30/06/2009: Dahal: Maoist-led national govt soon (kp), UML will lead: Khanal (kp), Parties wake up to parliament impasse (kp), B.P. and the Maoists: The crucial question remains unanswered: Now that the monarchy no longer exists, what is the Army for?, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Parties remain divided on essence of civilian supremacy (nn), 24 parties meet inconclusive (nn), CPN-UML, Maoists fail to break ice (ht), Bandhs leading to nowhere: For whom the bell tolls?, by Aditya Man Shrestha (ht)

29/06/2009: Nepal goes from bad to worse, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Home Minister vows to improve deteriorating law & order as Nepal features high in list of failed states (nn), Intiative to reconstitute special panel, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Broad understanding to bail country out: PM (kp) [???], No progress: Politicians should keep their mouths shut and let the committee do its work (kp) [!!!], Maoist politburo decides to push for 'national govt' (nn), Save Nepal, says alliance (kp), Conflict victims threaten to launch stir (ht 29/06/2009), Living with mines every day, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), PM seeks civil society’s support for law & order (rn), Ban The Banda, by Ramakanth Jayshi (rep), Difficult transition period: Destined to be doomed, by Ananda Raj Khanal (ht)

28/06/2009: More than 500 bandhs in six months!, by Rajan Pokhrel (ht), In praise of bandas, by Ramersh Khatry (rep), PM: Maoist ways may end in regression (kp), Maoists trying to make CA defunct: PM (ht), National Government (rn), Pitch for Maoist-led national govt (kp), UML-led govt weak: Yadav (kp), NC,UML engineered MJF split: Yadav (ht), Sadbhavana Party to decide today (ht), Feudals trying to disrupt peace process: Prachanda (rn), Growing Intra-party Dispute A Bad Omen, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Crowd Control Challenges In Nepal, by Kamal Prasad Chudal (rn), House Session (rep)

27/06/2009: NHRC: Send OHCHR packing, by Kamal Rj Sigdel (kp) [The argumentation is total nonsense and contradicts international standards of human rights observation!], OHCHR’s term extended by one year (nn), Rights activists ring alarm (kp), NHRC sounds alarm over human rights situation (rn), CVICT calls for an end to victimisation of common people (nn), End culture of impunity, says professional alliance (kp), Conciliation talks held to clear House impasse (rn), Maoists, UML fail to break ice (kp), Maoists are trying to belittle parliament: PM (nn), Maoists-UML talks fail to make headway (ht), Trouble in store for PM ahead of budget, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Maoist call for national govt (kp), Outgunned (kp), Conspiracy on to revive monarchy: Prachanda (rn), Multi-lingual policy stressed in federalism (rn), Women, Politics And New Constitution, by Awani Mainali Bhattarai & Laxmi Sharma (rn)

26/06/2009: Govt to reintroduce old UML agenda (kp) [How can they? They depend on more than 20 other parties!!], Prime Minister urges Maoists not to disrupt House (ht) [Yes this is correct, just as NC, UML and Tarai parties should never have disrupted the house under the Maoist led government!], FM Koirala implores Maoists not to topple govt (nn), Language issue dominates CA session, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Maoists for recognition of 12 official languages (kp), Indigenous groups meet Speaker (kp), Conference on social inclusion policy begins (kp), Experts: Rein in foreign envoys (kp), Multiple claims for constitutional panel chief, by Yogesh Pokharel (rn), Parties crossing swords, says Bhattarai (rn), Damn politics: People would disregard the antics of politicians if they didn't disrupt their daily lives (kp), Popular initiatives: A Mechanism that allows citizens to initiate policies would increase  people's sovereignty and make the polity more responsive and accountable, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), How and when will Nepal democratise? Promises and perils, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Take a stand: Women must boldly seek 50 per cent representation, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Lawlessness and disorder: Killers swagger around as political activists, shouting slogans for civilian supremacy, by CK Lal (nt), Caste aways: Impunity, patronage, politics and caste make an explosive mix, by  Prashant Jha (nt), Mind the gap: Nepal may have had free and fair elections but the so called representatives have no connection at all with the people, by Ashutosh Tiwari (nt) [!!!]

25/06/2009: 6 ministers sworn in (kp), Six ministers sworn-in (ht), Two TMLP ministers sworn in (nn), Govt gives UNMIN 6-month extension (kp), Cool it (kp), Terror in the Tarai (kp), Blank slate, by Biswas Baral (kp), Govt, parties indifferent to border issue: Experts (rn), Relief for hundred conflict-hit families (ht), Maoists to be blamed for hindrances in constitution-drafting, peace process: PM (nn) [All parties and their leading politicians are responsible including the 22-parties-government that will never come to working level!]

24/06/2009: PM intensifies bid to expand cabinet, by Tika R Pradhan (ht), MJF gives list, TMLP turn today (kp), MJF submits two names for ministers (rn), Fringe parties delegate Mainali to select ministers (nn), PM preparing to expand cabinet for the fourth time (nn), Systemic rot: The delay in forming the cabinet has befuddled and exasperated Nepalis and their well-wishers, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Maoists hurl stones at minister’s car (ht), Congress wants to head Constitutional Committee (ht), Maoists root for House elected prez, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), 6 new commissions proposed (kp), Towards a national development constitution: A needed thrust, by Jagadish C. Pokharel (ht), Major breakthrough: Some progress is being made in the drafting of the new constitution (kp) [??], Widows demand position in new statute (rn), Politics Mired In Factionalism, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Nepali people will soon initiate a campaign for National Liberation, interview with Mahesh Chaudhary, CA Member, United Marxist Leninist Party (tg), Peace Minister rules out talks with Madhesi outfits involved in criminal activities (nn), UML general secretary hints at early removal of Katawal (nn) [!??]

23/06/2009: Divided we fall, by Hisila Yami (kp), Maoists, CPN-UML agree to disagree (kp), UCPN-M rift threatens peace process, byAjaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Tripartite talks to end crisis: House functioning tops agenda, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Big-Three’s meet to end House impasse inconclusive (rn), Consensus govt can end political crisis: Badal (ht), MPs prod on new budget (kp), New budget should replicate past UML govt programme (rn), CA concept paper tabled with dissent (kp), CA members to discuss cultural rights in statute (rn), Conflict-hit single women living a life of misery, by Laxmi Maharjan (ht), Culture of violence (ht), Mahato says his party won’t join the govt (nn), MJF, TMLP submit names of some ministers (nn), Maoist cadres show black flag to state minister, pelt stones at him (nn)

22/06/2009: Govt proceedings grind to a halt (kp), Maoists stage sit-in nationwide, curfew ordered in Dhading (rn), Maoists cadres lay siege to govt offices (ht), Protests spread, scores hurt in nationwide clashes (ht), Maoists Crying Foul (rn), Three Madhesi parties still crossing sword (kp), MJF,TMDP likely to send names (ht), UNMIN is impartial (kp), Civilian supremacy must: Prachanda: Claims he is still the ‘Prime Minister’of people (ht), Prachanda warns of third people’s movement (rn), Three-party meet on House stalemate inconclusive (nn), Living in lawless times, by Hari Bansha Dulal (rep), Law minister’s absence hits legal admn, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Month-old UML-led coalition fails to inspire confidence, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Maoists yet to return seized land in Mid-Western Region, by Surendra Kafle (ht)

21/06/2009: Bandas rocking new Nepal boat (kp), Midnight’s children, by Mahabir Paudyal (kp), Will the real Prachanda stand up?, by Thomas A. Marks (kp) [a book review], Church bombing & secularity, by Ramesh Khatry (rep), Talks with backward communities fail (ht), Threat to transitional justice, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Maoists gherao govt offices; security in high alert (nn), Third people's movement to uphold 'civilian supremacy': Dahal (nn), Fifteen Days of Madhav Nepal’s Government, by Siddhia B. Ranjitkar (km)

20/06/2009: Maoists to protest govt decision (kp), Public enemies: If law and order is to improve, meritocracy needs to be encouraged (kp), Homo politicus: Nepal's irrational political actors may take the country back to the age of cave men, by Surendra R. Devkota (kp), Maoists bat for Presidential system, by Tika R Pradhan (ht), Political unrest shuts down govt offices, by Byas Shankar Upadhaya (ht)

19/06/2009: Cabinet negates Maoist-led govt’s twin decisions (ht), Govt revokes predecessor’s decision on army chief (rn), Opens up in apex court on the rule: Katawal dares govt’s authority to sack him, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Cabinet endorses President’s move; No dialogue with Govt: Bhattarai, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), UML lawmakers unhappy with decision to reverse CoAS sack order; Maoists to announce fresh stir (nn), Bring them back: The Maoists have to be brought into government for the sake of stability (kp), Madhesi parties still at horns of portfolio dilemma (ht), Madhesi parties to send names by Friday, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Terai parties fail to name ministerial candidates (rn), UML forges govt-party bridge (kp), Maoists for presidential system (kp), Maoist deputies for direct presidential election (rn), Waiting on Mr. Nepal, by Kanak Mani Dixit (rep), Terai strike enters fourth day (nn), Mutually assured demolition: The country lurches from one shutdown to another, by CK Lal (nt), Rautes deprived of allowances, by Baburam Shrestha (ht), Magars cry for separate state, claim 16 districts (ht), Common Minimum Programme: Hoodwinking the people again?, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (ht)

18/06/2009: 11 ministers sworn in, Tarai parties stay away, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Five ministers, six state ministers added (rn), Third expansion for the Cabinet (ht), Expanded Cabinet (rn), Look at that! (kp), UML lawmakers vent ire against leadership (kp), OBC claims put forth (kp), You’ve issues, folks, by Biswas Baral (kp), Rawal bats for consensus to restore peace (ht), Yes, Westminster, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Nation in search of identity, by Daulat Jha (rep), On the new chemists: The Maoists should not lose their cool, by Narendra Jung Peter (ht)

17/06/2009: Dahal proposes Maoist-led govt (kp), Prachanda’s paper for Maoist-led national govt (rn), Dahal report says coalition a puppet of 'external forces' (rep), UML lawmakers take a swipe at PM, party leadership (nn), Power talks on (kp), No progress in five coalition allies meet (rn), Bifurcating ministries (rep), Waiting to welcome new ministers, day after day, by Kiran Chapagain (rep), Five new ministers sworn in amid absence of Madhesi parties (rep), Five new ministers, six state ministers sworn in; Madhesi parties yet to come on board (nn), PM tries to woo Madhesi parties with exchange offer, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Poor Nepal, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Big bullies: The June 15 bandh was an occasion for the Maoists to throw their weight around (kp), Back to the SSR, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Of intellectuals, by Pramod Mishra (kp), National Government Is Not Possible, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Cycle of Violence Continues in Nepal: Nepal is mired in social struggles, says author, by Prajwal Sharma (Ohmy News), Dalit body cries for quota in teaching,warns of agitation (ht), Utterly disgusting: So-called peopleoriented parties with criminal groups are playing to hold the country and its people to ransom the spate of violence on (ht), Impasse Reigns ‘Politics of Consensus’, by Amit Pyakurel (tg), Say Good bye to UNMIN (tg)

16/06/2009: 5 parties still wrangling government expansion: UMDF for revision, NC, UML refuse (kp), Parties fail to strike deal on ministry sharing (rn), 5-party meet on cabinet berths ends inconclusively (rep), Parties agree to split yet another ministry to address demands, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), PM makes changes in portfolios: Consults Madhes-based parties (rep), Cabinet expansion still uncertain (nn), Deadlock in portfolio-sharing talks (ht), Maoists vandalise Kantipur vehicle, rough up journos (kp), Valley comes to a halt; 9 vehicles destroyed; YCL strikes, valley shuts (kp), YCL writ runs large as Valley shuts down (ht), Maoist general strike cripples life in Kathmandu valley (rn), Banda Outrage (rep), Fortified Manma longs for normalcy (kp), Banda affects Seti, Mahakali, by Mohan Shahi (kp), Civilian supremacy ruse cripples Far-West (ht), Protests will continue for people’s republic: Gajurel (rn), Indefinite strike hits Terai life (nn), Tharu body’s parallel plan (ht), No simple solution: Simply replacing Nepal's parliamentary system with a presidential one is not going to cure the nation's ills, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), All together now: We need to understand the legitimate reasons behind coexistence and cooperation, by Sumit Sharma Sameer (kp), Constitutional evolution in jeopardy, by Lok Raj Baral (rep), "So when they part with it, I believe they have reasons to do so", interview with Bipin Adhikari (sp), Divided They Stand: The second coalition of the Republic of Nepal in less than a year faces ominous threat from deep internal division and long-running mutual suspicion, by Sushil Sharma (sp 16/06/2009)

15/06/2009: Cabinet formation hits snag: Tarai parties slam UML-NC power pact (kp), Madhesi parties oppose cabinet expansion deal (ht), Decision on ministries delayed (ht), Full cabinet still elusive over Forum’s discontent (rn), Politics of inclusion (rep), At last (kp) [??], Meeting of coalition partners ends inconclusively (nn), Nepali Army trashes Madhesis’ demand for group entry into NA, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Yadav hints at Madhes Stir III (ht), Tamrat: Doing the job right on time could have avoided political crisis, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Army integration process rudderless, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Manma under curfew after UML-Maoist clash (kp), No end to House boycott (kp), Consensus is the need of the hour, interview with Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood (kp), New govt ignoring verdict of people, says Prachanda (rn), Government making mockery of people’s choice: Prachanda (ht), Double standards, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Let Katawal, Khadka retire on time, by Damakant Jayshi (rep), OHCHR may get term extended, by Kiran Chapagain (rep), Bandh cripples life in Kathmandu; clashes and vandalism in various places (nn), Maoists shut down far western districts also (nn), Kalikot returns to normalcy (nn), FNJ condemns attack on free press (nn), Politicians alike everywhere: Missing moral element, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht)

14/06/2009: NC, UML strike deal over Cabinet berths (kp), NC, UML recommend portfolios for their ministers (nn), Three Madhesi parties cry foul over NC-UML power sharing decision (nn), Home ministry MJF pie, Gachhadar claims (kp), Cabinet to be expanded today (rn), Maoists will also be a part of the new government: UML chief Khanal (nn), Finding A Middle Way, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Maoists close mid-western districts (nn), House stalled again (nn)

13/06/2009: Nepal, Khanal to pick UML ministers (kp), NC, UML reach agreement over Cabinet berths (rep), UML to keep finance, defense, home, communications: Khanal (rep), Khanal hopes for a compete cabinet by Sunday (nn), Gachchhadar predicts trouble for govt (nn), Magar strike: 9 districts hit (kp), Weak governance (rep), Defense minister tells army chief not to give political statements (nn)

12/06/2009: UML grappling with selection of ministers, by Bhadra Sharma (rn), The ripe mango: Now that Nepal is in the hot seat, he must use this historic opportunity, by CK Lal (nt), Maoist ethnic wings close down western districts (nn), Maoists’ bandh cripples Tarai, by Rabi Dahal (ht), Banda hits Tarai hard (kp), Third Madhes stir on the anvil: MJF, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Fists of fury: The MJF clash in Birgunj is reflective of a low level of institutional development (kp), At the Forum: The MJF split makes politics even more unstable, by Prashant Jha (nt), Maoist, UML fail at breakthrough (rep), Maoists disrupt House session (ht), The game continues (ht), Upper hand to democracy, by Surendra Shakya (ht), NA ‘upset’ at delayed action against Khadka, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [?? Victims of crimes committed by the army are waiting for justice for years!!], Strike three, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Special rights to minority indigenous groups sought (rn), Restore UN’s Credibility, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Consensus, not confrontation (nt), CA runs out of work; postponed for indefinite period (nn), Impasse Reigns Nepal’s New Government, by Amit Pyakurel (Global Politician)

11/06/2009: Trouble deepens in MJF, by Sujit Mahat (kp), Forum meet turns into battle field (rn), MJF factions come to blows, by Rabi Dahal (ht), UML proposal to end House disruption, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Cautiously optimistic (kp), UML, Maoist top brass differ on 'draft agreement' (nn), PM: PLA integration top priority (kp), ‘Revoke action against Katawal’ (kp) [Why and what is the legitimation? We still have a minotity government!!], Banda hits eastern life (kp), Limbuwan strike affects life in eastern Nepal (rn), Limbuwan bandh cripples East (ht), A modest solution, by John N. Parajuli (kp), New nationalism, by Pramod Mishra (kp), OHCHR is not stepping back (kp), OHCHR committed to protecting human rights: Bennett (nn), History Repeats In Nepali Politics, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Stop this circus (rep), Lawless Society, by Sukh Dev Shah (rep), Maoists & democracy, by Jainendra Jeevan (rep)

10/06/2009: Govt to endorse President’s move (kp) [which government??], Gachhadar stakes claim over MJF (kp), Gachhadar registers new party, by Bishnu Prasad Aryal (ht), MJF meeting venue turns into battleground; three lawmakers among those hurt (nn), Maoists, UML agree to end impasse (kp), Banda brings eastern life to standstill (kp), Eastern districts reel under Maoist strike (nn), SC show cause on generals (kp), PM, Koirala hint at UNMIN extension (kp), UNMIN’s term likely to be extended (ht), Our side of the story, by Hisila Yami (kp), Whose civil society?, by Bhim Prasad Bhurtel (kp), PM Nepal extends olive branch to Maoists as latter reciprocates with pre-condition (nn), Politics Of Consensus: The Hourly Need, by Laxman Datt Pant (rn), Has the justice been made to Dalits?, by Hira Vishwakarma (tg), Rights-based approach for Social Transformation, by Chaitanya Subba (tg), India and US have become active in Nepal, interview with Lok Raj Baral (tg), Parties in conflict (rep), Mature people, immature leaders: Woes with continued regularity, by Aditya Man Shrestha (ht)

09/06/2009: Govt to get full shape in 2 days (kp) [??], Home ministry greed mars govt expansion, by Renu Kshetry (kp) [!!], NC, UML fail to finalise ministerial portfolio sharing (nn), UML split on cabinet composition, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), ‘Support to govt unbroken’ (kp), Normalcy yet to return in Banepa (kp), MJF shutdown throws Tarai life out of gear (kp), Living in denial, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Who needs a government?, by Sukhdev Shah (kp), President hand in glove with NC, UML to impose 'military rule': Mahara (nn), UML leaders reach out to Maoists seeking support (nn), Khadka faces court of inquiry, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Khas-Khsetree unveils ‘constitution’ (ht), Plea to list minorities in statute (ht), Trust versus structures: Challenges to Nepal’s peace process, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Close call: The bandhs are always declared to be peaceful by the organizers, but more often than not they turn violent (ht), High on rhetoric, low on governance: Army integration and restructuring of the state are some of the important issues that confront the country, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht)

08/06/2009: National politics rift–ridden, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Gacchadar to show proof of majority: Yadav gets oppn bench (kp), Come together (kp), Gachchhadar reassures MJF support to govt (nn) [??], UML fails to name its ministers; PM says cabinet will get 'full shape' in two days (nn) [??], UML, NC fail to agree (kp), Banepa under curfew as banda sparks tension (kp), Bandh cripples life in Terai, eight Tamuwan districts; curfew lifted in Banepa (nn), Rukum villagers fight for land ownership, by Durgalal K.C. (kp), Building a coalition of hope, by Anil Bhattarai (kp)

07/06/2009: Four more to join UML govt, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Two weeks on, PM still working for ‘full’ cabinet (rn), Cabinet Expansion (rn), Gachhadar mantra to keep MJF intact (kp), Yadav rethink likely if Gachhadar quits (ht), MJF protest rally against PM’s move (ht), MJF establishment demands Gachchhadar be sacked from DPM post (nn), RPP names Deepak Bohara as its ministerial candidate (nn), Chure Bhawar against single Madhes state (ht), Curfew in Banepa as local locals clash with bandh organisers (nn), UCPN-M adamant on its stance (ht), Ailing Symptoms Of New Government, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (rn), Celebration of First Anniversary of Republic Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Kathmandu Metro)

06/06/2009: MJF shows door to Gachhadar and six others, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Gachhadar unfazed, says coalition won’t fall: Yadav withdraws support to govt (kp), MJF rival factions in internal discussions on future moves (nn), Discord over portfolio (kp), ‘MJF row will not rock the coalition boat’ (ht) [Please don't fool the people! There are rows in NC and UML as well, Mr. Poudel! This coalition of 22 parties is a farce!], TMLP decides to join govt (nn), Pensioned-off generals’ tenure extended (ht), Retired generals to be reinstated (kp) [Some weeks ago, the now ruling parties claimed that a rudimentary cabinet does not have the power to decide such issues!!], Milk and rice, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Maoists hit streets against Prez move (ht), Maoist bandh call hits life in three eastern districts (nn)

05/06/2009: Nepal inducts 8 more ministers (kp), Eight additions to the Cabinet, Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Tough job ahead: Nepal looks self-satisfied at having achieved his dream, but his troubles are only beginning, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), NC leaders slam ‘fathercracy’ in party (kp), Yadav dubs Gachhadar's appointment unconstitutional (nn), MJF on the verge of split (nn), MJF expels Gachchhadar, six other leaders; withdraws support to govt; split looms (nn), Gachchhadar dubs expulsion unfortunate; says he does not want to divide party (nn), UML divided over ministerial slots (ht), ‘Won’t be surprised if the coalition is toppled’ (ht) [says defence minister Bidya Bhandari, UML], Traffic obstructed in Kathmandu as Maoists continue protest (nn), Things not to do, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Making of a new civil society, by Celayne Heaton Shrestha (kp), The ethnic card (nt), Yesterday's men (and women). Out: Dark suit, red tie and black topi. In: Daura suruwal and grey coat, by CK Lal (nt), Under siege: The Maoists are lashing out at everyone the president, speaker, army, judiciary, India, by Prashant Jha (nt)

04/06/2009: GPK roots for Sujata, others say no way, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Koirala refuses NC leaders’ plea to rethink on Sujata’s leadership (nn), Rift widens in NC, by Prakash Acharya (ht), GP Koirala recommends names for ministers (nn), Gachhadar eyes Home (kp), Gachchhadar not to settle for anything less than DPM (nn), RPP chair meets PM (nn) [This government is a laughing stock even before it is constituted!], Common Minimum Programme: 22 parties put final seal of approval (kp), Democratic alliance inks CMP (ht), Maoist spokesman predicts doom for govt (ht), Only in Nepal, by Biswas Baral (kp), Maoists up Indian encroachment war (kp), Missing links, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Dalit body calls fresh stir (ht)

03/06/2009: 22-party ruling alliance to endorse CMP today (ht), Coalition partners sign CMP (nn), Koirala asks PM to finalise portfolios (kp), Four ministers likely to be inducted today (nn) [Forming a government with politicians that have been rejected by the people in the elections means anarchy, not democracy!!], GPK wants Sujata to lead NC in government, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [??], Sujata to lead NC in UML-led govt (rn) [Long live family autocracy in the Koirali Congress!], Shantiniketan alumna poised to be new Nepal foreign minister, by Sudeshna Sarkar (Times of India), MJF eyes plum portfolios (nn), Experts blame parties for violating peace accord (ht) [!!], Sood, Powell meet Dahal (kp), Nepal moves up in Global Peace Index (kp), Choose consensus, by Amresh Singh (kp 03/06/2009), Let the CA decide, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Caste and the constitution, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Dissent over CA provision for conscription (ht), Indian Interference is real, by Sujeet Arjel (tg), Maoists launch protest against President's move (nn), I advise President Yadav to take a taxi and go home, by Ram Raja Prasad Singh (tg), Maoist’s struggle will continue both in parliament and streets, interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (tg), ‘Zero Unity’-Nepal’s divided Politics, by Kanchan Jha (tg), ICJ concerned over delay in enacting disappearance law (nn), Nepali party demands referendum, seeking revival of monarchy (Xinhua) [Remember that this party has won only 1% of the votes in the CA elections!!]

02/06/2009: All set for final seal (kp), New govt’s CMP to be finalised today; all party meeting called (nn), Parties delay CMP approval by a day (nn), PM meets NC, UML leaders on cabinet expansion (nn), Newar body’s bandh shuts down Valley (ht), Banda puts life in Valley out of gear (kp), Strike affects life in capital valley (rn), Public at large face bandh fury, by Bishnu Prasad Aryal (ht), Banda Blues, by Sunny Mahat (kp), Maoists seek ‘suitable’ terms, by Manesh Shrestha (kp), ICJ sees threat to peace (kp), PM: Leave Gens’ fate to Cabinet (kp), Peace pieces amidst political drift, by Saubhagya Shah (kp), Never-ending House disruption bad for democracy, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [All parties that disrupt the CA are not democratic!], Speaker seeks PM’s initiative to end House obstruction (rn)

01/06/2009: Intra-party rift delays cabinet expansion, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht) [What can we expect from a government whos three leading parties together do not really have a simple majority in parliament??], Nepal: Hard times ahead (kp), Common Minimum Programme: Awaiting all-party seal of approval (kp), Four-party seal on CMP, final approval today (ht), MJF wrangling persists (kp), MJF still at sixes,sevens (ht), PM Nepal urges Maoists to join the coalition govt, by Pravat Kumar Jha (ht), As expected (ht), Call for Newa autonomous state (kp), Bandh cripples valley life (nn), Mystery behind death on the street, by Kamal Raj Sigdel and Baburam Kharel (kp), OHCHR demands probe panel on forced disappearances (rn), SC questions Maoist Cabinet’s nod (ht), Khanal says he had agreed for action against army chief (nn), Maoists announce further protests (kp), Bank route for PLA combatants’ payment (ht), OAG in a bind over brigadier generals’ fate (ht), Defense minister approves term extension of eight generals (nn), Bad blood (kp), NC, UML against conscription (kp), Shades of the Third Reich, by Dilip Rayamajhi (kp), Feudalism in action, by Anil Bhattarai (kp), Sood confers with Koirala, Oli (nn) [Indian intervention in the open way!?], Prime minister versus president, by Mandira Sharma (Himal Southasian), Rocky Road Ahead, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Rise Of A Phoenix:
MK Nepal dons the cap of Prime Minister after many a false starts, by Sanjaya Dhakal  (sp), In Stable Instability:
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal vows to chart a new geography of Nepali politics but the old history will continue to haunt him, by Sushil Sharma (sp), Nationalist Slogans: Anti-National Results: Actions performed by Maoists harping on nationalist slogans have brought about anti-nationalist results, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

Evaluations for 17 - 31 May will be updated soon

29/05/2009: Towards a praetorian republic: Nepal maybe the only place where Huntington will be proven right, by CK Lal (nt), MKN's checklist: Nepal's first priority must be the peace process, by Prashant Jha (nt)

27/05/2009: Tyranny of the Defeated!, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg) [!!!!]

16/05/2009: MJF rift deepens crisis: Yadav, Gachhadar stick to their stands (kp), MJF meet witnesses flexing of muscles, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Central committee keeps door ajar for manoeuvre (ht), NC, UML strive for elusive 301 votes, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), PM Dahal meets leaders of fringe parties (nn), UCPN-M trying to form new Nepali coalition gov't (Xinhua), Dahal, Koirala harp on consensus (kp), Govt to Court: CoAS ouster constitutional (kp), ‘The govt informed Prez about army chief’s dismissal’ (nn), YCL issues expulsion threat (kp), The way ahead: Federalism must be used to unite society by recognising ethnic, social, political, regional, cultural and religious diversity, by Shobhakar, Budhathoki (kp), UN mired in deepening Nepal row, by Navin Singh Khadka (BBC News), Political crisis in Nepal (Indian Express)

15/05/2009: UML erred in quitting govt: Gautam (ht), UML bigwigs sabotaging Nepal's bid?, by Ghanashyam Ojha (rep), MJF weighs five political scenarios, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), MJF weighing options, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), MJF stakes claim on govt leadership (nn), MPRF to either lead new govt or give outside support to others, by Yuvraj Acharya (rep), MJF lawmakers engage in fist fighting (nn), UML leaders warn of revolt (nn), Intra-party differences delays new govt formation in Nepal, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune), Khanal calls for 'unity govt' as UML scrambles to secure majority (nn), Koirala seeks China’s help to form govt (nn), Koirala seeks support from Kamal Thapa (nn) [????], House disruption to end soon: PM (ht), Glimmer of hope for House resumption (kp), PM for parties' broader national consensus (rn), Maoists revive parallel govt (kp), NHRC, donors dwell on rights (kp), Mission incomplete: Playing the role of a referee in a post-conflict situation, it was natural for UNMIN to have a soft corner for the rebels, by Achyut Wagle (kp), The foreign factor, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), The road ahead, by Prashant Jha (kp), The master manipulator: PKD has united his flock by playing up Indian meddling, by CK Lal (nt), Double whammy: Unstable politics coupled with unstable climate will mean even more instability, by Navin Singh Khadka (kp), Preventing Peace Process From Collapse, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), The jury is out: What an irony that a party that hasn't renounced violence and keeps its own army wants "civilian supremacy, by Kul Chandra Gautam (nt), Do or die: "Either we finish what we started, or we get finished", by Prashant Jha (nt), Semi-automatic autonomy: The suspension of the Tharu agitation gives the Tarai some respite, by Kunda Dixit (nt), What about Dalits?, by Yam Bahadur Kisan (nt), Many tongues, one voice: Language and ethnicity are at the heart of federalism, not just geography, by Amar Kanta Jha (nt)

14/05/2009: Madhav Nepal urges PM to clear way for new govt (rn), Govt Formation efforts (kp), Govt formation effort on ice (kp), MJF split on joining govt, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), MPRF still undecided following internal differences (rep), Koirala holds joint consultation on new govt, MJF leaders absent (nn), Madhes parties seize chance, assert their role, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Eight-point accord at a glance (ht), We are committed to peace, says Kiran (rn), Uncertainty Reigns, by Shyam K.C. (rn), Khadka’s appointment challenged (kp), SC asks govt to furnish reasons for sacking CoAS (nn), Jana Andolan victim begs for govt help, by Pitambar Bhattarai (rn), Video tells all, by Surendra R. Devkota (kp), Only in Nepal, by Biswas Baral (kp), In choppy waters, by Rhoderick Chalmers (kp), CMDP: A Maoist proxy?, by Bijay Babu Shiwakoti (rep) [The king came to power by a putsch and the suppression of the fundamental rights of the people; the Maoists came to power by democratic elections. The latter party has made many mistakes but peace, stability and necessary fundamental changes of state and society are not possible without this by far strongest party in the elected CA! Civil society has to safeguard the constitutional way to this goal which has now been put into question by President Yadav!], Nepal's Maoists cry Indian foul play, by M K Bhadrakumar (Asia Times)

13/05/2009: UML-led govt formation still in limbo (kp), Political polarisation leads to constitutional deadlock, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), New PM likely in a day or two, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Most parties nod Nepal’s candidacy (rn), PM asks Madhes parties not to support UML (ht), NC-UML coalition closer to majority (nn) [A coalition government of so many parties opens the door to highest instability! There is no rational government possible without the UCPN (Maoist)!!], CPN-Masal blasts UCPN-Maoist move (rn), Form next govt in the House: Legal experts (ht), MK Nepal meets Dahal to rally support for UML-led govt (nn), Maoists stick to their guns (kp), Serious concern (ht), Maoist excesses raise NHRC hackles: Urges security chiefs to act to curb political violence (ht), UCPN-M to push stir for civil supremacy (rn), New govt not likely before Sunday: Baidya (nn), Averting disaster: A radical change is needed in the terms of engagement with the Maoists (kp), Reading the tapes: There is no clear conclusion one can draw in black and white from the video about Maoist intentions, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Politics in circles: What would happen if all the parties' inner meeting videos were played on free television each day?, by Abhi Subedi (kp) [Wonderful idea!], Parties In Crucial Test, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Rights activists protest President's move (nn), Gurung carries out Katawal’s duty (nn), China dismisses news report on interference in Nepal (nn) [There is a lot of Chinese interference, especially with regard to Tibet, but it cannot be compared to the level of Indian interference that is all pervasive!!], Curtain falls, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), People’s Republic can only guarantee Nepal's national pride, interview with Narayan Kaji Shrestha, UCPN (Maoist) (tg)

12/05/2009: Maoists to take to streets against President’s action (ht), Maoist leader instructs cadres to drive out NC, UML activists (nn), Maoist leader renews threat (kp), Nepal protesters clash with police (Peninsula), EU heads of mission call on Koirala (ht), PM allays diplomats’, donors’ fears (ht), Dahal, GPK try to allay int’l fears (kp), Donors want NDF deferred till Sept (kp), Ball in Speaker’s court (kp), NC,UML in political pow-wows (ht), Majority govt in sight: NC veep; Government to be led by UML (ht), Madhes-based parties hold the key, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), MJF majority with UML-NC combo (kp), UML receive tactical support from Madhesi parties for govt formation (nn), Indian news agency claims MK Nepal to be of 'Indian origin' (nn), Polarisation begins as parties delve into new govt formation (nn), PM: I tried for Delhi’s consent (kp), Delhi concerned over Maoist doublespeak in Nepal (Peninsula), President Yadav disrupted the peace process: Prabhakar (ht), Kin of missing to act tough (ht) [!!!!], Crisis of confidence, thanks to Maoists’ unilateral policies, by Prakash Acharya (ht), World Bank wants Maoist clarification, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Young scapegoats, by Dhananjay Shah (kp), Conflicting values: The Maoists and others on the left have always felt that there is an antagonistic relationship between “democracy” and “nationalism”, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Opposition steps up drive against UN (Gulf Times)

11/05/2009: Prez calls for cobbling up coalition: Unified CPN-Maoist lawmakers disrupt House in bid to block formation of the new government (ht), Prez call for majority govt a far cry (kp), CPN-UML backs Madhav Nepal to head govt, by K P Gautam (rn), Ethnic Indian may be Nepal's next PM (Hindustan Times), Maoists urged to join fresh entity (ht), UNMIN in a spot of bother over Prachandagate, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), UNMIN plea for peace (kp), NC wants fresh verification of PLA’s strength (ht), Madhesi parties renew 'one Madhes' demand (nn), Go easy (kp), CJ tells parties to respect verdicts (ht), Parties urged to respect past agreements (ht), Clear the path (ht), Donor reps, envoys meet PM, NC Prez (nn), Who owns the peace process? - Powerful theme, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Unsolicited advice to radicals, by Anil Bhattarai (kp), Can’t fool me, by Sumit Sharma Sameer (kp), Whither civil society?, by Shyam K.C. (kp), PM Dahal admits seeking Indian help to settle Army chief row (nn), Prachanda: Delhi missed chance to resolve Nepal crisis, by Siddharth Varadarajan (One World South Asia), NC claims enough seats secured for UML-led govt (nn) [Without the participation of the UCPN (Maoist), a stable majority government is not possible! The election results have proved that the people are fed up with the power games of the old leaders of NC and UML!!], UML postpones CC meeting to devote more time on govt formation (nn), Maoists decide to intensify stir (nn)

10/05/2009: Current Constitutional Crisis in Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), Lawyers see threat to the supremecy of constitution (ht), NBA says parties interpreting statute to suit their interests (nn), What a prez can and can’t do, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Ram Baran Yadav vs His Detractors, by Kulchandra Gautam (rep) [Yadav has been an excellent president so far, but this cannot excuse his unconstitutional step now! He has damaged the authority of the interim constitution!], UML lays claim on govt leadership (nn), CPN-UML set to lead next government: Forms panel to hold talks with parties (ht), Nepal almost final as PM candidate, by Thira L Bhusal (rep) [Persons that have been rejected by the people in the CA elections lack legitation for the post of PM! Nepal should have become PM in April 2006 but not now!], Back us, UML asks parties (kp) [Not the step taken by the PM but those taken by Katawal and the president were unconstitutional!!], MJF may support UML-led govt (ht), Sharma: We will force prez to quit (kp), I fired a missile: PM (kp), Prachanda calls rival parties anti-national (ht), Analysis: New govt not near, by Post B. Basnet (kp), Parties miss deadline, what next?, by Ameet Dhakal and Yuvraj Acharya (rep), President writes to parliament calling for formation of majority govt (nn), NC, UML decide to take joint initiative to form govt (nn) [Even together they are a minority compared to the UCPN (Maoist)! What about legitimation?], Maoists carry out thrash threat, by Surendra Kafle (ht), Maoists will not go back to jungle, says peace minister (ht), CJ: Honour court verdicts (kp), People's republic postponed, by Ramesh Khatry (rep), 'It's not a moment for business as usual', interview with Karen Landgren by Akanshya Shah (rep), NC demands re-verification: 'Integration only on basis of 4K' (rep) [This party really leaves no leaf unturned to target the peace process!!], Peace Minister rules out possibility of PLA re-verification (nn), Martin unexpectedly turns up in Ktm as UNMIN finds itself in soup over re-verification demands (nn), SC rejects govt plea to vacate stay order on 8 Generals' case (nn)

09/05/2009: Zero in on statute-writing, say lawyers (kp), NHRC boss urges parties to draft statute on time (ht), Khanal: It’s time to lead government (kp), UML stands divided over committee’s ‘hasty’ decision, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), MJF to announce its stand today (ht), MJF still undecided over new govt (nn), MJF divided on leadership of new government (nn), Old parties are trying to buy CA members: PM Dahal (nn), Deadline dead? (kp), Deadline to form new govt is over; consensus eludes parties (nn), UNMIN chief, Indian envoy meet PM (ht), How Maoist-Delhi relations soured, by Akhilesh Upadhyayan (kp) [There can be no excuse for continued Indian intervention, but the question remains why Nepali politicians bow to Indian pressure and break the constitution!!], Anti-prez protests continue (kp), Maoists seize 25 bighas in Bara: Turn a blind eye to the CPA (ht), Cry for fresh verification of PLA’s strength (ht), UNMIN concerned over videotape (kp), Maoist façade: The startling video tape of Prachanda's speech has revealed his party's hidden strategy, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), On dangerous ground: The menaces of both militarisation of politics and politicisation of the military must be stopped, by Achyut Wagle (kp) [The army ia a political entity and subordinate to the government; thus, it cannot be politicised!], Women demand their woes be addressed in the new constitution (ht)

08/05/2009: Norway pats Dahal on back, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Exercise to form govt on (kp), NC backs Nepal as next PM, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), NC meet decides to support CPN-UML (ht), CPN-UML to hold CC meeting today (ht), UML CC meet begins; leadership divided over formation of new govt (nn), MJF not to claim for PM (nn) [How could it? It owns not even 10% of the CA seats!], New govt unlikely within given time (nn), Look back in anger, A P Kumar (kp), A right fine mess: The president's action reeks of an authoritarian odour reminiscent of Gyanendra's bad breath, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Beyond regionalism: The Madhesi parties potentially have a major role in resolving the current crisis (kp), Shrewd maneuvers and manipulations Maoist game-plan, by Ram Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress (ht), Without a trace: For the families of the disappeared, knowing where their loved ones are is more important than reparation, by Mallik Aryal (nt), Yadav vs Dahal: Uncertainty is the only certainty in Nepali politics, by CK Lal (nt), No one won: But everyone thinks the others lost, by Prashant Jha (nt)

07/05/2009: President’s move draws flak (ht), Bhattarai demands punitive action, by Suryamani Gautam and Surendra Kafle (ht), UCPN(M) could still lead govt, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Prez consults CA chairman on procedure of appointing new PM (nn), Prachandagate tape not relevant: PM (ht), Prachandagate: Tape raises serious concerns (ht), PM tries to court the press (kp), High tensions (kp), UNMIN: Peace process at risk (kp), UMMIN chief’s sermon to parties: Rebuild trust (ht), Envoys worry about fragile peace (kp), Now what?, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Media matters, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), All that glitter: Only in Nepal, by Biswas Baral (kp), India blunders in Nepal again, by Bharat Bhushan (kp), Support hinges on Madhes pact (ht), Rippling effects on politics and peace process, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Spring of despair, by DB Gurung (rep)

06/05/2009: SC show cause to Prez, COAS (kp), SC begins legal proceedings on Prez initiative (ht), Confusion looms large in faction-ridden Nepali Army, by Bishnu Subedi (ht) [A 'supreme commander of the army' is not mentioned in the constitution! According to article 144, the CoAS is appointed by the Council of Ministers which also controls the army!!], President’s move not constitutional (rn), President Yadav's fate to be similar to Gyanendra if he doesn't rectify his move: Bhattarai (nn), Why India is shielding Nepal Army Chief Katawal? (tg), Nepal: Katawal issue and a potential grand design, by Raktim Nepali (tg), India denies hand in toppling Maoist-led govt (nn), The day after Dahal quit, by Renu Kshetry (kp), PM Dahal resigns: What next?, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Civil society cast held, freed (kp), Times have changed: Those returning to power should think what they would do differently this time (kp), President calls for consensus govt (kp), MJF: Conditions apply (kp), MJF awaiting NC, UML move, says Gupta (rn), Parties push to form unity govt, by Prakash Acharya (ht), 22 parties root for consensus on national govt (rn), UML jockeys hard to be in driver’s seat, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), PM Dahal holds fence-mending meeting with Khanal (nn), Maoist warning for NC, UML activists, by Himal Dhungel (ht), Maoist deputies obstruct House (kp), UCPN-Maoist continues to obstruct CA meet (rn), Maoists’ protest programme (ht), Maoists say video released to derail peace process; TV channel gheraoed (nn), PM to comment on video tape, threats to other party cadres (nn), Two Maoist activists injured as protest rally turns violent (nn), Police, Maoist demonstrators clash in Nepal (Dawn), Kin of disappeared still nursing wounds (kp), Growing pains: What has been the biggest crisis in the infant republic may very well turn out to be a moment of gain and growing pains on many fronts, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Time for national unity government, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Climate of mistrust threatening Nepal’s peace process: UN envoy: Ban concerned over fallout from PM´s resignation (rep), UNMIN chief concerned over future of peace process (nn), The civil-military crisis in Nepal: The stated issues involved in the government-Nepal Army conflict cannot be advanced as legitimate excuses either for the army’s repeated defiance or for the Maoists’ extreme decision, by S.D. Muni (Hindu), Challenges Of Transition, by Uday Bhaskar (Times of India)

05/05/2009: Moves and counter moves of PM, Prez (kp), Prez, PM violated constitution, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [This is also true for the NC and the conservative faction of the UML because their rejection of the common agreement on army integration has made politics of consensus impossible!], Prime Minister Prachanda quits, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Prime Minister Prachanda resigns, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), The Prime Minister’s resignation speech (kp) [alternative link (ht)], Prime Minister calls it a day (kp), President stands by decision (kp), President justifies reinstatement move (ht), SC moved against Yadav’s fiat (kp), SC moved against Prez's decision (ht), Security beefed up in capital (kp), Prachanda sees international interference, by Prerana Marasini (Hindu), Delhi sings consensus tune, by Dinesh Wagle (kp), Int’l community concerned (kp), UNSG saddened by Nepal’s political development (nn), Special Editorial (kp), The Katawal issue, by Keshar Bahadur Bhandari (kp), With political turmoil, NDF postponed (kp), Parties in parleys to build new equation, by Bhadra Sharma (rn), Nepal parties begin key meeting (BBC News), NC favours UML to lead new coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht) [Both, NC and UML have been rejected as leading parties by the people in the elections! And they had good reasons!!], National govt need of hour, leaders say (rn), Leaders bat for national unity government (ht) [A national unity government without the leading role of the UCPN (Maoist) is not possible since this party has got a clear mandate from the people!!], Legal experts take a potshot at PM's resignation (ht), Legal riddle to form new govt (ht), Maoists plan to take to streets (ht), Maoists set to flex muscles, by Renu Kshetry (kp), CPN-Maoist to intensify stir (rn), Rivals clash in Red citadel (ht), Prohibitory orders (ht), Business as usual at NA HQ, by Akanshya Shah (rep), Maoists to obstruct House until Prez apologises for his move (nn), Out of power, Nepal Maoists to wage new war in parliament (Mid Day), State of flux: An overview of the national political scene, by Anuj Mishra (ht), Moving ahead: What should now come to focus is greater maturity and wisdom of the parties while charting the path ahead (ht), Let A Referendum Decide Key Issues, by Shailendra Kumar Upadhya (rn) [The national referendum already took place on April 10, 2008, but the CA has been misused and boycotted by the conservative forces!], Democratic Leap, by Prateek Pradhan (rep), What next?, by Damakant Jayshi (rep), Justice eludes insurgency victims, by Rudra Khadka (rep), Police arrest civil society activists (nn), Police break up Nepal protest (Aljazeera), Nepal sliding back into the abyss (One World South Asia)

04/05/2009: Depleted cabinet sacks army chief: Lt General Khadka appointed as acting CoAS, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Katawal sacked, Khadka named NA chief, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Blow-by-blow account of high drama (ht), PLA, security forces on high alert (ht), Maoist army on alert (kp), Uncertainty reigns generals throughout day, by Akanshya Shah (rep), Government's decision draws legal eagles flak (ht), 18 parties urge prez to correct govt move (rn), Government fires Chief of army staff: President calls move unconstitutional, asks Katawal to stay put, by Renu Kshetry (kp), President tells Katawal to stay in position (nn), President steps in for democracy (ht), Govt terms prez’s move ‘unconstitutional’  (nn), Maoists to challenge President's move in court; declare protests in streets, parliament (nn), 'India encouraged Prez to take 'unconstitutional move' (nn), President Yadav defends his move (nn), UML lawmakers divided over President's move (nn), UML quits coalition after eight months, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), CPN-UML decides to quit govt, by Bhadra Sharma (rn), MJF raps Maoists, NSP snaps ties with govt (ht), Govt slips into minority (rep), Nepali Congress asks PM to quit: Maoist to fight Prez move (rep), Maoists rejoice move (ht), Rallies held nationwide to hail Katawal’s ouster (rn), Maoists leaders meet to discuss the latest political developments (nn), PM quits, blames Prez for creating parallel power center (rep), Prime Minister Dahal resigns (nn), Prachanda quits as Nepal PM after army row escalates (Mid-day), Nepalese prime minister resigns from cabinet: Crisis deepens as president reinstates sacked army chief, overruling PM Dahal, by Masih Rahman (Guardian), Nepal prime minister resigns amid power struggle (Earth Times), Nepal PM quits in army chief row (BBC News), President accepts PM's resignation (nn), 17 NSU activists hurt in clashes with police, more protests today (ht), ANNFSU condemns cabinet's nod (ht), Rights body calls for national consensus (ht), UNSG voices concern on political crisis (nn), UN chief 'seriously concerned' (rep), Give us a break (kp), Nasty turn: The Maoist behavior indicates their authoritarian upbringing, and an inability to work with others (ht), Let Supreme Court decide constitutionality, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), NDF, durable peace and development: Time to show solidarity, by Dilli Raj Khanal (ht), Tharuhat stir taking heavy toll, by Surendra Kafle (ht), Tharus call off banda (kp), Black Soot, Blue Scholastics, by Ramesh Khatry (rep), 'All-party' meet on Tuesday; Khanal says UML ready to lead new govt (nn) [What is the legitimation of this claim? Your party has not even 20% of the seats in the CA! Such legitimation is only with the UCPN (Maoist)!]

03/05/2009: Stalemate on Tharus' concerns on: Won't call off agitation despite promise to free all detainees (ht), Tharuhat, govt bid to talk it out (kp), Govt-Tharuhat talks inconclusive; Terai bandh continues (nn), Tharus' agitation enters 11th day (ht), No end in sight to banda (kp), Religious tolerance must for peace, says Nembang (ht), What A Political Game, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), Govt axe to fall on Army Chief today? (kp), PM fails to justify oust Katawal drive, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), No alternative to removing Katawal: Gurung (ht), NC to take to the streets (ht), Congress to stir, intensify parleys (kp), Dr Bhattarai reiterates threat to quit (ht), Cabinet meeting begins; UML boycotts meeting (nn), Govt decides to sack CoAS Katawal; Khadka acting chief; Four coalition partners oppose decision (nn), Split cabinet sacks Katawal: NC calls all-party meet, UML its top body's, by Yuvraj Acharya (rep), Nepal's Army Chief sacked (Hindustan Times), Nepal Maoists said to sack army chief (Reuters), Nepalese army general fired by PM (BBC News), Political crisis brews over sacking of Nepal army chief (Monster and Critics), Nepal Maoists sack army chief, instability seen, by Gopal Sharma (Washington Post), 5 parties begin meet on Katawal: UML to draw Prez's attention (rep), President 'disapproves' govt's sack order to Army chief; UML, NC, MJF holding emergency meetings (nn), Katawal 'turns down' sack order (nn), Army, Police, PLA on high alert (ht), UML, Sadhawana decide to pull out of govt; UML ministers resign (nn), Bhattarai claims army firmly behind govt decision; NC ramps up support for no-confidence motion against govt (nn), Demonstrations for and against decision to sack army chief (nn), Powell concerned about free press: Says attacks against media cannot be justified (ht), Scribes under growing threat of violence, state interference (ht), FNJ expresses solidarity to promote free press (ht), Women journos may be a vanishing tribe, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Despite triple tragedy Situ on compensation quest, by Ghanashyam Ojha (rep), Amnesty launches a year-long campaign for justice for conflict victims in Nepal, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune)

02/05/2009: 10 days on, no respite from Tarai stir (ht), Tharu banda enters Day 10 (kp), WFP unable to supply food (kp), Banda hit industries hard (kp), Govt urges striking Tharus to join talks (rn), Tharu protest group ready for talks with govt (nn), Govt-Tharuhat talks begin (nn), Govt calls TJSC for parleys (ht), Dalit women cry for equal representation (ht), Nation divided over CoAS Katawal's fate, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), MJF sings consensus tune (ht), MJF: Let consensus rule (kp), Dr Bhattarai gives quit call, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Human rights' body knocks on Girija Prasad Koirala's door (ht), Experts hold forth on new constitution (ht), Enough talk, by Aditya Baral (kp), We may take ‘other' route to revolution: Dr Bhattarai (rn), No compulsion to side with Maoist-led govt: UML chief (rn), NC to mobilise sister organisations against govt (nn), AI launches campaign for justice to Nepal conflict victims (nn)

01/05/2009: Tharuhat movement to continue (ht), Tharuhat bandh cripples life in Tarai on Day IX (ht), Police posts gheraoed (ht), Tharu banda turns violent (kp), Tharu-called bandh giving nightmares to Terai people (nn), Katawal to be sacked thru consensus: PM (ht), PM for one last shot at consensus (kp), SAC intervention a way out?, by Prakash Acharya (ht), President advises PM to get parties’ nod on CoAS row (rn), UML threatens to quit govt (nn), Way out of the stalemate? All depends upon Dahal and Koirala's maneuverability, by Ghanashyam Ojha (rep), The NC and the army: The army was not only the king's shield, it was also the greatest fortress against the people's movement, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Numbers game: The Maoists plan a massive show of force on May Day to put pressure on the army, by Subhas Devkota (nt), Nepal Army and Former Rebels Battle Even Today: To allow en masse integration of former combatants, the Maoist-led gov't wants Army chief to go, by Preyshna Nepal (on), Delhi dallying: Maoist opposition to India's role in the army row is hypocritical and futile, by Prashant Jha (nt), Nepalis pay for duel over CoAS (kp), End The Impasse (rn), More urgent matters (kp), War by other means: The army has shown it is better at masking its fears than the Maoists, by CK Lal (nt), Three years on, Belbari victims seek compensation, by Manoj Shrestha (ht) [This is only one of the numerous unsolved crimes of the 'honest' army that should be explained by Katawal before he is dismissed!!], NHRC takes govt to task over case withdrawals, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Nation building or destroying? The project of nation-building not only undermined numerous Nepali nations but the Nepali state as well, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Fair rules for conflict resolution: Inclusion in the constitution, by Mukti Rijal (ht), Maoists still listed under TEL by the US (nn)

30/04/2009: Tharus torch eight VDC offices in Dang (ht), Tharuhat banda: Tharu rage guts eight VDC offices (kp), Maoist hardliners' calling the shots? (ht), Consensus eludes in Big Three meeting (ht), Dispute over Army chief continues (kp), Parties making unnecessary hue and cry on army row: PM (nn), CoAS removal rife with danger: Mahato (ht), NA top brass puts up united front (ht), 3 Army top guns together (kp), Top generals deny reported mistrust (rn), Civil society urges govt to end Army row (ht), Former CJ's advice to Prez on CoAS row (ht), Confusing scenario: What looked like a mundane cabinet level decision has now turned into a national debate (ht), Challenges to democratisation in Nepal: Act against the odds, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Envisioning New Nepal, by Krishna Gyawali (kp), Discord in diversity, by Biswas Baral (kp), Civilian Supremacy? Let's rethink, by Damakant Jayshi (rep), People's Voices: Reflecting on the Republic, by Mallika Aryal (IPS), UN chief cautions Nepal’s political parties, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune)

29/04/2009: No respite from Tharuhat strike (ht), Banda hits Tarai life (kp), Tharuhat strike hits Sunsari (rn), Far-west bears the brunt (ht), Tharus ready for conditional talks (ht), The main playing fields of Bahunbad, by K.B. Bhattachan (tg), Kin of missing threaten stir (ht), Maoists adamant on removing CoAS, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Gautam sticks to his guns (kp), Key parties busy horse-trading (kp), Major political parties fail to yield consensus (rn), Maoist, NC, UML meet to find solution on CoAS row begins; final decision today (nn), No consensus yet on CoAS case, Big Three to hold another round of discussion (nn), Khadka objects UML plan to oust him (nn), Unnecessary Dispute (rn), Nepal Army-Maoist in collision course? (tg), Fresh NC protest against Maoists in offing (ht), PM holds secret meeting with Sujata; skips CC meet to watch film (nn), Obligation to civilian supremacy basic law of land: Is it time for testing?, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Document lays bare NA's stand: Will 'fiercely contest'politicisation, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), What happened? What suddenly happened in the state of Nepal that threatens to derail the process of peace and transition?, by Abhi Subedi (kp), High stakes at high-noon: A Maoist withdrawal from government would throw a serious challenge to all the stakeholders of Nepalese politics, by AP Kumar (kp), Creating a constitution: In Nepal, we have many able politicians but history will judge if we also have statesmen among them, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Is Civil Society a Balancer of Public Power in Nepal?, by Dev Raj Dahal (tg), MJF will not allow the Maoists a free ride, interview with Sarat Singh Bhandari (tg), UNSG cautions political difference could mar peace process (nn), Leadership deficit, by Ameet Dhakal (rep)

28/04/2009: Tamang body to resume joint struggle (ht), Life crippled on bandh Day V (ht), Terai comes into standstill as Tharu strike enters seventh day (nn), Nemwang stresses indigenous people’s rights (rn), Govt to decide Katawal's fate today (ht), PM for resolving CoAS issue through consensus, by Babu Ram Devkota (rn), PM meets Koirala to discuss CoAS row (nn), UML to follow middle path (rn), Parties reject UML compromise deal (kp), UML roadmap doesn't enthuse Maoists (ht), Vexed Congress MPs obstruct House (kp), Sujata says, army should obey govt (rn), Resolve CoAS row thru consensus: All-party meet (ht), Delusions of grandeur: The Maoist attempt to sack the Army chief is myopic, self serving and utterly futile, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Leave the army alone: A time will come when the Maoists will also be the sufferers of this grand design, by Ramesh Dahal (kp), ‘Govt preparing to ban Rastriya Janamorcha’ (nn)

27/04/2009: Serve govt 3 day ultimatum: Tharus warn of harsh stir (kp), 12 injured in clash (kp), Shake a leg (kp), Curfew clamped in Tarai areas (ht), Bandh-hit passengers in dire straits, by Bhanubhakta Acharya (ht), Terai strike paralyses life, create POL shortage (nn), Tharus to run a parellel government (ht), It's splitsville for Tharu organisations (ht), Prez urges PM to consult UML, NC (kp), Party chief under fire: UML for options on Army row (kp), UML has roadmap to end CoAS row (ht), UML for tripartite consensus before taking action against CoAS (rn), PM urges UML chairman to support govt’s plan to sack army chief (nn), Maoists for one voice on Katawal (kp), Govt has authority to sack Katawal: AG, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), House session put off over army chief row (ht), Seventeen parties’ meet inconclusive (nn), Maoists see rising foreign meddling (kp), Malafide intention, by Ram S. Mahat, Nepali Congress (kp), All eyes on the general, by Shyam K.C. (kp), PM has misinformed the public, interview with Minendra Rijal, Central Working Committee member of the Nepali Congress (kp), Increasing political polarisation may impact transition: A serious matter to contemplate, by Rajan Bhattarai (ht), 'One Madhes, One Pradesh' falters on true representation, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Strategic intent, by Hari Bansha Dulal (rep)

26/04/2009: Banda shows no sign of ebbing (kp), Tharu bandh cripples life on Day IV (ht), Tharus set fire to bus (rn), Tharu organisations divided (nn), Locals thrash Khumbuwan activists (ht), UML game for middle path (kp), Congress, UML stress on national consensus (ht), UML standing committee splits: 5 against action, 4 for it, by Ghanashyam Ojha and Thira L Bhusal (rep), UML’s SC meeting inconclusive on CoAS, by Bhadra Sharma (rn), Key UML meet deferred till today (ht), UML boss sees a glimmer of hope (kp), Home Minister sings similar tune; Maoists want Katawal sacked (kp), Maoist meet opens exit door for CoAS (ht), PM meets President; 'govt intent on taking action against CoAS' (nn), NC urges UML not to support Maoist plan of sacking army chief (nn), UML takes cryptic position on govt-Army row, calls for consensus on the issue (nn), Govt or Army: Who's undermining people's rights?, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [The question should be 'army or parties/politicians'! The answer is: both! There are about 1000 persons disappeared by the army; neither army nor politicians are interested in investigations!!], Democratising Or Demoralising Army?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Never again!, by Ramesh Khatry (rep)

25/04/2009: Tharu banda cripples Tarai (kp), Tharuhat strike cripples Terai life (rn), Tharu activists go berserk on Day III (ht), Strike paralyses life in Terai (nn), Muslims warn of protest (kp), Muslims threaten to intensify protests (ht), Rights groups want flawed Bill set right (kp), UML set to veto govt on Katawal (kp), UML CC meet for end to the govt-CoAS row (ht), Katawal should have been sacked without second thought: DPM Gautam (nn), Nepali Congress sounds war cry: Vice-president Paudel warns govt; rules out action against CoAS (ht), NC instigating President: Gurung (rn), ‘I didn’t direct PM’ (kp), Maoist secretariat asks govt to find consensus on CoAS issue, UML still undecided (nn), Army denies news report on coup plan (rn), Coup rumour dismissed (kp), CA fails to meet deadline again (kp), Gulmeli apathy on Loktantra Day, by Ghanashyam Gautam (kp), A day to remember (kp) [The party politicians just do everything to destroy all hopes!!], Securing the nation, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Intervention in independent institutions slammed: Civil Society members urge govt to ensure freedom for state organs (ht), Equitable land distribution essential for lasting peace (rn), Bill on missing draws OHCHR's flak (rep)

24/04/2009: What put Maoists on backfoot, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Armed and dangerous (nt), CoAS facing action for disobeying people supremacy, says PM (rn), NA must recognise civilian supremacy: Khanal (rn), Envoys' collective sermon for PM (ht), Dahal: Consensus will guide us, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), PM re-commits to consensus politics (nn), Hectic parleys throw up consensus formula (ht), Khanal rushes home to douse fire (kp), Report: Government, army differences brought Nepal close to coup (Monster and Critics) [The elected government can never 'interfere' into army affairs because the army is subordinate to the government!!], Maoist-CoAS spat takes its toll on House (ht), House boycott on (kp), India wary of Maoist hegemony in Nepal, calls envoy for talks (Times of India), Nepal Army chief issue snowballs, by Prerana Marasini (Hindu), India halts power supply deal, by Akanshya Shah (rep), Tharus continue to cripple the Tarai: Casualty opens its account on Day II (ht), Another round: The impatience of the Tharus can be understood in the light of the demands for establishing unique identities (ht), Terai bandh continues for the third day (nn), A shape of things to come: The demand for Limbuwan autonomy takes on a militant edge, by Kunda Dixit (nt), Hidden agenda, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), More on federalism: The Jana Morcha should refrain from conducting a non-productive campaign at a wrong point in time, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Institutionalising Loktantra (rn), 4th Loktantra Day And People Expectations For Lasting Peace And Democracy, by Bishnu Gautam (rn), Give PKD his due: Prachanda had no training when he chose to be Dahal (nt), by Pramod Mishra, Explosive legacy: There's no peace without addressing the past, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Commitment to discharge minors from PLA camps still not implemented: UN report (nn), Almost a people's betrayal, by Kanak Mani Dixit (rep), Wife finds the word martyr hollow, by Bikash Sangraula (rep), 'Living martyr' finds solace in music, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep)

23/04/2009: Normal life crippled in the Tarai again: ‘Betrayed’Tharus back to stir ways (ht), Tamangs announce fresh protests from May 3 (ht), All-party meet: Support eludes Prime Minister (kp), Govt steps back as pressure mounts (kp), Prachanda all for consensus: Says no action will be taken against CoAS without consultation, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Excerpts from army chief's clarification: I’ve played by rule (kp), CoAS reminds govt of his duty-bound role, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), All party meet says govt has right to seek clarification, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Govt has right to question army chief: Yadav (ht), Clarification move aimed at democratising army: Sharma (rn) Maoist party wings press for sacking of Katawal (rn), Next cabinet meet to decide Katawal’s fate (rn), Maoists: Prez crossing constitutional limits (kp), Legal eagles criticise govt for picking up a fight with NA (ht), Unified CPN-Maoist meet: Govt warned against hasty move on CoAS (ht), Out of sight (kp), Embattled PM solicits diplomats' support (rep), Envoys meet PM over CoAS row (nn), Increased political interest in Katawal case divides army top brass (nn), PM vows for consensus before any decision on CoAS (nn), UML chairman Khanal arrives in Kathmandu as CoAS row deepens (nn), Gautam defends govt in CoAS episode (nn), NC boycotts House session again, UML to come up with its official line on CoAS case Friday (nn), Sood off to Delhi after hectic lobbying against govt plan to sack Katawal (nn) [??!], India summons ambassador to Nepal (Times of India), Tharu banda hits Tarai (kp), Blast from the past, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Only in Nepal, by Biswas Baral (kp)

22/04/2009: Ethnic groups form combatant squads, by Binod and Ramesh (kp), Tharus launch fresh stir (kp), Strike by ethnic minority paralyses life in Southern Nepal (Monster and Critics), Prez, PM don’t see eye to eye, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Please Mr. President, by AP Kumar (kp), Katawal offers clarification: Upholds civilian supremacy (kp), CoAS clarifies to government (ht), I have always upheld civilian supremacy, clarifies CoAS (nn) [??], ‘Clarification sought, as CoAS defies orders (rn), Govt move polarises UML, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Katawal row divides UML, Khanal incises off China visit (nn), Maoists isolated over Army Chief ouster row, by Shirish B. Pradhan (Asian Age), Ex-gens cry foul over govt move (kp), Enemies in peacetime: Experts say that if the Prachanda government sacks Katuwal, it will precipitate serious crisis, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Ruling coalition faces flak of 17 parties (ht), Lawmakers disrupt parliament, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Unfortunate row (ht), Decision on CoAS Katawal deferred (nn), CA chair asks PM to resolve army crisis 'amicably' (nn), YCL's activities hindering constitution drafting process: US ambassador Powell (nn), ‘Attack on judiciary in the making’ (kp), PM holds out hope for landless (kp), PM for fair distribution of land (ht), PM stresses equitable distribution of land (rn), Call For Land Reforms (rn), The language question, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Remedy to strikes must before new statute, by Padmaraj Joshi (ht), Maoists, PLA And Army Integration, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)

21/04/2009: Govt seeks clarification from Army Chief, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Katawal asked to clarify in 24 hrs, by Prakash Acharya and Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Bhattarai says Katawal to go (kp), Is it politically motivated?, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Govt's CoAS jab spurs boycott of parliament (ht), PM-Katawal tussle may derail peace, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Enough is enough: The Maoists want Nepal Army chief Rookmangud Katawal out, by Damakant Jayshi (rep), Army Chief submits written clarification to govt (nn), 16 parties join forces against Maoists over CoAS clarification episode (nn), Vote rigging slur on Maoists (kp), Pledge to honour pact with Tharus (kp), Waiting for justice: Tough measures need to be taken against human traffickers (kp), The emerging new contradiction: Worsening law and order, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (ht), Westminster-style parliament a passe?, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Ban anti-federalist elements: KR MM (rn)

20/04/2009: ‘Give us 3 more months’: Panel to monitor PM’s pledge (kp), Nod to extend committee's tenure: Parliamentary commitment monitoring panel gets 3 more months (ht), Law and disorder (kp), Between the lines, by Binod Bhattarai (kp), Govt to hold 2nd round talks with eleven groups (rn), Civil society wants OHCHR extension but ‘no deviation’, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), The need of the hour: Military compliance with civil supremacy, by Dhruba Kumar (ht), MoD issues 24-hr ultimatum to army chief to clarify on thorny issues (nn), UML leader says five-party meet didn't take up CoAS 'ouster plan' (nn), PM meets President amid rumours of govt preparing to sack army chief (nn), Katawal's last chance to prove loyalty: Dr Bhattarai, by Rudra Khadka (rep), NC boycotts House (nn), Army, Maoists on collision course over government clarification (Monster and Critics), Maoists cross swords with Nepal Army (Times of India), India alarmed as Maoists resume war on Nepal Army  (Irish Sun), Frequent strikes shut down eastern region, by Somnath Bastola (ht), Experts On Federalism (rn), Peace process may derail if constitution not drafted on time: President (nn), Tharus announce new protests (rep), 23 NPF persons hurt in clash with cops (rep)

19/04/2009: State restructuring panel courts storm (kp), NC not to accept State Restructuring Committee (rep), NC objects to formation of State Restructuring Commission, says it violated 'politics of consensus' (nn), UNMIN term may not be extended beyond July (kp), UNMIN not needed after army integration: PM (rn), ‘Army integration to be finalised soon’ (rn) [?], Maoists keen on minority government (ht), Matrika Yadav voices concern about PLA merger (ht), Is It Consensus Politics?, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Kathmandu Metro), Prakash calls for unity among republicans (rn), People Expect New Constitution In 2066 B.S., by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Two children killed by stray bomb (nn), Koirala meets Oli after taking pot shot at PM Dahal (nn)

18/04/2009: Tharus stirring again: Threaten to seize local govts (kp), Tharu body warns of fresh protest (ht), Tharus threaten to capture local govt (rn), Prez plays the peacemaker (kp), Preliminary statute draft expected in a week (rn), Advocates doubt statute's deadline (ht), Good start (kp), Govt performance limited due to coalition nature (rn), PM: Our critics will lose votes (kp), Ordinances spur dissent (kp), Mission constitution: Will politicos pore over 400-sheet input?, by Renu Kshetry (kp), NPF announces stir against federalism (ht), The global and the local: The United Federation of Nepal, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Struggle for justice, by Simon Robins (kp), Conflict-hit victims face abject misery, by Padamraj Joshi and Devendra Barma (ht), Do We Need OHCHR Anymore?, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (rn)

17/04/2009: Panel to carve out states in place: Govt nod to set up integrated service centres in 240 electoral constituencies (ht), State Restructuring Commission formed (kp), 'Unilaterally formed State Restructuring Commission unacceptable for NC' (nn), Dr Bhattarai sings paeans for NA (ht), SC nod to discharge disqualified PLA fighters (ht), Code of conduct for PLA (kp), AISC tech committee inspects PLA first division (nn), War games catching up with children, by Padamraj Joshi (ht), Need for moderation during political transition: An issue to remember, by Anuj Mishra (ht), Government tweaks RTI Act to its own advantage, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Life and dearth: We are suffering acute shortages because of the political folly of those who are at the helm of the nation, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), What the geographers say (nt), When tomorrow comes: Dahal needs to square up to reality - or face an explosive PLA mutiny, by CK Lal (nt), Biting the bullet: Time for the hard decisions on NA-PLA integration, by Prashant Jha (nt), Tharus unveil plans for second round of protests (nn), Foreign forces impeding statute drafting process: NBA chief (nn)

16/04/2009: PM stands by all pacts with ally, oppn: House resumes business after 17 days (kp), House business resumes after Prachanda’s address, by Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn), Maoists entertain hope of national govt (ht), Dahal: ‘Big parties’ unsupportive (kp), Hearing of treason cases next month (kp), Parties sheltering criminals: Home Minster Gautam (ht), PLA integration by July 15: PM (ht), Army integration pre-requisite for constitution making: PM (nn), Don’t play with ethnic issues, says President (rn), Federal clock cannot be turned, says PM (rn), Govt forms State Restructuring Commission (nn), Political violence peaks in Nepal (One World South Asia)

15/04/2009: Govt apathy riles NHRC, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Government inaction exacerbates insecurity (IRIN), 3 commissions to be formed (kp) [The formation of commissions is totally useless as long as their findings have no consequencies!! E.g., what about the report of the Rayamajhi Commission??], United colours of coalition: PM may address House today (ht), Maoist wing chosen to do govt's work!, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), UML lawmakers question role of their ministers in the govt (nn), UML ministers accuse Maoists of interference: Fund bungling slur on Bhattarai (ht), Maoists, UML disagree over investment board, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Maoists agree to NC demands (nn), Govt move undermines right to know, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Govt impedes access to some public information (nn), Anti-federalism protest from April 18 (ht), Time lag: Major achievement of the past year could be the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic (ht), Conspiracies, conundrums plague integration, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), OHCHR should stay: Human rights and justice are more than nice-sounding Western inventions (kp), Revolutions and museums: The Maoists should redefine the relationship between revolution and violence and tell every cadre to be morally strong, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Historical wrong: Employing the YCL in the nation building sector may bring conflict and chaos, by Ramesh Dahal (kp), Prez urges all not to make ethnic, regional demands (kp) [Better say 'unreasonable demands' because the excluded sections of state and society will remain excluded if they do not raise their voice now! Those in decision making positions are still Bahuns and some other Tagadharis!], Nepal: A Country sans National Interests, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), The peace agreement has not allowed National and Maoist army the same status, interview with Hridayesh Tripathi (tg)

14/04/2009: The national question: The Maoists are facing the consequences of underestimating the depth of ethnic sentiment, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Seven months on, culture ministry still at sixes and sevens, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), By-election Results Tell A Lot, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), NC adamant, House adjourned (ht), NC wants ‘action, not mere rhetoric’ (kp) [Demand o.k., but means not tolerable!!], Uncertainty hits daily work in security agencies, by Ravi Dhami (ht), NA smells rat in recruitment freeze (ht), As a general rule: The minister should endorse the recommendations of a legally formed board unless some wrongdoing has been reported against the candidates, by Dilip Rayamajhi (kp) [The army has never been an apolitical institution! It was always an impotant tool of the non-inclusive state elite!!], Govt to define 'major parties' in two days (ht), 2065: A year of surprises (kp), AG: Rule of law still a pipedream (kp), Ruling parties decide to activate political committee, form commissions (nn), Conventional forces trying to obstruct peace process: PM (nn)

13/04/2009: Lesson from mandate: There is no alternative to consensus, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), No surprises (kp), Now, the basic task (ht), Maoist-UML ink 9-pt agreement (kp), Maoists, UML bury hatchet, ink 9-point pact, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), NC to obstruct House if progress not made on its demand (nn), Nembang for end to political deadlock (kp), Security tops agenda at Army conference (kp), NA conference concludes (nn), Minister Shah warns of disaster (kp), Army-govt rift bad for nation: Shah (ht), PLA integration within three months: Defence minister (ht), Badal: NA to blame for bad blood, by Ghanashyam Gautam (kp), PLA not on a par with NA, says Oli (kp), The democratic control of security sector: Legacies of history all the way, by Dhruba Kumar (ht), Seven-yr battle for justice: Woman’s struggle to find missing hubby (kp), Rights body raises activists’ eyebrows (kp), Body to allay Tamang concerns (kp), Looking back, looking forward, by Shyam K.C. (kp), We’re not stifling national institutions, interview with Richard Bennett, head of OHCHR (kp), Maoist-led govt draws AI's flak (ht), Parties told to abide by democratic norms (ht)

12/04/2009: CA bypolls: Maoists, underdogs shine (kp), Maoists: 3; NC, UML, MJF: 1 (ht), Maoists win three of six seats in Nepal by-elections (Reuters), Nepal by-elections boosts Maoists (Peninsula), CA by-election in Maoist favor, Prez’s son looses election, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune), Result evinces mixed reaction (kp), Big Two sit for peace again (kp), Panel to better UML ties with Maoists (ht), UCPN-Maoist-UML fail to end deadlock (rn), House session adjourned (kp), FNCCI for private property (kp), FNCCI calls for end to culture of impunity (ht), Dahal spells out federal mantra (kp), New statute to uphold language, literature: PM (rn), Govt, Tamsaling sign a 19-point pact; Tamsaling calls off 'bandh' called for Sunday (nn), Tamangs withdraw protests (ht), Newars call bandh to mark 'black day' (ht), CA questionnaires: Survey method gone amok, by Pratyoush Onta (kp), Consensus On Verge Of Collapse?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Koirala says NC will not tolerate any compromises in constitution drafting (nn) [This is one of the main reasons why your party hast lost in the by-elections!!], Govt decides to waive loans less than 0.4 million to conflict victims (nn) [Nevertheless must those guilty be punished!!]

11/04/2009: Voting for six CA seats held peacefully (ht), By-polls held peacefully: Save some technical snags, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Shekhar Koirala elected from Morang -7; Maoists win in Kanchanpur, Forum in Morang - 5 (nn), Maoists lead in Kaski, TMLP in Dhanusha (nn), Maoists win in Kaski, UML in Dhanusha (nn), Maoist candidate Santosh Budhamagar elected CA member from Rolpa (nn), Nepal Maoists make slight gain in by-election (Monster and Critics), Nepal bypolls results disappoint opposition (Irish Sun), Agitating students face fed-up public's fury (ht) [!! Behave with the politicians and parties in the same way!], House boycott on, insists UML (ht) [Stop this criminal practice immediately!!!], UML decides to continue obstructing house (nn), Lohars seek Dalit status (ht), ‘Army integration by mid-July’ (kp), SC demands PM's reply (kp), A government, not cadres should run the country (Asian Human Rights Commission)

10/04/2009: Exercise restraint: Civil society; PM told to refrain from spitting venom (kp), NHRC says BK did not flee (kp), Chitwan folks cast doubt on statute, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), By-polls for six seats today (ht), CA by-elections today (rn), Litmus test (ht), Republic Day dearer to PM (kp), The generals, by Ranadhoj Limbu (Angbuhang) (kp), Federal thoughts, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Freed Haliyas want bondage again, by Tekendra Deuba (ht), Panel on equality still in limbo (ht), PM flays bid to block govt (rn), Exercise has begun for a new PM, says UML GS Pokhrel (nn) [... says someone who has been rejected by the people in the elections!], SC issues show cause order against six Maoist leaders including PM for contempt of court (nn), "We are committed to multiparty democracy, freedom of press and rule of law...", interview with PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal (nt), Leadership deficit: PKD should behave like the prime minister of the country, not just a party supremo, by CK Lal (nt), Who's afraid of ethnicity? Federalism is about ethnic autonomy and ending years of discrimination by the central administration, by Balkrishna Mabuhang (nt)

09/04/2009: Maoists face parties’ ire (kp), Maoists expel alleged killer: UML, NC say they smell rat, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Maoist expels Thaiba’s ‘killer’ from the party (ht) [A terrible punishment for an accused murderer! Impunity goes on unabated!], NC, UML keep up heat (ht), Contempt of court filed against Dahal, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), SC vacates CC stay order (kp), SC hurdle to CC cleared (ht), Hearing on army adjourned (kp), AG points out flaw in SC stay (ht), Retirement of generals: Issues involved, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Expert panel, PLA discuss integration, by Narayan Sharma (kp), PLA fighters long for integration, by Sriram Sigdel , Black day (kp), Watching the watchdogs, by Bopin Adhikari (kp), Dalit aspirations, by Upendra BK (kp), Will there be unity govt before new statute?, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Civil society activists call on PM Dahal (nn) [It's high time for civil society to become active again!!], Nepal’s misty season, by Manjushree Thapa (Open Democracy)

08/04/2009: 5th National Games: Army pulls out, by Pratichya Dulal (kp) [another step to provide an unfriendly atmosphere for peace! Why is it not possible to practice sports together!], NSC in the dark: PLA in, NA out?, by Mahesh Acharya (ht), Sports For Harmony (rn), Missed opportunity (ht), PLA asks for proof (kp), NC, UML boycott Legislature Parliament meet (rn), UML, NC boycott House (kp) [The house is primarily a constituent assembly. All those who boycott it do not want peace and renewal!!], UML, Cong spanner in House proceedings, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Nepal’s two major parties boycott house, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune), UML to allow adjourned House to resume (nn), UML, NC boycott House again (nn), Maoist committee to probe Thaiba-murder (kp) [The Maoists cannot probe a crime for which they are accused to have committed it!], Unified CPN (Maoist) expels Sujit BK from party (nn), Maoists attack NC activists in Kaski (kp), Let not ominous rumblings bring despair, by Prakash Rimal (kp), Hollow words: The prime minister's incendiary rhetoric only damages his credibility as a national leader (kp), Khanal damns Maoist governance (kp), Legal eagle bears brunt of Maoist ire, by Suryamani Gautam (ht), Govt’s time consumed in clearing backlogs: Bhattarai (rn), Tired of waiting: There are several options available for the integration of Maoist combatants, by Ramesh Dahal (kp), Turbulence and thunderstorms: The three-year-old peace process may have led to changes on paper, but the ground reality seems disturbing, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), BBC to air statute hope, apprehension (ht), Constitution Writing Picks Up Momentum, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Oli for replacing current govt by UML led coalition (nn 08/04/2009) [What a destructive dreamer! You can only form a coalition government with numerous small parties to have a simple majority in the CA, even if NC and MPRF join your government! The Maoists have got a clear mandate from the people!]

07/04/2009: Prachanda cautions against reactionary conspiracies, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), PM attacks ‘old order’ (kp), Prachanda issues stern warning to UML, Congress (ht), Dev Gurung warns of revolt (kp), Design in House chaos: Dev Gurung (ht), UN pledge for army integration (kp) [A speedy integration is necessary for the future of Nepal!], UNMIN chief meets GP Koirala (ht), Koirala: Keep tabs on PLA (kp), PM in parley mode to end deadlock (kp), PM confident on resuming session of Parliament (rn), Opposition breather for cornered Prime Minister, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), UML chief hangs on boycott (kp) [Your anger is reasonable but your reaction is criminal as well!!], Precious time wasted (ht), House deadlock continues as guilty of Thaiba case remains at large (nn), Maoists form committee to investigate Butwal incident (nn) [This requires an independent judicial committee and not a Maoist one!!], Prakash rules out toppling of govt (ht), UN rights office awaits extension, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Fringe parties’ banda hits life (kp), Life disrupted, bandh supporters rounded up (ht), Fringe stir has major impact (ht), Strike hits normal life nationwide (rn), Fringe parties promise not to disrupt parliamentary business (nn), Driver shot for defying ‘bandh’ in Gorkha; public vehicles off the road in protest (nn), Memory overload (kp), Uneasy partnerDespite his prestige, Baburam Bhattarai's position within his party and his relationship with Prachanda has always been uneasy, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Closer to Nepal's reality: Mixed government system, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Landmine toll continues as most fields go uncleared (rn), NA boycotts national games (nn) [??], Unidentified armed group storms police post in W Nepal (Xinhua)

06/04/2009: Missive to diplomatic corps: Suggest best model for inclusiveness (kp), 5 CA sub-committees present statute concept (kp), Mainali prod for statute (kp), Double trouble for Prachanda: Ruling allies, opposition gang up against a cornered Dahal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Parleys with parties begin: UML chief snubs PM (kp), ‘UML playing politics’ (kp), PM Dahal vows to take peace process to 'logical conclusion, intensifies parleys to find consensus (nn), Small parties warn of stir (kp), Hectares of land still in Maoist cadres’ clutches (kp), Don’t give up hope, by Gagan Thapa and Sumit Sharma Sameer (kp), Stir unites fringe forces and Maoist dissidents, by Tika R Pradhan (ht), 'Bandh' called by left parties brings nation to a halt (nn), Post-conflict IED casualties cross 195 (nn)

05/04/2009: A peek into army integration experts, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Hari Bol bats for new land policy (kp), Legwork for land reforms policy on (ht), Tharuhat move gets TMLP’s nod (rn), PM Dahal starts consultation on House deadlock (nn), Sub-committees submit report to CC (nn)

04/04/2009: Form panel to push the agenda: Janajatis seek role in statute-making (kp), Taskforce for janajatis (kp), Ensure indigenous people's right: UNHCR (ht), Ethnic groups join clamour (ht), Shot in the arm for UML as Maoists falter (kp), Maoists, UML differ on judicial structure (kp), Maoists bat for three-tier judiciary, people's courts (ht), House business unlikely amid standoff, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp) [To boycott of the CA is a crime against the Nepali people!!], TMLP chief wants national govt (kp) [What, on earth, is a national government??], Tech panel seeks UNMIN views on army integration (kp), Gautam admits to social insecurity (ht), Jana Andolan victims raise cry for justice (ht), Post-conflict reconstruction project launched (rn)

03/04/2009: Find out fate of missing, SC tells govt; Whereabouts of over 1,000 unknown: NHRC, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), SC summons House committee, lawyers (kp), SC summons ministry, army (kp), Enlisting in the revolution: Despite the Supreme Court's decision to block recruitment, many line up to join the Maoist army, by Chong Zi Liang (nt), Envoy echoes child soldiers' concerns (kp), Tarai party for executive PM (kp), Major parties differ on future political system (ht), "We are all Nepalis first": Residents of the Tamang-dominated Palchok of Kabhre gather to discuss the issues that the new constitution should address (nt), Dissecting ‘inclusion’: Inclusion may lead to transformation but the term has been used to resist it as well, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Lost in translation: As a tool of making a concrete opinion survey, the CA questionnaire is as unclear as it can be, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Peace is yet to be: The end of war hasn't yet brought justice and equality in Dang, by Kong Yen Lin (nt), Objective situation: Nepal's revolution has international significance, by Indra Mohan Sigdel (nt), “A Strong Constitutional Court Has To Develop As An Independent Institution”, by Siegfried Bross (sp), UN-Do The Mistakes: A senior UN Official asks the government to amend the disappearance ordinance to guarantee full justice to victims, by Sanjaya Dhakal (sp), Nepal Army Row: Operation Destabilization, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

02/04/2009: Glaring divergences (ht), Parties’ Views On Statute (rn), UML Constitution Roadmap: PM at helm, prez as troubleshooter (kp), UML bats for executive PM (ht), UML proposes PM as executive head (rn), CPN-U Roadmap: Indirect polls for PM, Prez (kp), TMLP, SP for executive PM, ceremonial Prez (nn), Seven-party meet ends, deadlock on (kp), UML cadre's killing: Gautam accuses Maoists of cover-up; Hints that it's normal for a party to shield its cadres (kp), Maoist nod to present Sujit before the court (ht) [It does not need the nod of any political party to present alleged offenders before the court!!], Panel to visit cantonment sites (kp), Foster: PLA fate in people’s hand (kp), UK will assist in army integration: Foster (rn), Durable solution for IDPs elusive, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Yes to reservation, by Manohara Khadka (kp), Endangered species, by Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang (kp), Only in Nepal: Retro vision, by Biswas Baral (kp), Statute framers have a tough task at hand - federalism, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 44, covering the period 16-31 March 2009 (OCHA)

01/04/2009: Four parties present concept (kp), Four parties present statute concept at CC (ht), NC for prime ministerial system; More parties submit concept  papers to panel (rn), UML submits its views to constitution committee (nn), Judiciary should be democratised: Bhattarai (rn), Uphold judicial supremacy: CJ (kp), CJ admits practical deviations in independent judiciary norms (rn), Coalition partner to boycott Cabinet meet (kp), Lawmakers flay UCPN-M for not implementing pacts (rn), No end in sight to Butwal tension (kp), Stop Delhi visits, politicos urged (kp), True inclusion: Education in indigenous languages can help reduce inequality (kp), Is politics imploding? Some parties are overtly expecting the current CA session to pull down the Maoist-led government and create a new coalition, by Abhi Subedi (kp), One Tharuhat-One Province a must, to preserve unique Tharu identity, interview with Narendra Kumar Chaudhary, Central Comittee Member, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (tg)

31/03/2009: Paswan vows to shoulder Dalit woes (kp), Big Two break ice (kp), Curfew lifted in Butwal, by Amrita Anamol (kp), UML's bandh hits life in Rupandehi (ht), NC comes up with constitution concept: Roots for executive prime minister, bi-cameral parliament at the centre, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), PM at the helm, prez ceremonial (kp) [concept paper of the Nepali Congress], NC presents draft at Constitutional Committee, says national integration should be "main basis" for federalism (nn), Three logics: The Maoists continue to pursue methods that had benefited them in the past but which no longer apply, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Unholy nexus throws a spanner in good governance, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Govt moves SC against stay order on CC regulations (nn)

30/03/2009: Ethnic groups protest (kp), House panel seeks seized asset details (kp), Monitoring action on PM's vows to intensify, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Tech committee starts work (kp), PLA merger panel to seek deadline extension, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Curbing impunity a jumbo job: Mahara (kp), Stakes pile up (ht) [Dissolve YCL and YF immediately!!], No respite for Butwal folks, by Amrita Anamol (kp), Bandh hits life in Rupandehi for third day, by Mahendra Thapa (ht), Curfew lifted, Youth force agitation continues to cripple life in Rupandehi (nn), UML, Maoist leaders agree to probe Butwal murder (nn), Murder incorporated: That political murder continues three years after the conflict is troublesome (kp), The day of the generals, by Shyam K.C. (kp), The Maoists became a threat to the establishment, interview with Devendra Raj Pandey (kp), Bhattarai for restructuring judiciary (kp), Judiciary ignoring democratic norms, says Dr Bhattarai (ht), Peace process will come to logical end in four to five months: PM Dahal, by Prakash Dhakal (nn)

29/03/2009: Ethnic groups slip into pressure mood (kp), Disappearance ordinance flawed, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Govt makes rights body hackles rise (kp), Outrage against murder (kp), Dahal clean chit to party (kp), UML threatens to pull out of govt (ht), UML warns to pull out of govt; Maoists deny charge of murder (nn), UML leaders flay 'fascist' Maoists: Call party to walk out of govt (ht), Khanal says UML not leaving govt; but asks party men to oppose 'Maoist atrocities' (nn), Murder sparks nationwide protests (ht), Curfew re-imposed in Butwal (nn), Maoist panel to probe into murder (ht) [A Maoist panel means less than nothing! Dissolve the youth organizations of all parties immediately, especially YCL and YF!], Hunt for Thaiba's murderers is on, says Home Minister (nn), Magars one on Magarat state (ht), 'Conflict-hit' security men enforce bandh (ht), A Direct Interaction With People, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), COAS urges army personnel to remain loyal to people (nn), Technical committee says three months not enough for army integration (nn)

28/03/2009: Butwal under curfew, Amrita Anmol (kp), YCL in eye of storm for YF leader's murder: Curfew clamped in Butwal; UML calls bandh in Lumbini Zone; Incident 'fallout'of FSU polls, by Mahendra Thapa (ht), UML plans to pull coalition plug, by Prakash Acharya (ht), NC tells MPs: Give Maoists tough time (kp), Koirala reiterates terms to join Maoist-led government (ht), Poor implementation of pacts draws flak (ht), Constitutional hitch: The constitution will not get written unless there is greater cooperation between political forces (kp), 120 days of the 11 months were bandhs (kp), Dahal: Do not disrupt House (kp), Tech panel for PLA integration born (kp), Boost to army integration: Panel to sort out technical process in three months (ht), PM: Tillers will be masters soon (kp), US state dept: HR abuses rife in Nepal (kp), OHCHR for mechanism to address indigenous issues (kp), New leaders, by Lalit Mishra (kp), Exclusion of Hindu issues in CA questionnaires draws flak (ht), Bar flays Maoist for dissent against SC (ht)

27/03/2009: AISC to name tech panel today (kp), Maoists eye multi-million dev pie for PLA, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Concept papers on constitution: MJF for presidential system (kp), Coalition partner MJF seeks presidential system (rn), Enough tit-for-tat: Stop wasting time and get on with integration, by Shiva Gaunle (nt), Govt fails to rein in Nepali Army: Legal eagles opine face-offs point to a disturbing trend, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Bhattarai: People can disapprove SC order (kp) [???], Leave it alone (kp), PM confers with Defence Minister, army chief on retirement row (nn), AISC decides to complete army integration in 3 months; technical committee formed (nn), Jitters in Delhi, by Bhim Prasad Bhurtel (kp), 'Pledge' to promote human rights (ht), Fill the gap (ht), MJF roots for official status for Hindi (ht), NEFIN warns of ethnic violence (ht), Dadeldhura folks vent anger on CA members (rn), Success and failure: For the Maoists it really about staying in power, by Prashant Jha (nt), Self-Serving Politics of Political Parties of Nepal, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

26/03/2009: Cabinet gets two new faces (kp), Cabinet expanded, 2 Maoists find berth, by Prakash Acharya (ht), No war over sub Judice case, by Phanindra Dahal and Balkrishna Basnet (kp), Govt files petition to annul the interim order on generals (nn), Govt knocks on apex court's door: Moves Supreme Court to vacate stay on 8 brigadiers'retirement (ht), Maoist stage demonstration against Supreme Court in Nepal, by Kosh Raj Koirala (Asian Tribune), PM: We’re against totalitarian rule (kp), PM reiterates peace pledge (kp), Commissions galore, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), The CA's worries: You say you'll change the constitution; well, you know, we all want to change your head, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), MJF, RJP submit their views for new constitution (nn), Shifting alliance: Is military threat to democracy?, by Anuj Mishra (ht), Recruitment row widens NA-govt rift, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht)

25/03/2009: Reports gather dust at Home Ministry, by Baburam Kharel (kp), Killer countries: Nepal is in a better position to tackle impunity than most countries on the CPJ's list (kp), Deluged journos (ht), PM, leaders get CC invite for feedback (kp), SC interim order stays govt decision (kp), SC succour for eight generals, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Generals’ Retirement And Opposition’s Uproar, by Sital Kaji Shrestha (rn), Dahal-Karin powwow (kp), Matrika finds friend in Kirat party (kp),Did you know? The law on the right to information went into effect on August 19, 2007, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Govt, backward groups make peace (ht), Prez concerned about delay in peace process (ht), Govt wasting time on trivial matters: GPK (ht), Trivial Issues Overshadow Main Mission, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), CA questionnaire: Will it help constitution writing?, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), TMDP announces fresh agitation (ht), Madhesh as such doesn’t exist in Nepal, interview with Raj Kumar Lekhi (tg), PM Dahal says his party is committed to multiparty system (nn), Experts call for active media role in the time of crisis (nn)

24/03/2009: SC spanner for PM-led panel: Constitutional Council in dock, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), SC issues stay order against regulation on constitutional council (nn), Nepal 8th unsafe place for journos (kp), Journos beware! Nepal more dangerous than Pak, by Sabin Chandra Acharya (ht), Koirala sets terms to join govt (ht), NC may join govt, says Koirala (rn), Govt deviating from its mandate: Koirala (nn), Janamorcha opposes decentralisation (ht), Generals move Supreme Court (kp), Powell joins retirement issue (kp), US envoy, PM discuss army integration (rn), Powell doubts timely integration of armies: PM hints at UNMIN extension once again (ht), Ministry report on Dahal table (kp), Politics of ordinance, by Jyotsna Poudyal (kp), Ethnic democracy, by Pramod Mishra (kp) [see also part 2 (31/03/2009) and part 3 (07/04/2009)], Govt pours cold water on Pallo Kirant's plan (ht), Strengthening democracy The unresolved Nepali debate, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Ethnic identity crisis gathers momentum in Nepal (One World South Asia), The Legacy of “Daura-Suruwal-Topi” Politics of Nepal, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

23/03/2009: Pillay draws Nepal, Rwanda parallel (kp), 3-year extension sought for OHCHR (ht), Pillay seeks formation of powerful truth commission (rn), Nepal has historic opportunity: UN human rights chief (One World South Asia), Military affairs: A massive re-evaluation of the role of the army and what the country gets from its augmented size is necessary, by Biswo Poudel (kp), It’s unclear who Madhesis are, interview with Taj Mohammad Miya (kp), ‘Terai should not be misled by its sweet talk’ (rn), JTMM (R) leaders call on VP Jha (nn), SLRM bandh hits Mechi locals (ht), Limbuwan cadres, villagers clash (rn), Limbuwan bandh called off (nn), Socio-cultural solidarity, by Hari Bansh Jha (ht), GPK rules out NC’s involvement in govt (ht), Behave Responsibly (rn), Govt proposes administrative structure (nn)

22/03/2009: Dahal pledge to Dalits (kp), Cabinet expansion next week: Dahal: UML not in the know (kp), NC may join govt: PM (ht), NC leaders divided over joining Maoist-led government (nn), Coalition partners playing opposition role, says PM (rn), Coalition chief’s salvo (kp), UML unsupportive (kp), Threat to quit govt (kp), MJF in splitsville, by Nabin Jha (kp), MJF dissidents float new party (nn), CA members wrap up campaign (kp), Muslims’ wish list to CA (kp), Limbuwan strike cripples east (kp), PLA merger panel yet to take shape (ht), UN rights chief raises concern over impunity (rn), UN High Commissioner likens Nepal's rights situation to Rwanda (nn)

21/03/2009: Pillay urges PM to expedite TRC (kp), Prachanda owns up to poor performance (ht), PM nod sought for UN officials’ trip (kp), Govt, MMT seal four-point deal (kp), Govt,Tarai armed outfit sign five-point accord (ht), Dalit rights scene ‘grim’ (kp), Outrage against Limbuwan excesses, by Lila Baral (kp), Lust for federal structure?, by Mudita Bajracharya (ht), Madhav Kumar Nepal laments historic blunder (ht), Generals’ term not extended to help army integration (nn), ‘Govt will be reshuffled next week’ (nn)

20/03/2009: One killed, scores hurt in FSU polls (kp), Violence mars FSU polls outside Valley: Firing claims life in Jhapa; Eight hurt in Birgunj blasts; Polls put off in scores of campuses (ht), Capital relatively peaceful (ht), Koirala rejects invite to join govt: No retractment of decision: PM (kp), PM rules out rethink on ex-brigadiers (ht), Defence ministry directs army headquarter to retire generals (nn), ‘Retirement row administrative’ (rn), Dishonest discourse, by AP Kumar (kp), General understanding: It's hard to play by the rules if no one knows what the new rules are, by CK Lal (nt), Generals in the labyrinth: Here's an opportunity to narrow the trust gap between the Maoists and the Nepal Army, by Prashant Jha (nt), Talking points (nt), Pillay pledges to better rights situation (kp), Pillay concerned about culture of impunity (ht), Justice urged for Nepal's abused, by Charles Haviland (BBC News), Women body plea to govt (kp), Mission constitution (kp), Nine Pallo Kirant activists freed (ht), The Indian connection, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Press post mortem: Uma Singh was killed for her investigative reporting: IFJ (nt) [see IFJ report], Nepal's multi-ethnic future: A purely ethnicity-based federal structure will not work, by Shyam Shrestha (nt), Ethnic identity crisis gathers momentum (IRIN), “To Have A Federal Structure Or Redefine The State Boundaries Based Upon Janjatis Is A Dangerous Situation”, interview with Sona Khan, Senior advocate of Supreme Court of India (sp)

19/03/2009: Parties to tighten screws on PM (kp), Defence minister's move draws 6-party flak, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Mixed reactions to generals’ retirement row (kp), Murky waters (kp), Brigadiers may knock SC doors (ht), No rethink on retirement of Generals: PM (nn), Milestone on the Maoist roadmap, by Ramesh Dahal (kp), UN rights chief on maiden visit (kp), Rights project in limbo due to NHRC-OHCHR rift: Accord was supposed to be signed in February, by Rabin Giri (ht), Reinventing Nepal, by Gagan Thapa and Sumit Sharma Sameer (kp), Pandora’s Box, by Biswas Baral (kp)

18/03/2009: Talk to govt: Prez tells Katawal, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Army officials’ retirement: Party pats Defence Minister on back (kp), Roll back brigadiers' retirement: NC, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [In a democratic state, the army is not independent but subordinate to government and parliament!!], NC steps up pressure on govt to overturn decision on NA generals' term extension (nn), Dangerous signs (ht), Nepal Army restive, ex-generals meet at Army HQ (tg), PLA fighters fed up of staying in limbo, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), The soldier and the state, by Keshar Bahadur Bhandari (kp), PM defends ordinances, withdrawal of cases (ht), Commission on missing persons in limbo: Panel to name members fails to hold its meeting (ht), Nepal spits venom at Maoist leadership (ht), Prachanda is not even a Communist, by with Laxman Chaudhary, Tharuhat United Struggle Alliance (tg), Debate On Model Of Democracy, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Federalism for Nepal, by Mahendra Lawoti (tg)

17/03/2009: Govt, Muslims seal deal (kp), Govt, Muslims ink 6-point deal (ht), Expert panel to decide PLA fate (kp), Court order for release of falsely-accused: Home secy, IGP in soup for lying to SC (kp), Contempt slur on Home Secy, IGP, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), SC initiates action against home secy and IGP for contempt of court (nn), Lawlessness, impunity top the agenda, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), A victim’s overview: The grave situation of the relatives of the detained and disappeared in Nepal, by Gladys Avila Fonseca (kp), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Nepal (nn), Parties take potshots at Maoists (kp), Ruling allies' rhetoric muzzles freedom of press, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht)

16/03/2009: Clear message (ht) Keep talking (kp), Life returns to normal as strikes end (rn), Minority communities stage protests in Nawalparasi (rn), Govt-Muslims talks positive (kp), Talks with Muslims postponed (ht), Govt ouster ‘not’ NC agenda (kp), No desire to topple govt: GPK (ht), Who’s afraid of New Delhi?, by Shyam K.C. (kp), PLA commanders want early rehabilitation of disqualified cadres (nn), PLA: Discharge minors (kp), Peace process hinges on PLA merger: PM (ht), Activists heat on govt (kp), Pyuthan attack: SC calls govt's bluff, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Mission constitution: Entry to remote areas (kp), Federalism is a big mistake, interview with David Seddon (kp), National politics: Can the Maoists steer the nation?, by Ajit NS Thapa (ht), Language stands as barrier in effective opinion collection (rn)

15/03/2009: Tharus’ Movement Against Madheshi Label, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km) Rally against banda in eastern districts: Tharu banda enters 13th day (kp), Strikes cripple public life in Terai belt (rn), Deukhuri under indefinite curfew: Two protesters killed in police action, by Durgalal KC (kp), Two die in police fire in Dang (rn), Two Tharuhat activists killed in police firing, by Uday GM and Chuma Acharya (ht), Tharu outfits call off strike, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Govt-Tharu representatives sign six point pact; Tharu agitation withdrawn (nn), Govt, agitating groups ink six-point deal, by Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn), All prostests withdrawn: Govt, agitators strike 6-pt deal (kp), PLA men attack villagers, by Motilal Poudel (kp), Youths flee Surkhet village after PLA attack, by Surya Mani Gautam (ht), Surkhet locals flee village over PLA’s highhandedness (rn), Few turn up to chip in with suggestions in capital (ht), NA recruitment storm, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), PLA decides to bulldoze through SC interim order against new recruitment (nn), Tough questions impede statute opinion collection, by Ram Mani Dahal (rn)

14/03/2009: Marginalised groups speak out for rights (kp), Tarai strike: A test of patience: Curfew clamped in Bara, Chitwan, Dang and Nawalparasi districts (ht), Two agitators killed in Dang; curfew extended for indefinite period (nn), Police kill two protestors in western Nepal (Earth Times), Police kill 2 protesters in Nepal (Times of India), Police kill 2 protesters in restive south Nepal (International Herald Tribune), Third round of Govt-Tharu talks fail; agitation to be intensified (nn), Tharus stick to their guns, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Maoist secretariat asks govt to address Tharu demands after political Consensus; PM to talk to Tharu leaders (nn), PM to talk to Tharu leaders (nn), You are now Madheshis, by Sushma Joshi (kp), Muslims hold protest rally (ht), Limbu outfit slams parties (ht), Gachchhadar: Listen to ethnic voices (kp), SC chastens Nepali Army: Orders not to hire in near future, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Says no more new recruitment; SC: NA recruitment stands (kp), SC ruling halts recruitment (rn), Bhattarai: Delhi trip a ploy (kp), What's cooking? (kp)

13/03/2009: Govt continues to feel protest heat: Muslims forge front, on agitation mode (kp), Tharu banda goes on (kp), Tamangs back Tharus' stir (ht), Muslims chart out protest programmes (ht), Muslims on warpath in Nepal (Times of India), Maoists, UML rack brains over ethnic unrest (ht), UML, Maoist to seek protest withdrawal (kp), UCPN-Maoist, UML for amending statute to pacify Tharuhat stir (rn), End The Strike (rn), The Tharu thrust: How to address ethnic aspirations while keeping a viable centre, by Prashant Jha (nt), Gupta ire at parties for inciting stir, by Shankar Regmi (ht), Koirala makes case against Maoists (kp), The recruitment issue: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement states that both the NA and the PLA will refrain from fresh recruitment until a national solution is reached, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Recruitment Issue And Peace Process, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), SC orders NA not to conduct new recruitment (nn), AG suggests compromise formula (kp), AG sings different tune in a week: Bats for govt,urges SC to issue directive to NA (ht) [??], 2,700 file applications, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), What say you? The Nepali people have not responded as expected to the CA members (kp), Constitutional Court, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), Reservations about reservation: Affirmative action failed in India, why should Nepal go down the same road?, by J B Pun Magar (nt), Think nationally, act locally (nt)

12/03/2009: Tharu banda enters Day 10 (kp), Govt fails to impress agitators (kp), Dialogue comes a cropper again, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Talks with Tharuhat inconclusive again (rn), Second round of govt-Tharu talks inconclusive (nn), Parties speak in one voice: Nod to amendment to statute, law on inclusiveness on Tharus' demands (ht), Govt, oppn parties vow win-win deal: Pledge to address agitators’ concerns (kp), Protests continue in Terai as govt-Tharu talks fail to make headway (nn), 'Tharu strike a ploy to discredit Madhesh movement' (nn), Muslim body announces protest programmes (nn), Speaker for calling Parliament pronto (kp), Experts say consensus holds sway over statute (kp), Be serious, experts tell politicians (ht), Pain and politics (ht), PLA division begins recruitment, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), Seventh division of PLA continues recruitment process defying headquarter orders (nn), Koirala begins Delhi sojourn (kp), Squatters slip into protest mood (kp), Justice at the grassroots, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Inclusiveness holds the key to lasting peace, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Women demand for equal rights in new constitution (rn), Nepal in the brink of failure?, by Indra Dhoj Kshetri (Daily Star)

11/03/2009: Govt-Tharu talks fail to cut ice (kp), Govt-Tharu talks fail to make any headway: 'Ill-prepared'Prabhakar seeks more time (ht) [It's the fundamental problem of Bahuns irrespected of their party affiliation that they do not understand ethnic issues!!], Tarai banda on (kp), Tarai longs for normal life: Holi brings relief in some places; Curfew in Banke, Nawalparasi (ht), Govt, Tharus sit for yet another round of talks (nn), Unfinished business (kp), Pushed to a corner, govt should summon House, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), PLA suspends fresh intake (kp), Plea to book law violators (kp), Mission constitution (kp), Multiculturalism or Ethnicism? This year, even as the country celebrated modern Holi, the multiethnic melting pot seems terribly shaken, if not antagonised, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Obscured truths: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission could turn out to be a tool for sanitising history, by Retika Rajbhandari (kp), Rokaya slams govt over impunity, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Speculation rife over leaders' visit to Delhi: Tongues wag over personal trips, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Koirala dismisses rumours surrounding his Delhi trip (nn), Annoyed Delhi’s fresh Nepal ploy!, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Barrier to Empowerment in Nepal, by Mahesh Banskota (tg), India has already drafted new Nepal Constitution, interview with Mani Thapa (tg)

10/03/2009: Agitating groups reject talks offer (kp), 'Sincere' govt makes public Tharus' wants, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Tharus plan to pursue carrot and stick policy (ht), Banda shows no sign of ebbing: Dozens of vehicles vandalised in Rautahat (kp), Far-western hilly districts face effects of Tarai strike (ht), Civil society's aid for the stranded (ht), Impact of Tharus' strike: Valley's petrol stock to run out in two days, by Kuber Chalise (ht), Minority groups jump on stir bandwagon (ht), Ethnic identities (ht), Leaders call govt for prompt talks to address Tharu's demands (ht), Govt announces cabinet decisions to meet Tharu demands (nn), Tharus ready to sit for talks today (nn), Govt-Tharu talks inconclusive (nn), Muslim community warning (kp), Muslims warn of agitation (ht), Balancing the scales: Social awareness of women's rights should go hand in hand with implementation of laws drafted for their uplift (kp), Nepali coalition in US to promote concerns of marginalized communities in constitution drafting (nn), Supreme Court verdict on PLA row raises constitutional poser, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Peace falls prey to running feud over hiring: The fresh bid to swell the rank and file of the NA, PLA has triggered and unwarranted row, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Military recruitments undermine peace process: EU (nn), Envoys lament troop recruitments in Nepal (Peninsula), Leaders’ visit to Delhi kicks off controversy, by Keshav P. Koirala (kp), Maoists remain alert as leaders rush to Delhi (nn), Nepal Maoists fear royalist plot in Delhi, by Sudeshna Sarkar (Asian Age), Big Two consent to speed up govt pace (kp), Rebuilding plan in limbo (kp), Opinion survey elicits too little, by Post B. Basnet (kp), Mission constitution snippets (kp), The perils of power, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Victims Await Justice From New Government: Lack of Action on Accountability Could Fuel More Rights Abuses (Human Rights Watch), Rights groups ask Nepal to prosecute Maoists, security forces (Hindustan Times)

09/03/2009: Double blow to PLA intake plan (kp), Elite panel shots down PLA's bid, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), PLA may defy AISC, SC orders (nn), Prachanda directs immediate halt of PLA recruitment (rn), Envoys urge PM to expedite rehabilitation of PLA cadres (nn), Envoys concerned over "negative" turn in Nepal peace (Reuters), Nepal's former foes ponder future, by Charles Haviland (BBC News), Informal talks come a cropper: Tharus warn of ethnic uprising (kp), Create environment for talks, Tharu leaders urge govt (rn), PM holds informal talks with fringe Tharu groups (ht), No end in sight to Tarai banda (kp), Eighth day of Terai strike see more vandalism (nn), No let up in protests, resilience name of game (ht), Crossing the line (ht), Nembang call to govt (kp), Cabinet to address Tharu demands (nn), Tharu's Stir Impacts Valley: Tarai bandh takes a toll on diet, by Sabin Chandra Acharya (ht), Passengers stranded in stir-hit Lahan (ht), Tharu leaders reject govt’s call for dialogue (nn), MJF worried over deepening rift in its core constituency (ht) [The caste elites of the Tarai ignore the interests and identities of the ethnic groups in the same way as the Tagadhari castes have done in the Pahad region for centuries!!], The Legacy of "Daura-Suruwal-Topi" Politics of Nepal, by Prakash Bom (American Chronicle), Unity among Magar community stresed (rn), Worried Khanal knocks on GPK's door (ht), Bhattarai sees plot against govt, by Krishna Acharya (kp), ‘Delhi run’ of party hotshots ruffle Maoist feathers, by Anand Gurung (nn), Nepal Maoists fear royalist plot in New Delhi (Irish Sun), UN: Allow aid supply (kp), UN concern over Terai bandh (rn), Bandh culture worries UN (ht), Clamour to shield rights defenders (kp), Snippets: Mission Constitution (kp), Tough questionnaires get CA members' goat (ht), Civil servant deployed for opinion collection found dead (nn), Tit for tat: The Maoist army has argued that if the Nepal Army could enlist new personnel, they have a right to do so too, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Boomerang effect, by AP Kumar (kp), Journalists 'tortured' to reveal Dhamala's role (ht), Relief packages to families of martyr urged (rn 09/03/2009)

08/03/2009: PM reaches out to angry Tharus: Day-long pressure prompts him to soften stand; urges peace talks (ht), Extends olive branch to Tharu agitators: Govt yields to stir (kp), PM offers talks to resolve Tharu community’s issue (rn), PM officially urges Tharus to come for dialogue (nn), No respite for Tarai (kp), Tarai Bandh: Day VI - Stir-happy Tharus’ writ runs large (ht), 3,000 passengers rescued (kp), Curfew trick comes handy for stranded passengers (ht), GPK qualm about Maoist assurance (kp), UML, NC top brass discuss ordinance row, army integration process (nn), Mission Constitution (kp), TMDP recalls CA members from opinion collection drive (ht), Spiritual empowerment, by Angur Baba Joshi (kp), Single women’s battle cry for social justice: Slew of demands come to the fore on the 99th International Women’s Day (ht), Avoiding Potential Conflicts, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Misread Future Political Events, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Kathmandu Metro), PM Dahal says there are 'elements' intent on derailing peace process (nn)

07/03/2009: PLA commander: PM doesn't count; recruitment furore (kp), PLA's 7th Division to hire 4,000 combatants (ht), Stir opens casualty account, by Chintamani Poudel (ht), Cop slain, two killed: Riots rule, curfew on in Chitwan, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), Protests resume after curfew lifted in Chitwan (nn), UN calls for end to violence by all sides in Chitwan protests (Relief Web), Stranded passengers go hungry, turn restive, by Udaya GM and Chuma Acharya (ht), Tharus' might pointer to a crippled Tarai (ht), Tharu groups turn down talks offer (nn), Govt blamed for Tharu outrage (kp), ICC accession bill back to square one (kp), Gurung pleads hurdles on Rome Statute (ht), Gorkha folks disappointed: Snippets mission constitution (kp), TMLP wants CA's public opinion drive suspended (nn) [??], Opinion collection begins in Valley (kp), GP Koirala urged to lead democratic front (kp) [????], Maoists' statute draft riles Baidya: Says it was made public without taking the party's central secretariat into confidence (ht), Disappearances in Nepal: Addressing the past, securing the future, briefing paper (International Commission of Jurists), Struck out: The everyday economic and livelihood impact of bandhs and strikes (World Food Program Nepal)

06/03/2009: PM delivers little on his populist commitments, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), PM sees glimmer of hope: Says recruitment rows will end soon (kp), Prachanda bats for 'obedient' PLA fighters (ht), PLA fresh recruitment drive gathers steam (ht), “Nepal Needs More Decentralization And Inclusion”, interview with Rei Shiratori (sp), Tharu shutdown continues (kp), Tharus' strike cripples Tarai for fourth day (ht), Passengers bear brunt of strikes (kp), Stir hits statute opinion collection drive hard (ht), Prez to lawyers: Help frame statute (kp), “If Maoists Improve Their Functioning, We Will Continue To Back This Govt”, interview with Jhalanath Khanal (sp), CA in media: Less On Content (sp), Prosecuting for rampaging of public properties, by Trilochan Upreti (sp), Media attack flayed (kp), Ban bandas: Anyone, anywhere can shut down Nepal for any reason, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Six equal provinces: Future federal units should be economically viable and include all ethnic groups within them, by Govinda Raj Joshi, Nepali Congress (nt), Mother tongue: Nepal's linguistic diversity should be seen as a strength, by Mukta Singh Tamang (nt)

05/03/2009: Case withdrawal row: SC stay order continues (kp), Army Integration (rn), Thapa: NC backed NA position (kp), Cooling tempers (ht), PLA goes ahead with recruitment, by Narayan Sharma (kp), PLA starts taking applications; 300 youths apply on first day (nn), PLA to enlist UNMIN discards, by Kumar Luitel (ht), PLA recruitment drive under fire (kp), PLA decision may derail peace bid, says UML chief (rn), Khanal: Peace in peril (kp), Writ challenges PLA recruitment (nn), Tharus not in Madhesh group yet, says Mahara (rn), No respite from banda in Tarai (kp), Terai continues to reel under shutdown strike, curfew in Lahan (nn), Indefinite ring to Tharus' strike (ht), Govt to consult concern groups (kp), Strikes hit Morang, Sunsari hard, by Binod Bhandari (kp), CA members expedite public opinion collection works (rn), CA teams fan out with 3.3 million copies of questionnaire, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Collection Or Imposition Of Opinions?, by Shyam K.C. (rn), CA member plays dual role with aplomb, by Bharat Koirala (ht), Mission new constitution (kp), Bottoms up!, by Surendra R. Devkota (kp), Liar or outlier?, by Biswas Baral (kp), Revolution not complete yet: Dr. Bhattarai (rn), Tarun Dal threatens to form army (ht) [All political and social organizations should form armies! This would solve Nepal's numerous problems within a few weeks, definitely and forever!], OHCHR-N's sermon on public security (ht), Lawyers' meet calls for end to impunity (ht)

04/03/2009: No comments from Maoists: PLA begins recruitment (kp), PLA hiring drive kicks off (ht), UNMIN says PLA recruitment is against peace accord (nn), Rights bodies slam PLA's recruitment call (ht), Koirala's astonished as PM 'does about face on PLA recruitment issue so soon' (nn), PLA recruitment not a good sign for peace process: UML chairman (nn), SC split over Army recruitment, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), SC divided over vacating stay on NA recruitment (ht), Prachanda woos GPK again to join ruling coalition (ht), GPK snubs Dahal offer: Not to join govt (kp), Paswan voices Dalit concerns (kp), Rautes: Govt soft on pledge (kp), Tharu banda enters Day II (kp), Tharus' writ runs large in Tarai, by Udaya GM (ht), CA statute opinion team faces Tharus' wrath, by Shivaraj Bhatta (ht), Govt to consult before preparing Madhesi list (nn), Mother of all surveys (kp), Mission new constitution (kp), History in the making, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Split And Unity Among Leftists, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Writing The New Constitution, by Laxmi Bahadur Baidya (rn)

03/03/2009: Madhesi categorsation: Govt gets three days to make amendment (kp), Govt to come up with separate list of indigenous groups (nn), Banda hits Tarai life (kp), Identity crisis-struck Tharus’ turn to shut down Tarai (ht), Ethnic groups stage chakka jam (ht), Indigenous nationalities’ wish-list for statute, by Tika R Pradhan (ht), Madhesi parties on new mission: Trying to woo Tharus in western Tarai, by Janak Nepal (kp), PLA also starts recruitment (nn), PLA calls for fresh intake (kp), Nepal Maoists seek to recruit over 12,000 new fighters (Hindustan Times), Nepal peace at risk as Maoists plan hiring fighters (Relief Web), Young warriors, by Yadab Bastola (kp), Number of mental patients rising in PLA (nn), Life affected in Maoist heartland due to bandh (ht), Maoist version of constitution out (kp), UCPN-Maoist brings out new statute draft, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Media mission call to govt: Shield journalists, media houses (kp), Post, Kantipur copies torched (kp), Pledges For Press Freedom (rn), UML boss’ tall claim (kp) [A party with 7 Bahuns among the top 8 positions cannot be called revolutionary!!], Hearing on in Veep oath row (ht), A fine balance (kp), Continued fragility, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Nembang trains gun on govt (ht), Parliamentary system: Competent leaders can deliver, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Presidential System, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (rn), PM agrees to call winter parliamentary session by March 28 (nn)

02/03/2009: Madhesi Categorisation Furore: Tharus to take to streets (kp), Tharus enlistment as Madhesis dubbed a huge blunder (ht), Darais follows suit (kp), Down south (kp) [a comment that proves great misunderstanding of Nepal's ethnic situation and the history of NEFIN!], Recruitment Hearing: Army ropes in heavyweights (kp), Attorneys' bid to trivialise hiring row (ht), NA's legal masterstroke packs a punch, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Koirala, Nepal rap attacks on Press (kp), The UML should get to lead the country, interview with Jhala Nath Khanal (kp) [??], Bhattarai flays UML, NC for trying to topple govt (ht), Maoists' statute draft to go public (ht), Maoists unveil their proposed constitution for federal Nepal (nn), Nepali Congress against unilateral formation of panel on the missing (ht), 'Basic policy on integration finalised' (rn), Continued strike paralyses Terai life (nn)

01/03/2009: Ethnic groups warn of nationwide stir, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), TKS irked as govt lists Tharus under Madhesi community, declars stir (nn), Coalition takes up Army recruitment (kp), PM: Media trying to besiege govt (kp), Media urged to play positive role (ht), Attacks on press freedom unacceptable, say NC, UML leaders (nn), ‘Media support must’: CA Chairman: Help collect public opinion (kp), NC leader ruffles Maoist feathers (kp)

28/02/2009: Cabinet seal on 7,000 martyrs (ht), Govt declares 8,000 martyrs: Offers 13,500 staff golden handshake (kp), Govt attorneys to defend NA in SC (ht), TMDP flexes bandh muscle in Tarai, normal life paralysed (ht), Banda hits life in Tarai (kp), Tharus announce protests: Cut up with govt for enlisting them as Madhesis (ht), Tharuhat threat cripples village bodies in Dang, by Durgalal KC (kp), Nepal Army guilty of Maoists' seizure sin, by Rajesh Prasad Barma (ht), Majorities and minorities, by Prakash A. Raj (kp)

27/02/2009: Rights group’s inputs for statute-making (kp), Prez told about rising impunity (ht), Rights abuse blatant in Nepal: US (ht), NGOs Federation focuses on women's rights in statute (ht), Violence against women, girl trafficking continues (rn), Khanal: Maoists will be kept at a distance (kp) [In a coalition government? You have to cooperate in government and CA in the interest of the Nepali people who have given both your parties together an absolute majority of votes in the elections!!], Parties submit drafts on new constitution (rn), Operating systems (kp), Prez system a no-no: Koirala (kp), Deserters warn of armed struggle (kp), Conflict-hit security men threaten armed revolt (ht), Underground outfit cadre shot dead (kp), The need for justice, by Patrick Leahy (kp), They bungled it, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), FNJ launches Phase IV protests (ht), Working journo act to come into force April 14 (rn), Bandh generation (ht), Muslims want identity, representation... (nt), Rules of war: Ratifying treaties is necessary, but to respect their obligations is indispensable, by Jacques Moreillon (nt), Another letter from home: One year after agreement, lessons still haven't been learnt in the Madhes, by CK Lal (nt), The centre can't hold: All the parties are competing to appease the militants, by Prashant Jha (nt), Barricades to growth: The highway to Nepal's progress is blocked, by Artha Beed (nt), TMLP strike affects life adversely in Terai districts (nn)

26/02/2009: Khanal: CPN-UML ready to lead govt, by Amrita Anmol (kp) [???], YCL to punish ‘criminals’ (kp) [This means nothing but anarchy!!], Prakash threatens another 'revolution' (ht) [???], State, non-state parties involved in rights violations’ (nn) [see report by U.S. Department of State, 25/02/2009], Ending impunity (kp), Growing impunity tramples upon rule of law, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Maoist party for pro-people statute (rn), Maoists for presidential system (kp), NMKP for presidential system (nn), Presidential perspectives (rn), Koirala urges parties to avert disintegration (kp), Economic viability basis of federalism: GPK: NC orients party's CA members as teams prepare to fan out across nation (ht), Losar marked with call for ethnic autonomy (ht), Polls apart, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Dalits denied access to drinking water, by Byas Shankar Upadhyay (ht), Maoists' vaulting ambition: A challenge to reckon with, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (ht)

25/02/2009: Govt will give justice to conflict victims, says PM (kp), Rs 420M for conflict victims (rn) [Justice does not means only compensation but also punishment of the guilty and responsible persons!!], IGP: Political will key to curb crime (kp), IGP Thakuri calls for anti-terrorism law (ht), New armed outfit formed (kp), Koirala likens federalism to walking on sword’s edge (nn), Koirala continues tirade against PM (kp), Maoists trying to impose autocracy, says Koirala (ht), ‘Regressive forces active’ (kp), New UML chairman says govt of ‘national consensus’ his first priority, plans to rope in NC (nn), Revolution Number 3, by Surendra R Devkota (kp), Land rights body stages sit-in (ht), Main aim of drafting new constitution yet to be fulfilled: CA chair (nn), Maoists prepares draft of new constitution (nn), Present opposition is not a constructive one and is not in favor of national unity, by Dina Nath Sharma (tg)

24/02/2009: Will public opinion count?, by Post B Basnet (kp), SC order puts NA in dilemma, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [??], CoAS: Army will accept people’s decision (kp) [This should have been aout of question!!], Army must be kept free from politics, says CoAS (ht) [But it has to obey to the government's order!!], MJF boss raises voice against PLA integration (ht), A people's army?, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Contradictions galore in ordinance on missing, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Maoists to propose presidential system (nn), Govt serious towards taking peace process to conclusion: Mahara (nn), Nepal: Operational Space - 01 to 31 January 2009 (OCHA) [map]

23/02/2009: SC orders NA to halt recruitment till March (kp), SC stays NA recruitment; Direction impractical: Army (ht) [????], NC sounds chilling warning to govt (kp), ‘Squatters’, cops clash: 17 hurt (kp), Govt, Tarai Tigers smoke peace pipe, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Nepal should implement the Geneva Convention (kp), Lessons of war, by Ranadhoj Limbu (Angbuhang) (kp) [see also part 2 (24/02/2009)], Political maturity The need of the hour, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), RLW to unite with Matrika (nn)

22/02/2009: Country in doldrums (kp), Matrika warns of fresh armed rebellion (ht), SC issues order to halt army recruitment (nn) [Hopefully, the army leadership understands what this means with all its consequences!!]

21/02/2009: Peace process under duress: Report (kp), Diaspora in US recommends presidential system in Nepal (ht), Washington Nepal Forum sends recommendations for statute (kp), Govt accused of promoting impunity (ht), Govt 'not serious' about Tarai talks (ht), NLRF backs rights of landless (ht), Pressing times, by Aayush Sakya (kp), Early Constitution Making, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Singh-led MMT announces talks team (nn), MJF now warns to walk out (nn)

20/02/2009: ICG says Nepal's peace process faltering (nn) [see full report as PDF file],  Killing stats (kp) [see summary of INSEC yearbook], TMLP chief hangs on federalism (kp), Delaying tactics, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), PM: Govt to foil plots against statute-writing (rn), PM Dahal expresses frustration over govt not becoming agent of big changes (nn), After the war, Rolpa fights neglect: "Our party is in power, but they don't care for us", by Kiyoko Ogura (nt), Concerns, consensus and the constitution, interview with Subhas Nembang (nt), In mufti (nt), The rise of the diaspora: Rulers back home are rewarding long-distance patriots, by CK Lal (nt), Loser takes all: A 'New Nepal' is over-promised and under-delivered, by Ashutosh Tiwari (nt), The hunt for common ground: Let's focus on the points of agreement and move ahead, by Radheshyam Adhikari (nt), Political transition: Nepal yet to embrace democracy, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Heading For Consensus: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and other fringe parties seem to be close to consensus on parliamentary forms of government in constitution (sp), "Parliamentary Democratic System Is Best Suited For Nepal", by Govinda Raj Joshi, Nepali Congress (sp), "Nepal Must Develop Its Original Concept On Federalism", by Girija Prasad Koirala (sp) [Just as King Mahendra once developed Nepal's original concept of democracy??], "A presidential system of government is not a good choice for Nepal", interview with Bipin Adhikari (sp)

19/02/2009: Statistics detail growing lawlessness: Blot on NHRC’s record in Human Rights Year Book 2009 (ht), Red activists killed 21, abducted 326 (kp), Impunity goes on: OHCHR-N (kp), Status quoist Vs change: Mahara (kp), Ordinances to end transition: Thapa (kp), Army integration on time: Badal (ht), PLA not parallel body of NA: Badal (rn), National security policy, by Geja Sharma Wagle (ht), PM says he’s committed to democracy (ht), Prime ministerial vs presidential system, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CA members refuse to go to remote districts (nn), Nepal's Faltering Peace Process, (International Crisis Group, Asia Report N°163)

18/02/2009: PIL filed against NA drive (ht), PIL filed against army recruitment (nn), Ecology of politics, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Democracy day being observed today (nn) [18 February 1951 was less the start of democracy than the beginning of restoration of royal powers!!], Abuses Impunity Encourages Violence - UN (Scoop), Human rights organisations appeal for early end of impunity (nn), PM Dahal express commitment to human rights, multiparty contention, press freedom on D-Day (nn), Gloomy politics, by N.P. Upadhyaya (tg), Maoists must remain under the ambit of Constitution and practice competitive multi-party system, interview with Ram Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress (tg), Forms and Origins of Discrimination, by Krishna B, Bhattachan (tg)

17/02/2009: CA members reluctant to visit remote areas (kp), Dahal steals show at UML’s 8th convention: Titans still in mood for clash, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Leaders vow to stand for consensus, by Shreedhar Acharya and K.P. Gautam (rn), Maoists form panels to draft statute (kp), NA tome spells out new security policy: Document underlines threats to nation; Seeks more pro-active role for the CoAS, by Prakash Acharya (ht), NA recommends formation of Defense Council headed by CoAS (nn) [??], Opposing tendencies, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), In need of renewal, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Ordinance on disappearance Serious shortcomings, by Govinda Sharma Bandi (ht)

16/02/2009: Parties told to drop opinion on statute (kp), Four yrs on, Bandarmude awaits justice, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Fake documents for damages, by Arjun Shah (kp), Losing Matrika: Yadav’s defection makes it difficult for the Maoists to build a Madheshi base (kp), The pretext of civilian control, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Prachanda in line of rights body’s fire (ht), Govt claims of returning seized property in 24 dists (ht), Muslims miffed at govt for ignoring identity, by Laxmi Maharjan (ht), 'Lack of progress in Maina Sunuwar case an example of culture of impunity' (nn)

15/02/2009: Orders party activists to stand ready; PM: Another revolution not far (kp), Prachanda asks cadres to be ready for 'final revolution' (Hindustan Times), Recruitment row UNMIN’s doing: Deuba (kp) [Prevent this most failed politicians of the 1990 system from bringin g another harm to Nepal!!], Political Polarization in Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), Minister Yadav says there's no alternative to current govt (nn), Unified CPN-M expels Matrika from party (ht), Unified (Maoist) expels Matrika (kp), 100 cadres join Matrika’s fold (kp), Attack on OHCHR office condemned (ht), Bomb attack on UN office flayed: Govt urged to book the attackers (kp), Gupta for harmony between Madhesis and Pahadis (ht), Series of bandhs hit Biratnagar, by Shekhar Regmi (ht), Sharma: Commission on disappeared on horizon (kp), Country is at semi-colonial stage: Khanal (rn)

14/02/2009: Army chief speaks at CA: Keep Army away from politics, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), 'Don't drag NA into political row' (ht) [Everything that has to do with the army is political: future size, future tasks, integration of PLA, people's supremacy, responsibility for former crimes, etc.!!], PLA integration top priority for Maoists, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Heed The Instruction (rn), Quit govt: Gajurel (kp) [You have been elected by the people to reform the country, not to hand it over to the forces and persons that have failed under the 1990 system!!] Biplav voices radical thought: Warns of seizure of power if govt is toppled (ht), More Maoists go Matrika's way, by Surendra Kafle (ht), Unified CPN-M 'expels' Matrika Yadav (nn), GPK paints a grim picture of nation (ht) [and a great share of responsibility goes to the NC!!], Parliamentary system okay: NC (kp), Blast at OHCHR Nepalgunj office (kp), NHRC condemns bomb attack at OHCHR office; asks govt to beef up security (nn), Ordinance on missing draws flak (ht), Nembang rules out foreign aid for statute (ht)

13/02/2009: PLA integration to go by interim constitution, by Rajesh Chamling Rai (rn), ‘Army merger for the sake of peace’ (nn), PM urges PLA to be patient: Says integration a few months away, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Prachanda tells PLA to stay fighting fit (ht), Disqualified PLA fighters worry about future, by Kumar Luitel (ht), Rehabilitate The Released Combatants, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), VDIS 08/09: An amnesty scheme with fear factor, by Vidhyadhar Mallik (ht), Power to the people, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (kp), Rebel rebellion: Danger not just to the peace process, but of a brewing ethnic conflict, by J B Pun (nt), Anarchy in the east: All the disparate groups of young men share is making threats of violence, by Deepak Rauniyar (nt), From the frying pan? The Maoist class war could turn ethno-separatist if the comrades aren't careful, by Purna Basnet (nt), The ethnic edge (nt), Back to square one: Expect another Madhes movement by April, by Prashant Jha (nt), Federalism isn't a zero sum game: The solution is to go for a compromise mixed-model of federalism, by Pari Thapa (nt), NA chief describes recruitment issue as 'internal matter' (nn) [You have to obey the orders of the government, without any doubt! So, there can be neither excuse nor understanding for your disloyal procedure!!], NSP withdraws support to govt (nn)

12/02/2009: Matrika formally severs ties with Unified Maoist (kp), Matrika breaks away from UCPN-M: Says corruption, nepotism plaguing Prachanda's party (ht), Recruitment permission was not granted: Badal (rn), Thapa: Recruitment row may cost peace (kp), Laws to rein in NA in offing: Badal (ht), Syaulibang folks reminded of insurgency days, by Numaraj Khanal and Kashiram Dangi (kp), Gautam: Security better (kp), Call to prioritise public opinion campaign (kp), No comprende (kp), Direct election!, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Novel set of fundamental rights' date with constitution-in-making, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Broken promises, by Naresh Koirala (kp), NRNA forms Constitution Suggestion Committee (nn), Maoists ready to pay the price for fulfilling people's wish: PM Dahal (nn)

11/02/2009: Prez puts stamp on 3 ordinances (kp), Prez nod to ordinances, not to bad governance (ht), Attack on Basnet a ploy: PM (kp), Attack cowardice: PM, 15 suspected of assault nabbed (rn), Déjà vu (kp), Public opinion on statute dismal, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Nembang invites ministers, secys for meet on statute (ht), Matrika announces split (kp), Matrika Yadav to announce his party today (nn), PM Dahal meets Prez, 'grills' army chief (nn ), 1,000 copies of tabloid torched: Two media houses attacked in Butwal, by Amrita Anamol (kp), Calls to protect press: FNJ warns of decisive stir (kp), Kangaroo courts flourishing in eastern districts (ht), Jungle talk, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Back to the basics (ht), Concerns facing Nepal, interview with Krishna B. Bhattachan (tg), Instability is due to systemic flaws, by Gunanidhi Sharma (tg)

10/02/2009: Allies join clamour against govt move: 18 parties seek special session of parliament, by Prakash Acharya (ht), 18 parties urge PM to summon House: Ordinances draw fire, by Bishnu  Budhathoki (kp), Parties okayed ordinances: PM (ht), Ordinances under Dr Yadav’s scrutiny (kp), President Yadav approves three ordinances (nn) [!!], Govt to last full term: MJF (ht), PM's PA survives assassination bid (ht), PM’s personal secretary shot at (kp), Govt condemns attack on PM’s aide (nn), Pyuthan assault: Outlawed outfit owns up attack, by Devendra Barma (ht), Mongolian Army owns up responsibility for Pyuthan attacks (nn), Maoists are laying disappearance blame on state's door, interview with Prakash Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress (ht), MJF chairman: Congress, UML against inclusiveness (kp), Wrong touch (kp), Legitimacy crisis, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Maoists see red in Nepal, by Dhruba Adhikary (Asia Times), Over 300 attacks on press in Nepal: media group (Gulf Times)

09/02/2009: Service centres after political consensus (kp), Govt rolls back decision to set up new ISCs, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), NA completes Recruitment (kp) [???], Defense Minister Thapa blames 'foreign hand' behind NA complacency (nn), NA-displaced await damages (kp) [One of the numerous crimes of the army!!], Prez, UML chieftain dwell on ordinances (kp), Govt can introduce ordinance: VP Jha (nn), NC calls all-party meet today, by Kul Chandra Neupane (kp), All-party meeting today; NC to press for special parliamentary session if Maoists don't 'behave' (nn), Ruling coalition's days numbered, efforts on to form new govt: GPK (ht) [Lord may save Nepal from another GPK government! He was six times PM of the 1990 system and has highest responsibility for its failure! That's why the NC got only 20% of the votes!!!], Press still under threat: Media mission (kp), Press freedom situation worsening: International Media Mission (ht), Tharuwan strike extended till today (ht), JTMM-R threatens to wage war (ht), An eye-opener (ht), The royal regime misused ordinances, interview with Subhas Nembang (kp), Who gets what?, by Sanjeeb Ghimire (kp)

08/02/2009: Pyuthan police post attacked; cop killed (ht) [Now, radical Janjati organizations also seem to become more militant!], Cop killed as armed men storm police post in Pyuthan (kp), Tharuwan bandh paralyses life in several districts (ht), Strike brings normal life at complete halt in Kailali (rn), Bandh cripples life in western Terai; seven vehicles set ablaze (nn), Tharus: We are not Madheshis (kp), Terai Issue: A Big Challenge, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), PM biased against Nepal Army: Koirala (ht) [To value the army properly, you must also investigate its numerous crimes during the times of insurgency and its role in the royal putsch!!], PLA integration will invite civil war, says Sushil (ht) [And not punishing the criminal elements within the army will prevent justice!], Nepal: End impunity (kp), Nembang refused to lead panel on missing persons, by Rabin Giri (ht), Don't attend PLA function: Prez tells PM, Defense Minister (nn), Fewer states suit Nepal, opine experts (ht), German team tells parties to unite for statute (ht), Coalition partner in knots over ordinance (kp), Experts clamour for referendum (kp), Stress On Law And Order (rn), Fear still looms over Nepali media: Int'l mission (nn)

07/02/2009: Left leader calls for fight against federalism (ht), Brahmins in line of Tharu leader’s fire (ht), Maoists to return seized property in Kapilvastu, by Krishna Prasad Dhakal (ht), NHRC chief vents anger (kp), Revisiting strategic intent, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (kp), Question Of Development, Peace, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), President Yadav urges parties to settle ordinance row (nn)

06/02/2009: Govt to bring three more ordinances: Protests no Deterrent, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Govt mulling over few more ordinances (nn), Cabinet nod to three ordinances (ht), AISC to govt: Release minors pronto (kp), PM: YCL now a political outfit (kp), Disqualified to be discharged soon (ht), Leaders: Free media in peril (kp), Can he or can't he? by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Stop torture now, by Raj Kumar Siwakoti (kp) [... and punish all those who have ever tortured, ordered torture and allowed torture!!], Consolidating Peace, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Tharu outfit forms army, warns of stir (ht), Including the Madhes: Madhesi people still don't trust Kathmandu is ready to address their grievances, by Chandra Kishor (nt), The spring storm: The Maoists want more influence in the Madhes, by CK Lal (nt), No comment: There have been disappointingly few proposals from the public to the constitutional committees, by Dhruba Simkhada (nt)

05/02/2009: Rift in coalition affects Cabinet (kp), GP Koirala for carving out Nepali model of federalism (kp), Expert’s sutra for federal units (kp), Top leaders concur on Nepali model of federalism (nn), FNJ ruffles govt feathers (kp), Clarion call for service centres (kp), Dashed hopes, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (kp), Only in Nepal: Survival of the fittest, by Bihwas Baral (kp), PM Dahal defends YCDL, calls it a political group (nn), AISC decides to start rehabilitation of disqualified Maoist combatants (nn), Fear is the key for UNMIN discards, by Shivraj Bhatt (ht), Can The Government Do It?, by By Shyam K.C. (rn), Little progress made to keep PM's word on NC demands, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Meeting Schedule, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Ordinance Raj: Undermining Legislature, by Keshab Poudel (sp), "We Are Bringing The Govt To Right Track", interview with Bhim Rawal (sp), Prime Minister Prachanda makes an emotional appeal for nation-building, but draws flak from parties (sp)

04/02/2009: Army recruitment row: SAC to summon defence minister (kp), Culture of impunity must end: FNJ (kp), Govt withdraws journo Thakuri’s murder case, by Chitranga Thapa (kp), PR results basis for local body formation (kp), Seven major parties agree to form local bodies (nn), What's the hurry? (kp), Politics of polemics, by Abhi Subedi (kp)

03/02/2009: Maoist parliamentary party statute endorsed, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Nod to introduce ordinances fairly (kp), Maoist-UML Understanding (rn), UML sermon to PM on ordinance controversy (ht), President Yadav consults with experts on ordinances (nn), Ordinances flout democratic norms, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [Basically, you are right, but what shall the government do if the Nepali Congress and other parties boycott the democratic process, i.e. the parliament?], Martin for burying recruitment row (kp), SAC to quiz Defence Minister over NA recruitment row (nn), Implement past agreements: Martin (ht), Clamour for govt integrated service (kp) [Obviously, the interests of the people and those of the self claimed leaders are different!], Displaced security personnel announce eight-day stir programme (ht), Predictions and constraints, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Sincerely yours, open letter to PM Pushpa Kamal Dhala by Alok K. Bohara (kp)

02/02/2009: Opening of 4 Tarai centres put on hold (ht), Madhesh policy in a week: Maoists’ Madhesh drive from Feb 12 (kp), Madhes consensus eludes Maoists (ht), Govt prepares to start reservation in Army (nn), Reservation hope for women (kp), Call for Terai shutdown over quota (Guld Times), Maoist, UML vow not to indulge in slanging match (ht), Big Two take rift on trust (kp), The front issue (ht), Maoists, UML to promulgate ordinances after political consultations (nn), Mahara: Imperialists fiddling (kp), Minister Mahara calls for 'new understanding' among parties (nn), After 3 yrs, NA returns seized land in Kaski, by Bibhu Bhushal (ht), Little progress on return of seized properties (kp), Can’t stop land capture: Baidya (kp), Outgoing Martin urges army to stop recruitment (rn), Martin urges parties to end dispute over army recruitment (nn), I regret that the offer for UN assistance wasn't taken up, interview with Ian Martin (kp), A serious test, by A P Kumar (kp), Thus spake Prachanda, by Shyam K.C. (kp), UN: Nepal must address victims of insurgency (iht)

01/02/2009: EU concerned about govt's priorities (ht), EU: Keep controversy at bay (kp), HRW, AI say govt's human rights bill flawed, needs to be sent to parliament for review (nn), Prachanda defends ordinance issuance (ht), PM lashes out at detractors (kp), Ordinances to bring quick relief to people: PM (rn), Nepal sees disaster coming (ht), Dispensable victims, by Retika Rajbhandari (kp), Maoists need to mend ways: Khanal (ht), UML warns of following in Maoists’ footsteps (kp), Maoists, UML agree to end war of words (nn), Tarai leaders want decision on service centres revoked (ht), Tharu body warns govt (kp), Buddha's 'sons' oppose quota, call Terai shutdown (Hindustan Times), On Madhesh Issues (rn), Govt withdraws decision to establish 'administrative centres' in Terai districts (nn), Inclusion Of Dalits In The New Constitution, by Bharat Nepali (rn), Martin meets PM; suggests early start of army integration process (nn)

31/01/2009: We are here too: The state is once again ignoring the assertions of identity across the nation (kp), CA members split over province formation (kp), Maoists for One-Madhesh Various-States policy, by Renu Kshetry (kp), Maoist meet rules out single Madhes state (ht), Plots in guise of movement will be foiled, by By Nandalal Tiwari (rn), MJF stands firm on single Madhesh state: Yadav (kp), Tyranny raising head: Koirala (kp) [Such things could have been decided in a democratic way by the parliament if the latter had not been boycotted by the NC and smaller parties!!], Int’l right groups express concern (kp), Mahara says no rollback (kp), Ordinances 'within statute limits' (ht), Journalist threatened with death (kp), FNJ takes stock of journalists' insecurity, by Somnath Banstola (ht), PLA to follow suit if NA recruits: PLA chief (kp), NC potshot at Maoists over NA hiring drive (ht) [The army does not need any recruitment; it's already too big! Stop these stupid threats and discussions!], NA recruitment process on despite controversy (nn) [There are obviously forces at work that want to destroy the peace process!], Lost in transition, by Amresh Singh (kp), PM confers with European envoys, says govt is ready to take parties into confidence (nn)

30/01/2009: PM for Maoist policy to tackle Madhesh issues (kp), Concerns of Madhesis ignored: PM (ht), PM for cautious resolution of Madhesi issues (rn), PM Dahal orders security heads to beef-up Terai security (nn), TMLP to hit Tarai streets (kp), Tharuhut on warpath, three VDC offices shut (kp), "Army integration won't be easy", interview with Ian Martin (nt), Guerrillas in our midst (nt), Gurung warns of action against army chief (ht), Pun warns of recruitment in PLA, Martin objects NA recruitment (nn), Jana Andolan-injured still in coma: Family seeks 'living martyr'status for him, by Kedar Timalsina (ht), Siraha forest demined (kp), Ordinances not meant to undermine system: Gurung (rn), Mutual Exclusivity (rn), UML stresses inter-party discussions (kp), Govt promoting violence: Pahadi (ht), CPN-UML, Maoist cadres clash; 10 hurt, by Surya Prakash Kandel (ht), The wild bunch, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Null and void: The PM's  speech was rich in rhetoric but otherwise empty, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Five suspects made public, by Manika Jha (kp), 'Masterminds' behind Uma Singh's killing made public, by Brij Kumar Yadav (ht), The view from India: Delhi is wary, but the solutions to our crises must be found domestically, by Prashant Jha (nt), Power to people: The constitution needs to ensure that the lion's share of executive power resides with central government, by Tikaram Bhattarai (nt)

29/01/2009: Govt introduces three ordinances, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), Koirala opposes new ordinances; accuses govt of undermining parliamentary system (nn), Minister Gurung counters NC allegations over ordinances (nn), Govt reserves 45 pc public service seats for disadvantaged (rn), An Equitable Society (rn), Maoist statute toward communism (kp), CPN-UML, Maoists agree to narrow down differences (rn), Joint front for autonomous states (kp), Women joining journalism to highlight female plight, by Surendra Subedi (kp), Housewives of Makwanpur demand books (rn), Compensation urged (rn), The scapegoat generation, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Myopic nation, by Aditya Baral (kp), Govt forms panel to define Madhesis, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Foreign forces creating trouble in Terai: PM (nn), NA to stay apolitical, says CoAS (ht), PLA merger with NA opposed (ht), MKN not clear on CC role (ht), Impunity on rise: NHRC (ht), Prachanda's new Nepal a pipe-dream at best of times, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Indian Foreign Minister claims Indian influence on the 12-point pact (nn)

28/01/2009: Thapa to NA: Don’t defy govt directive, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Defiance to cost army officers dear: Badal, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Baidya blames a section of army officers for recruitment imbroglio (nn), 'Govt trying to intimidate army' (nn), Nepalese Maoists warn army leader, by Charles Haviland (BBC News), Old promises: The PM reiterated old promises, but new sincerity to implement them wasn't evident (kp), Commitments Renewed (rn), PM’s address draws FNJ flak (kp), Speaking for the citizenry, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Dr Bhattarai: UML help not at hand (kp), Deuba continues verbal attack (kp), Gang-rape accused granted amnesty, by Shiva Puri (kp) [Raping is a crime and has to be punished severely! Stop these politics of impunity immediately!!], Govt under fire on rights issues (kp), NHRC: Govt promoting impunity (ht), Conclude Peace Process Expeditiously, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Media 'ignoring' minority issues (ht), Madhav Nepal’s allegations will have negative impact on the entire peace-process, interview with Barshaman Pun 'Ananta', PLA Deputy Commander and Maoist central secretariat member (tg), New Dynamics of Conflict in Nepal, by Hari Bansh Jha (tg), Susta and Kalapani are two complex issues of border dispute with India, interview with Ptrime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (tg), Precarious situation (tg), Dialogue essential to end Madhes unrest, by Chadrakishor (tg), Insurgency victims submit memo to President (nn), PM Dahal confers with Khanal over worsening Maoist-UML ties (nn), The Rule of Law in Nepal, by Prakash Bom (Global Politician)

27/01/2009: Leaders explore ways to federalism (kp), Statute drafting picks momentum, experts consulted (rn), Commitments Renewed (rn), The people matter (ht), Prachanda means business: Secys urged to live up to his commitments (ht), Mixed reaction to PM’s speech (ht), Defense minister wants NA to stop recruitments (nn), Rolpa cops on weapons seizing spree, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Age of responsibility, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Conclude Peace Process Expeditiously, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn)

26/01/2009: 12-point pact with SPA obsolete: PM (ht), PM tries to allay apprehensions, by Bishnu Budhathoki (kp), PM stresses self reliance, end to impunity (rn), Leaders not impressed (kp), Koirala: Time to set another example (kp), Onward Ho! The NC's proposal raises hopes that the CA process will be expedited (kp), Federal Democratic Republic (rn), Constitutional experts say ethnicity-based federalism won't work (nn), Don’t promote narrow ethnic issues: CA chair Nemwang (nn), Recruitment controversy, by Ram Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress (kp), Enter the YCDL, by Shyam K.C. (kp), We believe in democracy with social justice (kp), CC turns to experts for rights of downtrodden (ht), Prachanda vows to ban dowry, end untouchability (Gulf Times)

25/01/2009: CA panels push demand list for statute-drafting (kp), UNMIN to stay here till July 23 (ht), Oli for disarming outfits, by Chitranga Thapa (kp), Bid to disarm PLA will spur revolt: FM (ht), Oli claims agreement over army integration ‘wrongly interpreted’ (nn), Bhattarai hits back at UML (kp), Constitution must ensure territorial integrity: Expert (ht), Carve out states based on caste: Gurung (ht), NC begins debate on state structure: Draft proposes direct vote for PM (ht), Kiranti roots for right to own guns (ht) [He has obviously lost his mind! This is one of the worst ideas for crime ridden Nepal!!], Statute drafting main job: UML leader (ht) [This statement is contrary to reality!!], Call to make Nepali official language (kp), ‘Right to self determination unites nation’ (rn), Multi-Faceted Prachanda, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Kathmandu Metro), PM Dahal calls for comprehensive political understanding (nn), Nepalese Premier expresses frustration over inability to work (Monster and Critics)

24/01/2009: 'Gagged' journos play international card (ht), Maoist CA member rejects murder slur (nn), 2 capital-based journos threatened (kp), Maoists wake up to Madhes reality (ht), Maoists to discuss with Tarai outfits (kp), Prachanda urges SC to respect cabinet decision (ht) [The judiciary has to be independent from government decisions!], Kiranti roots for autonomous federal states (ht), UNMIN to stay 6 months more (kp), Security Council extends mandate of Nepal mission (Peninsula), Gorkha tense after Maoists, UML clash (kp)

23/01/2009: Dahal pledges action (kp), PM emphasises on curbing impunity (rn), PM backs FNJ's drive (ht), PM-Koirala meet to mend fences (kp), Question for Survival (sp), Civil servants to govt: Shield us (kp), MJF to quit govt, CA if deals neglected (rn), Yadav threatens to quit coalition, CA over Madhes (ht), SP gangs up with TMDP against govt (ht), Still a mess: The only hope for the Madhes is sensitive and sincere dealings by Kathmandu, by Prashant Jha (nt), Tharu autonomy: We want a real Tharu autonomy, not One Madhes Pradesh, by Rajkumar Lekhi (nt), Nepal takes a swipe at Maoists (ht), Total control: There is no doubt that the Maoist goal is one-party communist totalitarianism, by Naryan Khadga, a leading NC politician (nt), Dismounting the tiger: Time for PKD to say what he means and take responsibility, by CK Lal (nt), Something's got to be done, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Make Peace (rn), Golden mean (ht), A role for experts (nt), In a mismanaged state: Since we don't implement our plans, problems mutate into disasters, by Ashutosh Tiwari (nt), The request of Nepal for United Nations assistance in support of its peace process, by Ian Martin (sp), "If Three Big Parties Undermine Us, They Cannot Make A Constitution Acceptable To Us", interview with Bishwendra Paswan, Dalit Janajati Party (sp), Under Communist Domination: For the first time in last sixty years, Nepal's largest democratic party does not have significant role in constitution making, by Keshab Poudel (sp) [Do you want to say that the NC is democratic and the other parties are not even though they have got the people's mandate?]

22/01/2009: Maoist, NA at loggerheads, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Who's the boss? The Army's rejection of government instructions to stop recruitment undermines the principle of civilian supremacy, by Shobhakar Budhathoki (kp), Maoists face land-grab charge (kp), Maoists to ‘legally’ keep seized mobikes (kp), RPP chairman slams Maoists (kp), Perception of NC as foe is a major Maoist blunder: Khanal (kp), UML gen secy blames Maoists, NC for country’s mess (nn), Talking about revolution, by Biswas Baral (kp), PM refutes his party's hand in Uma Singh's murder (nn), OHCHR concerned over risks to victims (nn), Sadbhavana Party also threatens stir (nn)

21/01/2009: Murder most foul, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Property whiff behind Uma Singh's murder: TEP chairman owns up to crime, passes buck as mistaken identity, by Rajesh Prasad Barma (ht), Protests against impunity continue (kp), Khanal: Ensure land rights for women (kp), Panel to monitor PM commitment (kp), SC judges: avoid hasty decision on federalism (kp), Supreme Court justices warn against the right to secession (ht), Disintegration imminent, if Federalism adopted, interview with Chitra Bahadur K.C., chairman of Rashtriya Jana Morcha (tg), Walk the talk: The Maoists must continue to reach out to the other parties (kp), We are all ears, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Management of post-conflict transition in Nepal: Issues & Concerns, by Bishnu Raj Upreti (tg 21/01/2009)

20/01/2009: Journo’s murder: FNJ unveils fresh protest (kp), FNJ's protest enters second phase today (ht), Another murder ‘suspect’ held (kp), Babban says Maoist lawmaker behind journo murder (nn), Another journo threatened (ht), Rebels and criminals, by Aditya Adhikari (kp), Ordinance for the disappeared, truth panels in offing, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Panel formed to monitor action on NC pact (ht), Adhikari stakes UML's lead position in ruling coalition (ht) [with less than half as many CA seats as the Maoists have??], Road ahead (ht), Constitutional Committee consults experts (nn)

19/01/2009: Breakthrough in Uma Singh's murder case (ht), Clamour to book scribe’s killers (kp), Protests to continue (kp), Mediapersons protest Uma Singh's murder (ht), House resolution seeks stern action against journo killers: Two held for Singh’s murder (kp), CA passes resolution for protection of free press (rn), Struggle for existence (kp), Govt, Kirat party ink deal, by Pradeep Meyangbo (kp), Govt signs deal with Kirant workers’ party (rn), Govt inks 5-point deal with Kirat outfit (nn), Lawmakers flay PM’s remarks (kp), Dr Bhattarai warns of 'massive revolt' (nn), RPP’s Rana warns Maoists might very well grab power (nn), The Maoists are trapped in a conspiracy, interview with Sujata Koirala (kp), PM pledges better security in 3 months (ht), Activists form forum to highlight women's rights (ht), Woes aplenty for widows, by Laxmi Maharjan (ht), Pros call for fight against impunity (ht), Maoist victims rue govt apathy (ht)

18/01/2009: FNJ, party leaders slam govt (kp), Constitutional Council meets after two years, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CC okays work procedures (kp), Peace still in rough weather, says Martin (kp), ‘Nepal Army, PLA friction jeopardising peace bid’ (rn), Work to unite army, ex-fighters begins (Gulf Times), Koirala urges caution to Dahal (kp), No headway to end impunity: Martin; Parties doing little to implement past pacts, UN told (ht), Govt flayed for rise in impunity (ht), Report on missing (kp 18/01/2009), Woman runs from pillar to post to find husband's whereabouts (ht), No end to ordeal of conflict-hit (ht), 'Conflict-hit' police, army men plan protests (ht), Bijukchhe warns of disintegration (ht), MJF harps on Madhesh state, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Need For Consensus Politics in Nepal, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (Kathmandu Metro)

17/01/2009: Protests against Singh’s murder on (kp), Professionals, activists' concern over impunity (ht), NC, TMLP oppose strike free zones proposal (kp) [Let's continue with the destruction of state!!], We’re not separatists: Thakur (kp), Newars seek Valley in future federal set up (ht), Nepal's peace process still faces challenges: Martin (nn)

16/01/2009: Cabinet sets up defence council, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), National Defense Council set up (nn), Govt declares slain journalist martyr (kp), Uma was epitome of courage, by Manika Jha (kp), Denies Maoist involvement: Murderers will be booked: PM (kp), A minister out of control, by Uma Singh [Uma Singh strongly took on Maoist minister Matrika Yadav in this column written before she was murdered this week] (nt), "Why?", Uma Singh's last word, by Prashant Jha (nt), Slain journalist’s mission remains unfulfilled: Uma Singh’s mother plans to shift to ‘safe place’to escape Maoists’wrath, by Rajesh Prasad Barma (ht), Govt to nab killers: Mahara (ht), EU condemns Uma Singh’s murder (ht), Pledge to book journo’s killers (kp), Barbarous Act (rn), 150 MJF, Maoist cadres quit, form new outfit, by Madhav Dhungana (kp), Inching forward (kp), Plain talk, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), The Madhesi street: There is no consensus about One Madhes in the Madhes, by Purna Basnet (nt), Referendum to settle major issues: Nepal (ht), A perfect state-I, by Surendra R. Devkota (kp) [see part 2 (17/01/200)], Democratic transition: Exploring its deficiencies in Nepal, by Ganga Thapa (ht), Untangling the knot: Some lessons from other peace processes, by Elisabeth Sellwood (nt), By-elections on April 10 (nn), CC chair Nepal urges political parties to assist in statute drafting process (nn), Major parties discuss ways to resolve current problems (nn), Total Reported Security Incidents in 2008 (Relief Web), Midnight Drama (sp), "NC Wants To See Maoists Transforming As A Democratic Party", interview with Sujata Koirala (sp)

15/01/2009: FNJ: Journo’s killing politically motivated (kp), Uma Singh killed to exact revenge: FNJ (ht), Journos up in arms (ht), Uma’s murder fuels protests (kp), FNJ intensifies stir (kp), FNJ submits memo to President, PM (nn), US, EU ask govt to probe, prosecute (kp), Fight communal elements, says PM, by Kamal Panthi (kp), PM Dahal objects to attempts linking Maoists in journalist murder; cancels visit to Scandinavian countries (nn), Prachanda’s pledges: Actions speak louder, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Khanal objects to PM’s state-capture remark (kp), Prachanda’s revolt threat alarms Nepali Congress (ht), Govt has failed on all fronts: Sushil (ht), Double-edged sword: The alliance of Goit, Jwala and Giri presents both opportunities and challenges (kp), Armed group kills two in Siraha, SJTMM denies report of Terai rebel unification (nn), Jwala Singh reiterates terms for talks (ht), Rights now, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Not so stupid, by Biswas Baral (kp), Muslim leaders want end to ‘identity crisis’ (ht), Kirant leaders freed (ht), Who is a martyr? Does govt know?, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Rural folks know little about federalism, by Surendra Kafle (ht)

14/01/2009: Journo's murder: Killing incites furore, Singh cremated (kp), FNJ to continue stir (kp), Protests held nationwide (ht), MPs demand probe (kp), Out of control (kp), Govt to declare slain Uma Singh a martyr: Gautam (ht), Govt asked to book Uma's murderers (ht), Two Kirant party men arrested (kp), The insecurity scourge, by Surendra Phuyal (kp), Unholy alliance, uneasy peace, by Daulat Jha (kp), PM warns against bid to topple govt (ht), Chiefs of CA, parliamentary committees elected, sworn in (ht) [Once again 30% Bahuns!], Big boost (ht), TMDP boycotts House session (rn), Terai armed outfits unified (rn), Three Terai rebel organisations unite (nn), UNMIN’s Role In Nepal, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), NC is widely perceived to be Indo-centric outfit of Nepal, by Jan Sharma (tg), Left extremism is very difficult to change, interview with K.P. Oli (tg), Is Nepal going to fail?, by Krishna Giri (tg)

13/01/2009: Janakpur erupts in protest, home minister under fire: Journo killed in cold blood, by Rabindra Upreti (kp), Woman scribe done to death (ht), Young reporter who wrote about women's rights brutally stabbed to death in southeast Nepal (Newswatch), Journalists protest killing of Uma Singh (rn), Condemnations pour in against journo's killing (ht), Nationwide protests held (ht), Media rights watchdogs suspect Maoist hand in journalist Uma Singh's murder (nn), Slain lady journalist's last rites performed; Janakpur shut in protest against murder (nn), Local bodies' formation: Big parties don’t see eye to eye (kp), 4 panels’ elections today (kp), Eight in fray for four CA, legislative panels (ht), 19 House panels get unanimous heads (rn), Heads of CA and parliamentary committees elected (nn), YCL, YF clashes terrorise locals (kp), Dashed hopes (kp), Interfering with Pashupatinath, by Prakash A. Raj (kp), Priest appointment, by Vijaya Chalise (ht), PLA integration necessary: Home Minister: Says peace,stability must for constitution writing (ht), Maoists against democracy, humanity, interview with KP Oli (ht) [statements by a former revolutionary and now extremely conservative UML politician], Reports of Security Incidents - 01 to 31 December, 2008 (Relief Web)

12/01/2009: House panel-sharing deal hits snag: Parties say just a chink away from consensus (kp), Big Three undecided on CA panel heads (ht), Major parties agree to share top posts of CA panels (nn), CA panels to elect chiefs tomorrow (rn), Efforts on to revive local bodies (ht), Local bodies formation: Most parties want PR results as basis (kp), Other parties fear if the budget is implemented the Maoists will benefit, interview with Baburam Bhattarai (kp) [see entire interview], Unite for democracy, by Hari Bansha Dulal (kp) [?], Cause of govt fall will not be external: Koirala (rn), New Momentum (rn), Squatters seek berth in land reform panel (ht), Tardy govt has no time for statistical pursuits: National statistical plan not implemented for eight years (ht) [i.e. the responsibility goes to majority NC and royal governments!!]

11/01/2009: Madhav Nepal gets CA berth: Set to head constitutional panel, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), In line to head constitutional panel: Nepal sworn in as CA member (kp), MK Nepal nominated CA member, to head CC (nn), Madhav Nepal agrees to head statute draft body (rn), Chairpersons of CA panels to be elected on Tuesday (nn), UML putting spanner in the works of govt: Dr Bhattarai (ht), Dr Bhattarai says parties giving govt cold shoulder, by Amrita Anamol (kp), PM a total failure, says minister Shakya (ht), Khanal urges Maoist to implement past accords (rn), UML's threat to quit govt fails to scare Baidya (ht), Efforts to topple govt on: Baidya (kp), 12-point pact obsolete: PM (ht), PM proposes to replace 12-pt pact, by Shanta Adhikari (rn), Need For New Accord (rn), PM: Peace process still in peril (kp), Govt all set to provide new momentum to peace process: PM (rn), Govt inks six-point pact with another Tarai outfit (ht), JTMM-R, govt sign truce deal, by Manika Jha (kp), TMDP eying to cash in on intra-party MJF rift, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Tarai party threatens to disrupt parliament (kp), Equal rights sought for women in politics (ht), All Nepalese should be trained militarily: Kiranti, by Sirajuddin Khan (rn) [???]

10/01/2009: Consensus eludes task force panel (ht), Caught in a cleft stick, PM seeks new accord, by Chintamani Poudel (ht), Ban says CPA not well-thought out (kp), UN Secy General proposes UNMIN term extension (rn), 6-month extension for UN mission (ht), PM proposes to replace 12-pt pact, by Shanta Adhikari (rn), UML gen secy meets PM amidst rising differences (nn), Indigenous groups urged to unite (ht), Call to safeguard rights of Dalits (ht), South Asian women leaders stress on women empowerment (ht), ‘Women should fight against patriarchal mindset’ (rn), Bureaucrats resent political interference (ht), Yadav serves CMP ultimatum on govt (ht), India, US interfering in Nepal’s affairs: Maoists, by Ganga BC (kp), Maoist political manifesto slams American imperialism and Indian expansionism (nn), The wall must fall, by Sumit Sharma (kp), Govt starts talks with yet another rebel group (nn)

09/01/2009: Peace process too tardy: Moon, by Dinesh Jung Shahi (kp), Peace process in Nepal remains fragile: Moon (nn), UNMIN chief meets UML leader (nn), Report of the Secretary-General on the request of Nepal for United Nations assistance in support of its peace process (S/2009/1) (Relief Web) [see full text of the UN report], Forum not to quit govt (kp), Down south (kp), PM solicits TMDP’s support: Prachanda parleys with Mahantha Thakur to resolve dispute (ht), NC hails PM’s word on 9-point demands (rn), PM accuses UML of conspiring against govt (nn), Focus on statute: Speaker (kp), Ensuring accountability, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), The Pashupati fiasco, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), "I am not frustrated,   and no one should be...", interview with Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai (nt), Crisis prone government (nt), Let's rethink this: Federalism could be disastrous for Nepal, by Puskar Gautam (nt), Shared rule, self-rule: You can't wish away ethnicity in Nepal, by Balkrishna Mabuhang (nt), It is Nepal's army: The army is not 'above' politics, it is 'below' politics, by CK Lal (nt), Recruitment Row: The government and the army differ over army recruitment (sp) [The army is subordinate to the government!], Transitioning to Federalism: Faster can be Fatal, by Shirish Ranabhat (sp), Opening All Fronts: From media to religion and army to business communities, Maoists-led government opens all fronts for confrontation, by Keshab Poudel (sp), "I Have Lost Hope That Maoists Will Transform Into Mainstream Democratic Party", interview with Ram Chandra Poudel (sp) [Even after more than 60 years, the Nepali Congress is far away from being a democratic party!!], Race Against Time, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

08/01/2009: Return seized assets in 3 months: SC, by Bimal Gautam (kp), Govt pledge to address Congress demands (kp), NC greets govt pledge to meet demands (nn), What transpired behind closed doors? (ht), PM to head army integration panel (kp), New army merger panel (ht), War of words over raging rows: Major parties trade charges over controversial issues (ht), Political polarisation, not the need of hour, by Prakash Acharya (ht), House proceedings resume after weeks (rn), Rajan faction comes out of hiding, forms talks team (ht), MJF will not quit govt: Yadav (nn)

07/01/2009: Parties reschedule CA panel head elections (kp), CA panel chiefs to be elected Jan. 13 (rn), MJF rift surfaces (kp), Widening rift in MJF hastens split fear (ht), MJF internal wrangling delays House session, cabinet meeting (nn), Mahara: Army can fill vacant posts (kp), Mahara’s spin on NA recruitment drive (ht), Defense Minister confers with CoAS over NA recruitment dispute (nn), Restive Nepal Army! (tg), CPN-Maoist’s internal dynamics sparked off Nepal Army standoff, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Fear haunts riot victims, by Manoj Poudel (kp), Come clean (kp), Inclusive democracy and public security in Nepal, by Ram Kumar Dahal (tg)

06/01/2009: Defence Minister raps CoAS, by Dipendra Baduwal (kp), CoAS exceeded his brief: Badal (ht), UML backs NA recruitment (kp), NA recruitment regular process, says CPN-UML (rn), PLA seeks more aid (kp), Split spectre looms large for MJF, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), MJF lawmakers ask PM to relieve their ministers from cabinet (nn), Raging rows bring PM on President, GP Koirala's door (ht), Relief eludes kin of conflict victims, by Kokila KC (ht), Conflict hit still unable to get relief (rn), UML to project itself as democratic radical force, interview with UML leader Pradip Gyawali (ht), Kirat party ready to sit for talks (rn), Eight parties agree on resuming parliament business (nn)

05/01/2008: Army Chief says don’t drag NA into controversy (kp) [The army is in controversy ever since it vialotated human rights even more than the Maoists did and supported the royal putsch!], CoAS urges army to steer clear of row: Rookmangud Katawal spells out the military's disdain for totalitarian regime, by Baburam Lamichhane (ht), Defence Minister takes exception to CoAS remarks, says Katawal might face action (nn), Where the buck stops (ht), Tarai party rift at fore again (kp), Shed dual nature: Maoist (kp), Maoist party objects to UML’s role in govt (rn), Maoists train gun on UML for backing NC agenda (ht), Maoists to talk with UML (nn), Maoist-UML meet inconclusive (nn), The 12-point pact is the key to the consolidation of democracy, interview with D.P. Tripathy, general secretary of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of India (kp), Truth and justice, by Simon Robins (kp), Inputs sought for statute (rn), New Front For Change (rn), House adjourned again (nn)

04/01/2009: TMDP to take to the streets on Jan 12 (ht), Upendra Yadav urged to quit govt, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Slum dwellers warn of agitation in all districts: Want their rep in land reform commission (ht), NC to raise Maoist victims' demands (ht), Veep's role insignificant, complains Jha (ht) [This position is absolutely superfluous, indeed!], Recruitment against pacts no-no: PM, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), NC gives a go-ahead (kp) [The NC is an opposition party and cannot order the army what to do!!], Recruitment of political activists in NA a strict no-no: Army chief (nn), PLA will also recruit personnel if NA does so: PM (nn) [Threats from the government because it cannot control the army!?], ‘Power centers’ driving wedge between NA and govt: Defense Minister (nn), Armed squads’ tribe growing, by Shankar Kharel (kp), Kirant party demands release of its cadres (rn), Deuba threatens to stir streets, by Prem Kumari Ghale (kp) [Hurry up, give Nepal the rest!! Deuba totally ignored the Maoist demands in early 1996 what led to the insurgency; he was responsible for the mobilization of the army in 2001 which fundamentally disregarded the rights of the people; he was responsible for the dissolution of parliament in 2002 for reasons of personal power holding; he is responsible for the dissolution of the local bodies in 2002 which are still disfunctioned!! No other comments necessary on the credibility of this man!], Clarion Call For Inter-Party Unity, by Ballav Dahal (rn), Maoists are all set to unleash another "massive" struggle, says Gajurel (nn) [??], House adjourned as fringe parties threaten to obstruct debate (nn)

03/01/2009: 'People-friendly' PM finds faults with past regime: Blames his predecessors for the government's poor report card, by Kumar Luintel (ht), Govt underperforming: Mahara (kp), Kiran sings GP Koirala's tune (ht), Row doesn't augur well for integration, by Prakash Rimal (ht) [Absolutely without any doubts, the army has to respect the orders of the government! Everything else is anarchy!], 5th Division Maoist combatants live in deplorable condition, by Kokila KC (ht), YCL to leave govt buildings within two weeks (rn), YCL vows to return seized assets (ht), YCL pledges to implement pact (kp), Matrika Yadav dashes hopes on seized properties (ht), Seized land won’t be returned: Matrika (kp), Women lawmakers demand 50 pc share of CA chairs (ht), PM wants end to protests (kp), TMLP switches to agitation mode (kp) [We have 3% of the MPs in the CA and, whatever we demand, it has to be implemented immediately!!], TMLP announces protest programmes (nn), Govt to implement deal made with Madhesh front (rn), Act responsibly on statute: Nemwang (rn), NRN Association worried by continuing instability (nn), BJP strongly opposes replacement of Indian priests from Pashupatinath (nn 03/01/2009)BJP strongly opposes replacement of Indian priests from Pashupatinath (nn 03/01/2009)

02/01/2009: 90 days to return seized properties: NC ends House boycott, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Prachanda appeases NC on YCL, property seizure: Fringe parties force another adjournment (ht), Baidya says captured properties of 'feudalists' won't be returned (nn), Taking turns (ht), Over-shadowed: The unending dispute between major parties has disrupted the calendar for constitution making (sp), Displaced return home amid risks, by Durgalal KC (kp), PM seeks names for commissions (kp), Political panels to get shape in three weeks (ht) [This is late!], Interim order against case withdrawal, by Post B Basnet (kp), TMDP pulls the plug on govtTarai party apologizes to govt (kp) [The support of this small party which is not part of the government, is not so important!], In east, strikes go like clockwork, by Shanker Kharel (kp), Imminent dangers, by Khagendra N Sharma (kp), 'Impatient, bored' PLA fighters raise battle cry: Combatants press govt on integration (ht), One country two armies: The peace process and constitution-writing will be in danger as long as we have two armies, by Dhruba Kumar (nt), 'Promised' land: Maoists falter in the post-revolutionary phase (nt), The wages of apathy: , by Jagadish Ghimire2008, the year when centuries happened after centuries had passed with nothing happening, by CK Lal (nt), Nepal in 2009: Let's just hope the chaos is manageable, by Prashant Jha (nt), Everlasting Resonance, by Keshab Poudel (sp), "It Is Very Likely That Transition Itself Is Going To Become A Norm In The Perpetual Condition Here", interview with Saubhagya Shah (sp) (ht),

01/01/2009: NA to ignore govt fiat on recruitment (ht) [This comes close to a putsch!!], NC leaders speak their mind on army integration (nn), Maoists refuse to hand over arms (Gulf Times), HLPC asks PM Dahal to set timeframe for addressing NC demands (nn), PM willing to fulfill NC's demands in three months (nn), NC woos UML to pressure Maoists (kp), Congress' bid to enlist CPN-UML support (ht), Dahal urges Nepal to help bridge growing rift (kp), PM asks Nepal to chair Constitutional Council: Nepal wants Gautam to lead army merger panel (ht), Govt, TSJP ink deal (kp), Tarai outfit to suspend stir: Five-point deal struck with the government (ht), Matrika warns of armed struggle, by Jitendra Khadga (kp), TMLP withdraws support to govt (nn), New Year resolutions for our leaders, by Shivani RL Rana (ht), Working in slow motion: None of the parties in the CA seems to be interested in getting things rolling, by Bipin Adhikari (kp), Opportunist politics hogs limelight in year of reckoning, by Prakash Acharya (ht)