UNMIN meeting

KATHMANDU: Discussion on the second phase of arms management of Maoist fighters — which is commencing on Wednesday — began here on Monday. The meeting was attended by Nanda Kishore Pun “Pasang” of the CPN-Maoist, Shiv Ram Pradhan of the army and Gen Erik Wilhemson of the UNMIN. The meeting followed a high level meeting between Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Maoist supremo Prachanda and UNMIN chief Ian Martin earlier in the day. — HNS

Business benches

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court on Monday formed a panel to suggest it on the formation of commercial benches to settle business disputes. According to Supreme Court spokesperson Durga Prasad Dawadi, the panel formed under coordination of Justice Anup Raj Sharma has Khil Raj Regmi, Balaram KC, Kalyan Shrestha and Tahir Ali Ansari as its members and joint registrar Binod Sharma as member-secretary. — HNS

Shrestha Sirapa prize

KATHMANDU: The Foundation for Literature awarded the Shrestha Sirapa prize to Prem Shanti Tuladhar on Monday for her book Nepal Bhasa Sahityaya Ithaas. The award comprises Rs 50,000 and a letter of appreciation.— HNS

Farmers’ demand

Kathmandu: The Nepal Peasants’ Association on Monday urged the government to come up with a 10-year master plan on agriculture development. Addressing the Bagmati Zonal level training on the ‘Role of the NPA in the Changed Context’, Bhanu Bhakta Sigdel, the NPA chief, called on the government to focus on infrastructure development. — HNS

Yagya for a cause

Kathmandu: The Banepa-based Nepal Health Development Centre is organising Dhanayachal Mahayagya and Shiva Puran recitation for a noble cause. The centre said it will organise the function from May 3 to May 13. Luk Prasad Gautam, president of the NHDC, said, “Funds will be used to buy an ambulance for the benefit of local people.” — HNS