Murder condemned

BHAKTAPUR: The Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries has condemned the murder of bullion entrepreneur Madhav Banepali, who was killed by unidentified persons on Thursday. In a statement issued by its president Yubak Rajbhandari, the chamber has expressed concern over the safety of industrialists and entrepreneurs after Banepali’s murder. “We request authorities concerned not to allow repetition of such an act repeat,” states the statement. — HNS

Armymen honoured

KATHMANDU: Field Marshal Neer Shumsher JB Rana conferred 4641 persons, including RNA officers with the Sainik Dirghasewa Patta and the Sainik Service Medals at the RNA headquarters on Friday. A total of 2,345 persons recieved the Sainik Dirgha Sewa Patta, while 2,296 were given the Sainik Service Medals. Present on the occasion were CoAS General Pyar Jung Thapa and other high ranking RNA officers. — RSS

Meet on story writing

KATHMANDU: Speakers at a symposium organised by the Royal Nepal Academy, language and prose department, on ‘’Contemporary scenario in Nepali modern stories’’ suggested adding stylistic attractions to the contemporary conscience. Inaugurating the symposium, author Ramesh Bikal said we should see to it whether or not art and literature has reflected the society. In his paper, he called for the inclusion of progressive literature in the genre. Vice-chancellor of the academy Prof Basudev Tripathy said a new momentum has been seen in Nepali stories. — RSS

Balmanch awards

KATHMANDU: The Balmanch Nepal will honour poet Durga Lal Shrestha with the Kabitaram Bal Sahitya Prabardhan Samman, 2061 BS. The commendation letter will be given away to READ international, an US institution. Also, the Kabitaram Bal Sahitya Talent prize will be conferred upon Udesh Pandey, 10, a class VI student of Deepjyoti boarding school at Gongbu and a resident of Thanapati, Nuwakot. The award was instituted by the Balmanch Nepal in 2054 BS from the royalty received by Dr Kabitaram Shrestha as a writer. — RSS