Meet on museum

KASKI: The Nepal Mountaineering Association, Annapurna Branch, Pokhara, organised a seminar on development of international mountain museum and role of other museums here on Friday. Speaking at the seminar, Assistant Minister for Culture and Tourism, Yangkila

Sherpa, said Kathmandu-centred tourism has been extended to Pokhara after the establishment of the international museum. — RSS

Refugee repatriation

BHADRAPUR: Bhutanese human rights leader Tek Nath Rijal has said preparations are under way to launch a movement for the return of Bhutanese refugees to their country. Stating that he was busy winning support to ensure the repatriation of Bhutanese refugees languishing in various camps in eastern Nepal, he said in Damak, Jhapa, on Friday that India should play a supportive role for the repatriation of Bhutanese refugees to Bhutan. — RSS

Appeal to Maoists

DHANKUTA: The Human Rights Network, Dhankuta, has said that the Maoists has requested the Maoists to withdraw their announcements seeking the compulsory resignation of employees of local bodies. The network, issuing a press release, has also urged the Maoists to immediately stop the acts of abduction. — RSS

30 schools closed

Biratnagar: Thirty community schools in Morang district have been closed following Maoist threats. The closure has left 12,000 students without any place to study. After the Maoists asked all community schools to hand over their management to the government, studies at these schools had been hampered from yesterday. Earlier on Thursday, a team of guardians, chairmen of school management committees and students scared by the Maoist threats had called for the closure of the community schools. —HNS

Twelve fall ill

DAMAK: Twelve people fell ill after they took meal in course of a religious function at the house of Prem Karki, in Damak-10, Jhapa, on Saturday, the Damak-based AMDA Hospital said. While four of the sick are being treated at the hospital, others have been taken to Dharan for further treatment. “They are suffering from diarrhoea,” said the hospital, adding that the four patients were out of danger. Those who fell ill include Nutan Karki, Lila Karki and Sita Karki. — HNS

Jitiya fest begins

RAJBIRAJ: Wishing for longevity of their children, Hindu women of the Terai marked the first day of the three-day Jitiya festival on Saturday by paying obeisance to god Jitmahan. Women fast on the second day, and wrap up the festival by paying obeisance to Jitmahan. Kalyandevi of Rajbiraj-7 said though Jitiya is a great festival, fasting is a tough job. — HNS