Virgin peak renamed

Kathmandu: The government has decided to rename Urkema peak as Beden Powell Scout Peak and open the virgin peak for climbers. The 5890 meter-high peak is being renamed after Beden Powell, the Scout founder. For the first two years, royalty fees for climbers will be waived. The government is scheduled to announce the decision on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Scout to be held in UK in 2007, said the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. — HNS

Maoist shot dead

SARLAHI: Security forces shot and killed a Maoist at Pattharkot VDC-8 of Sarlahi on Tuesday evening, the Sarlahi District Police Office said, adding the Maoist, who was riding on a motorcycle and whose identity could not be ascertained, had opened fire on an RNA patrol. The forces also seized a countrymade pistol and four rounds of bullets, security sources said. His friend, who was riding pillion, managed to fleed. — HNS

NC Kaski secy freed

POKHARA: Responding to an order issued by the Pokhara Appellate Court, the Kaski District Administration Office freed Kaski district secretary of the Nepali Congress (NC) Poshnath Sharma on Tuesday. Sharma was arrested during an anti-poll campaign on January 25. — HNS