31/12/2008: YCL set to leave camps: Pun: To settle among general public, by Tika R Pradhan (ht), NC to rope in other parties for its cause (ht), NC bent on exerting pressure on Maoists (kp), Sharma accuses NC of conspiring to topple govt (rn), Mahara accuses NC of flouting pact by boycotting parliament (nn), Anti-Maoist strike hits Palpa, Gulmi (ht), NC protest Maoist attack; strike paralyses Gulmi (kp), NC sticks with same bullet (rn), 'YCL,YF derailing peace process' (ht), Nepali Congress a divided house on government's fate (ht), Maoist cadres seek UML pastures: Some Maoists are more equal, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Legal immunity objected (kp), 5-star food for detained union bosses (kp), Timely statute unlikely, say leaders (ht), Nepali model base of constitution: Bhusal (kp) [??], MMT-displaced demand relief (kp), Govt inks five point pact with another Terai outfit (nn), Healing The Wounds Of The Conflict, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Nepal says party will decide on proposal to nominate him to head CC (nn), Matrika threatens to leave Maoist party if Madhesis betrayed (nn), Nepal’s Suffering: An outrage to humanity, by Ananda P Srestha (tg), The Economic Dimension of Security and Good Governance, by Neelam Timilsina and Keshav Acharya (tg)

30/12/2008: Kantipur siege ends (kp), Constituent Assembly members press Maoists on media freedom (ht), Media attack reminds SAFMA head of emergency (ht), Give us 45 days to quit Balaju camp: YCL (kp), YCL excesses cripple industrial sector: Won't close camp in Balaju industrial area,says YCL's Newa Rajya panel head (ht), PM's word on property won't be kept: Matrika (ht), Matrika upholds stand on land, by Lilaballav Ghimire (kp), Word on nine-point pact mere lip service? (ht), Tarun Dal rally for pact implementation (ht), NC continues House boycott (kp), NC disrupts House meet for 6th day (rn), House proceedings stalled yet again (ht), Maoists' totalitarian attitude main hindrance to the peace process: Poudel (nn), Parties fall short of CA panels’ deadline (kp), Palpa strike sees Maoist, NC clash (kp), Former MP injured in Tansen clash (ht), Maoists should not fear army coup: Nepal (kp), Rautes set out to meet PM (kp), 'Detainees buried in Shivapuri' (ht), ‘Kidnapping for ransom, on charge of spying rampant in Terai’ (rn), Strengthen commission on disappearances: NHRC (ht), Criminal guilt, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), An end to idiocy, by Manjushree Thapa (kp), Keep on talking, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (kp), Estimating the costs of conflict, by Hari Bansh Jha (ht), Young Turk bats for internal democracy in NC, interview with Nabindra Raj Joshi (ht), Intra And Inter-party Conflict, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (rn), Federalism splits nation: Singh (rn), Home Ministry to strictly enforce ‘no blockade in highways’ decision (nn)

29/12/2008: Cabinet yields to Congress demands (ht), NC boycott on, PM address off (ht), Parliament boycott continues: PM fails to address Congress demands, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), NC again boycotts legislative parliament session (nn), Maoists are using pressure tactics, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (ht), Battle For Change (rn), Only way out (kp), Big Two agree to fill vacant posts (kp), CPN-Maoist, UML lock horns over head of AISC (rn), Measured steps (ht), Gachhadar wants MJF to quit govt (ht), FNJ calls off stir after deal with govt: Siege enters Day Five (kp), Govt, FNJ strike 10-point deal (ht), Govt, FNJ sign deal on press freedom (rn), Kantipur's eastern edition stalled despite FNJ-govt pact (nn), Press freedom, workers’ rights complement each other (rn), Release and rehabilitate child soldiers, by Kul Chandra Gautam (kp), Media blackout, by Jyotsna Poudyal (kp), Proletariats take up squatters' cause (ht), Strike grips Mechi-Koshi (ht), Displacement Versus Retirement, by P. Kharel (rn)

28/12/2008: Maoists agree to implement pacts, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), YCL to fall in line in three days, says PM: Return of property in a week, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Govt agrees on NC demands, Maoist-seized properties will be returned (nn), Maoists cling to seized property, byShakti Kumar Pun (ht), YF to evict YCL from seized property (ht) [A militant way to fight militancy?], FNJ-govt talks today, journalists' protest on (ht), Journos continue stir for free press (kp), No end to Kantipur woes (ht), FNJ-Govt talks today (kp), Govt to give commitment to press freedom in parliament (nn), Tarun Dal protest to enforce pacts (ht), Party leaders too pose threat, rue VDC secys, by J. Pandey (kp), Peace minister assures action on the Tarai pact (ht), Good governance of a republican govt, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), ‘Maoist not to align with any defender of status-quo’  (rn), People & Constitution (rn), Madhav Nepal claims to be only leader left to run nation (rn) [Yes, of course, he was only rejected twice by the people in the CA elections of April 2008!!], Maoists, UML agree to give full shape to commissions, appoint officials in constitutional bodies (nn), PLA will also take in new recruits if Nepal Army does so: Ananta (nn), NRNs get to offer suggestion for the new constitution (nn), MJF ministers unhappy with govt's performance (nn)

27/12/2008: FNJ’s nationwide protest continues: Stop Kantipur siege, leaders tell Maoists (kp), Sinister design (kp), Reinstatement of expelled workers demanded (rn), Maoist trade union chief warns of future attacks against press (nn), Journos continue protest against attacks on media (nn), Big Three seal on representation in army panel (ht), Three-party meet ends AISC row (kp), Tripartite talks fail to make headway (ht), Maoists' fling with power may depend on UML's terms (ht), Behave or we quit, UML warns Maoists (kp), Nepal's prognosis: short shrift to 12-pt accord spelt doom (ht), NC continues House boycott (kp), House boycott is NC's most-favoured ploy (ht), MJF CA members spar with Congress (ht) [CA/parliamentary affairs are run outside the building as it often happened under the failed system of 1990! This is not democracy!!], Tarai outfit smokes peace pipe (ht), Govt, SJTMM talks end on positive note, by Manika Jha (kp), Gautam deflects his poor record, blames Maoists for lawlessness, by Devendra Barma (ht), NHRC urges govt to amend Bill for missing (ht), Sadbhawana Party parades youth wing, by Janak Nepal (kp) [Wonderful! Nepal cannot have enough of such groups that like to place themselves out of law and order!], Authoritarian threat, by Ram Sharan Mahat (kp), MoD asks to stop NA recruitment process (nn), Political Vendetta In Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Scoop)

26/12/2008: Attack on press unabated: Kantipur Biratnagar office still obstructed (kp), Daring Action: The pro-Maoist workers conduct a daring action by vandalizing the office and assaulting journos and staffs of Himal Media (sp), High noon at Himal: These are not the idealistic revolutionaries I covered during the war, by Dambar Krishna Shrestha (nt), This is Naya Nepal: Welcome back to the jungles, by Shitu Rajbhandari (nt), Dahal in the dock: Meddling with the media was the last straw, by CK Lal (nt), Freedom from pressure: Let a truly independent media flourish in 2009, bx Rishi Dhamala (nt), FNJ announces fresh protests, Maoist union still obstructing works at Kantipur regional office (nn), Thumbs down to talks offer (ht), Restore The Trust (rn), Himal moves police office (kp), Himalmedia attackers surrender (nn), Threat to Kantipur comes under Oli fire (kp), Maoist, UML seek common ground (ht), Maoist, UML discuss ways to narrow differences rn), Maoist-UML meet: PM for deal to woo NC (kp), Resignation rumour amid MJF 'turf war' (ht), Gathering Strengths: The Nepali Congress (NC) boycotts parliament demanding that the government fulfill its assurances (sp), Gautam finds gaping holes in martyrs’ list (ht), Two years on...no compensation in sight, by Surendra Kafle (ht), In need of a home, by Umesh Pokharel (kp), Demobbed, by Aditya Man Shrestha, Prayag Dutta Tewari and Dwarika N. Dhungel (kp), Ex-Gurkhas protest Maoists' foreign recruitment ban (ht), State restructuring panel seeks advice (ht), NHRC poser to govt on withdrawal of cases (ht), Armed outfits at forefront of human rights violation (rn), Continuation of Instability: The government and political system has changed from one to another, what remains permanent is the continuation of instability, by Keshab Poudel (sp), The boundaries of federalism: A 'cooperative federalism' seeks the middle path between ethnic and territorial federalism, by Dewan Rai (nt), They do it again: Keep the peace process on track, but resist Maoist extremism, by Prashant Jha (nt), Govt-SJTMM talks ends with 5-point agreement (nn), AISC row 'almost resolved'; four parties to send two members each (nn), Nepal king gone but Mao-ruled republic remains restless (Peninsula)

25/12/2008: Alliance sets terms for talks (kp), Alliance for Press Freedom vows to continue agitation (ht), Mahara picked for talks with journalists (kp), Mahara point person for govt's image makeover (ht), Dahal censures journos, by Amrita Anmol (kp), Pressure to probe media attack piles (kp), Nationwide protests erupt (kp), Bar body flays media attack (ht), Maoist unionists to shut down Kantipur Biratnagar office (kp), Main accused of Himalmedia assault holed-up inside YCL camp (nn), 7912 to be declared martyrs: Rs 7.91b needed for compensation, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Army, defence ministry at odds over recruitment: NA set to enlist 2,600 more,ignoring govt fiat, by Prakash Rimal (ht), Jhankri's turn to malign the Maoists (ht), PM bats for govt, urges oppn to join coalition's rank, by Mahendra Thapa (ht), NC carries on boycott (kp), NC keeps up with House boycott (ht), Inclement weather fizzles out talks with armed Tarai groups (ht), Amend disappearance bill: ICRC (kp), The third alliance: Citizens need to create their own alliance because the politicians cannot be trusted, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Fresh impetus must for peace process: Trust building, mutual understanding, unifying dynamics should top parties' agenda, by Daman Nath Dhungana and Padma Ratna Tuladhar (ht), Only in Nepal, by Biswas Baral (kp)

24/12/2008: Broad alliance for press freedom (kp), Journalists' crusade against state high-handedness (ht), Media organisations close ranks (ht), A balanced hit on media: Dixit (ht), No more lies (kp), Attack on media ignites protests (kp), EU expresses concern (kp), Maoist union pickets Kantipur regional office (kp), Kantipur faces Maoists' music (kp), YF sets Birgunj daily copies afire (kp), Academicians laud role of Nepal media (tg), Maoist union leader warns of 'bigger attacks' against Himalmedia (nn) [Is this what you mean with 'new Nepal', Mr Dahal?], Alliance for press freedom to continue its protests (nn), Dahal to get pressure memo (kp), PM for Left polarization (kp), Prachanda holds out unity hope for Communist forces (ht), YCL to lend helping hand to govt (kp) [Wonderful help, this! YCL's anarchy and lawlessness will prevent the necessary renewal process!!], Sister organisations contribute to culture of impunity, says Yami (rn), MJF pushes one Madhesh Agenda (kp), MJF to push for One Madhesh, party unity (ht), New-born Madhes party plans protest right away (ht), ‘JDTLF honestly ready to hold dialogue with govt’ (rn), Talks with a Terai group stalled (nn), The political fallout, by Abhi Subedi (kp), We the people, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), New recruitment against pact: UNMIN (kp), Army recruitment within law: NA spokesperson (nn), Peace process: What does army recruitment mean?, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Democracy and Peace Building in Nepal, by Dev Raj Dahal (tg), Inclusive Constitution needed, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Federalism is not ours, it was manufactured by Indian Expansionism, interview with Mohan Bikram Singh (tg), Nature of Political Parties, by Chandra Dev Bhatta (tg), ICRC proposes changes in draft law on missing persons (nn), NC again boycotts CA session (nn) [Please go on with these politics as long as there is a spark of life in Nepal!!], Reports of Bandhs / Blockades - 1 to 30 November 2008 (Relief Web 24/12/2008)

23/12/2008: Blank editorials in protest (kp), Publishers, editors up in arms (ht), Diplomatic missions flay attack (kp), Attack on Himalmedia condemned (ht), Int’l media organizations flay Himalmedia attack (nn), Six journos hurt in police action (ht), Cops rain batons, 12 journos hurt (kp), Maoist union warns APCA employees (kp), Maoist union threatens APCA Nepal staffers (ht), Now its Kantipur’s turn, threatens a YCL leader (nn), Threat to Kantipur regional office (kp), Himalmedia attack act of anarchy: PM, Rajendra Manandhar and Balkrishna Basnet (kp) [Dissolve all your anarchy spreading organizations and bring the culprits behind bars, Mr Dahal! This is your only chance to preserve your national and international credibility as PM!!], Minister Yami shrugs off cadres' role for attack on Himalmedia (ht), Prachanda sermon to YCL on image makeover (ht), PLA recruitment drive on the cards, by Amrita Anmol (kp), PLA to ramp up head count?, by Mahendra Thapa (ht) [??], New army recruitments would be breach of peace accord, says UNMIN chief (nn), Ruling coalition is in crisis: UML (nn), UML adopts wait and see approach (kp), Ex-rebels in line of fire at UML CC meet (ht), Yadav threatens to pull out of ruling coalition (ht), Panel to teach CC the ropes (kp), Task force push to statute-drafting (ht), CJ spells out judiciary's woes: HR crisis (ht), Stalled debate, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), The chilly winter ahead, by Daulat Jha (kp), Maoists, NC, UML united against Madhes, interview with Hridayesh Tripathi (ht), Criteria For Affirmative Action, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (rn)

22/12/2008: Himalmedia staff, editors beaten up: Presidents of Maoist-affiliated trade unions led the attack; Martial arts experts involved: Dixit (ht), Condemnations flow from political parties, NHRC: Maoist unionists attack Himal Media (kp), PM blames 'party infiltrators' behind Himalmedia assault, assures probe into the incident (nn) [??], Police rough up journos protesting attack on Himalmedia (nn), NC boycotts House yet again (ht), NC continues House boycott; RPP, RJP, Dalit party join in (kp), Oppn disrupts Parliament meeting (rn), Former Government Responsible For Disappearances (Scoop), Govt renews call for talks (kp), MMT commander Toophan Singh arrested (ht), Special police squad to combat Tarai crime, by Aman Koirala (kp), Strike hits east (kp), Mechi-Koshi bandh cripples life in east, by Sita Niraula (ht), The right way (kp), Some parties are never out of opposition: CPN-Maoist,CPN-UML love to take to the streets ignoring peace structures (ht), ‘Make status of disappeared people public’ (rn), ‘Incorporate voice of Karnali in new statute’ (rn), PM Dahal asks YCL cadres to exercise self-restraint (nn) [This means further support of impunity! All crimes have to be punished by law courts!!], Maoists 'in discussion' to open admission in PLA (nn)

21/12/2008: PM Dahal shows flexibility on AISC: Still silent on seized properties (kp), Prime Minister moots panel on seized property, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Displaced people in Rolpa having tough time returning to their villages (nn), Maoists delaying statute-drafting process: Ex-CJ, by Bal Krishna Basnet (kp) [A very critical but extremely one-sided view by a former CJ whose closeness to the NC is well known! So far, the NC seems to be the most obstructive party!!], NC to boycott House session today as well (nn) [!!], NC under Gajurel fire (kp), Khanal floats statute-drafting sutra (kp), UML leader prophesies political confrontation (kp), Maoists, NC on confrontation course: Adhikari (kp), MK Nepal snubs another offer (nn), YCL, YF threat to security: DPM (kp), Misnaming martyr: These days you can live dirty but die clean, as a 'martyr', by Prerana Marasini (kp), TMDP threatens fresh agitation (ht) [There is neither reason nor legitimacy for such demands by leaders of a disadvantaged section of society that comprises about 40% of the Tarai population!!], Leaders dwell on federalism (ht), CA should be a platform for consensus: Nembang (rn), Constitution Making Process Gathers Steam, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), All landless people will have land within two years: Gautam (nn) [???], Strike cripples life in eastern Nepal (nn)

20/12/2008: Army disappeared 156 in Bardiya: UN (kp), UN hot on Bardiya case rights' violation heels (ht), UML not helping govt: Home Minister (kp), Bam Dev trains gun at his own for 'anomalies' (ht), Incorporate our voice: Karnali folks (kp), CA sub panels (kp), Panel on governance trots out schedule (ht), TMDP spoiling for a fight with govt (ht) [Please remember: Here speaks a party that represents only 3% of the population according to the election results!!], Madhesi leaders step up 'one Madhes' rhetoric (nn), Warzone echo in classrooms as bunkers linger, by Kishor Budhathoki (ht), CPN-Maoist for progressive change (rn), Nepal will become people's republic within 1 and ½ years: Mohan Baidya (nn)

19/12/2008: Congress boycotts parliament session: Wants PM to clarify on its wish list (kp), Parliament meet postponed as NC boycotts (rn), NC boycott adjourns House till Sunday: All statute panels to have Muslim members (ht), NSU demonstrations disrupt valley traffic (nn), Khanal spits venom at NC, NSU (nn), Dahal bags peace award: Pledges to fulfil people’s aspiration (kp), This govt cannot be pulled down, says PM Dahal (nn), Dilemma of a revolutionary-turned-premier, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Maoists, UML agree to expand AISC (kp), Integrate or disintegrate? Not all Maoists in the camps want to be part of the Nepal Army, by Prerana Marasini (nt), Prachanda urges Nepal to head constitution-drafting panel (ht), Foreign hand, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Anti-mine campaign: Action Resumes (sp), Tarai talks: Timid Beginning, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), The Unrepresented: Madhesi ministers prove themselves powerless to effect change in the Tarai, by Subhas Devkota (nt), Into the darkness: Nepalis voted for peace, not  for leaders who make threats when the going gets tough, by Mallika Aryal (nt), PM Dahal says there is danger of country ending up with "traditional constitution" (nn), OHCHR makes public report on conflict-related disappearances in Bardiya (nn)

18/12/2008: Speaker banks on parties’ help (kp), Nepal repeats critical tone (kp), Maoists responsible if govt collapses, says Sushil Koirala (ht), The silent cry, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Govt 'not serious' on Tarai talks, by Byas Shankar Upadhyaya (ht), CPN-M, UML discuss constitutional appointments (nn), NC boycotts House proceedings (nn) [Bandhs and boycotts are the best way to prevent democracy!], Maoists are Conspiring Democracy in Nepal, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

17/12/2008: CA panels begin formal business (kp), Statute-drafting process set rolling, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Constitution drafting process goes ahead (rn), Constitution writing process takes off, by Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn), Finally Starting (rn), 2,000 displaced yet to return home: Political bickering takes its toll on local peace panels, by J. Pandey (kp), Statute, not land reforms, top priority, govt told (ht), Phony squatters on prowl in Chitwan, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), Dispossessed farmers cry for grabbed land: Maoists refuse to part with seized property, by Kishor Budhathoki (ht), There's plenty of work for UNMIN in Nepal: Unfinished business, by Shobhakar Budhathoki (kp), Into thin air: The Disappearances Bill seeks cosmetic changes that’ll allow those guilty of crimes to to live in peace, by Sam Howard (kp), Six concerns that point to weaknesses in Nepal's peace process: Weak process, by Ian Martin (kp), Dalits for inclusive statute (ht), ‘Building federal province major daunting challenge’ (rn), The Camouflaged State of Madhes, by Kanchan Jha (tg)

16/12/2008: Panels formed to draft statute (kp), Headless statute drafting bodies get shape, by Arjun Bhandari and Prakash Acharya (ht), Constitution writing process takes off, by Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn), The right approach (ht), NC set to disrupt next session of Parliament: Wants the PM to clarify his recent utterances (ht) [This is first of all a constituent assembly! Disrupting its work once again is a crime against people and nation! Look for other ways of protest!], Nepal's NC Not Favoring Change, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician), Maoists for broader republican alliance (kp), Maoists for forging alliance against 'reactionaries' (kp), UML not to quit govt before writing statute (rn), Joining govt a folly: Nepal (kp), JTMM-J’s deadline for talks (kp), Law and disorder: The Maoists are creating a climate of near-total immunity for their cadres (kp), Law and disorder (Asia News Network), No alternative to capitalism, by Santosh Pokharel (kp), Shivpuri 'mass grave' report tomorrow (ht), Maoist victims to continue stir against failed promises of PM Dahal (nn), Upendra Yadav's high-handedness earns JP's ire, interview with Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta (ht), Maoist-led government: Paradox of democratization, by Ganga Thapa (ht)

15/12/2008: PM defends ‘raise-arms’ call, by Prem Kumari Ghale & Ishwori Neupane (kp) [???], Words are easy: If the Maoists go back to the jungle, it is unlikely that any other Koirala would emerge to lure them back to power, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Remarks stun UML (kp), by Amrita Anamol, UML could walk out of govt, Nepal warns Maoists (nn), PM’s remark riles CA members (kp), CA to announce panels today (kp), Statute-drafting process begins tomorrow (ht), Govt withdraws serious criminal charges giving it political colour (nn), Nepal government withdraws criminal charges against Maoist leaders (Monster and Critics), Govt official gunned down in Janakpur (nn), MJF Morang demands Gachhadhar be recalled from govt (nn), Practise what you preach, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp)

14/12/2008: Parties jostling for berths in coveted committees, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp) [These so-called leaders, most of them male tagadharis, will never change: personal interests come first, no interest in country and people!!], NC, MJF to send their list for CA committee members (nn), All the parties submit list for CA committee members (nn), NC under pressure to take on govt (kp) [This is against the people's will! They have impressively voted the NC out of government because of its failed politics! Its leadership is still the non-inclusive, little democratic lot! Democratize yourself and become a reasonable opposition!], NC condemns Maoists' revolt threat: Party to nominate reps for Constituent Assembly committees today (ht), NC, UML lawmakers raise objection to PM’s remarks; Maoists blame NC overarmy integration row (nn), I did not talk about raising arms again, PM clarifies (nn), ‘Prove competent leadership’ (rn), PM urged not to be disheartened (rn), Maoist Govt. Can Achieve A Lot, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Land Reforms Commission: Madhesis, Maoists at loggerheads (ht), Gachchhedar climbs down over Madhesh province demand, by Bedraj Poudel (kp), Gachhadar against one Madhes (ht), Govt asks for UNMIN term extension (kp), Maoist activists tarnish party image, by Durga Lal KC (kp), APF displaced in dire straits, by Uday GM (ht), Red Cross to help probe Nepal civil war’s missing people (Daily Times), Cultural Transformation (rn), ‘UML for multiethnic provincial model’ (rn)

13/12/2008: Barrel of gun still relevant: PM (kp) [???], UML won’t stay if Maoists quit govt: Gautam (kp), UML will lead govt, says Khanal (rn) [???], Deuba lambasts Maoists (kp), Parties face first statute-drafting snag, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Four parties fail to meet the deadline for CA committees (ht), Delay in formation of committees may hinder statute-drafting process (nn), UNMIN term extension talks intensify, by Manesh Shrestha (kp), Prachanda plumps for UNMIN's extended stay (ht), No compromise: Maoist efforts to compromise the independence of the judiciary need to be stopped (kp), Bickering Gurung, Sthapit urged to bury their hatchet (ht), One Madhes demand has lost relevance: MJF leader (nn), MVK says it has 1,000 fighters (kp), MVK chief boasts of outfit's strength (ht), Talks a half-hearted bid: Minister Gupta (kp), Appreciable Outcome (rn), Armies of Terai outfits can be integrated, says Gautam (rn), Nepal fears NC-Maoist rift may derail process of statute-drafting (ht), Watchdog reveals disturbing picture (ht), Gautam trains gun on youth brigades, urges dissolution (ht), Statute should reflect voices of Dalits: Nemwang (rn), PM stresses cultural transformation (rn)

12/12/2008: Integrate our fighters in NA: MVK, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Madhesi Virus Killers in pow-wow (ht), Govt holds talks with Virus Killer (rn), Nepal blames PM for poor security, by Sujit Mahat (kp), RJP chief lashes out at Maoists (kp), Mainali wishes for Maoist-led govt's collapse (ht), Maoist students' union head warns of civil war (ht), Prachanda's path, by Andrew Arato (kp), The infant republic, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Spread the word, by Pramesh KC (kp), Righting the wrongs (ht), Save the Madhes: It's about time the Madhes leaders, the State and the Madhesi people took a stance against violence and paved the way for national co-operation, by Prashant Jha (nt), The buck stops with PKD: The Maoists' dual-track strategy has its limits, by Prashant Jha (nt), Pain Of Disorder, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Nobody's Baby: The Constituent Assembly was constituted to draft a new constitution. However, it seems that making constitution is nobody's priority, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Right Upheld: A UN expert advocates right to self determination to promote rights of indigenous communities (sp)

11/12/2008: NHRC exposes govt's rights record: PM made to eat humble pie at Int'l Human Rights Day function (ht), Rights body hauls up ruling coalition for flouting child rights (ht), Freedom of expression in peril (rn), 'Govt showing draconian attitude toward free press' (nn), Right to peaceful assembly violated on HR Day, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Govt firm to safeguard human rights, says PM (rn), End Impunity (rn), Govt told to end impunity (kp), Existing impunity should be done away with: Subedi (rn), Maoist victims held, only to be released later (ht), Nod to land reforms panel: Move to review, improve security apparatus of hydropower projects (ht), Land reform panel formed (rn), Gajurel’s first cousin becomes chief: Land commission formed (kp) [Never end nepotism!!], Major parties differ on land reforms, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Land Commission chief says he will provide land to landless (nn), UML will not withdraw from govt: Khanal (rn), Adhikari's turn to take potshot at ex-rebels (ht), MK Nepal now questions essence of political committee (nn), 'Exasperated' Jwala Singh threatens to break ceasefire (ht), New armed outfits (kp), First round of talks with Terai rebels today (nn), Landmine scare (ht), Peace still elusive for Rolpali youths (kp), Mending fences (kp), In the hot seat: Prachanda has now realized that he has been successful as chairman of a revolutionary party, but not as prime minister of a coalition government, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Maoist leaders dissatisfied with performance of govt (nn), Home Minister under fire for deteriorating security situation (nn)

10/12/2008: Rift in MJF, convention may be shelved: Maoist Central Committee meet put off over 'Prime Minister's hectic schedule' (ht), Help us or we’ll pull out: Dahal (kp), UML, Maoists bury hatchet (kp), Khanal rules out possibility of early pullout from govt (nn), Implement past pacts, Nepal urges Maoists (kp), Commissions to see light of day: UML, Maoists (kp) [State restructuring is the task of the CA and not of the government!!], Govt forms Land Reform Commission (nn), Big Four fails to meet the deadline (ht), Parties fail to meet CA deadline (kp), Demining work gets underway (ht), De-mining drive starts after months (kp), Gautam trains his gun on Tarai districts (ht), Right activists' call to end impunity (ht), NHRC dissatisfied over culture of impunity (nn), 60th anniversary of udhr: 7 yrs on, wait for missing continues, by Namoti Nembang (kp), Insurgency victims cry for rehabilitation (kp), CPA implementation: Lost in a maze, by Gopal Krishna Siwakoti (ht), Breach of trust: The Maoists need to re-establish their commitment to the politics of consensus (kp), International Human Rights Day, by Hemanta Raj Dahal (kp), Regional and International Drivers of Conflict and Peace, by Chandra Dev Bhatta & Dev Raj Dahal (tg)

09/12/2008: Non-cooperation fuelled Prachanda's quit threat: Yami says NC's 'mischief 'triggered thought (ht), PM signals he will act tough, says NC impeding govt progress (nn), Nobody has power to bring down govt: Ranabhat (rn), Poudel says NC not trying to bring down government (nn), Govt is a failure, says Nepal (nn), Nepal denies heading high-level political mechanism (rn), Nepal spurns PCC offer (kp), Impunity And Human Rights Benchmarks, by Gopal Krishna Siwakoti (rn), States should not be restructured on basis of ethnicity: MK Nepal (nn), UN and NA start de-mining work (nn)

08/12/2008: GPK sounds death-knell for Prachanda's ilk (ht), Prachanda warns of popular revolt, by Chintamani Poudel (ht), Maoists to quit if NC gives cold shoulder, by Binod Tripathi (kp), NC ups anti-Maoist tirade (kp), PM stresses unity to face challenges (rn), Ruling parties to persuade NC to join integration body (rn), Nepal likely to head PCC (kp), Nepal 'not interested' in heading PCC (nn), Thapa seeks China help on integration, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), YCL, YF bad blood spurs exodus (kp), Gautam threatens to quit if the Tarai unrest goes on (ht), Peace will prevail in Tarai: Gautam, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp), Familiar Script Unfolds (rn)

07/12/2008: Thapa wants end to democracy of elite (kp), Thapa keeps his head amid integration buzz (kp), Maoist, UML mend fences (nn), YCL cadres terrorise Jante villagers: 300 youths forced to flee village • Two marriages disrupted • Scores injured for backing YF (ht), Disband YCL, YF: Yami, by Ramesh Chandra Adhikari (kp) [!!!], PM Dahal says NC reluctant to promote "politics of consensus" (nn), Unite for democracy: NC prez (kp) [The conservative forces obviously call for a return to the not really democratic system of 1990 under which they misused power for their personal interests and prevented an inclusive state!], Oli sticks to his guns (kp), Tharus intensify statehood drive (kp), NHRC's call to end human rights abuse (ht), Giri stresses on promotion of human rights culture (rn), Govt not following SC orders on the disappeared, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Shows Mixed Achievements, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

06/12/2008: Cantoned minors to be discharged soon (kp), PM vows to release kid fighters from PLA camps (ht), Minors to leave Maoist camps (rn), Parties burn midnight oil to tie loose ends, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), PM, 9 ministers fall foul of law, by Hari Bahadur Thapa (kp), Include RPP at all levels: Rana (kp) [Only to remember: The RPP has not won a single FTPT seat but only 8 seats through the PR system for mere 2.45% of the total votes! In functioning democratic systems like that of Germany parties are not even participated in parliament if they have got less than 5% of the votes!], PM pledges right to info (kp), Is BDA a political reality or pipe dream?, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Mending fences (kp), Chief Justice wags finger at govt on legal duties (ht), Fair sex squares off to ward off social ills (ht), Cursed by geography, by Ramu Bishwakarma (kp), Shy intellectuals, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Act On Time (rn)

05/12/2008: 100-day honeymoon: Future perfect, present imperfect, by Mudita Bajracharya (ht), Political committee hits rough waters as Nepal declines to be its part (nn), PCC has long shopping list (kp), MPs raise global meltdown alarm; No need to worry: Bhattarai, by Manesh Shrestha (kp), VP blasts govt (kp), New armed group emerges in Rolpa, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Desiring a strong centre, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Collective crisis, by Sumit Sharma (kp), NHRC's call to amend Disappearance Bill: To put forth suggestions to CA,govt soon (ht), Who will lead the committees? Tussle over who chairs 14 drafting committees may delay constitution process, by Dhruba Simkhada (nt), Emotional succour eludes conflict victims (ht), RPP chief wants NC to take initiative for 'democratic alliance' (nn) [??], PM agrees to release underage combatants, says UN official (nn), Redder Shift: Maoist national convention endorses 'people's federal national republic' proposal – an euphemism for what other parties perceive as turn towards totalitarianism, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Explosive remnants of war: Long after the ceasefire, people continue to lose limbs, by Moheindu Chemjong (nt), "Find solutions through consensus", interview with the Danish Foreign Minister (nt), Don't blame politicians: We are all collectively at fault for the state of the country, by Prashant Jha (nt)

04/12/2008: Coalition allies form guide-govt panel (ht), Khanal urges PM to court NC (kp), PM urged to be flexible on PLA merger panel (ht), Meet statute deadline, says Prez (kp), Govt apathy irks ex-securitymen, by Janak Nepal (kp), Farmer of the future, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Janaandolan-I victim cries for help (ht)

03/12/2008: Govt fails to announce high-level mechanism (kp), MJF discontent haunts coalition (ht), Political panel to have two members each from ruling parties (nn), Political committee announced, Gurung named acting chief (nn), Army merger panel still in limbo (ht), NC sticks to gun on integration (kp), Maoists preparing for civil war: Mahat (kp), Koirala’s last battle? (tg), Wishes and horses (ht), CA members take govt to task (ht), Analysis: Whirlpool awaits Nepal PM Prachanda?, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Secure rights of indigenous people, says UN special rep (kp), Monarchy will make comeback: Thapa (kp) [???], For everything else, there's PM, by Prerana Marasini (kp), Wanted: Demilitarisation, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), ‘Need to stop YCL,YF activities (rn), Political Realities and Challenges, by Manish Thapa (tg), Will the Maoists bring about a change in the society?, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Nepal's New Political Leadership, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

02/12/2008: No change is the only change, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), High-level mechanism to guide government (kp), Ruling allies' guide-govt panel today (ht), Formation of political committee gets delayed (nn), Strike hits life in east (kp), Limbuwan activists detain Nembang (ht), I was not abducted: Nemwang (rn), CA chairman denies he was held by Limbuwan activists (nn), TMDP demands plague Prime Minister Prachanda (ht), No let up in violence in Terai districts (nn), Janajatis form front (ht), Utopian dreams: The recent Maoist proposal on federalism shows a party struggling to match ideology with domestic and international realities, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Kiran revels as Prachanda's conscience-keeper, interview with Mohan Baidya (ht), YCL won’t be dissolved, it will be corrected: Ananta (rn)

01/12/2008: Hope and contradiction (Himal Southasian), Gautam raps Maoists, NC for AISC impasse (kp), Maoist-aligned groups have been most uncooperative, interview with Bam Dev Gautam (kp), MJF grades Maoists low on performance, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), NC to draft statute if deadline not met, says Koirala (ht) [This would be a coup against the sovereign rights of the Nepali people! All parties, including the NC, are responsible for the delay in constitution writing!!], Koirala toughens stance, by Santosh Pokharel (kp), Disband YF, YCL: NHRC chief (kp), PLA’s integration no chance: Koirala (rn), Mahato wants quota for 10,000 Madhesis in Nepal Army (ht), Govt performance below par: Parties (kp), Miles to go, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Strike cripples normal life in the east (ht), FLSC strike cripples eastern Nepal for 2nd day (nn), UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict arrives (nn)

30/11/2008: Honeymoon period successful: Govt (kp), ‘Govt successful in working for people’ (rn), Mahara unveils 100-day report card: Biggest achievement: Revenue generation up by 35 pc (ht), MoF pegs away but scant to show, by Kuber Chalise (ht), Onus on NC to draft statute, says Koirala (kp) [Of course, 20% of the Nepali people have voted for you, i.e. 80% are against your leading role!!], Irked by delay, Koirala warns NC could float a constitution by itself (nn), Army merger delay in Maoist interest!, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht) [??], Land reform commission within 15 days (kp), Land reforms, a thorny issue, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Frame statute on time: Hapure folk, by Durgalal KC (kp), Patriarchal shadow haunts women’s rights defenders (kp), Danish Minister expresses concern over impunity (rn), Nine eastern districts reel under Limbuwan bandh (nn), End Of Maoist Differences, Reveals Unique Intraparty Democracy, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

29/11/2008: Ensure people’s right to land: NHRC (kp), Human rights body bats for right to land (ht), Agitating landless people reach deal with govt; Land Commission within two weeks (nn), Disappearances worst aspects of ugly war: Adams (rn), Crime and punishment (kp), Subedi elected CA vice-chair (kp), Maoist Subedi is Nembang's deputy (ht), Subedi elected CA Vice Chairperson (rn), Define federalism clearly: PM (kp), Denmark offers support for peace process (nn)

28/11/2008: Coinage reveals a hidden agenda, by Prakash Rimal (ht), Mahara spells out Maoists' ultimate political ambition (ht), Maoists determined to establish people’s republic: Mahara (nn), Keep them guessing: The Dahal Doctrine is steeped in compromise and hypocrisy, by CK Lal (nt), Waste of time (nt), Federal model must suit Nepal: Koirala (kp), New constitution should depict native traits: Koirala (rn), Koirala joins issue with ex-rebels on nationalism (ht), Address our demands: Dalits (kp), Yadav warns to pull out of govt (kp), We will respect CPA: Baidya (kp), Kiran feels for the downtrodden (ht), Maoist candidate may get CA vice-chair, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Betrayal of the peace process?, by Ram S. Mahat (kp) [Most parties and so-called leaders are betraying the peace process!!], Peace ministry delivers in bits & pieces, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Rights group trains gun on land revenue offices (ht), UK minister's sermon on peace and development (ht), Army integration top priority, says Khanal (rn), Maoist victims submit memorandom to NHRC (rn), When will they start drafting? Despite delays, a glimmer of hope for a timely draft still remains, by Purna Basnet (nt), Living With Instability: Whatever the nature of political system, Nepalese people have to develop a habit to live with political instability, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Red Wrangle: The cadres' convention of the Maoists turns into ideological battleground with two senior leaders presenting different proposals on party's strategy and tactics, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp)

27/11/2008: Leaders synthesize republic brands, by Renu Kshetry (kp), NC not against army integration: Deuba, by Durgalal K.C. (kp) [??], Disappearance bill lauded (kp), Rights groups welcome disappearance bill (nn), No justice, by Gyanendra Raj Aran (kp), Khanal diagnoses Maoists' ailment: conflict hangover (ht), Maoist policy helping rightists, says Khanal (nn), Misuse Of Youth Power (rn), Much conceived, but little delivered, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Peace process (kp), SC order sought for constitutional bodies (ht), Shivapuri case: A growing pointer to human remains (ht), Elected PM cannot speak against parliamentary democracy: GP Koirala (nn), Nepal’s Maoists find revolution is slow going: Experts (Peninsula), Call for adopting bill on missing people in Nepal (Peninsula)

26/11/2008: Parties fail to agree on CA vice-chair (kp), CA VC post up for voting grabs as consensus eludes parties (ht), House adjourned due to Maoist meeting (kp), Khanal's peace-delay slur on NC, ex-rebels (ht), Maoists' legal reprieve displeases ally UML (ht), Fusions, confusions and visions: Does Prachanda feel that other parties mistrust him so much that he has to turn to the elites of the erstwhile system to fill up a vacuum?, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Strategic myopia, by Ranadhoj Limbu (Angbuhang) (kp), UN official meets indigenous folks (ht), Peace process: The search for a logical conclusion, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Missing the point (ht), In Favour Of Land Commission (rn), Serious Distractions, by Sujeet Arjel (tg), Peace Initiatives in Nepal: State and Challenge, by Dinesh Tripathi (tg), Foreign interference in Nepal must be discontinued immediately, by Madhav Kumar Rimal, President Green Party Nepal (tg), Nepal assembly urged to adopt law on disappearance (Reuters)

25/11/2008: ICJ urges effective Disappearance Bill (kp), Global body urges amendment to the missing bill (ht), State-displaced persons long for home, hearth, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Maoists holding on to seized land (kp), Inappropriate means (kp), The incomplete revolution, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Dialogue for lasting peace, by Chandrakishore (kp), Rolpalis seek representation in the constitution (ht)

24/11/2008: Displaced plead NHRC to prod govt (kp), Rift narrows but situation still ‘fluid’ (kp), Parties pledge to expedite statute drafting (kp), Nembang rules out government's role in statute-drafting (ht), CP Mainali's sermon to Maoists on pitfalls of federal structure (ht), Constitution will not be drafted within timeframe: Local poll, by Mohan Budaair (kp), Koirala puts down feet against army integration (kp), NC Accusations (rn), No cooperation with Maoists unless YCL activities checked and seized properties returned: Poudel (nn), GPK awaits Maoists' call to join integration panel (ht), Govt urged to honour pact on federalism (kp), Ethnic party cries 'govt foul play', threatens armed revolt in the east (ht), When will we learn?, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Letter to Ian Martin, by Ram Sharan Mahat (Nepali Congress) (kp), On the rights track, by Richard Bennett (kp), Towards Respect For Human Rights, by Richard Bennett (rn), Reprieve for Maoist leaders (ht), Experience of China's 30-year reform helpful to Nepal (People's Daily)

23/11/2008: Koirala rebuffs army integration, by Janak Nepal (kp), Koirala lays down conditions for cooperation with Maoists (nn), Kirati proposes 800 districts (kp), Gopal Kiranti's 800-district pill to end all ills (ht) [This does not provide any perspective!!]

22/11/2008: Prachanda adopts brave unity facade: Wags finger at reactionaries; hems and haws at 'ideological crisis'within party (ht), Peace elusive despite political change, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Tarai parleys soon: Minister Jha (kp), MJM smells rat in govt move over parleys with Tarai outfits (ht), Martyrs maligned: The proliferation in the number of 'martyrs' has made the word almost meaningless (kp), In one peace, by Som P Pudasaini (kp), NSP plumps for census ahead of restructuring (ht), Wake-Up Call (rn), No any army integration if Maoists don't correct themselves: Koirala (nn) [In other words: We will prevent necessary steps at any cost! We have the mandate to do so because we have got 20% of the votes in the CA elections!!]

21/11/2008: Chairman’s report to include ‘hard-line’ ideas: Likely leadership crisis averted, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Khanal asks Maoists to renounce violence, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp), Abide by CPA, NHRC tells govt, Maoists (ht), Human rights in pathetic state (rn), Who's in charge? Thugs and threats rule in the new Nepal, by CK Lal (nt), Impunity par excellence: The state and criminals, by Ram S Mahat (ht), Valley bandh hits general life (rn), Protest perusal (ht), Agitating kin of two slain youths reach agreement with govt; protests called off (nn) [Forming another commission and paying compensation is not enough! The militant youth wings of all political parties must be dissolved immediately!!], 261 killed last year: State, non-state actors blamed (kp), Ignored Madhesh: A hundred people have been killed in the Tarai in the past six months (kp), ‘State would not accept Madhes as one state’ (rn), Tarai fragments: Caste and militancy splinters the Madhes movement, by Prashant Jha (nt), Realignment in Nepali politics: The communists will set the agenda for the new Constitution that will guide the country for decades, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), UN SR on indigenous people to arrive next week (nn), Democratise the parties: There is conflict between democratic and undemocratic tendencies of leadership within every party, Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Learning from South Africa: Nepali legislators must look to the experiences of other 'new' nations, by Gagan Thapa (nt), "Integration is the backbone of the peace process", interview with Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Janardan Sharma (nt), "This Government Is Acting As A Single Party Government Led By Maoists", interview with Govinda Raj Joshi, NC (sp) [??], Statute Course: The CA passes regulation and calendar on constitution writing, but parties are still at odds on key issues, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp)

20/11/2008: Violation of peace pact unchecked, by Janak Nepal (kp), 2 blasts rock Sarlahi HQ (kp), Yadav warns of withdrawing from govt (rn), Kids-friendly statute sought (kp), fine print, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Hard Task Ahead, by Shyam K.C. (rn), Putting victims on the agenda: Govt’s attempts are not enough to establish a credible Disappearance Commission, by Jyotsna Poudyal (kp), Legal lacunae bar to Madhesi inclusiveness, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

19/11/2008: Debate on republic brand widens rift (kp), Maoists to enter into fierce debate over two documents (nn), Prachanda’s leadership questioned by Maoists (Gulf Times), Row over ideology in Nepal, by Shirish B. Pradhan (Asian Age), Formal talks with Tarai groups soon: Minister (kp), Dharmashala now a political base (kp), Move on Maoist victims spells doom: Shekhar (kp), CPN-Maoist's commitment to democracy in doubt, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Call to draft constitution sans gender bias (ht), Model statute for citizensip rights (kp), SC directives on third-gender's rights in statute (ht), Mahara invites landless for talk (kp), The federalist debates: The international community's opposition to fedaralism is based on a number of misconceptions, by Manjushree Thapa (kp), The Danish proposition (tg), Uneasy journey to May 2010: Differences can be bridged if the Prachanda government can somehow get the NC on board the Army Integration Special Committee (kp), En masse integration into Nepal Army: Kiran (tg), Kalam's vision for New Nepal, excerpt of a speech by former president of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (kp), 15 groups ready to sit for talks: Cabinet to be apprised of the progress in talk process today (ht), Talks with govt positive, armed groups say (rn), Party cadres intensify donation drive (ht), Nepal’s external actors would love to see efficient working of democratic process, by Bishnu Poudel (tg), Economic Costs of Conflict, by Hari Bansh Jha (tg)

18/11/2008: Dahal, Baidya at loggerheads, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Baidya counters PM on nature of republic, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Prachanda, Maoist hardliners differ over ideology (Times of India), Data on Maoist-seized properties hazy, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Compensation for conflict-hit soon (kp), Nembang’s help sought (kp), Talks with Tarai outfits begin: Sharma informally meets leaders of more than 15 armed groups (ht), Informal talks with Tarai groups ‘positive’, by Jitendra Khadga (kp), Talks With Terai Groups (rn), Roots of struggle: Armed groups in the Tarai have serious political demands and cannot simply be dismissed as criminal, by Chandrakishore (kp), Tarai outfit's month-long agitation (ht), Whips and votes, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Now, on track (ht), People's help sought to draft constitution (ht), Army integration issue will not hinder constitution drafting process: Nemwang (nn), BP Koirala's contemporary looks back in anger, interview with Ram Hari Joshi (ht), Right activists call KJWP for talks (rn)

17/11/2008: CA begins process to draft new statute, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), CA puts final stamp on statute calendar (kp), CA okays statute writing schedule (rn), Fireworks over ‘People’s Republic’ likely: Maoist CC meet, by Ganga B.C. (kp), Exemplary proposal, by Shyam KC (kp), Onus of compensation on Maoists: Koirala, by Shankar Acharya (kp) [This sounds too easy. Crimes were committed by both, Maoists and security forces! The latter did so as ordered by their leadership and politicians like Deuba, Koirala, Thapa, Gyanendra, etc.!!], Blind eye (kp), Families of disappeared warn of stir (kp), Kin of disappeared meet PM, demand whereabouts (rn), Minister Sharma meets rebel leaders (nn), Talks with JTMM-G meaningless: Minister Jha (kp), YCL, YF bury hatchet for tender moolah (kp), Kamal Thapa’s recipe to protect democracy (kp) [Sounds strange: The main henchman of the authoritarian royal regime wants to fight authoritarianism!], Sushil floats novel plan for PLA integration (ht)

16/11/2008: Calendar for constitution writing determined, new constitution by May, 2010 (nn) Maoists delaying statute: Koirala, by Shankar Acharya (kp) [But no word on the continued power ambitions of the NC, please!!], Koirala’s call to press govt on statute, by Chiranjivi Dhungana and Ravi Dahal (ht), NC veep toughens stand on integration (ht), Danish envoy backs PLA’s integration (rn), Khanal urges NC to join govt (kp), Khanal sees political coup in Maoist mind (ht), Khanal rules out the possibility of Maoist combatant becoming NA chief (nn), Disappearance bill to be retroactive (kp), Loopholes in bill on disappearances (ht), Compensation for Maoist seizures not fair: NHRC (kp), Talks with Tarai groups in two weeks (ht), Laws sought to safeguard women’s right to own land (ht), Ex-royals’ fortunes sought for schools (ht), Dissolve YCL, we’ll follow: Nepal (ht), RPP Nepal also to float youth wing (nn) [Youth wings that tend towards militancy and disreagard law and order are the best way to prevent a peaceful new Nepal!!], Focus On Constitution (rn), Parties Inch Closer To Consensus, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)

15/11/2008: New statute in May 2010, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Thilsted stresses checks and balance (kp), Women in politics face violence: Chitra Lekha (kp), Anti-women violence rampant in politics (rn), Bring in the experts, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Kathmandu has gone to the dogs, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Economic sovereignty next goal of Nepalese people (rn), 'Govt preparing for talks with Terai outfits in a fortnight' (nn)

14/11/2008: UML shy of warming up to Maoists: Khanal (kp), Progressive forces should unite: Khanal (rn), Khanal alleges NC, Maoists to be extremists (nn), MK Nepal lashes out at Home Minister (nn), Party youth wings threat to peace: DPM (kp), No talks invite: ATMM, Tarai Army (kp), Displaced still unable to go home, by Madhav Ghimire (kp), New constitution within 18 months: Nemwang (kp), Nembang jumps statute-drafting date gun, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Dramatic Posture: After a long period of silence, vice president Parmananda Jha starts talking from all sides of his mouth, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Parmananda Jha's shenanigans, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), NC, Maoist adamant to army integration (rn), State Restructuring Minister says he won’t go to his ministry, asks his staff to follow suit (nn), Space crunch cramps minister Kiranti's style, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Danish envoys stresses on ending impunity (nn), Pseudo-democracy: Lurking dangers, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Row Rages On: Even as the major parties have reached agreement to finalize CA rules, the row over army integration rages on, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), UNMIN: Extension Necessary (sp), Rationale for federalism, interview with Krishna Khanal (nt), "It's a shame", interview with Aasha Kumari Sardar (MJF) (nt)

13/11/2008: State and party: Maoists shouldn’t use state resources to compensate for property capture (kp), PM’s Offer For Conciliation (rn), Maoist UML agreement (rn), Talks with Tarai groups by Dec 15: Minister (kp), Minister holds informal talks with Terai armed groups (nn), Tarai stir victims yet to be compensated, by Renu Kshetry (kp), They just don't get it!, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp), Crafting a New Constitution in Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Scoop), President, VP discuss their roles (nn) [There is absolute no need for the position of a VP!]

12/11/2008: Maoists yet to return properties, by Durgalal KC (kp), Seized property to be returned by mid-Dec (kp), Prachanda bows to NC's demands: Promises to implement the main opposition's nine-point charter (ht), Prachanda accepts opposition demands, averts House shutdown (Gulf Times), AISC makeup to change: Khanal (kp), Khanal raises integration panel reshuffle hope (ht), Maoist combatants eager to join NA, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), Fighters becoming ‘more efficient’ (kp), Army integration as per peace pact: Minister Bhattarai (nn), Govt will end culture of impunity: PM (kp), PM vows to end anarchy, impunity (rn), Maoist victims resort to satyagraha, by Udaya GM (ht), PM obsessed with govt's dual responsibilities (ht) [?? The framing of the new constitution is the task of the CA and not that one of the government!!], Lessons to learn (ht), UNMIN set to stay beyond Jan (kp), Martin seeks extended stay as Jan 23 deadline appears 'unrealistic' (ht), Bring armed groups into dialogue table (rn), Slow burn (kp), NC doubts success of talks (rn), Theatre, politics & illusions, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Bringing them home, by Shobhakar Budhathoki (kp), CA to start work on new statute from early next week (nn), Body for landless rights at govt's door with charter (ht), 12 hurt in OBCF strike: Backward stir hits life hard in eastern plains (ht)

11/11/2008: Finally, CA gets rules of procedures draft, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), At last: The rules of procedure are finally ready, now the CA should get on with its job (kp), Parliamentary system not for poor: PM (kp), Parliamentary democracy ignored poor, says PM (rn), PM's obsession on forms of democracy comes to fore again (ht), Kamal Thapa warns of another conflict (kp), Thapa faces music for ‘lying to House’ (kp), 'Defence Minister’s statement confusing' (rn), Listening to victims: The proposed Truth and Reconciliation Bill forces reconciliation and forgiveness onto those who suffered during the conflict, by Jyotsna Poudyal (kp), In Defense Of Strong Government, by Lok Nath Bhusal (rn), Backward castes vow to keep Terai in standstill unless demands met (nn), Maoists set to be at helm for long, interview with Baburam Bhattarai (ht)

10/11/2008: No review of AISC makeup: PM Dahal (kp), Starting over (kp), Integrate Maoist Army for lasting peace: Gurung (rn), Breach of consensus, by Arjun Narsingha KC, Nepali Congress (kp) [see also part 2 (11/11/2008)], NC threatens to halt CA business (kp) [???], NC gives memorandum to PM, warns of fresh protests (rn), NC in 'wait and see' mode; Koirala stakes claim for parliamentary leadership (nn) [With 20% of the seats?? This is not what the voters wanted!!], CA term might stretch: Minister (kp), Key parties agree to resolve dispute (rn), Armed Tarai groups’ response awaited (kp), Capitalism can’t solve peasants’ problem, interview with Samir Amir (kp), ‘Broader left unity a must for real change’: Prakash, interview with Narayan Kaji Shrestha alias Prakash (rn), CA regulations finalised; silent on whip system (nn), Nod to CA Regulations draft minus vote of conscience, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), We have witnessed complete metamorphosis: PM Dahal (nn)

09/11/2008: Govt to review AISC makeup (kp), 'Govt ready to reshuffle AISC' (rn), NC memo to govt: Act on past accords, reconstitute special committee (nn), Khanal says NC will be brought into Special Committee (nn), Maoists not keen on new statute: Koirala (kp) [This is true for almost all so called party leaders, especially those who have not been elected in April!!], Parties asked to end mutual suspicions (kp), Whip in CA violates basic rights: Veep (kp), Four parties agree to delete provision on whip in CA rules (nn), Security policy, progressive statute basis of unity: Mahara (kp), New cooperation needed: Minister Mahara (rn), Dec 15 deadline to all Tarai groups for talks, by Aman Koirala (kp), Peace still needs int’l support: Martin (kp), Nepal needs extended UNMIN assistance: Martin (rn), ‘Give up traditional mindset’ (rn), CPN (Maoist), Dr. Bhattarai & Pluralism, by Mukti Rijal (rn), No Rash Comments Please, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Minister asks Prez, VP to stay away from public functions (nn)

08/11/2008: Federation must suit Nepal: Koirala (kp), Jha's statute saviour act leaves MJF cold: Vice-prez faces music from tarai party that piggybacked him to glory not many moons ago (ht), Vice Prez defends AISC remark, by Lilaballav Ghimire (kp), Army Integration Panel legal: Yadav (rn), Parties warn of House obstruction (kp), Special committee won't be dissolved: DPM Gautam (nn), Stop creating further controversy over special committee: Yadav (nn), NC demands return of seized assets, warns of House stalling (rn), Integration will have grave repercussions: Yadav (kp), People best guide to statute drafting: Experts (kp), Peace commissions in offing (kp), Only a party that embodies dreams of the new classless class has a future: The party is over, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Constitution can still be drafted in time: Sapana Malla (nn), Nepal to request extension of UN mission (Irish Sun), Don't be mean: The NC is blaming UNMIN for its own mistakes, by Prashant Jha (nt)

07/11/2008: UML, Maoists censure Vice Prez’s statement (kp), ‘VP’s speech against constitutional norms’ (rn), VP Jha defends his controversial views; says parties' behavior compelled him to speak up (nn), Yadav tells VP Jha to remain content (nn), NC leaders express ire over special committee (nn), Courting Controversy: As the main opposition party Nepali Congress stays away from it, the special committee formed to proceed with army integration has landed in controversy, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), TMLP chief asks PM to include his party in army integration committee (nn), Integrationomics: Nobody is looking at the economics of army integration, by Artha Beed (nt), Politics of Polarization: The recent statements indicate that NC leader Girija Prasasd Koirala is leading a democratic front against Maoists, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Cognitive dissonance: Surprise over Maoist win, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Give the man a break: Prachanda has a tall order in front of him without political opponents throwing a spanner in the works, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Slogan of Constitution Making Weapon for Political Instability, by Keshab Poudel (sp), “For A Certain Period Of Time, The UN Will Have To Continue To Assist The Peace Process Of Nepal”, interview with Ban Ki-moon (sp), Prodding For Peace: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urges parties to get over their difference to quickly conclude the peace process, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Kick start: The constitution-drafting process can't be delayed any longer, by Dhruba Simkhada (nt), Obama mania: What does the Obama win mean for Nepal?, by Mallika Aryal (nt), The United Nations now: The interests of the UN and Nepalis coincide in making the peace process a success, by Kanak Mani Dixit (nt)

06/11/2008: AISC violates constitution: Vice Prez Jha (kp) [The VP should not comment on things that can only be decided by the Supreme Court!!], CA stresses understanding among parties (kp), Judicial federalism: There's more to a federal system than creating states, by Krishna Murari Shiwakoti (kp), Honeymoon, sweet and sour, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), KWP sets conditions for talks (nn)

05/11/2008: Bulk integration not possible, says DPM (kp), 'PLA would be adjusted in NA, police forces' (rn), Maoist combatants should be integrated at earliest: Yadav (rn), Nepal Army seeks 2,400 soldiers while Maoist fighters wait (Irish Sun), Ex-rebel fighters threaten revolt over integration (Gulf Times), Special Committee won't be dissolved: Bamdev (ht), ‘Disband YCL, YF’ (kp), Change overdue, by Sujeet Arjel (tg), National consensus must: Minister Yadav (kp), Honeymoon and miracle after miracle, by Surendera Phuyal (kp), Gods of misrule?, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Govt talks team in contact with 14 armed groups (nn), Nepal faces internal problems (Central Chronicle), CIAA, NHRC rue delay in statute-drafting process (ht), Prachanda adds con fusion, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Processing Federalism in Nepal, by Saubhagya Shah (tg), Nepal has achieved what many nations take decades to achieve, by Syed Abrar Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan, Nepal (tg)

04/11/2008: Turn in Maoist personal security weapons: UML (kp), Rift in PLA, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), Maoists, UML to revise ToR, by Thira L. Bhusal (kp), Stitching Ties Closer (rn), PLA-NA merger absolute no-no: MJF (kp), TMLP threatens to obstruct House (kp), Former Nepal rebel combatants threaten revolt over integration (Earth Times), Report condition of 33 missing: Supreme Court (kp), Mixed signals, mixed responses, by Daulat Jha (kp)

03/11/2008: Maoists playing foul: NC, UML: Say govt ToR violates pacts on integration, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Koirala denies deal on army integration (rn), TMLP, MJF differ on integration, by Ravindra Uprety (kp), MJF against wholesale integration between NA and PLA (nn), Sharma hints at referendum to sort out integration issue (rn), Leaders call for reconstitution of army integration committee (nn), Koirala asks UN to disallow arms to Maoists (kp), Staying on (kp), Maoists, UML mending fences (kp), Maoist, UML form panel to resolve differences (kp), CPN-Maoist, UML form joint panel for better ties (rn), Statute drafting in time if unity intact: Nembang (kp), Previous constitutions failed as the people never owned them, by Purna Man Shakya (kp), Sorry, No Tears To Spare, by P. Kharel (rn), ‘Talks with armed groups immediately after Chhath festival’ (nn), Constitution making: No compromise on democratic principles, by Govinda Raj Joshi, NC (ht)

02/11/2008: ‘Immediate challenge ahead is to integrate, rehabilitate Maoist combatants’: Overcome differences: Ban to parties (kp), Rehabilitating ex-combatants most immediate challenge for Nepal – Ban (Relief Web), Ban addresses special CA meeting (rn), Girija gripes to Ban about UNMIN (kp) [???], Lumbini inspires Ban Ki-moon (kp), Two Tarai groups still out of contact (kp), Right Initiative (rn), UML leader flays Gajurel’s remark (kp), Maoist leader opts for referendum on army integration if there's no consensus (nn), Maoists' apathy for consensus weakening nationalism: Koirala (nn)

01/11/2008: Ban arrives for 22-hour visit: Voices firm UN commitment to peace process (kp), UN support for peace to continue: Ban (rn), UNSG addresses special CA meeting; pledges continuous support to Nepal peace (nn), UN urges Nepal's leaders to resolve differences, by Binaj Gurubacharya (Washington Times), Govt breached pacts, statute: Oppn (kp), Unity must for peace: PM (rn), Army integration body formed Appointments made in different offices (rn), NC irked over special committee, wants the role in formulating its ToR (nn), Governance, Maoist style, by Ram Sharan Mahat (kp), Stern Action Needed (rn), EU team stresses on stable govt (rn)

31/10/2008: UNSG Ban-Ki Moon arrives for two-day visit (nn), NC must join special committee if it is committed to peace: Sharma (nn)

30/10/2008: UN Secy General to arrive in Kathmandu on Friday (nn), MK Nepal also unhappy over special committee (kp)

29/10/2008: Gautam heads special panel, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), 'Army integration homework already on' (nn), Nepal government begins process to integrate former rebel fighters (Earth Times), PM urges NC to join committee (kp), PM Dahal urges NC to honour his ‘flexibility’ (nn), Constitution making after Tihar: Khanal (kp), False political texts and revolutions: Both the Nepali congress and the Maoists are involved in the creation of false texts about Nepali political transformation, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Come together, right now: Political parties must act with greater responsibility, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Kangaroo courts operational in Pyuthan (nn), UNSG says UNMIN may not be able to complete its task by January (nn), State restructuring:  The fiscal dimension, by Dilli Raj Khanal (ht)

28/10/2008: PLA integration not mandatory: Koirala (kp), Govt forms five-member army integration committee (nn), NC won’t join govt: Koirala (kp), Cases against Maoists withdrawn (kp), CPN (Maoist) protect crooks: NC leader Singh (kp) [This is obviously true and should be changed, but the NC did the same in the past!], Maoists yet to return seized properties, by Numaraj Khanal (kp), Return seized property: Thapa to PM (kp), The agrarian question, by Aditya Adhikari (kp)

27/10/2008: Don’t renounce democracy: Koirala to PM, by Binod Bhandari and Jitendra Khadga (kp), Deuba raps Maoist ‘republic’, by Bedraj Poudel (kp), ‘The national bourgeoisie will be protected in the People’s Republic’, interview with C.P. Gajurel (kp) [??], NC firm on integration stance (kp), Complaints, complaints: The NC needs to make greater efforts to engage with the Maoists (kp), Nine outfits respond to talks offer (rn), Cabinet fails to form special committee (nn)

26/10/2008: NC to lead new democratic movement, by Binod Bhandari and Lila Ballav Ghimire (kp) [?????], Maoists have forgotten spirit of CPA: Koirala (rn), PM fears disaster if peace and statute writing are disrupted (nn), Consensus Stressed (rn), Integration committee ToR finalized (kp), Adjust army based on qualification: KC (rn), Army integration is not Maoists' priority, claims Kamal Thapa (nn) [Ceterum censeo: Thapa should be brought to court for his role during the royal putsch phase!], Koirala dissatisfied with law and order situation (nn), Govt team confers with parties on 'peace talks' preparations (nn), The Left Appendage Debate, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), VP Jha complains of not getting 'any role' (nn) [This is normal for Vice Presidents! Such office is absolutely superfluous!!!], 'UNMIN can't withdraw weapons retained for Maoist leaders' security' (nn)

25/10/2008: PM proposed UML head for special committee: NC (kp), Addressing integration, by Keshar B Bhandari (kp), RJP: Integration threatens peace (kp), Let’s institutionalize democracy: Prez (kp), Whither Brahmins?, by Prerana Marasini (kp) [?? Whither non-Brahmins? About 95% of the positions in judiciary are filled with male Bahuns, only a bit less in the media and education sector, not to talk about parties, government, administration, etc.!!! Are only male Bahuns qualified?], Restore Confidence (rn), The Question Of Getting Together, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Condition put forward for talks (rn)

24/10/2008: Maoists want PLA man as NA chief: NC (kp), NC leader suspects Pasang could be installed as NA chief (nn), Situala warns nation might slip into civil war if PLA commander installed as NA chief (nn) [???], Army amalgamation: The integration debate is not only about numbers, but control, by Prashant Jha (nt), MJF warns it may quit government (kp), Tarai group wants talks environment (kp), Engaging Rajan (kp), Problems in knowledge generation, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Wake-up call, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Gajurel’s republic reeks of autocracy (ht), NC accuses Maoists of hatching conspiracy (rn), RJP against federalism (rn), "If I Discard Every Offer, I Cannot Be Active In Politics", interview with Madhav Kumar Nepal (sp), Shifting Alliances: The sudden out cry of three senior Nepali Congress leaders indicates a broader anti-Maoist alliance is in making, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Sarala's struggle: The woman who defeated Bam Dev Gautam in the elections can't understand how he could be made minister, by Dewan Rai (nt), War and peace (nt), Fusion or confusion: The Maoists must clarify their commitment to multiparty democracy once and for all, by Raghu Pant (nt), Koirala accuses Maoists of interfering in judiciary (nn), Ugandan parallels: Successes Nepal can emulate and mistakes we must avoid, by Subhadra Belbase (nt), PM, UML gen secy discuss formation of special committee (nn), Parties close to an understanding on special committee (nn)

23/10/2008: No consensus on special committee chairman (kp), Parties stick to their positions over special committee (nn), Cabinet meeting put off again; dispute over special committee delays meeting (nn), Govt introduces new ToR for LPC, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Integration not stated in pact: Sitaula (kp), NC rider to join the PLA fighters’ panel (ht), Unending delay (kp), Prabhakar mulls ways to resettle disqualified PLAs (ht), Opposition in the CA, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Outfit’s nine-point charter for dialogue (ht), Talks with Terai armed groups after Tihar: Minister Yadav (nn), Kirant outfit sets talks agenda (ht), Time for decision (ht), Drafting The New Constitution: The Challenges Ahead, by Lakshman Bahadur K.C. (rn), Presence of left govt not felt: Adhikary (rn)

22/10/2008: Non-Maoist must head integration body: UML (kp), Bam Dev warns armed groups (kp), Gautam’s criminal tag on Tarai groups (ht), Khanal promises Muslim commission (kp), Guerrillas in the mist: Challenges and implications of integration, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Disqualified PLA combatants add to Maoists’ woes, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Base integration on int’l standards: NSP (kp), Govt to unveil twin plans (ht), Integration lifeline of peace process: Badal (ht), Oli admonishes Maoists (kp) [There is not much difference between YCL and YF, Mr Oli! The former has only more 'experience'!], Tame Youth Violence (rn), NC acting prez raps Maoists (kp), Only words (kp), Process to drop Maoists from terror list starts: US envoy (kp), Dashain-Tihar: Season of reconciliation?, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Democratisation in Nepal: Attempts, hindrances and prospects, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Telling a tale about a “tail”, by
N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), No economic revolution without completing political revolution, interview with Mohan Vaidya Pokharel aka Kiran (tg), Mohan Vaidya resigns as CA member (nn), Noveau-Feudalism is emerging in the Tarai in the name of One Madhesh-One Province, Interview with Narayan Prasad Devkota (tg), Janaandolan II and Nepali Pundits!, by Prem Sharma (tg), Nepal still in the cave age (tg), Gautam again warns Terai armed outfit against ignoring government’s call for dialogue (nn), Four party meeting fails to reach agreement on special committee (nn)

21/10/2008: Maoists, UML work on special committees (kp), Khanal nod to PM’s offer to Nepal (ht), Dahal courts Koirala (ht), Overtures To The NC (rn), No word from Koirala over call to join govt: His body language is positive, says PM (rn), Koirala snubs call to join government (kp), Koirala raps Dahal (kp), Gyanendra held secret talks with Prachanda: GPK (ht), State restructuring ministry flouts interim statute: NC (kp) [The restructuring of the state is the exclusive task of the Constituent Assembly and not that of the government!!], Constituent Assembly The forgotten agenda, by Lok Raj Baral (ht), NC takes exception to peace nepotism (ht), Gachhadar cosies up to Congress on army integration (ht), Special cabinet committee to be formed soon (nn), Silver lining (ht), Mahara vows to probe journo killings (kp), Ministers rarely attend House session (kp), Spectre of authoritarianism, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), The Maoist agenda, by Ram Sharan Mahat (kp) [see part 2 (22/10/2008)], NC interrupting statute making: Devkota (rn), 'Maoists causing delay in writing constitution' (nn), Govt team holding informal talks with armed groups, says minister (nn), DPM Gautam says it is about time to ‘lose our tails’ (nn)

20/10/2008: Implement pacts: NC to Maoists (kp), NC finds relevance in revolt threat (ht), Maoists bent on power grab: RJP chief (kp), No PLA integration into Nepal Army: Mahato (kp), Prachanda owns up to divided Maoist house (ht), As The Maoist-Led Boat Sails, by P. Kharel (rn), First phase govt aid for conflict, Madhesh stir victims soon (rn), 'No compromise on national integrity' (rn), PM Dahal confers with Khanal (nn), Maoist, UML agree to expand cabinet (nn), Koirala declines offer to join the govt (nn)

19/10/2008: Thapa for choice on integration (kp), Badal queers the integration pitch: Advocates new norms for NA (ht), Chances of NC joining govt high: PM, by Chitranga Thapa (kp), NC would join govt: PM, NC not to join govt: Sushil (rn), Govt more into plans than statute making: Koirala (kp), Much to do before drafting statute, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), UML to lobby for direct election of PM (ht), SP asks government to hold fresh census (kp), Sadbhavana Party threatens to snap coalition ties (ht), Dev Gurung reflects on Maoist spirit (ht), Cops will stay in villages: Minister Jha (kp), A precondition for achieving peace & development: Employing the unemployed youths, by Babu Ram Neupane (kp), Republican Debate Rages On, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Too many foreign trips, now it's time to focus in the country: PM Dahal (nn)

18/10/2008: Baidya stands by bulk integration (kp), PLA Integration (rn), Ideological rift among Maoists, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Prez urges parties to seek consensus (kp), Baidhya’s take on democracy springs hope for the have nots (ht), CPN(Maoist) wish to curtail parliamentary democracy and impose autocratic rule: The Maoist model of democracy, by Ram Chandra Poudel, vice-presidentof the Nepali Congress (kp), Touching the moon, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Prachanda claims first-mover tag (ht), Security pledge to Tarai groups (ht), Muslim leaders announce agitation (rn), Tea Receptions And National Politics, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Major changes in security and administrative bodies afoot: PM (nn), Govt talks team in contact with over half a dozen armed outfits (nn)

17/10/2008: Integration in 3 months would truly ‘amaze’, by Manesh Shrestha (kp), PM hints at army integration (rn), Not all PLA combatants will be integrated into NA, says the PM (nn), Khanal: Maoists against democratic republic (kp), Prachanda flunks governance test (ht), On the face of it (ht), Tarai talks blueprint in the making (ht), JTMM-J sets conditions (kp), All districts to have peace panels (kp), Govt urged to ensure social, economic rights (kp), Electoral reforms needed: EU (kp), The state shouldn't use tax money to pay for animal sacrifices: Whither secularity?, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Minority stir cripples life in Morang, Sunsari (ht), Bhattarai tries to justify Maoist version of 'people's republic' (nn), Maoist road show: "Is he really a Maoist?" one American communist muttered, by Daniel Lak (nt), DPM Gautam says PM has asked him to take action against erring YCL cadres (nn), Maoist leaders contradict each other on changing party name (nn)

16/10/2008: Dr. Bhattarai says Maoists discussing to drop their party name (nn), Integration will begin this month: PM Dahal (kp), Army integration process will start soon, says PM (rn), NA ready to take in PLA combatants, says PM (nn), Nepal Army should be apolitical: Koirala (kp), Yadav holds brief for Prachanda on PLA’s fate (ht), Reality check: Nepali Congress takes up integration cudgel much to PLA’s chagrin, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Prime Minister lines up Tihar bonanza (ht), Mustang’s ex-king still popular, by Kulchandra Neupane (kp), A case for dual nationality: Allowing members of its diaspora to hold dual citizenship will benefit Nepal, by Ambika P Adhikari (kp), Govt missive for Tarai Cobra (ht), Tackle Terror Firmly (rn), How Dependent Are We? by Shyam K.C. (rn), CA polls met not all international standards: EU (nn)

15/10/2008: PM Dahal says his party is against Mao's type of People's Republic (nn), An opportunity to mend ties: Dahal, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Prachanda at NC’s tea reception,‘National consensus a must’ (rn), Politics takes a bow to tradition (ht), Koirala downplays PM Dahal's hope for bringing NC into coalition (nn), Coalition cracks (kp), ’Tis difficult in govt: Minister (kp), JTMM-J men freed ‘under pressure’, by Shiva Puri (kp), Ex-CJ unhappy at delay over statute (kp), Festival and politics, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Govt ready for talks on all agendas: Mahato (ht), Dispute over republic futile: Ramraja (ht), Bam Dev: Can He Deliver?, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Language Rights (rn), Parties have already reached agreement on army integration: NA chief (nn), Foreign Minister Yadav spills the beans on army integration (nn)

14/10/2008: Prez raps regionalism, by Manika Jha (kp), Opportune moment to build new Nepal (rn), Prachanda’s personas, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), NC hosts tea reception; Koirala stresses on timely drafting of constitution (nn), Govt sends missives to Tarai factions (ht)

13/10/2008: Nepal seeks $450m budgetary support: US not to relax policy on Maoists, by Milan Mani Sharma (kp), Khanal slams Maoist line, deeds (kp), Govt focusing on statute writing: PM Dahal, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp), Poudel rejects integration (kp), Tarai group sets tough terms for talks (kp), Terai armed outfit put forth precondition for talks (nn), ‘Govt poised for meaningful talks with armed groups’, interview with Janardan Sharma, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction and coordinator of the three-member government talks team formed to hold dialogue with the Terai armed groups (rn), Dr Bhattarai reiterates to multi-party politics (nn), NC acting Prez warns of stir against 'wholesale' army integration (nn), Correct gesture (ht), Nepal high on hope, UML doubts PM’s offer (ht), Prachanda courts NC for statute-drafting (ht)

12/10/2008: PM seeks MK Nepal’s active role (kp), PM lifeline to Nepal’s sagging political fortune (ht), Let next generation decide on communism: FM (kp), President, PM, ex-king mark Dashain informally (kp), Masal leaders unhappy at merger with Maoists (kp), Govt seeking contact with armed groups (kp), Plot afoot against integration: Thapa (kp), Govt rules out conditional talks (rn), Badal pledges PLA integration after Tihar (ht)

11/10/2008: PM intensifies political consultation (nn), PM asks MK Nepal to coordinate govt mechanism (ek), Efforts on to establish link with Terai armed outfits: Minister (nn)

10/10/2008: FM Dr Bhattarai seeks support from US govt (nn), Finance Minister urges NRNs for assistance (ek), Army integration to begin soon (nn), Khanal advises quick army integration (nn)

09/10/2008: NC deplores govt apathy towards conflict victims (nn)

08/10/2008: Govt preparing to strictly control alcohol consumption (nn), Raja, rajauta system abolished, DPM informs Mustangi Raja (nn)

07/10/2008: DPM: Groups choosing talks are political (kp), Gautam serves ultimatum on Tarai outfits (ht)

06/10/2008: Tarai groups invited to talks: Govt open on all issues (kp), ‘Conducive atmosphere first’ (kp), Powwow (kp), No serious business in 125 days, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Maoists eroding nat’l unity: Koirala, by Binod Bhandari (kp), We are a target for all rebel groups: Politicians do not have guts to translate their words into action, interview with Bhuwani Prasad Ghimire, president of the Village Development Committes’ Secretaries Welfare Protection Centre (kp), Peace process and PLA integration, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Interview with Jai Krishna Goit (ek)

05/10/2008: Tarai groups for ‘meaningful’ talks (kp), PM directs govt's talk team to reach out to armed groups immediately (nn), Talks with Terai armed outfits before Dasain: Peace Minister (nn), Koirala vents ire on Maoists (kp), NC leaders step up rhetoric against Maoists (nn), Govt must last full term: Nepal (kp), No people's republic: Pokharel (kp), Prachanda goes back to basics; links accord pledge to PLA’s fate (ht), Nepal likely to lead political coordination committee (nn), No decision on political coordination committee, supplies to be bolstered during Dashain (nn), 43,000 to be denied vote, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Lost dreams of unsung war heroes, by Baburam Kharel (kp), President urges cooperation, unity (kp), Different view: Janjatis must get a fair deal (kp)

04/10/2008: Together we stand (kp), Govt invites Tarai groups for talks, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), Govt calls armed groups for talks (rn), Prachanda spells out party’s twin goals (ht), We’re for people’s republic: PM, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Oli smells a rat in people’s republic (kp), Is integration possible in four and half months?, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Nobody knows what the proposed “revolutionary land reform” will do to the real estate business: The dash for cash, by Ramesh KC (kp), People displaced by insurgency rising (rn)

03/10/2008: Top committee to guide govt (kp), Integrate PLA into party: Poudel (kp), ‘RPP is not against PLA’s integration’ (rn), Defense Minister says 'new national army' after army integration; NC veep begs to differ (nn), Truly secular (kp), New institutions for a New Nepal, by Simon Robins (kp), Time to move on (ht), What Ails Nepali Democracy? by C.D. Bhatta (rn), Leaders divided on form of republic (rn), Cabinet forms a committee to initiate talks with armed outfits of Terai (nn), Armed Terai outfits ready for talks; announce ceasefire during Dashain (nn), Sovereignty still at risk, says PM (nn), Enlightening Exposure: Traveling to three major power centers within a period of a month, Nepalese prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has got much needed exposure, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Time is running out (nt), Venting it out in Varanasi: Madhesi politicians need to figure out their vision, by Prashant Jha (nt)

02/10/2008: Native language to be used in local bodies (rn), UML fires salvo at Maoists (kp), No headway at RRDC on conscience vote (kp), Maoists to go for people’s republic (kp), Cultural tensions, by Prabin Manandhar (kp), Ruling parties to form high-level political committee (nn), Maoists talking with NA over army integration, says FM Bhattarai (nn)

01/10/2008: Shackled or unleashed UNMIN in Nepal's peace process, by Aditya Adhikari (hs), Khanal urges for attention towards constitution-writing (nn), Gajurel reiterates to establish people's republic (nn), Defense Minister Thapa talks about developing NA as a 'social army' (nn), TMLP won't allow promulgation of new statute before fresh census (nn), Koirala: NC won’t try to topple govt (kp), Of intellectuals and politics, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Letter to the Prime Minister, by Alok K. Bohara (kp)

30/09/2008: Lessons in negotiation, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Stop experimenting with us, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Finance Minister hits at NC leadership for anti-government stance (nn), 1,855 killed in western region during conflict period: Report (nn)

29/09/2008: Nationwide banda cripples life (kp), No group PLA induction: Khanal (kp), All’s right in the country, by Shyam KC (kp), Peace minister assures govt will soon clarify fate of those missing during conflict (nn)

28/09/2008: Conflict victims want rights guaranteed (kp), Kin of all war dead to get Rs 1m, by Rajkumar Karki (kp), Bandh called to oppose federalism affects life (nn), Armed Terai groups meet in India's Bihar to discuss possible alliance (nn), Longevity of the govt depends on Maoist behavior: UML's Khanal (nn)

27/09/2008: NC prez: Maoists targeting democracy (kp), Maoists to form panel on killings (kp)

26/09/2008: MJF: No PLA induction in NA (kp), Maoists deter displaced from returning home (kp), Maoist predicament (kp), Control YCL: Khanal tells Maoists (nn), Again Soil and Climate Theory: Founders of one party philosophy are again reviving the political system based on soil and climate theory like that of Panchayat, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Point of no return: There is no real peace until those who fled the conflict can go home, by Dewan Rai (nt), What a riot: Pay for people to live, not for animals to die, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Secularism in a diverse state: "If they can have free meat, I want a Christmas present", by Prashant Jha (nt), Reality check: Asking the right questions is as important as finding the right answers, by Pieter de Schepper (nt)

25/09/2008: Govt confusion delays disappearance commission, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), NC CA members seek reply on arms inside ICC (kp), Constituent Assembly threatened?, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), NA-PLA merger not acceptable: MJF leader (nn), KC warns of new round of conflict in case of integration of PLA into NA (nn)

24/09/2008: Take it seriously, by Sneha Shrestha (kp), Matrika’s magic, by Daulat Jha (kp), Madhesh needs to be taken into confidence before reviewing 1950 treaty: TMLP chief (nn)

23/09/2008: When might is right, YCL takes lead, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), Prez urges national consensus on statute (kp), Integration & rehab (kp), Enter socialism with inflation, by Chandan Sapkota (kp), State restructuring commission 'soon' (nn)

22/09/2008: Agreement to end stir: Govt to continue funds for rituals (kp), Kathmandu protests called off following a pact (nn), Protests continue at Basantapur area; President's programme cancelled (nn), Harbinger of more difficult days, by Shyam KC (kp), No induction without standards: Army (kp), Peace process incomplete as long as two armies exist: Martin (kp), UML too against Westminster system (kp), Home Minister talks tough on law and order, by Prem Nepali (kp), Maoists intensify land grab campaign: Seized land distributed to squatters, by Upendra Lamichhane (kp), Parties have ‘forgotten’ issues of the indigenous (kp), Federal Nepal must respect diversity, interview with George Anderson (kp)

21/09/2008: Massive protests greet plan to skimp on animal sacrifice (kp), Protests continue in thoroughfares of Kathmandu (nn), Lawmakers take govt to task over jatra expenditure cut-off (nn), DPM promises probe panel on disappeared (kp), Matrika’s resignation accepted (kp), Gupta says it is high time terai armed outfit come for talks (nn), Parliamentary system may not be the best answer for country: UML gen secy Khanal (nn)

20/09/2008: Matrika face-off ends in resignation (kp), Defiant Matrika goes to town with resignation (ht), RPP: PM’s remark violates statute (kp), Conflict-hit kids get lump sum amount (rn)

19/09/2008: PM’s remark on ‘People’s Republic’ triggers debate, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) Koirala slams PM’s remarks (kp), Constructions on seized land speed up, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp), Matrika defends Siraha land grab (kp) [Not the intention but the way is wrong! Extra-judicial ways are not suit for a minister!!], Matrika charges at Gautam (nn) [Jurisdiction is not the task of a minister, Mr Yadav!!], Party directs Matrika to apologise (nn), Minister Yadav resigns (nn) [This was the only way out since he proved unqualified for being a minister!], News analysis: Maoist-MJF rivalry at heart of land-grab row, by Rajesh Prasad Barma (ht), Living between devil and deep blue sea (kp), NOC chief implicated: Tarun Dal nab NOC officials ‘for taking bribe’ (kp), Tarun Dal exposes corrupt NOC staff, by Sriram Sigdel (ht), Limits of an interim government, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Taskforce readies House regulation (ht) [almost half a year after the elections!!], Time To Deliver: The Constituent Assembly (CA) approves the government's policies and programs. Now it is time to deliver the promises, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Federalism and Its Efficacy in Nepalese Context, by Shirish Ranabhat (sp), National rage: Since when did we become a nation of angry people?, by Mallika Aryal (nt)

18/09/2008: New democracy (kp), NC prez shows concern at PM’s remarks (kp), Matrika mocking democratic values: Minister Gurung (kp), Yadav's activities creating further anarchy: Minister Gurung (nn), Matrika Yadav’s act may cost Maoists dear (ht), Construction in full swing on seized land, by Rajesh Prasad Barma (ht), 5 minors living with shrapnel injuries, by Santosh Pokharel (kp), Gender neutral constitution demanded (kp), Wrong tack (ht), Lives in limbo (ht)

17/09/2008: Maoist obfuscation worries parties, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), Nepal Politics: Paradigm shift, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Matrika act mockery of law: NC, UML (kp), Matrika strains coalition ties (ht), Minister acts tough (ht), Turf war (ht), Rumble in jungle (kp), NHRC to parties: Don't take law into own hands (kp), Youth Force will take care of anarchic minister: Nepal (nn) [Yadav must be made responsible for his misbehaviour but not through anarchic actions of a youth group!!], Politics, nature and nurture, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Bam Dev: reform or resign, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Nepal's Tharus belong to Lord Buddha's Clan, interview with Laxmi Lal Chaudhary (tg), PM for 'people's republic' in Nepal (nn) [??]

16/09/2008: Disenchantment among Maoists growing, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Minister-led Maoists retake properties, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp), Land reforms minister leads land grab op (ht), A selling out of revolution?, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Constitution-drafting process hits a snag, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Parties differ on finalising CA regulations (nn), Implementation Counts (rn), NHRC raps youth wings of parties (ht), Fiscal decentralisation: Opportunities and threats, by Bishwambhar Pyakuryal (ht), DPM Gautam lashes at ruling parties for clashing at local level (nn)

15/09/2008: Stretch But Don’t Overstretch, by P. Kharel (rn) ‘We need national government for peace process’, interview with KP Oli (kp) [What is 'national' in your eys? Do you mean traditionalist? You do have a national government! Nepal needs progressive forces to introduce necessary changes!], Peace dividend: Displaced begin returning home (ht), 49 Maoists’ disappearance: Finnish experts want to make findings public (ht), Positive Indications (rn), CPN (ML) decides to join govt (nn), NHRC concerned at formation of 'YCL-like' squads (nn)

14/09/2008: Rs 240m sop for Madhes stir victims, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), PM armed with new treaty draft (ht), This govt can’t sign treaties: Koirala (kp) [??], PM inspects Narayanhiti, by Yuvraj Acharya and Kiran Chapagain (kp), UML chief warns Maoists over Violence (kp), Step up women’s role in decision making: Nepal (kp), Baidya for communist rule (kp) [??], State restructuring vague: Khanal (kp), Maoists yet to return 157 Dang families’ property, by Uday GM (ht), Ambitious And Popular Agenda, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Perpetrators of extra-judicial killings go scot-free (rn)

13/09/2008: Govt to table the TRC bill soon (ht), Off The People, Bye The People, by C.D. Bhatta (rn), Tough Task Ahead, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn)

12/09/2008: 16 parties want govt policies changed (kp), Nepal opposition seeks amendment to programmes, by Prerana Marasini (Hindu), Opposition parties slam govt policies (nn), People-oriented Programme (rn), The 90-point plan: But the budget will be delayed by the prime minister's Delhi trip, by Dewan Rai (nt), Problems facing CA, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Rights body seeks action against guilty (ht), Wounds of conflict victims tingle (rn), Human cost of conflict: West Side Story, by Anand Gurung (sp), The Socio-economic Transformation, by Lok Nath Bhusal (rn) [see also part 1 (05/09/2008)], Political Alliance: NC in Opposition, by Keshab Poudel (sp), “I Will Try To Teach Maoists That Peaceful Ways Are More Effective”, by Girija Prasad Koirala (sp), Maoist Move: The Finance Minister reaches out to donors and promises to carry on with reforms, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp)

11/09/2008: Prez unveils govt policies, program, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Government unveils policy, programmes, by Prakash Acharya (rn), Policies & programs (kp), Feel-good factor (ht), PLA integration in six months, says Prez (ht), Nepal to integrate ex-rebels into security forces (Daily Times), Nepal eyes possible army role for former rebels (Gulf Times), Deliberations from Friday: Parties voice mixed reactions, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Illiberal democracy: Action speaks louder, by Ganga Thapa (ht)

10/09/2008: Cabinet okays policy, program (kp), Cabinet okays govt policies, programmes (ht), Govt accords top priority in concluding peace process and writing new constitution (nn) [Writing the new constitution is not the task of the government but that of the CA!!], Govt's programmes and policies draw mixed reaction (nn), Disgruntled Maoists form separate party (ht), Will Nepal Army exhibit flexibility?, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg)

09/09/2008: Govt to finalize policy and program today (kp), PM assures return of seized land, property (kp), Maoists seize private land (kp) [??], Plan to settle Maoist fighters in six months, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Containing the Madhes insurgency, by Daulat Jha (kp), Onus on the public service, by Prabin Manandhar (kp), Focus on statute, socio-economic transformation, by Nandalal Tiwari (kp), End culture of nepotism: PM’s brother (rn), Nepal's remarkable do-it-yourself peace, by Ian Martin (Japan Times)

08/09/2008: No need of State Restructuring Ministry: TMDP (kp) [Yes, state restructuring is not the task of the government but of the CA!!], Retaliate against YCL: MPRF chairman (kp), Conflict- displaced want to return home, by Dharma Poudel (kp), The Maoist dilemma (kp), Give security top priority, interview with Kush Kumar Joshi, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) (kp)

07/09/2008: Experts: Govt talk of new state structure upstages CA (kp), Maoists will be wiped out in 8 yrs: Oli (kp) [This statement is a wonderful basis for cooperation. You have to work together for building a better Nepal and not for regaining power. Else you should leave politics!!], In memory of disappeared, by Navaraj Pudasaini (kp), Tarai party seeks fast track census (ht), The Saga Of Daura-Suruwal And Tongue, by Prem Khatry (rn) [Nepal is a multiethnic, multicultural, multilingual and multireligious state! Not only the Tagadhari tradition is national!!], New Dimension To Left Movement, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), We Are Stratified, by Ambar Mainali (rn), Policies and programmes to be finalised on Monday (nn), Siraha incident pits coalition partners Maoists and MJF at loggerheads (nn)

06/09/2008: Factionalism snags CPN-Maoist, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Current situation & chaos, by Sukhdev Shah (kp), Now, The Real Test Begins, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn)

05/09/2008: Quo vadis Nepali Congress?, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Cases against Dr Bhattarai, Mahara still pending in court, by Suryamani Gautam (ht), ‘Matured’ Gautam’s plea to the police (ht), Debating The CMP, by Lok Nath Bhusal (rn) [see also part 2 (12/09/2008)], Our Party will win Majority, Even two-thirds Majority in Next Election, interview with PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal (sp), Business as usual (nt 05/09/2008), Where Are They?, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Cases of disappeared: Trauma of Conflict, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Remarkable peace: Nepalis mustn't be made to wait for a new constitution to see real improvement in their lives, by Ian Martin (nt)

04/09/2008: PLA, NA integration a must: Pun (kp), Things to do, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (kp), Peace and reconciliation, by Kuldev Sharma (kp), Gautam’s pledge stirs police force (ht)

03/09/2008: Big 3 split on state restructuring (kp), Dalits flay cabinet formation (kp), Bhattarai reveals Maoist priorities for economy (kp), PM Dahal's China sojourn, by Dhruva Joshy (kp), Prachanda plans big for honeymoon period (ht), Driving peace process to conclusion priority: PM (rn), Law and order will improve in six months: Gautam (ht), Focus On Law And Order (rn), UML springs to Congress support (ht), New government: Old challenges, new expectations, by Bhavani P Dhungana (ht), Role of Nepalese Youth in Nation-Building, by Rupesh Dahal (tg)

02/09/2008: Gautam firm on law and order (kp), Gautam vows to revamp police force (ht), Law and order (kp), NC, UML still redefining ties with Maoists (kp), PLA integration—a dangerous idea!, by Sukhdev Shah (kp), Row over oath taking in Hindi (ht), VP Jha defends his oath in Hindi (nn), No statutory compulsion on oath in Nepali: Jha (kp) [Irrespective of the legal or constitutional issue, his way of argumentation does not befit to a VP! It was his intention to sow conflict!!], Nepal's Maoist democracy (Post and Courier), New Maoist-led government installed in Nepal, by W.A. Sunil (World Socialist Web Site), No action against army chief, hints PM Dahal (nn)

01/09/2008: Cabinet gets full shape (kp), Cabinet expanded; Gautam takes oath as deputy Prime Minister, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), 3 new ministries in the making (ht), Ministry splits at a glance (kp), Peace, statute, economy priorities: PM (kp), Good governance (kp), Time to deliver (ht), Gautam vows to establish law and order (nn), The Maobaadi prime minister, interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (hs), The Red Guard of Nepal, by Harald Olav Skar (hs), The lost battles of Khara and Pili, by Sam Cowan (hs), No habeas corpus: The frustration of and with activism on disappearances in Southasia, by Ingrid Massage (hs), Maoist victims to stir against govt ‘apathy’ (kp), Maoists give away seized house, land to others (kp), ‘Enshrine women’s rights in new statute’, interview with Jayapuri Gharti Magar, chairperson of All Nepal Women’s Association (Revolutionary) (rn), Shake-up in the home administration and security agencies in the offing: DPM Gautam (nn)

31/08/2008: Nepal to have three Deputy PMs (kp), Consensus over three deputy Prime Ministers (ht), Gautam is the only one deputy PM; ministers not to enjoy perks during foreign trips (nn), 15 new ministers sworn in (nn) [see list of ministers], Ministries reconstituted during cabinet expansion (nn), 4 parties join Nepal's new government (iht), Nepalese prime minister expands cabinet (Monster and Critics), Nepali cabinet expanded (Xinhua), CPN-Maoist yet to return land to the rightful owners (ht), Rebel with a cause, by Prerana Marasini (Hindu), Peace process will be completed in six months: PM Dahal (nn)

30/08/2008: Maoist nod to UML deputy berth (ht), Cabinet expansion soon (kp), Cabinet expansion put off as disputes persist (Gulf Times), Dr. Bhattarai piqued over efforts to downgrade his position in cabinet (nn), Ruling allies agree to appoint three deputy PMs (nn), PM to expand cabinet on Sunday (nn), Int’l day of dissappeared persons: Kin of 1200 missing still waiting in agony (kp), Call to make disappeared’s status public (ht), Police beat up Maoist victims (kp), Fractious coalition!, by Narayan Khadka (kp), Long live the republic, by Anand Aditya (kp), Political symbolism, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Prachanda As Prime Minister, C.D. Bhatta (rn), Now, Fulfill The Commitments, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn)

29/08/2008: UML gets second cabinet rank, joining govt today (kp), Small parties will join cabinet by Saturday: PM Dahal (nn), Cabinet expansion delayed as Maoists engage in further deliberations (nn), Responsibility for fractured coalition, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Toward a stable future, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (kp), New outlook (ht), Suggestions to Nepal Government, by Tilak Rawal (sp), New govt, old hallenges: The new government faces the same old problems – supply disruption, inflation, power cuts, insecurity, strikes etc., by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Vanished without a trace: Their families want to know what happened to the Jogimara 17 (nt), Justice delayed: Let truth prevail on the International Day of the Disappeared, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (nt), Thousands ‘still missing after war’ (Gulf Times), Holding up one-third of the sky: In the 10 assembly sessions so far, only two women have spoken, by Dewan Rai (nt), Nepal’s ‘remarkable’ peace needs international support – UN envoy (Relief Web)

28/08/2008: Maoists to concede 2nd rank (kp), PM Dahal to induct UML in the govt (nn), Protocol row settled; UML ministers to be sworn in Friday (nn), Prime Minister’s balancing act after Olympic trip (ht), Prachanda’s China visit Departure in style, not substance, by Lok Raj Baral (ht), Seized land, detainees still with Maoists, by Devendra Barma (kp), Does Khasan deserve recognition?, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Strengthening the republic, by Shreedhar Gautam (kp)

27/08/2008: ‘Bumpy road ahead for statute drafting’ (kp), A tenuous alliance, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Army integration in six months: Badal (ht), Prachanda’s Commitments, National Priorities, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Provincial states within two years: Gupta (rn)

26/08/2008: Gajurel flays row over ministerial hierarchy (ht), Politics of peace, by Basanta Lohani (kp), Prime ministerial fiasco, by Kuldev Sharma (kp), New government: Action more important than words, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Scientific Land Reform: The Meaning And Need, by Krishna Neupane (rn)

25/08/2008: Storm in a teacup (ht), MPRF dirty linen made public (kp), Maoist-led government & Congress, by Arjun Narasingha KC (kp) [see also part 2 (kp 26/08/2008)], ‘The Maoists cannot sideline the NC’, interview with Krishna Prasad Sitaula (kp) [The NC is sidelining itself! Become people oriented instead of leader oriented!]

24/08/2008: Hierarchy dispute to be resolved soon: Gurung (kp), UML won’t yield on hierarchy: Khanal (kp), Khanal adamant on not joining govt, harps on hierarchy hurdle (ht), Khanal reiterates demand for second hierarchy (nn), MPRF dissenters want ministers sacked (kp), Coalition looks shaky, by Prakash Rimal (ht), Cabinet Formation (rn), PM addresses nation: ‘Peace, new statute main responsibilities’ (kp), PM for Panchsheel ties with neighbours (ht), Nationality, republic major priorities of govt: PM (rn), Party reactions to PM’s speech mixed (kp), PM should have stayed, soothed flood-hit: Nidhi (ht)

23/08/2008: Nine-member cabinet formed, oath administered, by Prakash Acharya (rn), Only eight ministers sworn-in: UML won’t join govt without 2nd ranking, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Eight ministers sworn in, UML stays out, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [It cannot be that a party that does not want to represent all Nepali people and that has the support of only 6% of the people gets priority over a party with more than 20% backing!!], Maoist leader says UML could be given second position (nn), MPRF faction miffed at nominations, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), UML ministerial team not inclusive: Rawal (ht), CA moving on wrong track: Aryal (kp), House not functioning properly: Ex-justice Aryal (ht), CMP Of Government (rn), The least they can do (kp), Some Respite After The Agreement, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn)

22/08/2008: Home for UML, MPRF gets Foreign: Power-sharing deal at last, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Coalition partners make CMP public (rn), Pacts inked to run govt (ht) [see main issues], "Cabinet Formation Has Been Delayed Due To Technicalities", interview with Jhal Nath Khanal (sp), Maoists-UML-MJF Alliance: Fickle and Flimsy, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Cabinet formation, swearing-in today, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Likely faces (nt), UML nominates its six ministers (nn), Cabinet formed including MJF, UML fails to join (nn), We will not join govt if UML not given second position, says Poudel (nn), Officials give up search for VP residence, by Kiran Chapagain (kp), NC to walk out of CA if left bulldozes democrats: Dr Koirala, by Kulchandra Neupane (kp) [???], Available options to Maoist-led government: Binding constraints to growth, by Bishwambher Pyakuryal (kp), Power of theater and street marches, by Jiva Nath Lamsal (kp), People Should Be The Priority, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Warm Response: The newly elected PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' receives a warm response from international leaders, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Four-corner equilibrium (nt), Sowing doubts: Farmers fret as Maoists remain vague over land reform plans, by Bihari K Shrestha (nt), Land and peace: Land reform cannot just be about redistribution, it has to be a package deal, by Prashant Jha (nt), Shared past, shared future: Where will we be if there is no Nepal?, by Narayan Khadka (nt), Current model of democratic republic will give no relief to people: Bijukchhe (nn)

21/08/2008: New govt to represent 7 parties (kp), Government formation today: PM (kp), Cabinet formation likely today, claim leaders (ht), Maoists-UML reach power-sharing agreement; Bam Dev to lead UML team in govt (nn), CPN (M) names four ministers so far (nn), Happy honeymoon, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Stop fooling around (kp), Veep seeks more power (ht) [??], Challenges for the present coalition, by Krishna Pokharel (ht), No Bed Of Roses, by Shyam K.C. (rn), The Daura Suruwal Saga, by Bishnu Gautam (rn) [The traditional dress of the minority male Tagadhari elite cannot be the national dress of multiethnic and multicultural Nepal!!], Prachanda's journey begins in Beijing, by Dhruba Adhikary (Asia Times)

20/08/2008: Cabinet likely to take shape by Saturday (ht), PM promises to form an inclusive cabinet (nn), 'Cabinet expansion by Thursday evening' (nn), UML, MPRF want clarifications from Maoists (kp), PM security decision not ours: CPN-M (ht), No decision on deploying PLA for security, says PM (rn), PM meets army chief (n), Politics of symbolism, by Abhi Subedi (kp), CPN-UML’s CA candidate quits party (ht), Nembang stresses on timely drafting of new constitution (ht), Nepal’s federal structure, by Hari Bansh Jha (ht), New Nepal: Winning Over The People’s Mind, by Prem Khatry (rn), PM’s Priorities (rn), Parties’ Priorities And Challenges, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Issues galore!, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Sad beginning! (tg), Evolution of Tharus took place right in Nepal’s Dang-Deukhuri valley, interview with Mahesh Chaudhary Tharu (tg), No early congratulation to New Nepal PM (tg)

19/08/2008: PM takes oath in business suit (kp), Prachanda takes charge (ht), Prachanda sworn in as PM, assumes office, by Prakash Acharya (rn), Maoists mobilise PLA for PM’s security (ht), PLA to provide security for PM?, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Power-sharing still undecided (kp), Coalition partners still at odds over ministerial berths, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), MJF reiterates claim for foreign ministry, deputy PM (nn), Common Points (rn), Understanding the army ethos, by Kuldev Sharma (kp), New government: Pitfalls Maoists must avoid, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (ht), First things first (ht), Growing Insecurity In Terai, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), PM Dahal meets with Norwegian minister, Indian envoy (nn)

18/08/2008: Stage set for swearing-in (ht), Negotiations for ministries continue (kp), Nod to CMP, not to portfolios (kp) [Once again the traditional power games!], Differences within alliance mar cabinet formation process (nn), Likely contenders for ministerial berths, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Alliance likely to strike power sharing deal today (rn), Dr. Bhattarai to hold Finance, Badal to take over Defense portfolios (nn), Alliance partners raise objection on Maoist decision to use PLA for PM's security (nn), Global Attention (rn), Maoist-led government would enjoy full term, says Pokharel (ht), NC not for right, left alliance (kp) [?], Looking for signs (ht), ‘Maoists want to establish socialist republic’, interview with Narayan Kaji Shresha aka "Prakash" (kp), All for the people and country, by Shyam KC (kp), Apex court tells govt to help conflict-hit (ht), Marx, Lenin, Mao Live In Nepal, by P. Kharel (rn), ‘PLA integration must be made respectable’, interview with Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ by Nandalal Tiweri (rn), Govt will announce relief programmes for people: PM (nn)

17/08/2008: Three parties prepare CMP (kp), Maoists hope to form govt by tomorrow (ht), Coalition partners close to power-sharing deal (rn), Alliance partners busy in efforts to finalise cabinet composition (nn), March Of The New Government (rn), Felicitations pouring in (kp), Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan greet PM (ht), Chinese premier looks forward to working with PM Dahal (nn), DPRK to increase cooperation with Nepal (nn), Prime Minister’s kin on cloud nine (ht), SP not to join new govt (kp), Mainstreaming women, by Sorrel Retchford (kp), Nepal prepares for left-wing revolution (Gulf Times), New Nepal PM faces serious challenges (Gulf Times), With Maoist PM, Nepal braces for revolution (Times of India)

16/08/2008: Dahal is PM of republic Nepal, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), New Nepal turns left, Prachanda turns PM, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Prachanda elected Prime Minister, by Prakash Acharya (rn), Maoist elected Nepal prime minister, by Chitra Tiwari (Washington Times), Revolutionaries and democrats, by Paul Reynolds  (BBC News), Guerrilla chief to head government in Nepal, by Tilak Pokharel and Somini Sengupta (iht), Who is Pushpa Kamal Dahal? (kp), Teacher changes course to be PM, by Chintamani Poudel (ht), Leading a new nation (ht), Dahal's challenges (kp), US, EU, India, Japan welcome Dahal’s election (kp), Congratulatory calls from India, US, UN (ht), ‘Our candidacy was against Maoist insincerity’, by Thira L. Bhusal (kp), With NC in oppn, statute-making may not be easy (ht) [When wil the NC be able to understand its mistakes and failures?], Maoist past commitments (kp) [It is true that the Maoists have not fulfilled many of their commitments and they should do so, but one should also mention the numerous commitments of other parties and politicians that have not been fulfilled after 1990!!], Alliance partners to delve into nitty-gritty of portfolio division (nn), Alliance begins work on portfolio division, CMP (nn), Political Game Continues, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn)

15/08/2008: CA elects PM today: UML, MPRF back Pushpa Kamal Dahal, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Prachanda poised to bag PM’s post, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Presidential poll allies desert NC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NC’s act to set 7-point condition ‘a mistake’ (ht), At last, a way out (ht), 14 small parties stress CMP (kp), NWPP, RJM to boycott PM election (nn), Prachanda, Deuba vie for top job (rn), Comrade Prachanda to Prime Minister Dahal: From farmer's son to teacher to guerrilla chief to government, by Kunda Dixit (nt), Government at last: And time for the Maoists, finally, formally and publicly, to renounce violence, by Kanak Mani Dixit (nt), Prachanda set to be elected as the PM (nn), PM poll today (ek), Maoists mingle with alliance partners hours before assuming reins of govt (nn), Leave the army alone, by Kuldev Sharma (kp), Kamal Thapa’s coquetry & Maoists, by Khagendran N Sharma (kp), Need For Value-based Politics, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Power: At What Cost?, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Women participation in state affairs stressed (rn), Empty role: The vice president would like something to do, by CK Lal (nt), NC expresses concern over 'independence' of army, judiciary and bureaucracy (nn) [What does 'independence' mean in this context? And have they really been 'independent' under NC rule??], Deuba loses the race, gets only 113 votes (nn), Prachanda elected PM with 464 votes (nn), Maoist chairman Dahal 1st republican PM (ek), India, US, EU and Japan congratulate Prachanda on his election as PM (nn)

14/08/2008: UML divided over forging alliance with Maoists, by Ghanashyam Ojha and Thiralal Bhusal (kp), UML central committee backs consensus govt (ht), CPN-Maoist, NC to fight for top post (rn), NC may field Deuba for PM’s post (ht) [Please say it's not true!], NC to explore option of reviving NC-UML-MJF alliance (nn), Congress should sit in the opposition, by Kanchan Jha (ht), Race for PM beings as parties fail to reach consensus (nn), Repeating classic constitutional blunders, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), We want sensible politics, by Shreedhar Gautam (kp), Prachanda files nomination for PM; says it will be a national unity govt (nn), Koirala prepares to leave Baluwatar (nn)

13/08/2008: Maoist-UML alliance likely, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Prachanda meets with Khanal as race to form govt heats (nn), Consensus government still dear to CPN-UML (ht), Untenable logic! (tg), NC to be in oppn, Maoists cling to Defense (kp), Maoists still trying to convince NC to join govt (nn), 16 fringe parties decide to back Maoist-led govt (nn), Lawmakers stress unity among parties (kp), Political disaster (kp), What’s triggering tug-of-war over Defence (ht), NC may field its candidate for prime minister (nn), Give another Ram a chance, by Ramesh Khatry (kp) [Why NC, a party that has main responsibility for most failures after 1990 and that is only backed by a small portion of Nepali voters??], Question of PLA integration, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), PLA integration into NA key (ht), Parties’ Inconsistency In Words And Action, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Decomposing Nationalism!, by N. P.Upadhyaya (tg), Until there are Tharus and Tharuhat Nepali sovereignty will remain intact!, interview with Maheshwor Prasad Chaudhary (tg), Chaos descends on Nepal, by Dhruba Adhikary (Asia Times)

12/08/2008: House to elect PM Friday (kp), House to elect PM on Aug 15 (rn), Constituent Assembly to elect PM on Friday (ht), NC’s elected CA members rap top leaders, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), NC CA members against giving up Defence (ht), PM Koirala meets security chiefs (nn), Nepal thinks security-related portfolio should go to parties other than NC, Maoists (nn), Govt sans NC likely: Parleys on for consensus (kp), Government formation Where will the UML find itself?, by Krishna Pokharel (ht), UML holding crucial meet on power-sharing (nn), Maoist chief says picture will be clear by Wednesday evening (nn), Politics Of Consensus In Crisis, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Valley denizens pin hopes on new government (ht), Analyzing the Maoist CMP, by Kundan Singh Khatri (kp), Maoist victims rally to make govt meet their demands (ht), Waste No Time (rn), External Interference And Nepali State, by C.D. Bhatta (rn), Activists debate on empowering women (nn)

11/08/2008: President asks CA to elect (ht) CA set to start PM election process (kp), Power-sharing efforts hit a hitch, CA stirred into action (nn), PM election on Friday (nn), Maoist-UML tie-up most likely, by Prakash Rimal (ht), No Defense Ministry to others: Maoist leader (kp), NC will be pushed to opposition if it demands Defense Ministry: Prachanda (nn), Defence still a bone of contention (ht), NC not to join Maoist govt without defence portfolio (ht), Koirala consults with Congress CA members; reiterates claim over defence portfolio (nn), NC 'offers' govt leadership to UML (nn), Rules of the game (ht), Telling stories of bleeding hearts, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Decision on Nagarjun political: PM to SC (kp) [Only the SC can decide this, not the PM!], ‘Abolition of monarchy interim’ (kp) [Monarchy was not abolished by the interim constitution but by the CA, Mr Thapa!], From free fall to a basket case?, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp), ‘Unilateralism has no place in Nepalese politics’, interview with Prakash Acharya, NC (rn), ‘Create mine-free Nepal’ (rn)

10/08/2008: Maoists again fail to form government (Peninsula), Congress sticks to Defence bottomline (kp) [The intention is quite obvious and smacks of foreign intervention!!], Maoists, NC reiterate claim over defense ministry (nn), Big Four behind impasse: CPN-U (ht), Big parties will fail for sure: RPP-N (kp) [What a shame that even the most conservative traditionalists are sure! Only the departure from traditionalist thinking and behaviour can save Nepal!], Prez calls parties to form majority govt (ht), CA will start procedure on PM election (nn), Parleys over govt formation continue (nn), Political revolution not over: Baidya (ht), Clarion call to empower Janajatis (ht)

09/08/2008: Consensus dumped over power-sharing issue: Parties likely to parley for majority govt, by Ghanashyam Ojha and Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Parties miss deadline for unity govt (ht), Four parties fail to strike agreement (rn), Parties haggle over plum portfolios (nn) [!!!], Consensus, Unity Take Backseat, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), NC won’t join new govt: Acharya (kp) [The NC result in the CA elections did not come unexpected for careful observers, Mr Acharya!!], UML ready to lead unity govt: KP Oli (ht) [This is not what the people have expressed through the CA elections!!!], NC decides to take initiative for govt formation (nn) [This is not what the people have expressed through the CA elections!! Good-bye to peace and reconstruction!], Maoist chief claims his party will form govt in a week (nn), Trouble inside, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Anatomy of Hindi, by Prakash A Raj (kp), UN chief calls for protection of indigenous languages (ht)

08/08/2008: Parties fail to reach consensus (kp), Efforts to form govt intensify as president's deadline is set to expire (nn), Maoists to lay claim to head govt today, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Reality check: No alternative to a Maoist-led govt, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), NC flayed for staying 'mute' (rn), Lekhak urges Maoists to act responsibly (ht) [All party leaders do not act responsible!!!], Why Not A Left Front Govt?, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Ever Elusive: As consensus remains a national rhetoric search for an 'internatioanl' alternative gets underway, by Sushil Sharma (sp), PM meets Gachchhadar; some NC leaders want Koirala to lead new govt (nn) [Please respect the people's verdict: They neither want Koirala nor any other NC politician heading the government because they have totally failed after 1990 and do not stand for necessary changes!], Fringe parties for Maoist-led govt (nn), Common maximum program: Remember what worked, and just do it, by Bijari K Shrestha (nt), Changing Alignment: As the discussions on power sharing begins among four major parties, one sees a politics of changing alignment, by Keshab Poudel, "Govt Of National Consensus Is The Best Option", interview with KP Oli (sp), Janaandolan-injured yet to get full relief money (kp), Maoist victims launch fresh protest (kp), ‘HR worsening in mid and far west’ (kp), First the economy, by Bhanu Prasad Acharya (kp), Four months of post CA pol, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), NFIN organizes various programs to mark Int'l Day of Indigenous People (nn), ‘Ensure indigenous people’s rights’ (kp), Historical exclusion of indigenous people, by Bhesh Kumar Tamang (kp), Good governance: Rhetoric Vs Reality, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Road to nowhere: When was the last time we had real governance?, by Artha Beed (nt), Slow-burn in the Tarai: If you do not deal with the youth bulge there will be conflict, by Prashant Jha (nt), Strikes and blockades hitting livelihoods (IRIN), Talks fail, new govt to be formed by CA, say leaders (nn)

07/08/2008: Task force meet snagged by past pacts, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Koirala bidding to form govt? (ht), PM Koirala meets MK Nepal amidst speculation that he is eager for second inning (nn), Maoist chief miffed by PM Koirala, says his activism undermines Prez call (nn), Govt under our leadership almost impossible: Baidya (nn), Maoist chief asks Nepal to head statute panel, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), MK Nepal again offered to head statute drafting committee (nn), Consensus In Action (rn), Impose President’s Rule, says Dhungana (ht), Four parties pack up meeting without result, agree to meet on Friday (nn), Dahal orders YCL paramilitary dissolved: Seeks help for return of properties (kp), Prachanda tells YCL to demilitarise (ht), YCL demilitarisation fiat a score for YF: Khanal (ht), ‘Media into character assassination’ (kp), More areas prohibited for protests (kp), Democratic reform of military, by Bishalchandra Nepal (kp), Political process Cooperation is the key, by Bhavani P Dhungana (ht), Peace process in Nepal moving in right direction: UNSG (nn) [?? Please make honest and not diplomatic statements!!]

06/08/2008: Big 4 to draw up new CMP: Consensus deadline extended 3 days (kp), Deadline to form govt extended (ht), Task force to find basis for national consensus (rn), Leaders claim parties close to consensus on govt formation (ht), Koirala out, Prachanda in! (tg), PM meets with leaders of smaller parties (nn) [??], NC, UML accused of playing dirty games (ht), Khanal blames Maoists for delay in govt formation (nn) [All 'leading' politicians of the major parties are responsible!!], Parties unable to reach any breakthrough (nn), New Political Calling (rn), Government formation: Nepal can’t afford further ado, by Ajit NS Thapa (ht), Promote Politics Of Consensus, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), WB grant to pay PLA, conflict victims (kp), Govt announces relief aid to conflict-hit families (nn), Amalgamation, politics or art, by Abhi Subedi (kp), A Shangri-la coalition, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (kp), Prachanda directs party organisation to end para military activities of YCL (nn), VP Jha flouts Supreme Court order (nn), Vice President Jha ignores apex-court order (tg)

05/08/2008: Parties agree on consensus govt idea: Remain unclear about joining in (kp), Big Four one on unity government (ht), Points For New Govt (rn), Govt forms task force to end VAW: Women denounce structure (kp), Women’s demand (kp), Do UML leaders value ethics?, by Kiran Chapagain (kp) [Nepal is not the only person to be questioned! Why are there travelling so many 'officials' with a handful of athletes? This is also a form of corruption!!], The peace dividend, by Madhu P Regmi (kp), Vice-president who misread the Nepali text, by Puran P Bista (kp), Economic Federalism: Nepali Perspective, by Shanker Man Singh (rn) [see also part 2 (06/08/2008)], Terai shut down as anti-Hindi protests revive (Gulf Times), Hindi Boomerang Hits Nepal: Maybe it is time to recognize the position of the language in the country, by Bhumika Ghimire (on)

04/08/2008: A jinxed agenda for Maoists: Maoist consultation for govt formation, by Ghanashyam Ojha & Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Marathon parleys for govt formation on (ht), Need of the moment (ht), TMLP to stay out of govt (nn), CA regulations amended to elect new PM (ht), VP oath issue is political: Govt (kp), PMO to SC: Don’t intervene in oath row (ht), At least six women injured, dozens arrested (kp), NHRC cautions against excessive use of force (kp), We want law against “intersectionality” abuse, interview with Sapana Malla Pradhan (kp), Time for introspection, by Shyam KC (kp), Dalits want constitution to incorporate their voices (ht), ‘CPN-Maoist confident about leading next govt’, interview with Netra Bikram Chanda ‘Biplav’ (rn)

03/08/2008: Maoists float 50-point CMP, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Maoists draft CMP for new govt, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Maoist-proposed CMP fails to impress NC, UML (nn), MJF undecided on joining govt (ht), Caretaker’s Dilemma, by Ambar Mainali (rn), Maoists urged to return seized properties (kp), Victims of Maoist atrocities gather in capital for 'decisive movement' (nn), State and its ironies, by Arun Gupto (kp), Women’s novel protest today (ht), Police bar women activists from protesting semi-nude (nn) [The continued beating of unprotected persons with wooden sticvks by the police violates human dignity and is a crime that comes close to attempted murder!!!], President's travel to China for Beijing Olympics cancelled (nn)

02/08/2008: Maoists to lead government, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Maoists decide to lead new government (ht), NC, UML stress consensus govt (kp), NC no more obstacle to Maoist to form government: Poudel (rn), Maoists to discuss common minimum programme with 24 parties (nn), Put ban on banda (kp), The sky won’t fall!, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Terrorism A metaphysical AIDS, by Beerendra Pandey (kp), Nothing Seems To Be Working Well, by C. D. Bhatta (rn), For An End To The Uneasy Calm, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Alliance for Peace hails political development (rn)

01/08/2008: Maoist CC meeting: Most Maoists want 3 conditions met (kp), Sour Grapes? As a new government still looks elusive Maoists look for the villain of the piece (sp), by Sushil Sharma, CPN-M readying concept paper on new govt (ht), Maoist to forward proposal to parties for consensus (rn), NC leaders propose govt without Maoists (nn) [This is neither what Nepal needs nor what the Nepali people have voted for!! Such suggestions can only come from persons who want to prevent urgent fundamental changes!!], ‘MPRF won’t join govt at cost of Madhes agenda’ (kp), Govt sans any of Big Four meaningless: MJF (ht), Maoists decide to form govt (nn), UML keenly watching Maoist efforts to form govt, says Khanal (nn), Parmananda Jha’s chaste Hindi, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Maoists’ relapse syndrome, by Tilak P Pokharel (kp), Future of NA & integration of Maoist PLA, by Kul Chandra Gautam (kp), Government formation: Constitutional complexities, by Surya Dhungel (ht), Democracy Is Following Rule Of Games, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Vice President on controversy: Undesirable Trends, by Keshab Poudel (sp), "They betrayed us", UML presidential candidate Madhab Kumar Nepal speaks his mind about the Maoists in an interview (nt), The disparate duo: Yadav's conformism and Jha's deviance, we need them both, by CK Lal (nt), Manufacturing mistrust: This week saw identity politics at its most cynical, by Prashant Jha (nt), New constitution not even in 6 years if present situation persists: RPP chairman Rana (nn) [!!]

31/07/2008: Maoists also give nod: PM leaving for Colombo today (kp), Maoists into homework to form govt (kp), Maoists working on basis for unity govt (ht), Prez shifts to Dhapasi (kp), The nature of Presidency, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Autopsy on UNMIN report, by Ramesh Dahal (kp), Indigenous students for ethnicity based federalism (nn), Federalism complex, says German prof (ht), Call for women-friendly statute (ht), Chief Secretary calls for inclusive bureaucracy (ht), What’s next? (ht), Apology of VP (rn), Hindi row ends with VP’s apology (Gulf Times), Nepal's Growing Pains: Protests show just how far we've still got to go, by Bhumika Ghimire (on 31/07/2008)

30/07/2008: Maoists, UML threaten CA move to stop PM’s trip (kp), Finally, parties give green signal to Koirala's Colombo trip (nn), Much ado about trivial issue, by Ameet Dhakal (kp), President calls on Maoists to form govt (kp), President invites Maoists to form govt (ht), Maoists, UML revive bonhomie (kp), UML, Maoists drawing closer, again (nn), UML flip-flops (kp), NC to stay out of Maoist govt: Shekhar (ht), Maoist close to deal on forming govt: Prachanda (rn), Vice-President sad at the turn of events (ht), Didn’t mean to hurt national language, others: VP Jha (kp) [You did what you did intentionally and in full awareness of what might happen!], Demos against VP continue (kp), Strike hits Tarai districts (ht), Language row turns into war (Gulf Times), Hindi row turns ugly in Nepal (Times of India), Symbolism in politics, by Alok K Bohara (kp), Getting over a Nepali-Hindi shock, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Why This Political Dilemma?, by C.P. Gajurel (rn) [see also part 2, 31/07/2008], Mission: Finish Nepal! (tg), Power Hunger, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Past shows the future, by Nav Raj Pokharel (tg)

29/07/2008: Experts differ on Prez’s role in govt formation, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Right chord (ht), President’s Call (rn), Maoists start work on govt (kp), UML won’t join govt without NC: Pokharel (kp) [???], Delay in govt formation affecting CA, says Nemwang (nn), Maoists to present their proposal of govt formation to 24 parties (nn), Koirala unsuitable: Dahal to Lanka envoy; PM to attend 15th SAARC (kp), Prachanda against Koirala representing Nepal in SAARC meet (ht), Maoists, UML join forces to stop Koirala from attending SAARC summit (nn), Nepal advises PM to send President to attend SAARC Summit (nn), SC seeks reply from Vice Prez (kp), SC fiat to veep on oath row (ht), Protests against veep unabated (kp), Home Ministry calls for calm as protests spread (rn), Presidential oath row: 12 injured in clashes with police (ht), Language protests hit trade, transport (Gulf Times), Ugly turn (kp), Languages And Lingua Franca, by Dhruba H. Adhikary (rn), UML advisory body demands VP’s resignation (rn), House directs govt to uphold law and order (kp), House urges public to stay calm (ht), VP Jha, dhoti and Hindi, by Sukhdev Shah (kp), Women demand their share of power (kp), Agitating women seek more support (kp), The king is gone, long live the kingdom’s old ways, by Siddharth Varadarajan (Hindu)

28/07/2008: President calls for national unity (kp), Prez meets party leaders (kp), President pins high hopes on new government (ht), ‘President violating statute’ (kp), Maoists for national consensus: Dr Bhattarai (kp), Protests against veep continue (kp), Row over Hindi now reaches parliament (Gulf Times), CA directs govt to take steps to maintain communal harmony; students call off protest (nn), Dahal says sorry to Nepal: Nepal says 'Too late' (kp), UML asks Maoists to apologise for 'betrayal' (nn), New govt must before SAARC summit: CPN-M (ht), Maoists to hold talks with 24 other parties (nn), Immediate priority, by Damakant Jayshi (kp), Maoist-seized properties remain unreturned, by Rajendra Nath (kp), Private land, houses still in CPN-Maoist cadres’ clutches, by Rajendra Bhatta (ht), The same old story, by Shyam KC (kp), Harmony: Need of Hour, by By Arun Ranjit (rn), Realities Of Coalition Politics, by P. Kharel (rn), ‘Power Game Must Not Impede Drafting Of New Constitution’, interview with Subas Chandra Nembang (rn), KRCC demands its representations in key state organs (nn), Parties advise Maoists to buckle up to lead new govt (nn), NC CWC members want party to remain outside govt (nn) [No wonder, many of them have been defeated in the CA elections!!]

27/07/2008: NC asks Maoists to head new govt (kp), Nepali Congress divided over Maoists (ht), Maoists not to let Koirala be PM again (ht), National consensus govt best option: UML chief (kp), ‘UML won’t join govt if national consensus is not forged’ (rn), Madhesi parties root for unity govt (ht), All-party meeting deferred till Monday (nn), Eyeing New Government (rn), Karnali folks seek special privileges (ht), Protests continue against VP’s oath in Hindi (kp), Anti-Hindi protests continue in Nepal (Peninsula), Students to continue protest against VP (nn), Madhesi CA members throw weight behind VP Jha; student protests continue (nn), Initial hearing on Veep Jha 'Hindi episode' today (nn), SC starts hearing on VP case (nn), V-P defensive as anti-Hindi protests grow (Gulf Times), Big 3 acting under foreign 'grand design': Thapa (kp), Becoming a Banana Republic?, by Madhukar Narsingh Rana (kp), Kin of disappeared curse government (ht), The ‘Unnatural’ Coalition, by Rajendra Kirati (rn), Maoist leader gives Prez lesson on constitutionality (nn)

26/07/2008: Prez starts political consultations (kp), Prez begins parleys on new govt (ht), President Yadav holds consultation with Madhesi leaders (nn), Nepal Maoists set conditions to form government (Daily Times), Maoists set three terms to end impasse (Peninsula), Maoists put conditions to form govt (Gulf Times), NC, UML reject Maoist terms (ht), NC leaders divided over joining next govt (nn), Maoists 'ready to form government' (Gulf Daily News), President has urged us to take initiative to form the govt: Mahara (nn), Oath controversy reaches SC (kp), VP Jha defends his swearing in Hindi (nn), ‘No alternative to consensus’ (kp), Modus operandi of saving nation, by Kundan Singh Khatri (kp), Meritocracy vs mediocrity, by Alankar Khanal (kp), Leaving the legacy of hypocrisy, by Michelle Annand (kp), Call to embrace secularism (ht), Work Unitedly: Don’t Fail The People, by Indra Rijal (rn), The Constitution Dilemma: Maoist opposition poses a serious threat to the peace process, by Pratibedan Baidya (on), CPN-M calls all-party meeting on Sunday (nn)

25/07/2008: Maoists set conditions for leading govt, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Maoists set terms to lead government (kp), Nepal Maoists offer compromise out of political crisis (Straits Times), Three parties spurn Maoist conditions (nn), PM Koirala courts Madhesi parties (nn), President consults lawyers (kp), Will Nepal’s new president woo the Maoists back? (Gulf Times), Maoists have no option but to join the government, by Yadav Khanal (kp), Nembang elected CA chair unopposed (kp), NC-UML-MPRF alliance will not break: Oli (kp) [There is no alternative to the cooperation of the three big parties! The necessary changes are not possible without participation of the Maoists!!], Can leopard change its spots?, by Puran Agrawal (kp), End the immoral politics, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Magic number (ht), Numeric Game Could Derail Peace Process, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Now, The Wait Is For The Next Government, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Dr Rambaran Yadav's victory: Against Divisive Politics, by Keshab Poudel (sp), “Whether One Lives In Himal, Madhes Or Pahad, We All Are Nepalis”, interview with President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav (sp), "We Have Lost A Moral Ground To Stake A Claim To Form The New Government", interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (sp), An ethnic presidency: A good start, but Ram Baran Yadav became president by chance, by Pramod Mishra (nt), Statesmanship, Mr Dahal (nt), A nation of Rams: President Ram's first order of business will be to work with the Maoists, by CK Lal (nt), Not out of the woods yet: Democracy is in danger not just from Maoist authoritarianism, but the lack of real political opposition to them, by Prashant Jha (nt), Madhesisation: If you squeeze the spring too hard, it can jump out of your hand, by Trib Tharu (nt), Case against VP for taking oath in Hindi (nn), Veep Jha swearing in Hindi unconstitutional: Mahara (nn), Politics of Defeating Each Other in Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Scoop), Political stasis in Nepal (Hindu), Geography should be the first basis for federal division of the country: Tripathi (nn), Tharus announce fresh protests (nn), President consults with Maoist leaders, legal experts (nn)

24/07/2008: President, VP sworn in (kp), President, veep sworn in (ht), First day at his job, Vice Prez Jha sparks protests after swearing in Hindi (nn), My post represents entire Napalis: President, by Prakash Acharya (rn), Prez, VP to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ (kp), Dhanusha-5 seat vacated (ht), Ban urges parties to collaborate on new govt: UN, various countries congratulate Prez, VP (kp), Dahal reaches out to UML chief: Discusses further political course (kp), Maoists should form govt, says Khanal (ht), Maoists start consultation (nn), PM Koirala formally resigns (kp), Statute fuzzy on govt formation, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Race is on to form new govt (nn), Nembang unopposed candidate for CA Chair (kp), Nembang unanimous choice for Chairperson (ht), Nemwang elected CA chairman unopposed; urges parties to work together (nn), Women's identities & illusions, by Sangita Rayamajhi (kp), Women warn of stronger protests (kp), Emergence of women in Nepal, by Aditi Bhaduri (Deccan Herald), Prove The Cassandras Wrong, by Shyam K.C. (rn), Conflict-hit families get relief (rn), UNMIN term extended for six months (nn), Kotwada Victims Await Justice: Gov't needs to take any action against those involved in grave human rights violations, by Pratibedan Baidya (on), Prachanda advances three conditions to lead the government (nn)

23/07/2008: Maoists not to form next govt (kp), Peace process in peril: Prachanda (ht), Maoists backtrack on ruling Nepal (Peninsula), Nepal Maoists refuse to form government (Daily Times), We claim PM’s post if Maoists decline: MPRF (kp) [????], NC, CPN-UML for PM from MJF: Gachhadar (ht ) [??? Welcome to the chaotic politics of the mid 1990s!!], ‘UML will seek options if Maoists don’t form govt’ (kp), Rectify decision: 3 parties to Maoists (kp), Political opponents press Nepal's former rebels to form and lead new government (iht), New crisis hits Nepal (Gulf Daily News), New crisis for Nepal as Maoists refuse to form government (Sydney Morning Herald), UML proposes Nembang as CA chair (kp), NC, UML, MJF to back Nembang for CA Chairman (ht), U-turn via President, by Abhi Subedi (kp), A Madhesi president!, by Sukhdev Shah (kp), UN, US, China laud presidential polls (ht), President calling (ht), Presidential election Undermining EC’s role, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Uncertain Course Of Nepali Politics, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Promise Of President (rn), Inclusiveness with open heart (tg), Privatization of politics is dangerous for political stability in Nepal!, interview with C.D. Bhatta (tg), Madhesi Issue: Deep Rooted?, by Bal Krishna Jha (tg), PM Koirala to tender his resignation today (nn)

22/07/2008: Dr Yadav is Nepal’s first president: Man of modest beginnings, by Manika Jha & Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Yadav elected first President of Nepal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepal: First President Elected; Peace process may be in danger, by Kishor Panthi (on), Nepal's governing assembly elects a physician to become the new republic's first president (iht), Nepal Maoists lose presidential election (Daily Times), First President (kp), The best option (ht), CJ to administer oath of office to Prez (ht), Prez to live at Ministerial Quarters for now, by Kiran Chapagain & Kosh Raj Koirala (kp), VP placed second in protocol ranking (nn), Maoists to wait and see (kp), Maoists undecided on staking claim for government formation (ht), Maoists to make key decision on govt formation (nn), Maoists decide not to form govt (nn) [Without the Maoists filling the most responsible position, the urgent fundamental changes will not be possible! Nepal will stuck to status quo!!], Reality check: New challenges for political transition, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, The ultimate betrayal, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp), Mutiny poses threat to stability, by Ranadhoj Limbu-Angbuhang (kp), Democracy in Nepal: Its uncharted course, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Presidential Choice Signals Loss For MJF, by Sukhdev Shah (rn), Maoists see foreign hand in sudden political turn (nn), NC, MJF reaffirm support to UML for CA chair (nn), Nationality not in crisis: VP Jha, by Prithvi Shrestha (nn)

21/07/2008: Ground swells for Dr Yadav’s presidency, by Yuvraj Acharya, Ghanashyam Ojha and Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Numbers favour Yadav in presidential re-poll (ht), Contest For Presidentship (ht), Presidential run-off begins with Dr Yadav in a stronger position (nn), Presidential election over, 590 votes cast (nn), Dr Yadav becomes Nepal's first president (nn), ‘Dr Yadav is Nepal’s first prez’ (ko), From a farmer's son to first president of republic Nepal: A short biography of Dr Ram Baran Yadav, by Anand Gurung (nn), President's swearing in to take place on Wednesday (rn), Dahal raps new alliance (kp), New alliance may derail peace bid: Prachanda (ht), We won’t form govt if our Ram Raja loses: Mohan Baidya (kp), Maoists may not form govt, says Baidhya (ht), Gajurel sees obstacles in peace process (nn), New alliance will be counter-productive: Dr Bhattarai (nn), Peace minister blasts at Maoists (nn), Dirty politics (kp), Not the end (ht), Never had it so good, by Shyam KC (kp), Maoists not to join govt (nn)

20/07/2008: Paramananda Jha elected vice prez: Prez poll run-off on Monday, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), MJF’s Jha’s VP; presidential run-off tomorrow, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), CA elects Vice-President, Re-election for President on Monday, by By Prakash Acharya (rn), Nepal House fails to elect first president (Peninsula), New republic of Nepal yet to get its President (Times of India), A victory for Madhes movement, says Jha (kp), Order of precedence revised (kp), Highest protocol ranking for President (ht), High-magnitude tremor awaits CPN-M, by Prakash Rimal (ht), No Escape From Crisis, by Ambar Mainali (rn), NC, UML and MJF to hold talks with small parties (nn), PM meets with Chure Bhawar leader; parties intensify parleys (nn), RJM to back Dr. Yadav in presidential race (nn), New alliance not meant to form govt, says NC leader (nn), Maoist chairman warns 'unholy alliance' could jeopardise peace process (nn), Three fringe parties to boycott run-off presidential poll (nn)

19/07/2008: Prez and VP candidates speak of impartial role (kp), Madhes parties give alignments new twist (kp), Stage set for last minute reshuffling of alliances ahead of presidential polls (nn), New alliance is born; 'president to NC, veep to MJF and CA chair to UML' (nn), Maoists blundered in prez choice: Gautam (kp), Nepal assembly members begin voting to elect first president (iht), Voting may spring last-minute surprise (ht), Heavyweights have hectic day to woo small parties (rn), Election for president, vice president begins (nn), Voting for president, vice president completes; 16 CA members absent (nn), Jha becomes Nepal's first vice president; re-polling for president set for Monday (nn), Jha vows to work in independent manner (nn), Chand smells conspiracy in NC-UML-MJF alliance (nn), Consensus Is A Must (rn), Stability the buzz word (kp), British Minister calls NHRC to end impunity (ht), Call to carve out Karnali state (ht)

18/07/2008: Negotiations fail, big parties field own candidates, by Ghanashyam Okja & Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Three presidential candidates in fray (rn), Maoists pick Ram Raja for President’s post (ht), Nepal’s hopes shattered, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Will all Madhes vote for Ram Raja, Jha? (kp), MJF puts forth condition for supporting Singh (nn), Guru of republicans, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), End of consensus (ht), Shift From Consensual Polity, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Prime Minister Dahal and President Singh (nt), Former anti-monarchist and palace bomber likely to be elected Nepal's first president (iht), Parties campaigning for presidential election (nn), Parties intensify parleys over tomorrow's presidential election (nn), RPP-Nepal to boycott the presidential election (nn), Republic Nepal's first president, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), Secys for Prez and Vice Prez offices named (kp), Maoist govt for ‘revolutionary’ land reform (kp), Swiss expert advises well mulled federation (kp), Another backdoor bonus?, by Ramesh Khatry (kp), Conundrum For The People, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Leaders: Power Without Accountability, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Pardoning the perpetrators, by Mallika Aryal (nt), The long, long wait: Families of the disappeared want truth and justice, by Ramkumar Bhandari (nt), PLA cannot be integrated into any security agencies: Poudel (nn), Constitution-making could suffer due to differences among parties (nn)

17/07/2008: Parties set to choose Prez, VP by vote (kp), NC to file nominations for prez, VP (kp), Nepal front-runner for President’s post, by Arjun Bhandari (ht 17/07/2008), Parties scramble to find a presidential candidate (nn), Nepal parties to elect 1st president, by Binaj Gurubacharya (Washington Times), UML-Maoist ties likely to break as Maoists propose Ramraja for president (nn), CPN-M president candidate gathers simple majority (Xinhua), Candidates for president, veep file nominations; Singh stands fair chance (nn), Parties fail to pick common presidential candidate; frontrunners are three Madhesis (nn), Prez, VP office bureaucracies get ready, by Kiran Chapagain (kp), Details on fifth amendment, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Don’t push it, by Shreedhar Gautam (kp), Colonialism or neocolonialism?, by Arun Kumar Pokhrel (kp), Constitution making The importance of consensus, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), More Difficult Than Gunning Down People, by Shyam K.C. (rn), New Alignment (rn), Maoist Nepal Better Balance the Power for a Stable Government, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician), Unity Gov of 3-Main-Political-Party Alone Can Save Nepal, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician), Why do UMDF Madhesi Parties of Nepal Need Affirmative Supplementary Bill?, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician), Nepal's, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

16/07/2008: Prez, Vice-prez election on Saturday (kp), Presidential poll on Saturday (ht), Presidential election process to begin from Wednesday (nn), Political parleys for consensus continue (kp), UML, Maoists to continue parleys for common candidate for president (nn), CA members: Punish caste discriminators (kp), Kamal Thapa owes 10 million: Recover Rs 14m from king’s ministers: CIAA tells Govt, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), CIAA indicts three former ministers, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), CIAA not to initiate action against ex-ministers (nn), Anarchy abetting interference, by Madhab P Khanal (kp), Madhesis' subversive demands (kp), by Kundan Singh Khatri (kp), Those For And Against, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), One Madhesh is merely a slogan!, by Bijaya Kumar Gacchedhar (tg), Grassroots people and new constitution, by Lars Peter Christensen (ht), Genie out of bottle!, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Engendering the quest for justice in Nepal, by Hyshyama Rizani (tg)

15/07/2008: Maoists intensify consultations (kp), Maoists begin talks on govt formation (ht), Nepal's top political parties begin search for country's first president (iht), UML, Maoists fail to reach consensus on president (nn), NC now formally stakes its claim for presidency (nn), CA to elect president on July 19 (nn), Still worthwhile (ht), Clearing The Political Hurdles (rn), Let the debate begin (kp), AWC questions US firm's report (kp), Don’t pardon criminals, says rights activist (ht), Assembly okays advance, expenditure bill (ht), Govt draws flak for failing to bring full-fledged budget (nn), Lethal freefall, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp), Fed up with banda!, by Sangam Silpakar (kp), Sensible Solution To Madhes Problem, by Sukhdev Shah (rn), PM office ignores 49 court orders (nn), UN seeks govt clarification for UNMIN term extension (nn)

14/07/2008: CA passes Fifth Amendment bill, by Yuvraj Acharya (kp), Fifth Amendment passed; coast cleared for forming majority govt (nn), Decks cleared for govt formation, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Parties talking about consensus but not showing commitment: Maoist chief (nn), Maoists ask NC to join next govt (nn), Maoists, UML agree to name president in two days (nn), ‘Nepal needs real and deep devolution of powers’, interview with French ambassador Gilles-Henri Garault (kp), CA disruption Elite mindset still holds sway, by Lok Raj Baral (ht), CA passes the advance expenditure bill (nn)

13/07/2008: No talks with NC about prez: Maoists (kp), Maoists not keen on post of President (ht), Khanal wants Madhes pact reviewed (kp), UML receives flak for Khanal's remarks (nn), February 28 agreement aims to split country, says Khanal (ht), Opposition’s inclusion on NSC likely (kp), Madhes parties to boycott CA today (kp), Madhesi parties to boycott CA today (ht), Madhesi parties not to disrupt House, says NC (ht), Home Minister blames Maoists for delay in government formation (kp) [??], Maoists blame NC for delay in govt formation (nn), National Unity Government (rn), Dalit CA members flay Swiss model of federalism (ht), Some Thoughts On Federalism, by Kishor Shrestha (rn), Ethnicity-based federalism is a must: Dev Gurung (nn)

12/07/2008: Top posts no basis for power sharing: Dahal (kp), Three-party unity must: Prachanda (ht), Onus on Maoists for political outlet: PM (kp), PM consults Madhesi parties (kp), Maoist Central Secretariat meeting begins in Dhulikhel (nn), Tarai banda cripples life for 2nd day (kp), Bandh hits Tarai districts (ht), One Strike Too Many (rn), ‘Adhere to cooperation and consensus’ (kp), Prachanda told to promote unity (ht), Justice denied to conflict victims?, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Paradigm shift in political thinking, by Sarad Pradhan (kp)

11/07/2008: PM, Dahal serious over Madhesi boycott (kp), Deadlock Cleared (rn), Stumbling Blocks Still Remain, by Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Tharu, indigenous groups to continue stir (kp), Tharus, indigenous groups to continue stir against ‘One Madhes’ demand (n), Anti-Madhes strike hits life across Tarai (ht), NEFIN chief vows to fight for indigenous people (ht), ‘Keep patient unless there’s threat to nat’l sovereignty’ (kp) [?? Without any question, the army has absolutely no right to take decisions on its own! So, there should be no such comments from the army leadership which, by the way, has already supported the royal coup of 2005 against the will of the people!!], One Nepal, one country and Nepaliness, by Rita Thapa (kp), Federalism Needs Broader Interpretation, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), 'Ethnicity based federalism will invite division' (nn), Prachanda urges NC to join new govt (ht), MoPR at crossroads, by Madhu P Regmi (kp), Southern thoughts, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), A basic lesson (ht), Allowing CA to take its course, by Babina Moktan (Lawoti) (ht), PM Koirala persuades Madhesi leaders not to boycott CA (nn), Prachanda fears disintegration of the country, stresses on consensus politics (nn), Civil society asks Maoist to take lead (nn), Uncertain Course: Despite the agreement, Madhesi parties are yet to accept the bill (sp), "There Does Not Exist A Single Madhes In The History Of This Country", interview with Ram Chandra Jha (sp), "We Will Even Go To The Extent Of Mass Resignation", interview with Rajendra Mahato (sp) [Please do so if you think it's necessary! The Madhesis constitute about 40% of the Tarai population; there is no justification for a single Madhes province against the will of the other 60% population!!], Restructuring of State: Slogan of Decentralization Under Centralized Leadership, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

10/07/2008: Make Morang to Kanchanpur Tharuhat: Tharus (ht), Tharu bandh halts transportation in highways (nn), Fifth amendment: Madhesis boycott tabling of bill (ht), CA meeting resumes under budget urgency, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Principal secretary proposed to lead prez office bureaucracy, by Kiran Chapagain (kp) [Bet you, it will be a male Bahun once again!!], ‘20 Janajati groups excluded from CA’ (kp), No CA? No pay!, by Ramesh Khatry (kp) [A good idea if you also include all those not elected politicians who illegitimately stick to their post and prevent the formation of a new government and the running of the urgent CA affairs!!], Reservation for women must: Activists (ht), Dalits seek 20 per cent quota (ht)

09/07/2008: SPA govt registers amendment bill (kp), Fresh deal to end Madhes deadlock, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Madhesi parties in internal consultations over the supplementary bill (nn), Madhesi leaders spit venom at supplementary bill (nn), Dozen groups claim 3 districts as ‘autonomous state’, by Chetan Adhikari (kp), Tharus form struggle panel (ht), Tharu activists to continue protest, more organisations rally against 'one Madhes' (nn), What Is The Motive Behind One Madhes State?, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Federal system not viable option: NPF chairman (kp), Federal system will harm national unity: Chitra Bahadur KC (nn), Muslims deserve ‘special rights’ in New Nepal: Dahal (kp), Flow or stagnation?, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Meaning of 'NEPAL', by Indra Nath Arjyal (kp), Keep the Nepal Army pure, by Arjun Bishta (kp), Gender and Transitional Justice in Nepal, by Hyshyama Rizani (tg 09/07/2008)

08/07/2008: Madhesis oppose draft supplementary amendment (kp) [They obviously want to destroy this nation! There will be no Nepal soon if this goes on for long!!], Talks on Madhes deadlocked again, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Tharus torch statute bits (ht), Parties resume discussions to end the Madhes imbroglio (nn), Ethnic state demanded (ht), Compensation still eludes conflict victims, by Tularam Pandey (kp), New Nepal: Singapore, Switzerland or…?, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (kp) [There will be no new Nepal if the politicians continue to destroy the country as they have done in the past three months!!], Summons from Kangaroo court, by Prakash A Raj (kp), Wake-up call: CA members must show their mettle, by Sunil B Pant (ht), People Bear Brunt Of Transition, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Litmus Test For CPN-Maoist, by Adity Rana Pandey (rn)

07/07/2008: New bill to address Madhesi demands (kp), Caretaker govt can’t table new bills: Acharya (kp), Dozens hurt in Maoist-NC clash (kp), Leaders dismiss ‘one Madhes’ demand (kp), Madhes doesn’t exist, says Maoist leader (ht), Rajbanshis, too, rise for separate autonomous state (nn), Way out of political deadlock in sight (ht), Civil society members condemn continued House disruption (ht), Stop Pressure Tactics (rn)

06/07/2008: Maoists for CA vote on contentious issues (kp), ‘Supple-mentary bill tackles Madhes issues’ (kp), Yadav for taking to streets against bill (kp), MJF chief comes down heavily on Big Three (ht), Tharus march against ‘one Madhes’ (kp), KJWP donation drive terrorizes locals, by Dambar Singh Rai (kp), Byproduct of insurgency, by Sorrel Retchford (kp), Right to self-rule for all stressed (ht), Precious Identity, by Ambar Mainali (rn), Nepal’s Peace Process And UNMIN, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Parties head towards confrontation over Madhesi issue (nn), Terai based parties pushing country into disintegration: Jha (nn), Terai parties will suffer major set back if they oppose bill: UML gen secy (nn), Three parties decide to carry on consultations with Madhesi parties (nn), Indigenous Tharus continue protest against 'one Madhes' demand (nn), Three parties agree to bring new amendment bill; Madhesi parties to allow CA to function (nn)

05/07/2008: SPA decides to table supplementary bill, by Yuvraj Acharya & Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Big Three strike deal sans fringe parties’ nod, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Govt to bring supplementary bill before CA today (nn), Maoist CA members complain of party's 'weakened role' (nn), We are here too (kp), ‘One madhes state unacceptable’ (kp), Madhesi parties conclude govt has betrayed them (nn), 20 Tarai districts shut in protest (ht), Parties holding internal discussions ahead of CA meeting (nn), Protesting Tharu activists clash with police (nn)

04/07/2008: ‘CA disruptions violate our rights’: Big 3 undermining CA: Small parties (kp) [Correct is: It violates the rights of the people!!], Smaller parties up in arms over CA imbroglio (nn), No consensus yet (kp), Big Three reach consensus; minor allies oppose draft supplementary bill (nn), Cabinet endorses supplementary bill; nominates 26 CA members (nn), ‘Maoists yet to be responsible’ (kp), NC president essential for now, by Ramesh Khatry (kp) [??], They are looting the country, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp) [Uncredible corruption and nepotism!!], Are We Heading Towards Disintegration?, by Vijaya Chalise (rn), Big Three vs Other Three: If moderate Madhesis are ignored, it is the militants who will benefit, by CK Lal (nt), Message from the Madhes: No longer can three Pahadi Bahun men sit in Baluwatar and decide for the rest of the country, by Prashant Jha (nt), We belong together (nt), Elusive Consensus And Unity, Prem N. Kakkar (rn), Peace dividend? The politicians are so busy bickering, they have forgotten the people, by Bihari K Shrestha (nt), ICG urges cooperation among parties for new govt (nn), Nepali politics: Are we stuck in another quagmire?, by Ajit N S Thapa (ht), Students protest 'One Madhesh' demand, say it'll be counterproductive for Madhesis (nn), Federalism should not jeopardise national unity: Dr. Mahat (nn)

03/07/2008: Big 3 differ over autonomy, NA group entry, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Govt likely to table Bill on Madhes, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Big Three selling Madhes to buy time, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Maoist 'agree' to address Madhesi demands in supplementary bill (nn), Displaced to get new houses, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Conflict damage yet to be repaired, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Who cares Constituent Assembly?, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Consensus or confrontation?, by Shreedhar Gautam (kp), Democratization or politicization?, by Arjun Bishta (kp), Law of the jungle (ht), Employees deplore Youth Force (nn) [?? More and more signs of anarchy!], NHRC asks govt to improve security situation (nn), Cooperative Federal Structure: A workable politico-economic approach for New Nepal, by Alok K Bohara (nn), Federal structure should not affect national integrity: RPP Chairman Rana (nn), Khanal predicts ten more days for formation of new government (nn)

02/07/2008: Tharus enraged over 'Madhesisation' of Terai, announce protest programmes (nn), Three-party taskforce fails at agreement (kp) [This is the task of the CA and not of the parties! Form a government and let the CA do start its work!!], Near consensus on Madhesis’ concerns, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), ‘One Madhes, One Pradesh wrongheaded’ (kp), One Madhes State Not Feasible, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Defending National Integrity of Nepal from Political Impropriety, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician), Is Nepal back at the brink? Post CA polls, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Equality principle (ht), Are All The Hurdles Cleared?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Stop The Killings (rn), New Constitution should be inclusive, US Ambassador Powell (tg), Peace Movements in Nepal, by Dev Raj Dahal (tg), India’s stand on Madhesh issue is self contradicting, by Keshav Prasad Mainali, President Chure Bhawar Ekta Samaj (tg), Debate One Madesh One Pradesh (tg), Leadership Challenges in Nepal, by Rupesh Dahal (tg)

01/07/2008: 6 parties to seek common position on Madhes (kp), Sitaula meets Maoist chairman (nn), Carving states CA task: Bhattarai (ht) [!!!], UML repressing Madhes demands: Yadav (kp), CPN-UML fails to woo MJF to end house disruption (ht), Six parties agree to introduce supplementary amendment bill to resolve CA deadlock (nn), Maoists never offered president to UML: Khanal (kp), They await word on disappeared kin, by Ghanashyam Ojha (kp), Confusion reigns (ht), Breaking The Logjam (rn), NC concludes it will stay in opposition (nn), Confusion in constitution-making (hsa)