IN BRIEF

Release demanded

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Muslim Ittehad Sangathan (NMIS) has demanded immediate release of its valley coordinator, Gaindasher Khan, who was arrested from a protest programme on February 1, and NMIS central convener, Najeer Miya, who was arrested on February 3. Khan was arrested from Basantapur while protesting the “Black Day,” while Miya was detained from Tripureswor during another protest meet. Both are serving jail terms at the Women Training Centre, Jawalakhel. — HNS

RONAST’s activities

Kathmandu: The Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST) has informed about its scientific activities like the record building of herbs in Nepal, genetic research of medicinal plants, testing of arsenic pollution in underground water, radiation tests and the use of organic fertilizers to increase tea production. Works like establishing Solar Energy Experimentation Centre for testing the standards of solar batteries and other parts needed for the Solar Home System, and developing the centre as the Renewable Energy experimentation Station are underway, RONAST said. — RSS

Condolence offered

KATHMANDU: Bishalnagar Library, Handigaun, and the Bishalnagar-Handigaun Heritage Society, have expressed deep condolence on the demise of the great harmonium player, Samba Dev Sapkota. Recalling the felicitation offered by the library in 2059 BS to musician Sapkota, chairman of the Library and Secretary of the Society, Ganesh Shrestha, in a message informed that late Sapkota had provided free music education to many people. Sapkota, a famous harmonium player of Nepal, passed away at his house at Handigaun on February 2, at the age of 89. — RSS

World Cancer Day

BHAKTAPUR: A programme organised here on Saturday informed that 160,000 children in world are dying of cancer. The information was given by the Nepal Cancer Relief Society, Bhaktapur branch, on the occasion of the World Cancer Day. Secretary of the Nepal Cancer Relief Society, Bhaktapur Branch, Shreedhar Rathor, and Treasurer Lambodar Prasad Rathor pointed out the need for greater awareness on cancer. — RSS