Stir against CA report

ITAHARI: Several ethnic organisations in eastern Nepal have expressed dissatisfaction over the draft report submitted by the CA committee on state restructuring. Expressing objection to the report, they threatened to take to the streets if their voices were unheard. Lekh Raj Khawas, acting chairman, Kochila State Council, said that the committee's proposal on state restructuring would invite ethnic conflict in the country and put the existence of Koch at risk. "Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari are the ancestral homeland of the Koch", he claimed. Similarly, Federal Limbuwan State Council, Khambuwan National Front, Tharuhat and Tharu Welfare Assembly have also threatened to launch protests.

Wild beasts' terror

MYAGDI: Locals in rural belts of Myagdi district are a terrorised lot after wild animals began encroaching human settlements. The wild beasts including leopards and jackals enter the villages and terrorise the villagers. Jyamrukkot, Bhakimli, Takam, Patlekhet including other VDCs have been hit. Locals of Jyamrukkot have appealed to the District Forest Office, Myagdi, to help them chase the beasts.

Building code

KATHMANDU: Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal on Saturday promised to implement the building code strictly. Addressing a rally organised to mark the 12th Earthquake Safety Day-2066, Rawal hoped that the programme would be fruitful in making aware the commoners in minimising the damages caused by earthquakes. The rally that began from Bhugol Park, New Road, concluded at the same place after going through the thoroughfares of the city. Police personnel, Red Cross workers, students, government officials and people from different walks of life were present at the rally.

Sex education

KATHMANDU: Speakers at a programme on Saturday stressed the need for sex education for school students. At an interaction organised by Punarbal Plus, a non-government organisation, speakers maintained that education is a fundamental right of the children adding that all academic institutions throughout the country should provide sex education. Apsara Karki, principal, Punarbal Sikhsya Sadan, said children should be given equal opportunity without any discrimination. Mohan Bahadur Khadka, chair of the organisation, said ''Education for All'' remained a catch-phrase adding that children living with HIV/AIDS should have equal opportunity to education.

Deuba on judiciary

KATHMANDU: Senior leader of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba on Saturday said the risk of intervention in the independent judiciary had increased. Addressing a programme organised to felicitate newly elected officials of Nepal Bar Association, the former prime minister said, "Judiciary should have the rights to work independently." He urged the lawyers to work honestly for the establishment of the rule of law. On the occasion, NC Vice President Prakash Man Singh said 11 CA thematic committees had submitted the preliminary draft report and it was time for the NBA to mount pressure on stakeholders concerned for a new pro-people constitution.

UML condoles death

KATHMANDU: CPN-UML has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party leaders including its central treasurer Shree Krishna Yadav. Issuing a statement on Saturday, the UML expressed condolence on the untimely deaths. TMLP Treasurer Yadav, party members Bhola Ray, Arun Yadav and Parmeshwor Haluwai died in a jeep accident at Bhimphedi in Makawanpur on Friday.

Statute on time: Minister

BHAKTAPUR: Peace and reconstruction minister Rakam Chemjong on Saturday claimed that the constitution would be drafted within the stipulated time. Addressing a programme in Jhaukhel VDC, Chemjong said the government was moving ahead with an objective of promulgating the constitution on time. He urged the political parties to be serious about the constitution writing process.

Hindu state demanded

CHITWAN: The Hindu Samrakshyan Sangh, an organisation advocating Hindu state, on Saturday demonstrated in Narayangadh, demanding revival of Nepal as a Hindu state. The protest was held as a part of the second phase of religious awareness. The demonstrators demanded revoking the government decision of making Nepal a secular state. They took a rally and went round Narayangah bazar chanting the slogan: ''Abrogate Secularism, Declare Nepal a Hindu State''. Addressing a gathering following the rally, former parliamentarian Shankar Pande warned of tough protest if their demand was ignored.