Saturday, April 29, 2006

Prime Minister designate Girija Prasad Koirala talks to Sitaram Yechury, politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at the former’s residence at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu on Saturday. Koirala, who has still not sworn in due to ill-health, is scheduled to take the oath of office on Sunday.
(Photo: Narendra Shrestha )

Admiration from abroad
Kathmandu braces for more high profile visits
By John Narayan Parajuli



WASHINGTON DC, April 29 - With Nepal’s parliament restored, foreign diplomats have resumed their pending visits to Nepal to normalize the relationship that came under sever strain during King Gyanendra’s direct rule. Besides political support, these visits are likely to bring much needed economic aid to help Nepal cushion the effects of the insurgency.
U.S. assistant secretary for south and central Asia Richard Boucher is arriving in Kathmandu on May 2 to assess the situation following the King’s climb-down.
“We would like to have a normal relationship with Nepal across the board,” said Boucher, during a roundtable discussion with journalists before leaving Washington, “including a normal relationship with the army.”
The U.S. could resume military supplies if the new government requests.
“We'll look at all those things, and we'll' look at all those things based on what a democratic, what a civilian government, what a new Prime Minister is looking for from the United States,” he said.
Boucher will asses the needs of Nepal’s new government and is likely to announce a package soon, according to sources.
Similarly, the Norwegians are also gearing up to extend their support to the new government and the process of democratization in Nepal. Erik Solheim, Norway’s Minister for International Development is arriving in Kathmandu on May 2 for a four-day visit. Solheim’s visit is expected to provide a push to the prospects of talks between the government and the Maoists.
“Nepal is facing major political, economic and social challenges. Norway wants to help resolve these [issues] in consultation with the new government, the political parties and civil society,” Solheim said in a statement. “We hope these efforts will also help to pave the way for negotiations with the Maoists and resolution of the armed conflict.”
Solheim is a member of the Socialist Left party and a leader of Norway's peace mediation team between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers that help brokered the 2002 truce. On the question of Norway offering a mediatory role,
“Right now there is no plan for mediation between the government and the Maoists,” said May Elin Stener, an aide to Solheim and the Assistant Director General at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit, Minister Solheim will hold talks with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and leaders and other representatives of several political parties. The programme will also include a visit to a Norwegian-supported development project. Solheim’s aides say that Norway’s assistance could be significantly increased to help Nepal mitigate the crippling effects of the insurgency.
Meanwhile, On Thursday, the U.S. senate passed a resolution expressing support for Nepal’s restored parliament and urged the government to help Nepal in the process of democratization.
According to a Congressional aide, the resolution was introduced by Republican senator Richard Lugar, who is also the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, and cosponsored by Senators Joseph Biden (D-Delaware), Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota), Lincoln Chafee (R-Rhode Island), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), John Kerry (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), and John Sununu (R-New Hampshire).
The resolution calls on the U.S. to work closely with India, China, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations to ensure a common and coherent international approach that helps bring about an immediate, peaceful transition to democracy and an end to the violent insurgency in Nepal.
In November last year, a group of senators and congressmen led by Congressman James Walsh (R-New York) had urged the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to provide Nepal a complete package to deal with the crisis in Nepal.
Posted on: 2006-04-29 08:51:39 (Server Time)

Thursday, April 27, 2006


Seven Party Alliance pledges constituent assembly poll

Madhav Kumar Nepal addressing a gathering at

Khula Manch in Kathmandu on Thursday.


Kathmandu, April 27:Senior leaders of the seven-party alliance today vowed to meet people’s aspirations on the issue of election to the constituent assembly and to begin the process in the very first session of the reinstated House of Representatives beginning tomorrow.Addressing a huge gathering at Khula Manch, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepali Congress (NC) vice president Sushil Koirala, president of Janamorcha Nepal Amik Sherchan, president of NC (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba, Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party president Narayan Man Bijukchhe and Bharat Bimal Yadav of Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandi) pledged to hold election to unconditional constituent assembly.Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala was conspicuous by his absence as he did not turn up at the venue to address the masses because of “health reasons”. Piqued by his absence some people even pelted stones and hooted when Sushil Koirala came to address the gathering.Nepal said CPN-UML would take to the streets again if the issue of constituent assembly was side-stepped. The UML chief also suggested that the new all-party government must change the name of the Royal Nepal Army to Nepal Army and that it should purely remain under the purview of the Parliament. He urged the Maoists to join the mainstream.Sherchan acknowledged the role of the Maoists in the success of the mass movement. “The Maoists were actively involved in the peaceful movement,” Sherchan admitted. He asked the people to gherao Singhadurbar to press for election to constituent assembly. He urged the HoR to end all formal procedures and act quickly and warned that the people would be compelled to go for a republican setup if the King poses any hurdle in constituent assembly poll. Sherchan opined that NC president Koirala should take oath before the public.Deuba said the new government should rechristen His Majesty’s Government as Nepal Government.Bijukchhe said the new government should fix a ceiling on property, allocate half of the budget on local development, check border encroachment, scrap all one-sided treaties and withdraw red corner notice and terrorist tag pinned against the Maoists.Yadav emphasised on election to constituent assembly for peace, stability, inclusive democracy and restructuring the state.People power• A huge banner warned GP Koirala: “Take oath from sovereign people in Khula Manch, not from the King. Be aware of conspiracies!”• Gathering wanted to hear from Koirala but was told that the NC supremo was “not well” and was being attended to by two doctors.• Anti-monarchy slogans all over.• Threat to gherao Singhadurbar from Friday unless the HoR decides on election to constituent assembly.• NC vice-president Sushil Koirala had to leave the mike following continuous hooting and stone pelting.• Nepal Bar Association president Shambhu Thapa and a comedian tried to calm down the crowd but failed.• Madhav Kumar Nepal pacified the crowd.

The Himalayan Times Online Printed from www.thehimalayantimes.com

Tuesday, April 25, 2006


Announcement of Constitutional Assembly elections main agenda of reinstated parliament
Koirala to become Prime Minister

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, April 25 - The meeting of the seven-party alliance (SPA) that began at the Maharajgunj residence of Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala Tuesday morning, has concluded with a decision to announce Constituent Assembly elections through the reinstated parliament.
"The announcement of Constituent Assembly elections will be the main agenda of the reinstated parliament," NC General Secretary Ram Chandra Paudel told ekantipur over the phone, soon after the conclusion of the meeting.
"The people will take their decision through constituent assembly elections," he added.
Expressing commitment to the 12-point understanding reached between the SPA and the Maoists, the meeting also called on the rebels to support the parliament reinstatement move.
Pledging financial help to the families of the martyrs of the Janaandolan-II, the meeting also promised all possible help in the treatment of those injured during the pro-democracy demonstrations.
Those involved in suppressing the people's movement will be investigated and punished, the meeting has decided. The meeting also decided to cancel all unconstitutional decisions taken by the autocratic royal government.
All top leaders of the alliance including NC President Koirala, NC-D president Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe were present in the meeting.
Thousands of demonstrators had gathered in front of Koirala's residence when the meeting was going on.
Meanwhile, "victory rallies" have been taken out in different places across the country including Lalitpur, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Sarlahi and Bardiya.
All mobile phone services that were down since last Saturday have resumed in the Kathmandu Valley from early Tuesday morning. Prohibitory orders against rallies and public gatherings earlier imposed in different parts of the valley have also been lifted.
Koirala to be PM
The meeting of the seven-party alliance (SPA) on Tuesday unanimously recommended Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala for the post of the Prime Minister.
UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and NC (D) President Sher Bahadur Deuba proposed Koirala’s name, which was unanimously agreed upon by the alliance.
Meanwhile, the emergency meeting of NC central working committee at Koirala's Maharajgung residence has concluded that Monday's Royal Proclamation was positive.

Monday, April 24, 2006


Nepal Reinstates Lower House of Parliament
Monday April 24, 2006 10:16 PM



By TIM SULLIVAN
Associated Press Writer
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's embattled king appeared to defuse weeks of mass protests that have pushed this Himalayan country near the brink of anarchy, reinstating the lower house of parliament on Monday as his opponents had demanded.
With few choices left and hoping to avoid a bloody showdown between demonstrators and his security forces, Gyanendra's announcement cleared the way for the creation of a new constitution that could leave him largely powerless, or even eliminate the monarchy.
Gyanendra also expressed his sympathies for the 14 demonstrators killed by his security forces in nearly three weeks of protests.
``We extend our heartfelt condolences for all those who have lost their lives in the people's movement,'' Gyanendra said in the address, broadcast on state television and radio.
Nepal's three largest opposition parties welcomed the king's comments, and the sounds of celebratory shouts and whistles could be heard in the streets of Katmandu minutes after the 11:30 p.m. speech.
Gyanendra ``has addressed the spirit of the people's movement'' and met the demands of the main opposition seven-party alliance, said Ram Chandra Poudel, general secretary of the Nepali Congress.
The address effectively handed power back to elected politicians hours before the largest planned protest yet, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend. The seven parties planned to meet Tuesday to call off the protests, party officials said.
From now on, the seven-party opposition alliance would ``bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path of national unity and prosperity,'' Gyanendra said in his address.
``We are confident the nation will forge ahead toward sustainable peace, progress, full-fledged democracy and national unity,'' said the king, sitting rigidly in front of a blue backdrop decorated with royal emblems.
For much of the crisis, Gyanendra had remained silent and invisible, hidden behind the walls of his heavily guarded central Katmandu palace and kept in power because of the loyalty of his army and police.
The reaction of Nepal's Maoist guerrillas, who have seized much of the rural heartland in a bloody decade-long quest for power and who had joined with the alliance to back the protests, remained unknown.
However, their influence has surged with the protests, and they would almost certainly lobby for a role.
In the Chabahal neighborhood of Katmandu, about 50 people streamed into the street singing and clapping.
``This is the people's victory! Long live democracy!'' they chanted.
``The people from every corner are pleased to come and celebrate,'' said Prakash Nepal, a 40-year-old bank employee among the crowd. Other rallies were reported elsewhere in the city.
The reinstatement of Parliament was a key alliance demand.
The reinstated lower house, which the king called to convene Friday afternoon, was to create an interim government under the alliance's plan, which would then set up special elections for an assembly. That assembly, in turn, would write a new constitution. Parliament's lower house holds real elected power in Nepal's constitution.
The constitution will almost certainly bring dramatic political changes. Most opposition leaders favor a constitution that would give Nepal a ceremonial monarchy, or simply eliminate the royalty completely.
Countries with strong ties to Nepal were encouraging Gyanendra to give the opposition alliance what it was demanding, including the reinstatement of parliament, and an apology for the killed demonstrators, said a diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.
Protests have rocked Katmandu and many other towns for nearly three weeks, and police have clashed repeatedly with demonstrators demanding Gyanendra relinquish the absolute power he seized 14 months ago when he dismissed an interim government, saying he needed to bring order to the chaotic political situation and crush the Maoist insurgency.
The interim government was one of many he had named to replace the parliament dissolved in 2002.
The protests and general strike have paralyzed the country, with the capital locked down by repeated curfews, roads blocked by protesters, and food and fuel increasingly scarce.
Amid the increasing chaos, the State Department earlier Monday ordered all non-emergency embassy staff and family members to leave Nepal, according to an embassy spokesman, Robert Hugins.
Protests had intensified since Friday, when Gyanendra offered to let the opposition alliance nominate a prime minister and form a government. On Saturday, one march even got within a few blocks of the palace.
Opposition leaders and the Maoists rejected that offer because it did not include the return of parliament.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Nepal's king appears to bow to mass protests



Nepal's king appears to bow to mass protests, vows a return to democracy
11:39:51 EDT Apr 21, 2006
BINAJ GURUBACHARYA


KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's king vowed Friday to return power to the people of this Himalayan kingdom after weeks of massive protests and mounting international pressure.
King Gyanendra said his dynasty had "unflinching commitment toward constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy" and he called on the seven main political parties to name a prime minister as soon as possible.
"Executive power . . . shall, from this day, be returned to the people," he said in the announcement that was broadcast on state television and radio.
While the king appeared to be giving up most - and perhaps all - of his power, it remained unclear if his announcement would mollify his political opponents who launched a general strike on April 6 and drew tens of thousands to the streets daily.
Political leaders were in meetings after his announcement and could not be reached for comment.
Just hours earlier, more than 100,000 pro-democracy protesters defied a government curfew despite shoot-on-sight orders and filled the streets on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital.
As the tension grew, so did the international pressure on Gyanendra, who seized power in February 2005, saying he needed to crush the Maoist insurgency that has killed nearly 13,000 people in a decade.
Nepal's crisis has escalated steadily since the opposition launched a general strike and protesters began hitting the streets daily, leaving the Himalayan country paralyzed.
Despite the talk of possible compromise, the crackdown continued. Two senior opposition leaders involved in negotiations with communist rebels were arrested Friday as they tried to return to Kathmandu, said Amrit Bohara of the Community Party of Nepal.
The two men, Jhala Nath Khanal and Bamdev Gautam, both leaders of the party, have been important conduits in negotiations between Nepal's seven main opposition parties and the Maoist insurgents who control much of the countryside.
The Maoists remain the biggest unknown in the crisis. Although they have recently tied themselves to the political parties, their history of violence and political extremism worries even their allies.
Earlier, three separate groups of marchers - each numbering in the thousands - converged on the western edge of Kathmandu in an area called Kalanki, where police shot three demonstrators dead on Thursday and wounded dozens. The security forces ringing the city Friday were told to shoot any demonstrators trying to enter the curfew zone.
Government notices issued early Friday said the 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. curfew must be observed in Kathmandu, its suburbs of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, and in the resort town of Pokhara, 200 kilometres west of the capital. The notices warned people to stay indoors or risk being shot.
The government said the curfew was imposed "to protect the people, property and peace." Kathmandu residents rushed to buy food and supplies before it began.
There was minor unrest at Friday's demonstrations, but no immediate reports of shootings.
A group of protesters destroyed a tin shack covered with barbed wire that was serving as a temporary police checkpoint. Another group vandalized a government office, throwing out portraits of Gyanendra before setting the building on fire.
At Kalanki, protesters claimed an area on the street with a message scrawled in large red and white letters that read, "Martyrs' square, long live the martyrs."
They waved the flags of opposition political parties and chanted, "Long live democracy! The blood of the martyrs will not go to waste!"
A protester who was wounded during Thursday's clashes died in hospital Friday, becoming the 14th person killed by security forces since opposition parties launched the strike. He was among 26 people shot during a protest in Gulariya, 480 km southwest of Kathmandu.
A Defence Ministry statement said security forces had to fire on the crowds because the protests were getting out of control. The statement said 13 policemen were wounded in clashes with protesters who vandalized government offices and tried but failed to set them on fire.
At the Model Hospital, where many of the wounded protesters were taken, doctors wore black bands to protest the shootings.
"It was terrible," said Dr. Sarita Pandey. He said 66 wounded people, eight in critical condition, were brought in Thursday. The injured included a 10-year-old boy with a gunshot wound and a five-year-old beaten by police.
Nepal's Hindu royal dynasty was once revered as godlike, and the recent chants of "Hang the king" are a major departure from past protests, like the 1990 uprising that led the king's older brother to introduce democracy.
Gyanendra ended that experiment last year, arguing the move was needed to restore political order and to crush the communist insurgency.
While many of Nepal's 27 million people - frustrated by squabbling politicians - at first welcomed the king's power grab, the worsening insurgency and faltering economy have fuelled discontent.
© The Canadian Press, 2006


Full text: Nepal king's speech


The text of Nepal's King Gyanendra address to the nation, broadcast by Radio Nepal, in which announced handing over political power to the people and asked a seven-party alliance to choose a new prime minister.
Beloved Countrymen,
You are all aware that given the situation prevailing in the country then, we were compelled to take the decision of 1 February 2005 to set in motion a meaningful exercise in multiparty democracy by activating all elected bodies, ensuring peace and security and a corruption-free good government through the collective wisdom, understanding and the united efforts of all the Nepalese.
By supporting our decision, the Nepalese people made amply clear their desire for peace and democracy and the civil servants demonstrated sincerity towards their duty. We are appreciative of this. We also have high regard for the dutifulness, valour and discipline displayed by the security personnel by upholding their glorious tradition.


By visiting different parts of the country we made honest endeavours to acquaint ourselves with the hopes and aspirations of our people, mitigate their hardships and boost their morale. We also called on the political parties to enter into a dialogue in the interest of the nation and the people afflicted by violence and terror. However, this did not materialise.
The ideals of democracy can only be realised through the active participation of political parties.
In keeping with the tradition of the Shah dynasty to reign in accordance with the popular will, in the greater interest of the nation and people and our unflinching commitment towards constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy, we through this proclamation affirm that the executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal, which was in our safekeeping, shall from this day be returned to the people and the exercise according to Article 35 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990.
As the source of sovereign authority is inherent in the people, harmony and understanding must be preserved in the interest of the nation and people in an environment of peace and security.
While safeguarding multiparty democracy, the nation must be taken ahead along the road to peace and prosperity by bringing into the democratic mainstream those who have deviated from the constitutional path. Similarly, a meaningful exercise in democracy must be ensured with the activation of representative bodies through elections as soon as possible.
We therefore call on the seven-party alliance to recommend a name for the post of the prime minister at the earliest for the constitution of a council of ministers which will bear the responsibility of governing the country in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990. The present Council of Ministers will continue to function until the appointment of the prime minister.
May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all.


Jai Nepal


BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Latest News from Nepal




Nepal`s Revolt against Royalty
Zee News April 20, 2006

By: Arunava Biswas As violence and protests mount against Nepal`s monarchy, the streets of Kathmandu are resounding with a question: Does this Himalayan kingdom need a tyrant king? A commoner in Kathmandu said, "Earlier we had put our faith in the King, now the people doubt the King`s actions." Fourteen months after King Gyanendra dismissed Nepal`s elected government and seized total power, the monarch of this beautiful but desperately poor country appears increasingly isolated, helpless as protesters against his rule fill the streets of Kathmandu and the death toll mounts from a Maoist insurgency. Protests against the monarch have escalated in recent weeks. The King has not publicly commented on the demonstrations, but analysts say his response has been to resort to heavy-handed methods that many people feared he would employ when he suddenly assumed the throne nearly five years ago.
Last February, Gyanendra took absolute control of Nepal, dismissing the elected interim government that shared power with him and declaring a state of emergency. He put Nepal into virtual lockdown: cutting phone lines, enforcing strict censorship and suspending many civil liberties. Dozens of politicians, student leaders and activists were detained. Now rising anger against him fuels the debate over what role he should play in this country of 26 million people. King Gyanendra has two enemies - the Maoist insurgency, which marked its tenth anniversary on February 13, and the political parties that have rediscovered their confidence after his coup. Analysts agree the chaos could see the King stripped of his power and even his throne. Role of International community A year after Nepal`s royal coup, the international community is looking increasingly helpless in its attempts to help find a solution to the country`s political crisis. Nepal witnessed intense diplomatic activity on a scale never seen before. Nevertheless, these activities seem to have produced no results as the three players in the power struggle - the
Maoist insurgents, political parties and the King - all look equally resolute to hold on to their positions. The key international players trying to intervene in the crisis have been the United States, Britain and India. The European Union and the United Nations have also sent special envoys and the UN has opened a human rights office in Kathmandu. All of them condemned the coup, demanding the restoration of civil and political rights. On his recent visit to India, US President George Bush asked Nepal`s warring monarchy and Left-wing rebels to shun violence and the King to restore democracy. The US, Britain, India and a number of other countries even temporarily recalled their envoys from Kathmandu. But neighbours China and Pakistan maintained that the change in political scenario was Nepal`s internal affair. Since the coup, American ambassador James Moriarty, British ambassador Keith Bloomfield and Indian ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee have met Nepali opposition leaders several times. They have also met the King and repeatedly urged him to reach out to political parties, at times with harshly worded statements. The Nepalese government, which views such activities as interference in its internal affairs, even summoned the British ambassador to the Foreign Ministry for clarification in June 2005. The Maoist insurgency in Nepal is arguably one of the most successful insurgency of its kind in the world in recent decades. On an average two people are killed every day in the violence perpetrated by Maoists. It has affected the entire country, pushing it to the verge of becoming a failed state. This is what worries the international community, especially given the fact that the country lies between two regional giants, China and India, which surrounds Nepal on three sides. The US has made it clear time and again that it wants to prevent a Maoist takeover in Nepal and the only way to do that is through reconciliation between the constitutional forces in the country. However, the King looks in no mood to reconcile with the political parties and vice versa. Similarly, the Maoists have ignored calls to abandon violence. Failure of diplomacy
The American embassy in Kathmandu expressed alarm in early November over the potential alliance between the grouping of seven opposition parties and the Maoist rebels. Once again, it urged unity between the political parties and the monarchy. That did not happen and on November 17, a landmark 12-point "understanding" between the rebels and the opposition was reached in Delhi. Ahead of the deal, senior Maoist leader Madhav Kumar Nepal had a series of meetings in Kathmandu with the British, American and Indian ambassadors. Despite all such efforts, Kathmandu-based diplomats seem to have failed to make any headway in what they want to achieve in Nepal. Role of India However, Nepal`s geographic location and special relations with India means that Delhi has historically played a crucial role in resolving political crises in Nepal. India`s political stance towards Nepal is not very prudent. After the King dissolved Parliament, India stopped its support to Nepal -- including the delivery of weapons that are needed for the fight against Maoist terrorists. China took the opportunity to replace India as a weapons supplier. This way China got another "foot in the door" in India`s neighbourhood. India does not agree with a monarchy that is a political player, a monarchy that is competing for political power with the political parties. That role should belong, in a multi-party democracy, to the political party representatives, who are elected by the people of Nepal. The compromise that has been found between the conflicting parties in Nepal should be used by India to regain ground in Nepal. Gyanendra’s past Gyanendra`s unexpected ascent came from tragedy. In 2001 his brother, King Birendra, was gunned down with much of his family in a palace massacre apparently committed by Birendra`s son, the crown prince Dipendra, who also died. Gyanendra`s troubled inheritance was a numbed nation traumatised by the incomprehensible royal murders, an ineffective, squabbling political class and a countryside wracked by a violent Maoist insurgency. Until he assumed power, Gyanendra had enjoyed a reputation as a successful entrepreneur with interests in tourism, tea and tobacco. He headed Nepal`s conservation movement, pushing to create reserves to save the country`s rich wildlife resources. Although described as a hardheaded businessman, the 58-year-old monarch is also a poet who has been published under a pseudonym. The country, though, quickly fell into turmoil after the massacre, as the Maoists stepped up their campaign to create a communist state. Over the past decade, more than 12,000 people have died in the violence. As the crisis mounted in October 2002, Gyanendra dismissed the elected government, saying it couldn`t cope with the militancy, and installed a series of Prime Ministers. Then, last year, he took absolute rule. Every day, the debate over the king spills into Kathmandu`s streets. Until the international community seeks answers to these questions apart from dealing with the political forces within Nepal, many analysts believe the diplomatic manoeuvring in Kathmandu alone may not be enough to help restore democracy and peace.


India urges Nepal King to hold "genuine" talks
The Hindu April 21, 2006


Kathmandu, April 21 (PTI): As pro-democracy supporters stepped up pressure on Nepal King Gyanendra, India on Thursday bluntly told the monarch to have "genuine" dialogue with political parties and expressed its readiness to support all efforts to restore multi-party democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom. During a two-hour meeting with the King, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Karan Singh emphasised that a lasting solution to the problems of Nepal has to be found by the people of this country through a "peaceful political process." Karan Singh drove through the city, under an 18-hour curfew, to the Narayanhity Royal Palace for the meeting mainly aimed at impressing the King to initiate a dialogue with the political parties which are demanding restoration of total democracy and release of all political prisoners. "The Special Envoy stressed the need for genuine dialogue between the constitutional forces in Nepal, with the objective of urgently restoring multi-party democracy in the country in order to overcome the crisis that Nepal is faced with," the Indian embassy here said in a brief statement on the talks. Singh conveyed to the King India's readiness to support all efforts towards this end while "emphasising that a lasting solution to the problems of Nepal has to be found by the people of Nepal through a peaceful political process," it said. Singh's two-day visit took place in the backdrop of the current political developments in Nepal which have been a cause of deep concern to India.



Nepal braced for fresh protests
BBC NEWS, April 21st, 2006
Opposition leaders in Nepal have called for a new mass rally on Friday, to back their demands that King Gyanendra give up direct rule and restore democracy. They say a general strike which has been going on for two weeks will continue until further notice. Police on Thursday opened fire on protesters who defied a curfew, killing three and wounding many more. United Nations human rights officials have condemned the "deadly use of force by members of the security forces". The king imposed direct rule in February 2005, saying the government had failed to defeat Nepal's Maoists. The opposition alliance has called for its supporters to demonstrate on Kathmandu's ring road on Friday. The capital has seen two weeks of national strikes and protests by an alliance of seven opposition parties. Thurday's deaths occurred during a 25-hour, shoot-on-sight curfew - imposed in the city centre to 200 metres beyond its ring road - that finally expired at 2115 GMT. Sources at the hospital where the dead protesters were taken said police had seized the bodies and brought them to a government hospital. Ten people have been killed elsewhere since the strike began. The defence ministry said another 26 people were wounded on Thursday when security forces opened fire on protesters in the town of Gulariya, 500km (310 miles) south-west of Kathmandu.

The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Kathmandu says the protests are the most significant display of anger with the king since he took office in 2001. The UN in Geneva released a statement by its human rights investigators condemning "the excessive and deadly use of force by members of the security forces against protesters and innocent bystanders". Some of the worst violence was in the Kalanki area, in the west of Kathmandu. One protester there, Hari Sharan Mahajan, 58, said the rally was peaceful until a helicopter came overhead. "As soon as the chopper came the police went insane. As I am an old man I couldn't run so I was hit, mostly on the head and on my hands and my legs are so swollen I still can't walk." Prakash Neupane, a professor attending the protest, said he could confirm the three deaths - one with gunshot wounds to the chest, the others to the head. British ambassador to Nepal Keith Bloomfield told the BBC the situation was "deteriorating rapidly". He said Indian envoy Karan Singh had held talks with King Gyanendra and delivered a "very tough message". "We believe the complete restoration of democracy is an essential first step," Mr Bloomfield said. "If the king doesn't act immediately... the constitutional monarchy may no longer be on the table." Mr Singh, who has returned to Delhi, said he was hopeful of a royal announcement soon that would "considerably defuse the situation". The government has accused Maoist rebels of infiltrating the rallies to sow violence.
UN condemns Nepal rally killings
BBC NEWS, April 20th 2006
UN human rights experts have condemned Nepal's security forces for "excessive and deadly use of force" after three people died at anti-monarchy rallies. They said there was "indiscriminate firing" as at least 100,000 people defied a curfew to protest against King Gyanendra in the capital, Kathmandu. Doctors say at least 40 others were injured, some seriously. The king imposed direct rule in February 2005, saying the government had failed to defeat Nepal's Maoists. Thursday's deaths were the first in the capital during two weeks of national strikes and protests by an alliance of seven opposition parties. The deaths occurred during a 25-hour, shoot-on-sight curfew - imposed in the city centre to 200 metres beyond its ring road - that finally expired at 2115 GMT. Sources at the hospital where the dead protesters were taken said police had seized the bodies and brought them to a government hospital. Ten people have been killed elsewhere since the strike began. The defence ministry said another 26 people were wounded on Thursday when security forces opened fire on protesters in the town of Gulariya, 500km (310 miles) south-west of Kathmandu. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Kathmandu says the protests are the most significant display of anger with the king since he took office in 2001. The king has made no public statements during the day. The UN in Geneva released a statement by its human rights investigators condemning "the excessive and deadly use of force by members of the security forces against protesters and innocent bystanders". It continued: "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."

Some of the worst violence was in the Kalanki area, in the west of Kathmandu. One protester there, Hari Sharan Mahajan, 58, said the rally was peaceful until a helicopter came overhead. "As soon as the chopper came the police went insane. As I am an old man I couldn't run so I was hit, mostly on the head and on my hands and my legs are so swollen I still can't walk." Prakash Neupane, a professor attending the protest, said he could confirm the three deaths - one with gunshot wounds to the chest, the others to the head. British ambassador to Nepal Keith Bloomfield told the BBC the situation was "deteriorating rapidly". He said Indian envoy Karan Singh had held talks with King Gyanendra and delivered a "very tough message". "We believe the complete restoration of democracy is an essential first step," Mr Bloomfield said. "If the king doesn't act immediately... the constitutional monarchy may no longer be on the table." Mr Singh, who has returned to Delhi, said he was hopeful of a royal announcement soon that would "considerably defuse the situation". The opposition alliance has called for another mass protest at the ring road on Friday. The government has accused Maoist rebels of infiltrating the rallies to sow violence. In addition to the curfew, the government has doubled the length of detention orders on a number of imprisoned human rights campaigners and opposition politicians. Minendra Rijal of the opposition Nepali Congress party told the BBC that the will of the people was for King Gyanendra to restore democracy. "King Gyanendra has to be ready to hand over power to the people's representatives," he said. "Our basic aim is to hold elections to the constituent assembly. Anything else is not acceptable to the people of Nepal."

King will speak soon: Karan Singh
Ekantipur.com, April 20th 2006
BY SURENDRA PHUYAL

NEW DELHI, April 20 - 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. Soon, he is expected to meet the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, as India from coast to coast followed Nepal developments, Indian media have floated two more prospective interlocutors to help manage the Nepal crisis. They include top CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechuri who is expected to bring the Maoists, the seven parties and the international community together, and former foreign minister and BJP leader Jashwant Singh, who visiting Kathmandu early next to meet the king.


Thousands protest in Kathmandu defying curfew; police open fire in Kalanki
Ekantipur.com, April 20th 2006
Armed policemen fired live bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas as thousands of peaceful protesters tried to move forward breaking the security cordon in Kalanki Thursday afternoon.
Preliminary reports said at least 12 protesters were injured, three of them critically in the firing.
The protesters who threw stones at armed policemen, ran through the rice fields as police opened fire and baton charged to disperse the crowd. Earlier, thousands of people from neigbouring villages had joined the rally waving party flags and chanting anti-king slogans.Situation in Kalanki is reported to be tense. In Gongabu, thousands of people took to the street defying curfew orders, eyewitnesses said. Protesters pelted stones at the police who in return fired dozens of tear gas to bring the situation under control. Residents in the area spalshed water on protesters to counter the effect of tear gas. In Chabahil, thousands of people took out a demonstration as armed police watched by. The security forces deployed in the area has not allowed to move the protesters into the main road. Meanwhile doctors at the Kathamndu Model Hospital said that at least 30 protesters, some with serious injuries have been brought at the hospital by 3 in the afternoon. The hospital sources said that the number of injured were increasing. Reports said that tens of thousands of protesters demanding restoration of complete democracy converged at several other places in the outskirts of Ring Road Thursday defying the curfew orders.
Details to follow.

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