National
Gathabandhan warns of severing ties with govt
Accusing Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of betraying them, the Sanghiya Gathabandhan has decided to launch stern protests after withdrawing support to the government if it fails to endorse the constitution amendment proposal before the polls.Tika R Pradhan
Accusing Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of betraying them, the Sanghiya Gathabandhan has decided to launch stern protests after withdrawing support to the government if it fails to endorse the constitution amendment proposal before the polls.
The Cabinet, despite opposition from the Madhesi and Janajati forces, has decided to hold the local level polls on May 14.
The meeting held at the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal office in Tinkune concluded that announcement of the local election date was unconstitutional as the Local Level Restructuring Commission has yet to suggest autonomous regions and special and protected areas.
The alliance of Madhesi and Janajati forces would hold “general protests” and wait for Parliament to pass the amendments in the first phase. If that failed, the second phase of protests would be stern including general strikes.
Rastriya Madhes Samajbadi Party General Secretary Keshav Jha said the first phase of struggle involving publicity campaigns would be devised by a taskforce that was formed on Friday.
The taskforce led by SSFN Co-chairman Rajendra Shrestha includes Brikhesh Chandra Lal, Jha, Ram Naresh Raya, Om Gurung, Bijay Sainju, Durga Rai, Dalmardan Kami and Prem Bahadur Khati. The team would devise a protest plan within a week and present it to the next meeting of Gathabandhan. It has also been mandated to consult with all the political parties, civil society and social organisations and seek their support for the movement.
SSFN Chairman Upendra Yadav proposed that the Gathabandhan join hands with the Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Nepal, civil society and social organisations for a strong movement. The offer, however, was rejected.
Gathabandhan Spokesman Gurung said the meeting had decided to reach a decision on withdrawing support to the Congress-Maoist coalition in its next meeting after consultation with the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha and other constituents of the Gathabandhan having representation in Parliament.
EC calls for controlling weapons
KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has asked the Home Ministry to make arrangements for bringing licensed guns, pistols and other armaments under the control of the District Administration Offices until the local elections are over.
After meeting with chiefs of the four security agencies and secretaries of the concerned ministries, the EC also asked the Home Ministry to check misuse of explosives, chemical materials, poisonous materials, canes, spears, knives and other weapons. The election body directed the ministry to ban sale of alcohol in the run up to the polls. (pr)