SOFAD hunger strike

KATHMANDU: Representatives of the Society of Families of the Disappeared (SOFAD) are continuing their relay hunger strike in New Baneshwor. They vowed on Saturday not to call off their hunger strike until the government promises to disclose the whereabouts of missing individuals, said SOFAD secretary Nanda Lal Tiwari. Charan Prasai, chairman of Human Rights and Peace Society, said he could not comment on SOFAD’s hunger strike. He, however, urged the government to expedite the process of making the whereabouts of missing individuals public. SOFAD was protesting on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ premises since March 15 but shifted to New Baneshwor on March 21. — HNS

Minister’s sage advice

KATHMANDU: Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Salim Miya Ansari has urged Nepali students studying in universities in Japan to utilize their knowledge and skills extensively for Nepal’s development. He was speaking at a programme of the Japan University Students’ Association of Nepal (JUSAN ) to mark its tenth anniversary here on Friday. Japanese Ambassador Tsutomu Hiraoka said Nepal-Japan relations have entered the golden jubilee year and students can make relations warmer. JUSAN Chairman Dr Taranidhi Bhattarai said the two nations have over 100-year ties. JUSAN has planted saplings of Sakura (cherry), in Godavari and Kirtipur. — RSS