1,000 ha swept away

BANKE: The Rapti river has swept away about 700 hectares of land in Phattepur and 300 hectares in Holiya VDCs of Banke, locals said. Bijay Yadav of Holiya VDC said, “The flooded river has begun causing soil erosion.” Another native, Jhagaru Loniya, said, “We are worried because the river has begun sweeping our land away.” Parliamentarian Gyanu KC, who represents to Banke constituency number-1, said, “People have been complaining, but what can I do?” — HNS

Martin busy in parleys

KATHMANDU: Ian Martin, the recently-appointed Nepal representative of UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, is holding talks with the parties to the conflict, including the government and the Maoist talks team, on the possible UN role in the peace-building process in Nepal, a UN source said. The source said a group of experts, including experts on conflict resolution, was on its way to Nepal, but did not say when the group will arrive. — HNS