Maoist released

RAUTAHAT: Cadres of the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) led by Jwala Singh, on Saturday freed a Maoist area member Ram Sewak Thakur, a resident of Birti Prastoka village development committee in Rautahat district, whom they had abducted on May 29, at Samanpur VDC. “Thakur was freed in presence of journalists on the condition that he would quit the Maoist area member post,” said JTMM district secretary Shakti Singh. — HNS

Dr Mahat’s charge

NUWAKOT: Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said on Saturday that constituent assembly (CA) elections could not be held in Jestha (May/June) due to the Maoists. Speaking at a programme at Haldekalika in Nuwakot district, Dr Mahat said: “The CA polls could not be held as the Maoists did not keep their word. It is essential for all the parties to join hands to hold the CA polls in Mangsir (November/December).” The Finance Minister regretted that the YCL cadres were continuing their atrocities. — HNS

Maoist’s stance

BARA: A central member of the CPN (Maoist) and deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Baldev, said on Saturday that they were ready to carry weapons for the nation. Speaking at the concluding programme of a two-day-long training organised by the Maoist-affiliated Federation of All Nepal Trade Union, Bhojpur sub-regional coordination panel in Simara, he said: “We are ready to carry weapons for the welfare of the nation and people.” — HNS

Bandh hits life

Siraha: The Bagmati and Koshi region bandh called by the Aaul Kshetra Samaj (AKS) affected life in the regions on Saturday. No vehicle plied in Lahan, the Lahan Area Police Office said. AKS cadres disrupted traffic on the Mahendra Highway by burning tyres at Loktantrik Chowk, police said. The AKS called the bandh to demand the announcement of a republic by the parliament and for stopping infiltration in the Aaul region. Traffic resumed after 5 pm. — HNS

Aid for storm-hit

ITAHARI: The local administration and organisations have distributed relief materials to the victims of a storm that lashed Inaruwa of Sunsari district a few days ago. The District Administration Office distributed a total of 36,500, at the rate of Rs 500 to each families, UPKA Nepal Rs 17,000 and the Nepal Red Cross donated 10 pieces of tarpaulin. As their houses were destroyed in the storm, the victims have been compelled to live out in the open. — RSS

Gamblers held

BAGLUNG: Young Communist League (YCL) cadres caught six gamblers in Baglung bazaar on Saturday and took action against them. The YCL cadres released the gamblers on the condition that they would never gamble again, YCL Baglung commander Avash said, adding that action will be taken against anyone found gambling or indulging in drug abuse. — HNS

Hospital services hit

MADHYAPUR THIMI: Lack of doctors since the past four months has affected services in the Bhaktapur district hospital. The problem arose after doctors, including anesthetists adn surgeon, posted here four months ago did not join the duty, sources said. — RSS

Nembang seeks unity

Lalitpur: Speaker of the parliament Subas Nembang has appealed to the people from all classes and communities to be united to make the CA elections a success. Addressing a function organised on the occasion of the 76th Birth anniversary of Jit Bahadur Sinjali, a pioneer poet of Magar language, he said the removal of the deadlock plaguing the parliament will help endorse policies for CA polls. Ruk Bahadur Rana Magar, a litterateur of the Magar language, was felicitated at the programme. — RSS