Maoist killed in action:

RAJBIRAJ: One Maoist was killed in security operation at Kajauli of Mahdewa VDC in Saptari district. According to district-based security sources, Maoist cadre Badri Narayan Mandal (40) was killed when the forces shot him after he tried to escape the security circle. The security forces seized three guns, a socket bomb and Maoist documents from the site of incident. — HNS

Award for Bajracharya:

POKHARA: Singer and musician Som Bajracharya was on Saturday awarded with Ali Miya Folk Literature Award-2060 for his contribution to the music sector. Noted film director Chetan Karki awarded Bajracharya with the Rs 5000 award amid a function organised to mark Miya’s 87th birthday. — HNS

Eight NC cadres held:

POKHARA: Police on Saturday arrested eight activists of the Nepali Congress while they were trying two hold a demonstration at Mahendrapul in Pokhara. The police arrested them no sooner they gathered for the demonstration. Among the arrested are Mukunda Bastola, Moti Prasad Dhungana, Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Raju Poudel, Madhav Sharan Bastola, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Khadak Bahadur Shahi and Aai Bahadur Gurung. Police had rained batons on the demonstrators before arresting them. Dipmani Baral was seriously injured in the clash with the police. — HNS

Minister grateful:

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ramesh Nath Pandey has thanked deputy prime ministers and ministers for foreign affairs of Cambodia, Laos and Qatar, and ministers for foreign affairs of China, Pakistan and Syria for their warm congratulations on his appointment as minister for foreign affairs of Nepal. Appreciating their warm words, minister Pandey expressed confidence that the relations between Nepal and the respective countries would continue to be marked by warm friendship, understanding and cooperation. He also appreciated the support and understanding of the respective countries in efforts of the government to ensure peace and stability. — HNS

Cordless phones banned:

RAMECHHAP: Ramechhap based security authority has banned cordless telephone in district headquarters Manthali citing security reasons. They have also seized cordless telephone from the subscribers. The cordless telephone sets have been seized for security reasons, said Choodamani Basyal, CDO of Ramechhap. At least 15 cordless sets were used by some local journalists, civil servants and businessmen. — HNS

Health camp for prisoners:

CHARIKOT: A weekly free health camp has been initiated for the prisoners in the Charikot district jail from Saturday under the aegis of the District Police Welfare Fund. A total of 27 prison inmates underwent health check up, chairman of DPWF, police inspector Yadav Dhakal, said. There are altogether 30 inmates in the jail. — HNS

Surprise check conducted:

RASUWA: The District Administration Office, Rasuwa on Friday conducted an impromptu inspection of different district offices, where dozens of office employees of different ranks were found absent from the duty in office hours without prior information. The employees who were absent in the surprise inspection will be brought under action as per the Civil Services Act, according to CDO Kshetra Bahadur Bhandari. — RSS

Mahayagya concludes:

SUNSARI: Cash and property worth about Rs 4.4 million has been collected from the Srimadbhadwat Mahayagya held in Dharan recently. Pandit Narayan Prasad Pokharel recited the scriptures at the mahayagya. The fund raised at the mahayagya organised by Pandit Chhabilal Pokharel Memorial Foundation will be used for constructing a house for elder people, it is learnt. — RSS