoy Dr Karan Singh has said that the king will soon make an announcement to diffuse the crisis in the country."The ball is in the king's court now," Singh told the media upon arrival in New Delhi, Thursday. During his two-hour-long meeting with the king, Singh conveyed "India's deep concern over the situation" and passed on the letter from Dr Manmohan Singh.

"My meeting with the king was positive," he said, as he expressed his concerns over the people facing day-to-day economic and political hardships. Soon after arriving with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and Joint Secretary Pankaj Saran, Dr Singh was busy in a meeting with top Indian officials, sources said.

Curfew extended in capital

The authorities have extended the 18 hours long (2 am to 8 pm) curfew in the capital on Thursday by seven hours. Now the curfew that was to end at 8 pm Thursday will be in place till 3 am Friday. This the first time that the authority has impose curfew for 25 hours. Normal life in Kathmndu is hardest ever .

Mainwhile Police have forcibly taken away the bodies of three protesters killed in police firing at a huge pro-democracy demonstration at Kalanki on Thursday."The police took all the bodies at around 6:45 pm and I don't know where they have taken to. The bodies had not yet been identified," said Dr. Sarita Pandey of Kathmandu Model Hospital.

"They (police) forcibly entered into the hospital, broke the mercury room where the bodies are kept and took it away," said Pandey.One of the dead has been identified as Basu Ghimire working in Kalanki Kathamndu Mill.

People broke the law impose by Royal government

At least three persons were killed and over 50 injured when security personnel opened fire at pro-democracy activists, who were organizing demonstration in Kalanki area, Kathmandu, defying curfew orders imposed by the government.

Doctors at the Kathmandu Model Hospital have confirmed the death of three protestors who died on the way to the hospital. Over four dozen injured protestors have been brought to the hospital. The identity of the dead protestors is yet to be established.

Police fired several live rounds, rubber bullets and teargas shells to disperse the agitators and charged batons injuring several protesters. Human rights monitors on the scene told that security personnel also barred Red Cross volunteers from treating the injured persons on the spot.

A huge rally from Kirtipur also joined the protestors at Kalanki. Demonstrations and police-protestors clashes are going on in Syuchatar, Dhungaadda, and Balkhu areas.

Defying the government-clamped curfew, thousands of protestors have demonstrated at various places in Katmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur since early Thuursday morning. Policed also opened fire at protestors in Satdobato and Gwarko of Lalitpur.

Police opened fire at protesters in Gwarko area of Lalitpur at least 8 protestors were seriously injured in the firing. Many others are reported injured. They were taken to health posts in the surrounding villages with the help of villagers.

In Gongabu, a huge mass of thousands had gathered outside the Ring Road area from early in the morning. Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC and Nepali Congress-Democratic leader Prakash Saran Mahat were leading the protest rally. Similarly, thousands of protestors have gathered at Chabahil defying the curfew and are chanting pro-democracy slogans.

Clashes between security men and protestors are going on in Chabahil and Chuchchepati areas where over 35 thousands protestors said to be presentThousands of protestors took out a protest rally and demonstration in Budhanilkantha area also.

However, no major demonstrations were seen in the main streets and markets of Kathmandu except some sporadic protest rallies and demos at Anamnagar, Ghattekulo, Buddhanagar and Battisputali. There is massive deployment of security forces along the major streets. Likewise, 20 protestors were injured in Patan when they clashed with riot police.

Similarly, police shot at protesters at Satdobato. However, details of casualties in the incident were not immediately known.Tens of thousands of pro-democracy activists are organizing demonstrations in various parts of the capital defying curfew orders.(Update in 6.30 pm )

Defying curfew, hundreds of people came out on the last point of the street where the government has impose curfew in Kathmandu today to participate in a pro-democracy demonstration, marking the start of the third week of a general strike called by the opposition parties.

Preliminary reports from Kathmandu say that people in several places including Buddhanagar, Bhaktapur, and Hattigauda have defined curfew. In the areas around Ring Road, people are marching to defy the curfew. The processions are taking place mainly in the suburban areas such as Bhaisepati, Satdobato, Chabahil, Kalanki, Gongabu, Kirtipur.

Main while Around one hundred thousend protesters have gathered in kalanki and same as in chabahil . Security personal have blocked Ring road area . source said police open fire in kalanki area and 4 are seriously injured . Helicopter was flying in the sky and the ambulance was running in kalanki . There is a serious fear of repression from security forces as no "curfew pass" is issued to media.

The Royal Government has imposed an 18-hour curfew from 0200hs this morning.

This morning Prime Minister's Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Karan Singh hold talks with King Gyanendra to convey India's strong concerns over the prevailing situation as all underpin the importance for initiating dialogue immediately with the political parties to take forward the process of reconciliation. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, an old Nepal hand, will join Singh in the talks.

We have no objections-CJ

Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Paudel on wednesday assured Supreme Court lawyers that the SC would not object to lawyers’ absence from court proceedings once the court administration is informed in advance.

“If the lawyers can inform about their absence in advance, we have no objections,” Paudel told lawyers. “Unless you (lawyers) inform us of your absence in advance and if we allow people to be absent without prior information, people may accuse us of being involved in politics,” he told lawyers representing the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) who had gathered at the chamber of the chief justice inside the Supreme Court.

The lawyers informed the CJ they would shun all court proceedings across the country tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, except hearings on habeas corpus cases and a few other special cases.

NBA vice-president Sher Bahadur KC, general secretary Madhav Banskota, along with executive members Tikaram Bhattarai, Kedar Kari, Nagendra Rai, Bhim Dhakal, and Lilamani Paudel met the Chief Justice today to inform the latter of their boycott of all court proceedings across the country in the next two days in support of the ongoing movement for democracy.

During the meet, lawyers complained of the negative role played by justice Gauri Dhakal while handling habeas corpus cases. The lawyers complained that Dhakal had failed to force the government to produce detainees before the SC in order to test their detentions even while her bench was handling most habeas corpus cases.

Main while A second PIL was filed on Wednesday challenging the renewal of the controversial Media Ordinance. Chairman of Freedom Forum Tara Nath Dahal along with several NGOs filed the PIL.

18 hours Curfew Imposed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur

The government has imposed curfew in the capital coming into effect from 2:00 am till 8:00 pm on Thursday.

Issuing separate notices, the district administration offices of Kathmandu and Lalitpur have imposed a curfew within the Ring Road and 200 metres outside the Ring Road areas in Kathmandu and Lalitpur.

Residents should not come out of their houses. Security forces could shoot violators or police could arrest them and jail them up to one month," the notices said.

Meanwhile, The government released CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and Nepali Congress (NC) general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel from police custody on Wednesday.

Nepal and Poudel were released from the premises of Kathmandu District Court this evening.

In other news ,expressing solidarity with the ongoing movement for complete democracy, the employees of the Appellate and District Courts in Pokhara staged a sit-in in the courts' premises this morning. They came out of their rooms halting work and staged the sit-in from 10 am to 12 pm.

CIAA cases against ex-RBB officials

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Tuedsday filed separate cases at the Special Court against some ex-officials of different branches of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) in the Kathmandu Valley alleging them of irregularities while issuing letter of credit (LC) for private companies.

Then Manager Thirtha Prasad Neupane, senior assistance Raghubar Raj Pandey and account officer Anil Kumar Bhandary have been accused of misappropriating US $ 198750 while issuing LC for Subash Chandra Mundada, proprietor of Mundada Impex with a malintention, a press statement of the CIAA said.

All three were the then officials of the Bhotahiti Branch of the RBB.The Commission has accused them of returning the deposit amount Rs. 201333.74 producing fake documents with signatures and stamps of the concerned customs offices.Similarly, officials of the same branch accused of misappropriating fund while opening LC with Chakra Prasad Pandit, proprietor of New Sapin Enterprises and embezzling US $ 135483 and a deposit amount of Rs.135889.50.Those accused were then manager Gopal Bahadur Sharestha, Pandey and Bhandary.

Meanwhile, another charge sheet of the Commission said that it has accused the then RBB officials of the Baneshwor Branch in a similar case of opening LC for Dambar Bahadur Thapa, proprietor of Sanam Shalma Traders with a malintention.According to the Commission, those accused are manager Shree Krishna Shrestha, senior assistant Mahendra Bhakta Pradhananga, assistant account officer Ram Prasad Rai, field assistant Bal Prasad Neupane, and assistant Madan Kumar Siwakoti.

They were accused of misappropriating US $97200 producing fake documents and office stamps of the concerned customs offices, the press statement said. The Commission has also accused them of embezzling the deposit amount of Rs. 98464.

PIL against media fiat

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of the recently renewed Media Ordinance.

The government renewed the Ordinance on April 3 after the expiry of its first six-month term.
Filing the petition, advocates Ravi Raj Bhandari and Kahar Singh Khadka said the same PIL is sub-judice at the SC and that the promulgation of the Ordinance is unconstitutional.

The petitioner claimed that the government has undermined people's fundamental right to information. The petitioner also accused the government of misusing Article 72(1) of the Constitution while promulgating such an 'unconstitutional' Ordinance.

36 political activists released

36 leaders and cadres of political parties were released on Tuesday following the order of Supreme Court.

Those released include CPN UML leader Bidhya Bhandari and Khim Lal Bhattrai of All Nepal National Free Student Union, among others.

Meanwhile, The authorities have extended the detention of human rights and civil society leaders by another three months.the authorities have extended the detemtion of NC leader Narhari Acharya, human rights leader Krishna Pahadi and civil society leaders Dr Devendra Raj Pandey, Dr Mathura Prasad Shrestha and journalist Shyam Shrestha by another three months.

NHRC writes to APF chief to send Thapa for questioning

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had sent a letter to the chief of the Armed Police Force (APF) on Monday to send Senior Superintendent of Police Madhav Thapa for questioning in the April 11 incident in Gongabu, where security forces opened indiscriminate rubber bullets firing and lathi charged demonstrators.

In a letter sent to the APF Inspector General, Sahabir Thapa, the national rights watchdog has requested him to send SSP Thapa within 48 hours.

The NHRC also said it would also take up the issue with the home minister.

The NHRC had asked SSP Thapa to be present at its office in person on Sunday. However, in a letter to the NHRC, the APF headquarter said that he couldn't appear before the office due to "hectic security meetings".

In its letter to the APF chief, the NHRC has said that, beside maintaining peace and security, "It's the duty of the police officer to uphold human rights standards," according to reports.

Related news
NHRC may call for action against SSP

Sit-in and torch rally organised

Demanding the implementation of the SC verdict on the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC), lawyers on monday organised a separate sit-in and torch rally on the premises of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA). About 500 lawyers took part in the sit-in.

“Since the verdict clearly indicates that sovereignty is vested in the people, the King should implement the SC verdict immediately,” senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikary said. He said the King had been exercising executive power even after the SC verdict. “Respecting the verdict, the King should immediately dissolve the government,” Adhikary added.

Senior advocates Krishna Prasad Bhandari, Shree Hari Aryal, former president of NBA Harihar Dahal, present NBA vice-president Sher Bahadur KC, and general secretary Madhav Banskota too urged the King to dissolve the government immediately.

90-Day Detention Warrants to journalists

The government on Monday has handed over 90 days long detention warrants to 20 journalists arrested from peaceful demonstration organised by Press Chautari Nepal a day back.The detained journalists are imprisoned at the Dasharath stadium.

Those getting three month long detention warrants include Chairman of Press Chautari Nepal Bal Krishna Chapagain, vice-chairman Bharatraj Pokhrel and general secretary Ganesh Basnet.
Likewise, journalists Sambhu Shrestha, Gagan Bista, Bhimsen Rajbahak, Bal Kumar Nepal, Dev Raj Aryal, Rohit Dahal, Rajendra Phuenyal, Sushil Aryal, Dev Raj Aryal, Prakash Silwal, Govinda Chaulagain, Indra Baniya, Punya Bhandari, Kiran Pokhrel, Surojung Pandey, Om Prakash Acharya and Dipak Oli also received three month long detention warrants.

The journalists were arrested from Bhotahity area while staging demonstration demanding complete press freedom and restoration of democracy in the country.

SC Tells Govt To Free 172 Leaders, Activists

Kathmandu, April 17- Responding to different habeas corpus cases, the Supreme Court on monday ordered the government to release at least 172 political leaders, activists and human rights activists.

Following a hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarters to release leaders including former ministers Ishwor Pokhrel, Raghuji Pant, Astha Laxmi Shakya, Krishna Gopal Shrestha. Two separate benches comprising justices Ram Prasad Shrestha and Rajendra Prasad Koirala and Badri Kumar Basnet and Kalyan Shrestha have issued the orders.

The court also ordered to release Pashupati Chaulagain, Lal Bahadur Tamang, Gopal Shakya, Dev Raj Ghimire, Purna Prasad Gautam, Dan Bahadur Dangol, Santosh Timalsena, Arun Nepal, Daya Ram Khadka, Bhim Raj Angdambe and Kamal Itani. They were arrested a few days back from a protest rally demanding democracy.

The bench said that their detention was illegal as there was no ground to detain them. Challenging their arrest, Nepal Bar Association and family members of the detainees had filed moved the court. In another development, the Supreme Court ordered the government to produce leaders including Sujata Koirala on April 20 and human rights activists including Kapil Shrestha on April 19.

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Lawyers stop their work

Lawyers did not participate in court business on Sunday across the country. .As they announce in Friday, The Nepal Bar Association all over in Nepal stage a sit-in-protest to oppose the government’s move“We will participate in the stir actively until such time as when democracy is restored and the people get back their rights,” Said the participated of the sit-in-protest .

They urged King Gyanendra to take action against security personnel involved in the brutal suppression of protesters during the movement for democracy. “Being the chairperson of the Council of Ministers, the King should stop security personnel from using brutal measures and abusing power delegated to them,” they told to legal news from nepal .

Nepal Bar Association organized a protest programme in Ilam. Demonstrations were also held in Sindhuli, Birjung, Pokhara and Nepalgunj

Main whileThe employees of Supreme Court, for the first time, joined the pro-democracy movement from Monday. The employees of SC organized a sit-in at the premises of the Court from 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. More than 100 employee of the SC participated in the sit-in demanding restoration of democracy and human rights in the country. They shows their solidarity to lawyers and participated of the sit-in-protest programme in front of supreme court .they also condemned the using force in lawyers rally on Thursday.

CIAA files case against RNAC staff

Kathmandu, Apr. 17- The Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a charge-sheet at the Special Court against Kala Bajgain, a trainee air hostess of level five of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) alleging her of submitting fake academic certificates during her recruitment.

The Commission has demanded fine and punishment against her as per the provision of the Corruption Control Act 2017 and 2059 BS, as she was found to have acquired a fake certificate of intermediate level from Uttar Pradesh India, a press statement of the Commission said Sunday.

NHRC may call for action against SSP

Kathmandu, April 17- Armed Police Force SSP Madhav Thapa has failed to respond to the National Human Rights Commission’s summons and the NHRC may ask the government to take action against Thapa if he fails to respond to the commission’s calls.

“The commission is likely to recommend to the government to take action against Thapa if he does not show up at the commission office,” said a NHRC source. The NHRC Act has given the authority to the commission to recommend to the government to take action against those who do not respond to the commission’s summons. However, the commission is considering sending one more official reminder to Thapa on tomorrow, asking him to visit the commission office. “If he ignores our call, we will be forced to ask the authorities to take action against him,” the sources said.

NHRC had sent a letter to Thapa on April 13, summoning him before the commission for interrogation about the excessive use of force by security forces in Gongabu, Kathmandu, on Tuesday. The excessive use of force including opening fire at the protestors had caused injuries to hundreds of demonstrators in Gongabu. The forces there were under Thapa’s command.

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Protest banned

Kathmandu, April 17-Activities like gatherings, processions and sit-ins that could disturb the law and order situation have been prohibited in all areas within the Ring Road and up to 200 metres from the road within Kathmandu metropolis and Lalitpur sub-metropolis with effect from today. The prohibition will remain effective until further notice. The District Administration Office of Kathmandu and Lalitpur have, in separate notices, said that the prohibition has been enforced as per the Local Administration Act 2028 BS so as to maintain law and order and security, in view of the possibility of such activities leading to riots and disturbances in law and order, obstruction to non-participants and negative impact on public health.

Habeas corpus for Freeing Detainees

Kathmandu, April 17- Separate habeas corpus petitions were filed in the Supreme Court on Sunday, seeking the release of political leaders, cadres and rights activists arrested in course of the agitation.

The petitions sought the apex court order to order the authorities to release political leaders, including Sujata Koirala, Meena Pandey, Lal Kumari Pandey, Binita Adhikary, Sushila Adhikary, Suprabha Ghimire, Bishbu Devi Pandey and 22 human rights activists. The petition sought the Supreme Court's order to the Home Ministry and the Police Headquarters for their immediate release.

81 food adulteration cases in a year

Kathmandu, April 16- The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control at Babarmahal in its annual report referred 81 cases of food adulteration to the District Administration Offices in the last fiscal year.

According to the report, Seven firms were involved in adulteration. pasteurised milk was adulterated in seven cases, ghee products in 23 cases, milk products in one, mustard oil in two, vegetable ghee in one and tomato ketchup in two. The cases were referred to respective district administration offices in the Valley.

The report adds that two cases each of spurious fruit products and spices, one of spurious tea, seven of adulterated cereal and pulses, six each of bad instant noodles and noodles, four of spurious biscuits, one case of adulteration in bakery products, seven cases of adulteration in processed drinking water, five cases of spurious dalmoth and bhujia, one case each of spurious sweets and papad and two cases of adulterated feed were referred to the quasi-judicial bodies.

Jiwan Prava Lama, senior food researcher at the department, said the department didn’t want to disclose the names of the industries as the legal authority were yet to look into the cases.he told “Premises and surroundings of industries, processing plants, cleaning of equipment, storage condition of raw and finished products, processing technology used, good manufacturing practices, good hygiene practices and hazard analysis were what the inspectors looked for while monitoring and inspecting the industries,”