4 hurt in Maoist ambush

RAUTAHAT:

Three security personnel and a driver were injured in a Maoist abush on Sunday evening on the road in Sakhuhawa VDC of Birendra highway. The blast followed an exchange of fire that lasted a while. The injured are being treated in a government hospital. — HNS

Nine protesters hurt

BHADRAPUR:

Nine students were injured when police intervened in an hour-long chhakajam organised by students associated with the four parties at Birtamod Chowk, Jhapa, to protest the hike in prices of petroleum products. Students, who became agitated after the police intervention in their rally, closed down the local market, halted traffic for three hours and vandalised three vehicles. The agitating students have announced a Jhapa bandh on Tuesday to protest the police intervention in their programme. — RSS

Scheme for conflict-hit

MYAGDI:

Myagdi DDC has announced a special programme for displaced families and conflict victims. The programme will be organised in all 40 VDCs of the district. Consumers’ groups will be formed with the participation of backward communities, members of conflict-affected families and women from poor famillies in every VDC in this connection. A sum of Rs 3,114,000 has been released for economic and social development this fiscal year. The programme entitled ‘Peace, Social Conflict Resolution and Looking Forward’ will be organised under the Ministry of Local Development. — RSS

Curfew order issued

GAJURI:

A curfew has been imposed in areas around the Royal Nepal Army barracks in Khahare and its vicinity. The curfew will be effective from 8 pm to 4 am in Khahare Bazaar, Salyankot, Jyamrung and the barrack area of Tripureshor VDC, according to the district administration office. The office has urged people not to venture outside during the curfew hours. — RSS

Journalism training

GAJURI:

A basic journalism training campwas organised for local reporters working in Dhading by the Trishuli Prabaha Committee recently. Sixteen journalists participated in the programme, it is learnt. — RSS

Polls not possible: Minister

LEKHNATH:

Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Astalaxmi Shakya, has said the peace process has been stalled because of the Maoists. Indicating that there is no possibility of elections in the present situation, Shakya said the Maoists do not want to come for talks despite the government’s seriousness. Speaking at the seventh investiture function of the Lekhnath Jaycees held in Lekhnath Municipality, she said the civil society should exert pressure on the Maoists to come to the talks table. — RSS

Quake safety day marked

UDAYAPUR:

Nepal Red Cross Society, Udayapur branch, marked the National Earthquake Safety Day by organising a talk programme at the district headquarters on Saturday. A minute’s silence was observed on the occasion in memory of known and unknown victims of the great earthquake of 1990 BS and the recent quake-triggered tsunami in South-East Asia. — RSS

Snowfall affects life

HUMLA:

Continuos snowfall since Sunday morning has affected life here. As a result of the snowfall, air services to Humla have also been affected. Meanwhile, Nepal Food Corporation depot began distributing foodgrains since early morning so that people living near the headquarters don’t face any trouble as a result of the snowfall, said Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Poudel. — RSS