Kalpit Parajuli

Maoist party calls for prime minister to resign with three days; otherwise, it would destabilise the country. The announcement comes after an historic agreement to extend the provisional constitution was reached last Saturday. The prime minister says he would resign only after former Maoist fighters disarm and return land they seized.

Gautama Buddha was born 2,554 years ago, in Nepal. His native country is holding special celebrations to mark the occasion and Buddhists from around the world have come. However, Nepal is also at a difficult turning point in its history, with possible violence just around the corner; for this reason, political leaders are highlighting his exemplary figure.

Nepali Hindus organise a conference in Mumbai a few days before the deadline for the signing of the new democratic constitution on 28 May. They are afraid the country could lose its identity that was once defined by religion. Christian and Muslim minorities are concerned about such plans, insisting that under the republic they exercise greater freedom of religion.

The decision came after pressure from the international community and the protests of the population. The Maoists have started the strike last May 1 to demand the resignation of the government, bringing the country to the brink of another civil war.

About 30 Maoists are injured in the attack. They have been on a general strike since 1 May to force the prime minister to resign and to get the constitution signed. In Kathmandu, 20,000 people rally to demand an end to demonstrations and the re-opening of schools and stores.

Maoist general strike is paralysing the entire country, forcing people to stay shut in their homes. First protests against the strike are being reported in some areas of the country. The crisis has led food prices to increase sky high; schools, factories and offices are closed. Government supporters fire on demonstrations, wounding a few people.

Over 200 thousand people participate in the general strike announced yesterday by the Maoist Party. Army ready to respond in case of violence. More protests are planned in the coming days over failed negotiations between the government and former rebels.

Former Maoist PM Prachanda wants peace process to end with incorporation of Maoist fighters into the armed forces. The government could fall. Maoist student association shuts down private schools that increased tuition fees. More than 100,000 students are unable to go to school. Maoists like religious schools but Catholic schools are still closed.

On the Octave of Easter, 24 catechumens will be baptised at Kathmandu’s Assumption Cathedral. Attacked on 23 May 2009 by Hindu extremists from the Nepal Defence Army, the church sees about 200 non-Catholics attend Mass every Sunday.

The Indian guru Ramdev has organized six days of practice and meditation. Imposing security measures to protect the swami who, in recent months, has received death threats. The event will include politicians, celebrities and ordinary citizens. Free admission for the poor.

The function was held yesterday in Pashupatinath Temple in accordance with Hindu traditions. Koirala was the leader of the Nepali Congress Party and served as prime minister seven times. He led protests against King Gyanendra, as well as the country’s transition to democracy that enabled Maoists to join the government.

Despite a ban on anti-Chinese protests, Tibetan exiles mark the 51st anniversary of Tibet’s invasion by China, insulting the Chinese president. The Nepal government deploys more than 500 police agents. A young Tibetan says he wants the Chinese government to leave his country, adding that Tibetans cannot forget the cruelty inflicted on innocent people.