Sakranti observed

Kathmandu: Hindus across the country on Friday observed Maghe Sakranti, also known as Makar Sakranti, by performing rituals in holy sites. The day falls on the first day of the month of Magh as per the official calendar. Hindus considers the day auspicious as it marks the end of the “ominous” month of Poush and the beginning of the the Sun’s journey from the southern pole to the north. People take holy dips in rivers and feat on a variety of food like Chaku, ghee, steamed sweet potato and other bulbous root. It is said that taking a holy bath in holy rivers washes away all the sins and diseases with the blessing of the Sun God. Hundreds of devotees thronged sacred rivers to perform the rituals.

HURFON concerned

KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Foundation (HURFON) on Friday expressed its grave concerns over the arrest of Yunus Ansari, president of National Television, on January 1. A press statement issued by HURFON stated here that Ansari has been subjected to mental and physical torture. It further stated that the government was plotting against some 100 employees working for the television. HURFON has asked for the intensive and unbiased investigation of Ansari’s case and has urged the government not to torture him.