Good Bye Ravi and Pammi

Richmond Sikh slayings stump police
By Karl Fischer and Kimberly S. Wetzel
Article Launched: 12/29/2007 02:59:15 AM PST


Guest books
• Paramjit Kalsi
• Ravinder Kalsi

RICHMOND - Two men shuffled down San Pablo Avenue on a wet December night. They passed a burger joint and doughnut shop before pausing at the door to Sahib Indian Restaurant.

One banged on the window. "You open?" he mouthed to the man inside.
It was a few minutes past 9 on Thursday night. Ravinder Kalsi, who owned the place with his brother, had locked up minutes earlier. Perhaps hoping to hear better, he turned the lock.

Opening the door became his last act in life. The killers shot the 30-year-old dead in the doorway. They stepped past him and moved quickly. They touched nothing, said nothing. They found 42-year-old Paramjit Kalsi in the kitchen and shot him.

"It does not look like a robbery. It looks like these two guys went in there to kill," Richmond Detective Sgt. Mitch Peixoto said Friday morning. "That's what worries me. Why?"

The cryptic deaths of two prominent restaurateurs left the East Bay's substantial Sikh community scratching for explanations, as Richmond police reviewed surveillance camera footage and looked for witnesses.

The Kalsis became the first of four homicide victims reported in Richmond within 24 hours, making this month the city's most lethal in more than a decade and pushing its annual homicide total to 47 -- highest since the early 1990s. Nothing about the Kalsis made them obvious targets, friends said Friday. They had owned the strip mall restaurant between Nevin and Barrett avenues for about five years and remodeled residential property on the side.

"We are shocked, in shock," said Tehal Singh, an in-law of one of the victims. "They were young men, very gentle."

Their family hails from Punjab in India, where they sent money, particularly for a disabled sister. A friend and former roommate called them kind, hard-working people who went out of their way to avoid confrontation. They were very close and spent their little spare time at the Sikh temple in El Sobrante.

"They were totally pure guys, not in a fanatical way, just really hard-working," friend Gurman Bal said. "They were very spiritual. They listened to Indian religious music, watched religious TV. They knew their path, and they stayed on it." Bal knew the brothers for almost a decade. The pair shared a room in his Berkeley home for about five years before moving to Richmond. They did not drink alcohol or eat meat and were quick to help around the house after long hours at construction sites.
"They would work a full day, about 12 hours, then they would ask me if there was anything they could do for me," Bal said. "That's the kind of people they were; they didn't take any handouts."

A witness dialed 911 at 9:14 p.m. Thursday. The gunmen walked or ran south on San Pablo Avenue after the attack. A canine officer passing on his way to work arrived at the crime scene almost immediately after hearing the call but did not see the shooters.

His dog tracked a scent as far south as Key Boulevard in El Cerrito, police said.
Detectives found little more inside the restaurant. The attackers did not disturb the cash register and took nothing, making a common motive for violent crime in the commercial strip along the Richmond-El Cerrito border unlikely. Businesses there frequently face robbers, sometimes with tragic results. In April, another San Pablo Avenue restaurateur, Alfredo Figueroa, died after resisting a takeover robbery at the Red Onion diner. El Cerrito police are still investigating that case. The Kalsis took over the Sahib Indian Restaurant in 2002 and often worked seven days a week. At one point, they lived in the restaurant to save money, Bal said. They also owned at least two residential properties in the area, which they renovated in hopes of selling for a profit.

"They would repair homes. They were extremely hard-working. They were particularly known for their tile work," said Richmond City Councilman Harpreet Sandhu, also a leader in the local Sikh community. "They had recently been granted permanent residency here."

But money was tight, and they were planning to sell the restaurant, police said.
Sikh leaders say they are working to arrange shipment of the bodies back to India, or to bring a family member to the United States for release. The family took it hard, Sandhu said, particularly Ravi's fiancee. Ravi returned to Punjab about two months ago for the engagement, and the business was on the market so he could get married in India, Sandhu said.

"It's terrible," said J.P. Singh, past president of the Sikh temple. "There's too much of that going on in Richmond."

Bal organized a Friday night vigil in front of the restaurant. "The main thing is to not let their deaths disappear into the void," Bal said. Bal fears the killings could be a hate crime. Police say there is no clear evidence of a hate crime but say they will investigate all possibilities. "We don't know yet, but going on what we've read in the paper, if they didn't even attempt to get into the register, it tells me there's something going on here," Bal said. "Just from the facts, it looks like they were targeted for who they are. It was a hate crime." "They were trusting," he added, "and that's why they opened that damn door."

Reach Karl Fischer at 510-262-2728 or kfischer@bayareanewsgroup.com. Reach Kimberly S. Wetzel at 510-262-2798 or kwetzel@bayareanewsgroup.com.
Richmond police ask anyone with information about the restaurant homicide to call Detective Nicole Abetkov at 510-412-2081.
Callers also can use the department's anonymous tip line at 510-232-TIPS (8477).

Varinder Singh adds from Patiala:

PATIALA: The family of the deceased in Model Town here was informed about the incident by their relatives in the USA. “What shocked us was a phone call from our relatives in the US who said Vicky, a nephew of the Kalsi brothers, was survived by five brothers and two sisters.

“We are shattered. My sons had no animosity with anybody in the USA or in India. We don’t know who could have been behind this crime against our innocent family,” said Gurbachan Kaur, the inconsolable mother of the deceased. Surinder Singh, a brother of the deceased, said the family was shocked and confounded over the crime particularly when his brothers had not offended anybody in the USA at any point of time.

In a suspected hate crime, a Patiala family lost two of its sons in a shootout at a restaurant, they owned, in South Richmond of Virginia state in the US on Thursday.

The Richmond police are, however, clueless about the motive behind the crime and said there was no clear evidence of a hate crime. The police said they were ‘‘investigating all possibilities.’’ Significantly, the attackers did not take money or valuables from the restaurant.

Nepal votes to end centuries-old monarchy

King will be removed after assembly elections scheduled for mid-April '08
KATMANDU, Nepal - Nepal's parliament voted Friday in favor of abolishing the centuries-old monarchy and turning this Himalayan nation into a republic.
More than two-thirds of parliament voted in favor of amending an interim constitution to end the monarchy after an agreement by the main political parties was reached earlier this week, said Speaker Subash Nembwang.

Friday's vote ensures the king will be removed immediately after constituent assembly elections scheduled for mid-April next year. Those elected to the assembly will be charged with rewriting Nepal's constitution.

The amendment passed Friday will make Nepal a federal democratic republic and all powers of state will be held by the prime minister, Nembwang said. "Today's vote has made sure the king will be removed immediately after elections," Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said. The main political parties, including former rebels widely known as Maoists, signed an agreement this week to abolish the monarchy, a heated issue that caused the communists to pull out of the government.

Power grab was king's undoing

King Gyanendra — who heads a dynasty that dates to 1769 — dismissed Nepal's parliament and seized total power in February 2005, claiming he needed to clean up corruption in government and end the long-running communist insurgency.The power grab was his undoing and the resulting weeks of unrest brought his enemies together, stoked the anger of an already wary public, and put Nepal on the road to becoming a republic.A violent uprising in April 2006 ultimately forced Gyanendra to restore parliament — which later stripped him of his powers, his command over the army, and his immunity from prosecution.

The communist rebels gave up their decade-long armed revolt last year and joined a peace process, after more than 13,000 people died in the fighting.The Maoists entered parliament in January 2007 and joined the government three months later, but withdrew in September demanding the immediate removal of the king. Since then Nepal has faced a deepening political crisis.

News from Nepal

Visit the following web links to see Nepal news.

From usa:
http://www.nepalhorizons.com/beta/comnews.php?newsid=375

From Japan:
www.nepaljapan.com

From Russia:
http://www.freenepal.com/newface/display.php?WTJGMFBXMWhhVzVmY0dodmRHOWZaMkZzWVhKNUptbGtQVEV4T1RVeU1UVXlOelU9

Kapilvastu death toll reaches 20

KAPILVASTU, Sept 19 - The death toll in the Kapilvastu riots has mounted to 20 as 15 more bodies were recovered in the district Wednesday.
Seven bodies were recovered from a gorge at Devnagari in Birpur VDC this morning, stated the District Police Office (DPO), quoting local residents.

Eight more bodies were recovered from the same area today evening, the locals said.

More bodies are expected to be recovered, the police informed.

None of the eight bodies have been identified yet as their bodies have been disfigured beyond recognition, the police added.

Among the seven found this morning, the deceased have been identified as Hari bahadur Basnet, Jhabinda Khanal, Shovaram Sunar of Bisanpur VDC, and Mohit Bahadur Magar of Shivagadi VDC-3.

A woman from the same village is yet to be identified.

According to Deputy Superintendent Kuber Kadayet, faces of two of them have disfigured beyond recognition.

A team of police has headed for Bisanpur VDC after they were informed that the bodies were in the village.

The police team plans to bring the dead bodies to the DPO.

At least, 14 people are still missing in the riots torn in Bishanpur and other affected areas.

Two passenger buses were torched last night during the curfew period. The police have arrested four persons for their suspected involvement in the incident.

Besides, one dozen vehicles have been set ablaze and vandalized in Ganeshpur and Mahendra Highway, the locals added.

Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed for four hours this morning after three days. The curfew has been re-imposed in the district.

Property worth millions of rupees were destroyed in the riots after an unidentified group shot dead Mohit Khan, a former leader of an anti-Maoist group, Sunday morning.

The DPO added that at least 110 vehicles were either vandalized or torched while over 300 houses in various places were set ablaze.

In Chandrauta bazaar alone, 85 vehicles were torched whereas 16 others were torched in Krishnanagar.





Posted on: 2007-09-18 22:40:28 (Server Time)

New political basis needed to bolster eight-party unity: Mahara

KATHMANDU, Sept 19 - Newly-appointed spokesman of the CPN-Maoist, Krishna Bahadur Mahara Wednesday said that the seven parties have become “a bit serious” about their demands, including the declaration of a republic ahead of the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections, after the party pulled out of the current coalition government and launched the street protests Tuesday.
“The leaders of the seven parties were not serious about our demands till yesterday. We found them somewhat concerned today after we declared the agitation,” Mahara said after the eight-party meeting today, “But, this realization must be taken to a meaningful conclusion if the eight-party unity is to be strengthened.”

“A new political basis has to be discovered to bolster the eight-party unity. The recent developments have already proved that the eight-party unity cannot be upheld on the old basis,” he added, referring to the 12-point historical agreement between then seven-party alliance and the Maoists that led to the success of the April uprising.

The Maoists have put forth 22-point “pre-requisites”, including declaring Nepal a republic through the interim parliament and fully proportional electoral system to “ensure” the CA elections. They pulled out of the eight-party government yesterday, citing seven parties’ apathy to their demands.

Stating that they have always stood and fought for “meaningful” CA elections, Mahara added, “The (November 22) elections are merely an illusion. They won’t be possible without a new and strengthened unity among the eight parties.”

Mahara also urged the international community not to doubt the Maoist intention.

“We have certainly not pulled out from the peace process. We are still in the eight-party alliance. We have only stepped down from the government,” he said.

He also informed that the Maoist central secretariat meeting this afternoon had mulled over ways to push for a special session of the interim parliament to declare a republic through the House.

Stating that the meeting, which re-appointed him the party spokesman, also assessed the impact of the Maoist decision to quit the government, he claimed that the decision was backed by the people

Nepali Baba in Berkeley

Click picture for more detail.

Hindu prayer in California Senate

California State Senate here heard its first Hindu opening prayer today in its 157 years history, when famous Hindu chaplain, Rajan Zed, recited Gayatri and other ancient Sanskrit mantras. - Sacramento, California, August 27:

Starting with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work, he read from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, dated from around 1,500 BCE. He also delivered from Brahadaranyakopnisad, Taittiriya Upanisad, and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), all ancient Hindu scriptures. He ended the prayer with last mantra of Rig-Veda, "samani va akutih", before concluding with "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti", which he then translated as "Peace, Peace, Peace be unto all".

Before starting the prayer, he sprinkled Gangajal (holy water from river Ganga in India) on the podium, which is traditional in Hindu worship.

Wearing saffron colored attire, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead, Zed, after reciting the original lines in Sanskrit, then read the English translation of the verses. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of all Indo-European languages. Full text of the prayer will be recorded in the Daily Journal of the Senate, which is a permanent public record.

Reverend Canon James D. Richardson, Chaplain of California State Senate, introduced Rajan Zed while Don Perata, Senate President pro Tem; Senator Christine Kehoe (San Jose) and Senator Elaine Alquist (San Diego) personally welcomed him.

One of the paragraphs of this Hindu prayer read in Sanskrit was "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor mamrtam gamaya", which was translated in English as "Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, Lead me from death to immortality."

Zed was accompanied to the California Senate by his community volunteer wife Shipa Zed; son Navgeet Zed, recipient of Nevada Peacemaker of the Year award; and a group of other supporters, including Jassi Cheema, Paradhyeya Das, Chaitanya Dasi, etc., many of whom came out of town.

"This day of August 27, 2007, is an esteemed day for all Californians and momentous day for us when opening prayers from ancient Hindu scriptures are being read in this majestic hall of democracy," Zed remarked.

Rajan Zed, affiliated with World Congress of Faiths-London and listed in "Who's Who in America" 2006, volunteers as a chaplain in various hospitals, serves on various Boards of Directors, and is very active in interfaith dialogue. He created history on July 12 last when he opened the United States Senate session in Washington DC with Hindu prayer for the first time in its 218 years history. City of Reno issued him a proclamation and he received various honors from different organizations in this country and abroad.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has no datable beginning but some scholars put it around 3,000 BCE. It has no founder, no one authoritative figure, and no single prophet or holy book. One of its scriptures, Mahabharata, is the longest poem ever written, comprising over 100,000 couplets. Hinduism in North America was introduced in 1830s with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau studying Hindu scriptures like Upanisads and Bhagavad-Gita. Vivekananda made a strong impression at World's Parliament of Religion in Chicago in 1893 and he then founded Vedanta Society. Protap Chunder Mozoomdar of Brahmo Samaj delivered his first American address on September 02, 1883 in Concord, Massachusetts.

California ranks eighth in Gross Domestic Product in the world, higher than Canada, Spain, Russia, India, Australia, etc. California State Senate has 40 Senators, with each Senator representing 846, 791 Californians. Current Senate Chaplain Richardson, an Episcopal Priest, is the 47th chaplain since 1897, when this office began. Generally he offers the opening prayer but guest chaplains are also invited from time to time.

The prayers are offered to God on behalf of the Senate in recognition that our freedom and our abundance are gifts from God, according to Senate Chaplain webpage.

Contact Details:Rajan Zed : rajanzed@gmail.com

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Was the US Senate Attack on Hinduism an isolated Instance?
Article by: Rajiv Malhotra, USINPAC Leadership Committee Member

The US Senate has a long tradition of opening with Bible prayers, occasionally extending a symbolic courtesy to prayers of other faiths. For the first time in its history a Hindu priest was invited to conduct the opening prayer. Indian-Americans, having contributed immensely to America, naturally felt proud to be afforded equal respect alongside other American religions. But the Hindu prayer was attacked as an "abomination" by hate-filled heckling that resulted from an organized mobilization by civic groups such as the American Family Association attempting, to demonize Hinduism as heathen, immoral and dangerously un-American. The President of the Family Research Council mobilized Americans to block the Hindu priest, saying, "There is no historic connection between America and the polytheistic creed of Hinduism." David Barton, one of the scholars informing the attackers, declared that Hinduism was "not a religion that has produced great things in the world," citing social conditions in India as proof of its primitiveness.

The denigration of Hinduism influences the way Americans relate to Indians. Andrew Rotter, an American historian, in his book on the US foreign policy's tilt against India and towards Pakistan during the Nehru era, cites declassified documents revealing US presidents' and diplomats' suspicions of Hinduism. They regarded "Hindu India" as lacking morality and integrity, and its "grotesque images" reminded them of previous pagan faiths conquered by Christians, such as Native Americans. American ideas about India are intertwined with stereotypes about Hinduism.

There are domestic implications concerning the diaspora as well. The great American meritocracy has enabled us to succeed as individuals, and many Indians see American Jews as a role model. But it took the Jews over half a century of organized lobbying and litigation by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, to establish their religious identity in public life. The lesson Jews had learnt in the European Holocaust was that their individual success could easily be used against them if their civilizational identity was defamed. Indians also faced hate crimes in New Jersey when the Dotbusters targeted Hindus. Recent rants by Pat Buchanan and Lou Dobbs generate xenophobia against Indians for "stealing" jobs from "real" (i.e. white Judeo-Christian) Americans. As Indian-Americans stand out for their individual success, while US economic standards deteriorate, we may one day regret having neglected the projection of a positive civilizational image. Unlike many other ethnic and religious groups, we have not adequately engaged US universities, schools, media and think-tanks deeper than the pop culture layer of cuisine, Bollywood and fashions. On the contrary, many Indian writers have fed the "caste, cows, curry" images of India.

Hindu-Americans need to be educated on the history of American public religion and the "American way" of claiming one's religious identity across the spectrum of liberals and conservatives. In fact, even liberal Americans have always been a very Christian people. Hilary Clinton's devout Christianity has shaped her liberalism. She told New York Times that her Methodist faith has been "a huge part of who I am, and how I have seen the world and what I believe in, and what I have tried to do in my life." She carries a Bible on her campaign travels and confidently quotes from St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and John Wesley, the father of Methodism. Another liberal, Barak Obama, proudly projects his Christianity and delivers many of his key campaign speeches before church congregations. It comes as a surprise to many secular Indians that the very liberal President Jimmy Carter describes himself as a Bible evangelist, and asserts that his Christian faith provided the moral compass to guide his presidency.

Liberalism in America is about egalitarian economic and race policies, and is not a rejection or even a departure from the nation's majority religion, i.e. Christianity. The equivalent scenario would be for India's CPM leaders (the liberal/left equivalent of Obama, Clinton and Carter) to quote Hindu sacred texts and deliver campaign speeches in major Hindu temples. While American labor unions have always been very deeply rooted in Christianity, India's labor unions are encouraged to discard the Hindu identity. Unlike in Europe, American public life has never abandoned its deep rooted Christian foundations. America's separation of state and church affects only formal institutions, and does not imply de-Christianizing the leadership or the national ethos.

Indian intellectuals have misunderstood America's Christian psyche because the Indian notion of secularism in India is very different to that of the American. Indian secularism requires distancing from the majority religion, i.e. Hinduism, by one or more of the following ways: by espousing a "generic spirituality" without any specific religious identity, by condemning any Hindu identity as a mark of communalism with BJP links, or by explicitly blaming Hinduism for all sorts of human rights problems. The equivalent situation would be to blame the Bible for all the US abuses in Guantanamo and in its domestic society, and to de-Christianize America into a sort of generic spirituality. While Hinduism, like all other world religions, does have social problems, it also has internally generated reformations, as well as immense resources to deal with the human condition.

Unraveling this requires understanding Hinduphobia's nexus in the American academy and seminaries. This is the subject of a well-researched eye-opening new book, titled, Invading the Sacred: An analysis of Hinduism Studies in America. (See: www.invadingthesacred.com for details.) The book exposes influential scholars who have disparaged the Bhagavad Gita as "a dishonest book"; declared Ganesha's trunk a "limp phallus"; classified the Hindu Devi as the "mother with a penis" and Shiva as "a notorious womanizer" who incites violence in India; pronounced Sri Ramakrishna a pedophile who sexually molested the young Swami Vivekananda; condemned Indian mothers as being less loving of their children than white women; and interpreted the bindi as a drop of menstrual fluid and the "ha" in sacred mantras as a woman's sound during orgasm. To understand the hatred spewed at us by the Senate hecklers one needs to understand the systemic creation and distribution of such one-sided "data" by an army of "scholars" whose mission is to bolster the image of Hinduism as a danger to the American way of life.

http://www.usinpac.com/articles1.asp

United We Stand - American Hindu Association
www.americanhindu.net

Associations of Nepalis in the US

We have listed some of the Nepali associations in the US.
If you know any organizations that are not listed here, let us know.
You can leave a comment or send us an email to peacenepalgroup@gmail.com Thanks!

Nepalis in Oregon
Utah Nepali Samaj
Greater Boston Nepali Community
Nebraska Nepalese Society
Nepal Center of North Carolina
Nepal Seattle Society
America Nepal Friendship Society
America Nepal Medical Foundation
America Nepal Society of California
Association of Nepalese in Midwest America
Florida Nepal Association
Friends of Nepal
International Nepali Literary Society
Nepalese Association in Southeast America
Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students
Association of Nepalese in the Americas
Nepalese Society Texas
Nepalese Student's Association
World wide Nepalese Student's Organization
Association Of Nepalese In Midwest America
Nepalese democratic youth council
Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal
Alliance for Democracy & Human Right in Nepal
South Carolina Association of Nepalese
Nepal Study Center
Liberal Democracy Nepal Forum

Himalayan Fair in Berkeley May 19-20

If you folks have time, come on by and enjoy the festivities, which is full of music, dance and food both days. It is also great cause as it provides funding for many grassroots humanitarian projects in Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Mongolia.

Carolyn and Gopal will be at the Himalayan Fair. They will have a booth for JOINT ASSISTANCE CENTRE where they will be promoting their volunteer projects in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Carol Vernal from Children's Medical Aid Foundation from Sonoma will be there also promoting her project in Nepal. If you want to know more about Joint Assistance Centre's project check their web site at www.jacusa.org. Childern's Medical Aid Foundation has a web site as well. It is www.childrensmedaid.org

Again come and join them at the Himalayan Fair!

US not dropping Maoist terrorist tag any time soon

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Dec 31 - The United States on Sunday said that it will not be dropping its terrorist tag on the Maoists immediately.

The US Ambassador James F Moriarty, who returned to Nepal after the Christmas holidays, today said that it was not deemed necessary to remove the terrorist tag since "There had been no apparent change in the Maoist activities."

Talking to "I am not sure what they've been doing. The violence is continuing, the intimidation, kidnappings are continuing. If they stop those, then it will be a good time to review the US's policy."

The US has been maintaining that it would not be softening its stance on the Maoists even after the Seven Party Alliance and Maoists signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord on November 21.

Likewise, it had also said that Maoist participation in an interim government could complicate US development assistance, since American law forbids support to terrorist organizations but added that development aid would continue even if it had to be restructured in certain areas.

Top leaders’ meeting ends inconclusive; next meeting tomorrow

The meeting of the top leaders of the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists has been postponed for Thursday afternoon as the leaders failed to reach consensus on the draft of the interim constitution.

The meeting that started at 4:00 pm at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar ended within two hours. The meeting will resume at 13:00 pm Thursday.

According to Nepali Congress (NC) general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel, some leaders demanded that they should be given a chance to go over the interim constitution draft submitted by the talks teams of the government and the Maoists.

“The leaders would go over the draft before 11:00 am and then sit for discussion at 13:00 pm tomorrow,” he informed.

“The concern that arms management and announcement of interim constitution should go side by side was also discussed at the meeting. The Maoist side argued that the delay in announcing the interim constitution was not because of them,” he said, adding “I’m not sure tomorrow’s meeting takes a concrete decision.”

Another NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC said there were a few theoretical and technical matters, which needed further discussion before the draft of the interim constitution could be finalised.
“There is no serious disagreement. Only a few theoretical and technical matters, and the phrasing of the interim constitution, remain to be decided,” he said informing that tomorrow’s meeting would dwell on these matters.

No top leaders preferred to speak to the media regarding the progress in the talks, or their differences.

Reports meanwhile said the issue of the head of the state and electoral system are some the key areas of dispute between the SPA and the Maoists.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepali Congress (Democratic) president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Janamorcha Nepal chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Amik Sherchan, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party chairman Narayan Man Bijukchhe, Prabhu Narayan Choudhary who chairs the United Left Front chairman participated in the meeting.

Government and Maoist talks teams and central leaders of the eight parties including senior Maoist leaders Dr Baburam Bhattarai and Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ were also present at the meeting.

UN assessment team arrives

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Dec 10 - As part of United Nations efforts to help Nepal build on last month’s landmark peace deal, an assessment team arrived in the capital on Sunday for a week-long mission to prepare for a fully-fledged UN operation.

This team will be led by the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative in Nepal, Ian Martin, and will include members of his staff based in Kathmandu as well as officials from Headquarters, with expertise in areas including political and military affairs, logistics and public information.
The UN technical assessment mission will be on the ground in Nepal from till December 16 and that the team will plan for a full-fledged UN mission to support the peace process.

UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Friday that the world body plans are also underway to send further personnel as requested by Nepal to assist with the constituent assembly elections to be held by mid-June next year.

“Recruitment continues for a team of up to 35 advance monitors to be deployed, ahead of a full-fledged mission, to monitor provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We also are proceeding with our efforts to recruit 25 electoral experts to assist in carrying out Constituent Assembly elections,” the spokesman said.

Interim statute, govt after arms management: PM Koirala

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Dec 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Sunday said that the interim statute would not be issued and the Maoists would not be allowed to join the interim government until the rebel arms are locked up.

The Prime Minister made the comments during a tea reception to mark the 58th International Human Rights Day at Sital Niwas today.

"After the arms management, the interim constitution will be issued and the interim government (containing Maoists) will be formed," said PM Koirala talking to media persons. The prime minister also made it clear that the constituent assembly elections would be held by mid-June next year as per the agreement between the government and the Maoists. "The constituent assembly elections will be completed by the month of Jestha next year (mid-June)," Koirala said.

PM Koirala's commitment comes at a time when the delay in the interim constitution and the formation of a new government, which could eventually affect the deadline set to hold the CA elections, have been drawing grave concern.

PM's remarks upsetting: Dr. Bhattarai

Maoist second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai today said that the prime minister's remarks could create a serious problem in the ongoing peace process.

Talking to Kantipur Television, Dr Bhattarai said, "The Prime Minister's comment today has somewhat terrified us (the Maoists)."

He added, "When it is clear that the political issue is more important than arms management, this attempt to entangle the peace process with arms management, has created a serious problem. However, we have tried to resolve all issues through dialogue."

The rebel leader said that if the interim constitution is not finalized and the interim government containing the Maoists is not formed within this week, the constituent assembly elections will be in danger, adding, "The whole peace process could be derailed if the poll is not held within the said time."

He said, "Girija Prasad Koirala's statement has upset the people and made them tenser. We want to request him not to say such things."

Meanwhile, CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, at the tea reception hosted by the PM today, said lack of mutual trust between the government and the Maoists has effectively delayed the interim constitution.

Nepali Congress-Democratic President Sher Bahadur Deuba, however, said as "the Maoists' weapon threat still prevails in village areas, the management of arms is necessary first."
Deuba, who recently arrived in the capital after visiting the far western region, expressed his dissatisfaction over "the Maoists' continuation of intimidation and violence in the villages."

Ten years and over 13,000 lives later, the armed insurgency in Nepal has finally been declared officially over.

In a historic ceremony held at the Birendra International Convention Center this evening, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) 2006 bringing the decade-long armed insurgency to an end and promising to chart a new destiny for "peaceful and democratic" new Nepal.

Inclusive of provisions on human rights, civil and political rights, arms and army management, socio-economic transformation, among others, the ten-point CPA was signed this evening in the presence of ministers, political party leaders, Maoist leaders, foreign diplomats, MPs, government officials and media representatives.

The preamble of the CPA reiterates the commitment of the two parties – the government and the Maoists – to abide by the previous agreements and commitments and desires of the people.
"Beginning today, the politics of killing, violence and terror will be replaced by the politics of reconciliation," declared the 85-year-old PM Koirala who said he had put his entire political career at risk by venturing on this path of peace and democracy. "Being a democrat, I wanted to bring non-democrats into the framework of democracy. I was warned by many friends about the hazards of dealing with terrorists but I thought that bringing all under democratic framework was the duty of a democrat."

PM Koirala said, "We all are entering into a new era from today. All of us Nepalis must come together to build a new Nepal." He added that Nepal will, henceforth, be regarded as a model in conflict resolution by other conflict-torn countries around the world.

Prachanda stated that with the signing of the CPA, people of Nepal were in a position to give message to the entire world. "The continuity of 238-year-old tradition has been broken now. This is the victory of Nepalese people and the loss of regressive elements," he said.

Prachanda said that like in the war, his party would work with equal zeal to implement the peace accord. "We have no prejudices against anyone. We want to make it clear to everyone that we are neither conservative nor dogmatic in our thinking," he said, adding that people of Nepal will "perform another miracle" by working on a war-footing to develop their nation after the elections of Constituent Assembly. He termed the successful struggle of the people of Nepal as the first miracle of the 21 st century.

Earlier, Home Minister and coordinator of government talks team Krishna Sitaula narrated the CPA before the audience.

By making the ceasefire permanent, the accord declares the armed insurgency that began since February, 1996 as officially over. Effective immediately, the CPA states that illegal carrying of weapons, their display and any kind of attack, threat, intimidation would, henceforth, be punishable by law.

Reiterating the commitment to hold the elections of CA by mid-June, 2007, the CPA prohibits all kinds of illegal use of weapons, raid, ambush, mining, aerial attack, abduction, etc. Within 30 days both the sides will share information regarding the placement of mines and within 60 days they all would be disabled, it states.

The CPA also talks about rehabilitation of conflict victims. It vows to form a high-level Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate about human rights abuses. It has a provision guaranteeing free passage of civil servants, UN, I/NGO workers across the country.

The accord has separate provisions dealing with civil and political rights and rights of women and children.

On the issue of implementation and monitoring, the accord states that the UN will be allowed to continue its monitoring of human rights. Likewise, the UN team will be asked to verify and monitor arms and army management, which will be as per the November 8 agreement. It also states that the UN will be asked to observe the CA polls as well.

The CPA also declares that henceforth no parallel institution will exist in the country – which means the Maoists' People's Court, People's Government, parallel tax collection and similar other parallel outfits will cease to function. This effectively ends the existence of two regimes – which the Maoist leaders have often pointed out to justify their extortion, justice dispensation and similar other activities - within the country.

The CPA further states that after the formation of interim parliament and promulgation of interim constitution, the "two parties" will cease to exist and the sole responsibility of implementing the agreements, including the CPA will fall under the shoulder of interim cabinet.
The CPA signing ceremony was attended by an impressive corps of diplomats including ambassadors of India, China, and the United States. PM Koirala and Prachanda were flanked by top leaders of the seven parties on either side. Ministers, Maoist leaders, talks team members and observers were seated in second and third row. Ian Martin, the Personal Representative of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, was also invited to the dias. Audience included government officials, MPs, journalists, and civil society leaders.

Meanwhile, a statement from the US Embassy in Kathmandu a short while later, welcoming the peace accord said, "The US Embassy welcomes the announcement of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists. We hope this step will place Nepal on the path of lasting peace and democracy. We want the peace process to work and we pledge our full support. We support an agreement that safeguards the aspirations of the Nepali people."

The statement further states, "This means violence, intimidation, and criminal acts -- such as forced recruitment of cadre and extortion -- must end. The Nepali people, who have lived in fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and choose their form of government in fair elections."

"The United States is committed to help Nepal build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for its people," the statement said.

Following the US statement, a statement by Ian Martin in Nepal, Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Nepal said, "It is a privilege to have been present at the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, marking another key step forward in the peace process.

When Secretary-General Kofi Annan heartily welcomed the agreement of 8 November between the Seven Party Alliance and the CPN-M, he called it a historic opportunity for the people of Nepal to end the armed conflict and to build sustainable peace within an inclusive and democratic state. Now today's Agreement promises to convert the ceasefire into long-term peace. Those involved on both sides are to be congratulated for their hard work in finalising an Agreement which is entirely a Nepali achievement."

"The Secretary-General has said that he intends to move promptly to respond to the request to the United Nations to help in key areas of the peace process. I am pleased to say that my Office is working in an excellent spirit of collaboration with the Government and the CPN-M on these areas, and today we have completed agreement on the locations of seven divisional PLA cantonment sites. With the Comprehensive Peace Agreement now signed, I hope that we will quickly be able to reach tripartite agreement on the full modalities for the management of arms and armies, clarifying essential details regarding confinement to cantonments and restriction to barracks, weapons storage, permitted and prohibited activities, and monitoring arrangements. The United Nations will then be able to move forward with its planning to deploy monitors and other personnel. I also look forward to discussing how the United Nations' role in the other areas requested, of human rights monitoring, assisting independent national monitoring, and electoral assistance and monitoring, can help to create the climate of multi-party democracy and pluralism throughout the districts and villages of Nepal which is essential for the free and fair Constituent Assembly election to which the parties have committed themselves," the statement further reads.

In yet another quick reaction, a statement by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu said, "The Government of India welcomes the signing of the Comprehensive National Peace Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). We believe the Agreement reflects the overwhelming desire of the people of Nepal for peace and stability."The statement reads further, "We hope that this Agreement brings to an end the politics and culture of violence, and heralds the beginning of a lasting peace in order to let the people of Nepal exercise their right to decide their destiny through free and fair elections, without intimidation.""The critical test of this Agreement will be its implementation on the ground. We call upon all sides and all stakeholders in Nepal to strictly abide by their commitments under this Agreement. Violations must be dealt with under the laws of the land, and full cooperation extended to those empowered to supervise the steps ahead, such as the police, the Election Commission, and the UN. The people’s mandate, and their trust, must not be betrayed," the statement said."India stands ready to continue to help in every way, to ensure that this historic opportunity is not lost," the statement said.

nepalnews.com sd/dr Nov 21 06

Nepal rebels step up recruitment before peace deal

KATHMANDU, Nov 15 (Reuters)

Nepal's Maoist insurgents have embarked on a recruitment drive ahead of signing a peace deal this week, residents and media reports said on Wednesday, with hundreds of young men and boys forced to join the rebel army.

Under the deal supposed to end a 10-year insurgency, the Maoists say they will place their 35,000-strong rebel force in specially established camps and keep their weapons under lock and key, with Nepal's army also promising to stay in its barracks.

But as the clock ticks towards the signing, more than 400 people have been forced to join the Maoists in the Surkhet and Dailekh districts of western Nepal in the past three days, according to the The Kathmandu Post daily.

Villagers from Kohalpur near the western town of Nepalgunj told Reuters that dozens of young men, including schoolboys as young as 15, were taken from their village by the Maoists.
"They were taken by the Maoists who promised to recruit them in their army," Om Prakash Oli, chief of a school management committee in Kohalpur village, 320 km (200 miles) west of Kathmandu, said by telephone.

"Parents are worried about their children."

The Maoists denied they were responsible but the government said it was a violation of a code of conduct signed in May, shortly after peace talks began and a ceasefire was agreed.

"They must stop these types of activities immediately," Ram Chandra Poudel, head of the state's Peace Committee, told Reuters.

The peace deal was agreed in principle last week. In return for confining their forces to camps, the rebels will join an interim government and parliament.

But reports of extortion and recruitment have continued to flood in from the countryside since the ceasefire was agreed. The rebels deny any recruitment.

"We are ourselves preparing to keep our army in camps. Why should we recruit more?" asked senior Maoist leader Dina Nath Sharma, a rebel negotiator.

More than 13,000 people have died since the Maoist conflict began in 1996 to topple the monarchy.

Peace talks began after King Gyanendra ended absolute rule and handed power back to political parties following weeks of democracy protests in April.

Govt-Maoist meeting fails to finalise draft of peace accord

An eight-hour long meeting between the government and the Maoists Wednesday could not give finishing touch to the draft of the peace accord submitted by the all-party Peace Committee.

Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is also the member of the government’s talks team, told reporters after the meeting that the draft could not be finalised today due to lack of time. Likewise, Maoist talks team member Dev Gurung said there were some vague clauses including the clause on human rights in the draft of the peace accord, which needed further discussion. Home Minister KP Situala and state minister Ramesh Lekhak and Maoist leaders Dr Baburam Bhattrai and Krishna Bahadur Mahara were also involved in the meeting that was supposed to finalise the draft.

The much-awaited peace accord that will formally put an end to the 11-year long insurgency is due to be signed between the SPA government and the Maoists tomorrow. The landmark accord also commits to ban armed activities, extortion and guarantees the return to displaced people to their original places.

Talking to journalists on Monday, Dr Bhattarai took the Peace Committee to task for disclosing the content of the draft without consulting with his party.

The committee headed by Nepali Congress general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel had submitted the draft peace accord to the government on Sunday. nepalnews.com mk Nov 15 06

US Assistant Secretary; EU Troika arrive in Nepal

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher and the European Union Troika arrived in Kathmandu this morning on a three-day visit to Nepal. Richard arrived here to discuss Nepal's latest political situation.

Talking to reporters following his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Boucher said that he would discuss the latest developments in the ongoing peace process.

The Assistant Secretary will meet top political leaders, government representatives, and members of civil society among others during his stay.

Similarly, the EU Troika, led by Pekka Metso, Director for Asia in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, representing the Presidency of the EU also arrived in Kathmandu today. According to reports, the Troika will meet high-level representatives of the Government of Nepal, political parties and members of the civil society.

Talking to journalists upon his arrival to Nepal, chief of the team Metso said that the decision to bring Maoists into interim government is a necessary step for restoration of peace in the country.

Meanwhile, politburo member of the ruling Communist Party of India and Upper House member Sitaram Yechuri is also arriving in Kathmandu today.

Yechuri, during his two-day stay in Kathmandu, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Maoist Chairman Prachanda and other leaders of the SPA and Maoists, according to sources. Yechuri played important role to garner international support in favour of April movement of the country.

These visits coincide with signature on the comprehensive peace accord by the Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist) as per the agreement reached between the ruling seven party alliance and Maoists on November 8. nepalnews.com pb Nov 15 06

US Assistant Secretary Boucher to arrive tomorrow

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher (File Photo)

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu for a three-day visit to assess the political situation here in the aftermath of a landmark peace agreement signed between the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists.

A press release issued by the American Embassy in Kathmandu said the purpose of his visit is to discuss Nepal’s transition to democracy. During his stay until Friday, he will meet with representatives of the government, political parties, civil society and others.

Boucher has been traveling in the South Asian region since November 4. He has visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh, and is currently in Bhutan, according to the Embassy.

Boucher is the most senior US official to visit Nepal since the start of summit level talks between the SPA and the Maoists. The US has welcomed peace agreement, stressing that the agreement must diminish the fear of violence, intimidation, and extortion that the people of Nepal have endured over the past 11 years.

After leaving Nepal on Friday morning, the US Assistant Secretary will return to New Delhi where he will lead the US delegation to the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference hosted by Indian Prime Minister Singh and Afghanistan President Karzai, the release said.

nepalnews.com mk Nov 14 06

FULL TEXT OF SPA-MAOIST NOV.8 AGREEEMNT (ENG)

Respecting the mandate expressed in favour of democracy, peace and forward movement through the historical struggles and revolutions staged frequently by Nepali people since pre-1950 era till the present, Reconfirming full commitment to the 12-point understanding between the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist), the 8-point agreement and the 25-point ceasefire codes of conduct as well as all the understandings, agreements and codes of conducts between the Nepal Government and the CPN (Maoist), including the letter of consensus sent to the United Nations, Pledging to do a forward looking restructuring of the state by resolving class, ethnic, regional and gender related problems existing in the country, Reiterating full commitments to competitive multiparty democratic system, civil liberty, individual rights, human rights, full press freedom and the concept of rule of law as well as democratic norms and values, Guaranteeing the fundamental rights of the people to participate in the elections to the constituent assembly in an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation, Keeping democracy, peace, prosperity, forward looking socio-economic transformation as well as independence, integrity, sovereignty and dignity of the country at centre, the meeting of the top leaders of the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist) held on 8th of November 2006 took the following decisions in order to implement the commitments of both the sides to holding the elections to the constituent assembly by mid-June 2007 in a free and fair manner.

I. On implementation of past agreements

1. To fully, honestly and strictly implement all the past understandings, agreements and codes of conducts.

2. To constitute a high level committee to probe and make public the whereabouts all the citizens reported to be disappeared by both the state and the Maoist.

3. To speed up the process of returning seized property. To ensure an atmosphere for the displaced to return home. To formulate district level committees involving both sides for this. To complete all these tasks within a month.

4. To publicly declare withdrawal of all charges and accusations against political leaders and workers by the state and the CPN (Maoist) and to immediately release political prisoners of both sides.

II. On armies and weapons

To work as per the sentiments of the 12-point understanding, 8-point agreement, 25-point codes of conduct and the five-point letter sent to the United Nations in order to hold the elections to the constituent assembly in a peaceful, fair and fearless atmosphere as well as to restructure and democratise the army.

On Maoist army

1. As per the commitment expressed in the letters sent to the United Naitons by Nepal Government and the CPN (Maoist) on 9 August 2006, the Maoist combatants shall be confined in cantonments in the following areas. The United Nations will verify and monitor them.

The main cantonments shall be in the following areas: 1. Kailali 2. Surkhet 3. Rolpa 4. Palpa 5. Kavre 6. Sindhuli 7. Ilam There shall be three tributary cantonments around each of the main cantonments.

2. After the Maoist combatants have been confined within the cantonments, all the arms and ammunitions except those needed for the security of the cantonments shall be securely stored and locked with a single padlock within the cantonments and the concerned side shall keep the key. While fixing the padlock, a device with record and siren shall be installed for monitoring by the United Nations. While conducting necessary inspection of the stored weapons, the United Nations shall have to do it in the presence of the concerned party. Further technical details regarding this and camera monitoring shall be prepared in consensus with the United Nations, CPN (Maoist) and the Nepal government.

3. Nepal government shall manage the necessary things including rations for the Maoist combatants after they are kept in cantonments.

4. Interim cabinet shall form a special committee to coordinate and to rehabilitate the Maoist combatants.

5. Security of the Maoist leaders will be managed with coordination of the government.

On Nepal Army

6. Nepal Army (NA) shall be limited to the barracks as per the commitments expressed in the letter sent to the United Nations after assuring that the arms belonging to the national army shall not be used for or against any group. The number of soldiers and weapons of the Nepal Army under the UN supervision will be in proportion with the number of the Maoist combatants and their weapons.

The weapons of the NA shall be kept with a single lockup and the concerned party shall keep the key. The arms shall be kept under UN supervision with electronic siren, and surveillance devices. The UN can inspect the weapons in presence of the concerned party.

7. Control, management and mobilisation of the army shall be guided by the new Military Act. After taking suggestions from political parties and the committees related to Interim Legislature, cabinet will formulate an extensive plan and the same body shall implement the programmes to democratise the army. The plans and programmes include fixing the numbers, democratizing the institution to make it inclusive and national army and the forces shall be trained after enhancing the characteristics of democracy and human rights.

8. NA may continue its previous works of providing security to borders, national parks, banks, airports, power stations, telephone tower, central secretariat and providing security to the VIPs.

III. Subjects of Interim Legislature

a. Final shape to the Interim Constitution will be given according to agreements reached today.

b. The reinstated House of Representatives shall promulgate and the new interim legislature will approve the interim Constitution.

2. On Monarchy

a. King will have no authority over national administration.

b. Property of the late king Birendra, queen Aishworya and their family members shall be converted into a trust and be utilised for national welfare.

c. Property of the present king Gyanendra, which he has acquired as a king, shall be nationalised.

d. The first meeting of the elections to the constituent assembly will decide the future of the monarchy.

3. On Interim Legislature

a. Interim legislature will remain a single house parliament with the following characteristics:

i. All the 209 members of the current Lower House and Upper House, except those who opposed the April Movement, shall be the members. Numbers of Joint Left Front will be decided later on consensus, as the party does not represent any member at the present Parliament.

ii. 73 members will be from CPN-Maoist party.

iii. 48 will represent from professional organisations, political figures and from the underdeveloped community and regions.

Total number - 330

b. The political parties, which were against the People’s movement in April, will not be allowed to participate in the interim legislature.

c. The reinstated House of Representatives and National Assembly will be dissolved after the formation of interim legislature. Similarly, all governmental structure of the Maoists including the people’s government and people’s courts will be dissolved with the formation of interim legislature.

d. The interim legislature would be run through political consensus.

4. Interim Government

a) The interim council of ministers will be constituted on the basis of political agreement.

b) The structure and work division of the council of ministers will be fixed with the mutual agreement amongst the political parties.

c) The interim government will carry out its function considering the spirit of the joint people’s movement, political consent and the system of coalition government.

5. Judiciary

a) The concept of independent judiciary will be followed

b) The judiciary will work upholding the spirit of the people’s movement, democracy and the interim constitution.

c) A constitutional court will be formed to settle the dispute related to constitution.

6. Constitutional Bodies

a) A new Constitutional Council will manage recommendations for the appointment to the post of constitutional bodies and the Council will consist of Prime Minister, Chief Justice, and Speaker of the interim legislature.

b) The appointment will follow certain measurement and the Election Commission will get perfection on the basis of agreement.

7. Local Bodies

Interim local bodies in villages, municipalities and districts will be constituted on the basis of the agreement between seven political and the Maoists.

8. Citizenship

a) The citizenship will be distributed to all the people who are deprived of the citizenship rights before holding the elections to the constituent assembly.

b) The citizenship will be issued to all people who have been living in Nepal before the last of Chaitra in 2046 BS, taking the year as the base year, in an effective manner.

c) The other provisions of the citizenship will be settled as per the rules and regulations.

9. Elections to the Constituent Assembly

a) The total number of the constituent assembly will be 425. Amongst them 205 members will be elected with the system of first past the post and 204 members will be elected through the proportionate election system as per the votes got by the political parties.

b) Sixteen individuals, who earned dignified prestige in the national level, will be nominated to the constitutional assembly members by the council of ministers.

c) The election law will be enforced after holding discussions with the Election Commission.

d) The authority to decide the date of constituent assembly to hold the elections by mid-June will be given to the interim council of ministers and the election will be held under a mixed election system.

e) The political parties should give opportunity to the members of the utpidit (Marginailized) jati, region, Madheshi, women and dalit proportionately while contesting the elections

f) People who are 18 and above will be eligible to cast their votes in the constituent assembly elections

g) The United Nations will assist monitoring the elections to the constituent assembly.

10. On the structure of the State

a) Steps will be initiated to bring about a complete restructuring of the state towards an inclusive democratic set up by ending all forms of discrimination.

b) A high level commission will be formed to solicit suggestions for the restructuring of the state

c) The Constituent Assembly will give the final verdict on the points suggested for the restructuring of the state

11. Directive principles for social and economic transformation

a) Steps will be geared towards dismantling all dictatorial structures and a common programme will be implemented through mutual consensus among all parties.

b) Policies will be formulated to end unequal ownership of land and scientific a land reform policy will be implemented

c) Policies that protect national industries and means of production will be adopted

d) Policies aimed at ensuring the rights of all citizens to education, health, shelter and employment will be adopted

e) Policies that will provide assistance to the economically backward classes including the ex-Kamaiyas, landless squatters, and household farm workers will be implemented

f) Policies that punish those found involved in corruption and those amassing wealth through illegal means will be enforced

g) A common agenda will be worked out for the speedy economic and social transformation of the country.

h) Efforts will be directed towards increasing investments in the domestic industrial sector by protecting the rights of the industrial workers and those involved in various productive enterprises

IV. Regarding the rehabilitation of the conflict-hit people

1. Steps will be initiated towards bestowing honour upon those who lost their lives in the course of the conflict and giving appropriate compensations to individuals who got badly wounded in the conflict.

2. Compensations will be provided to the families of the disappeared persons on the basis of the report given by the probe commission

3. Special programme will be launched to re-construct the physical infrastructure and private property that were destroyed in the course of the conflict

4. A commission to bring about reconciliation among parties, individuals and institutions that were involved in the conflict will be formed. The committee will conduct investigation on the human rights abuses that took place in course of the armed conflicts

V. Miscellaneous

1. A high level joint monitoring committee will be formed to oversee the strict implementation of the above policies

2. The government will take legal actions against those who breach the code of conduct and go against the agreements of the eight parties

3. All political parties will have the freedom to express their views on issues such as republicanism, social and economic transformation, referendum and electoral systems in the course of the run up to the constituent assembly elections although agreement on the issues are yet to be reached.

VI. Time Schedule

1. A comprehensive peace pact will be signed between the Nepal Government and the CPN-Maoist on November 16, 2006

2. The Maoists combatants will converge at the specified cantonments within November 21 and the process of shelving arms will be started, which will be monitored and verified by the UN

3. The Nepal Army soldiers will confine themselves to the barracks by November 21 and the storing of their weapons will be started. The process will be monitored and verified by UN.

4. The Interim Constitution will be finalized by November 21.

5. The Interim Constitution will be implemented by November 26. The dissolution of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly will be done on the same date.

6. The Interim Council of Ministers will be formed by December 1
The agreement bears the signatures of all the heads of the eight political parties.

All upbeat about peace deal

Maoist Chairman Prachanda with Maoist second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai during a press meet organized at the Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu on Wednesday. The rebel chief said Tuesday’s landmark agreement reached with the seven-party alliance would carve out a road map for a new Nepal.
(Photo: SAILENDRA KHAREL )

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Nov 9 - Various political parties, civil society members and organizations welcomed the peace deal signed between the government and Maoist rebels late Tuesday night.
The Nepali Congress has welcomed the deal and thanked its President and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and Maoists for reaching consensus.

A meeting of NC district presidents, its lawmakers and cadres nation-wide, said the deal has opened further avenues for prosperity in the country. The meeting also decided to take the message across the country.

Earlier, Koirala instructed district presidents to go to their constituencies and launch political campaigns. "We have to take this process with much sincerity and the NC has a huge responsibility of bringing Maoists to the political mainstream," Koirala said during the meeting.
The NC, in a separate press statement issued after the meeting, also appealed to Maoists to immediately stop their activities of intimidation and extortion.

Similarly, the Standing Committee meeting of CPN-UML held Wednesday welcomed the peace deal. The meeting also unanimously supported the note of dissent tabled by UML in the draft paper of the peace deal. Madhav Kumar Nepal, UML general secretary had tabled separate notes of dissent over the issues of referendum and proportional election system. The UML had pressed for referendum to decide the fate of monarchy and proportional system in the constituent assembly elections.

Likewise, Sher Bahadur Deuba, president of NC (Democratic), in a press statement issued Wednesday, said the peace deal began a joyful morning for people who were expecting peace, democracy and prosperity.

"It is another big achievement to bring the CPN-Maoists to the democratic and peaceful election process," Deuba said in the statement.

Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) welcomed the agreement and urged all concerned forces to be sincere about peace and security of the country.

Nepal University Teachers' Association (NUTA), Nepal Tamang Ghedung (NTG), an association of Tamang community, Nepal Teachers' Union, National Human Rights Foundation, National Human Rights Council, Human Rights and Democratic Forum and NGO Federation of Nepal also welcomed Tuesday's agreement.

Posted on: 2006-11-08 21:42:28 (Server Time)