THOSE CANDIDATES WHO EVEN DIDN'T VOTE THEMSELVES

THOSE CANDIDATES WHO EVEN DIDN'T VOTE THEMSELVES

Bhaktapur, May 30:  Any candidate contesting in an election hopes to garner as many votes as possible and get elected to the post aspired for with a resounding win.

But that was not the case with some of the candidates who contested in the first-phase local level election in different local level posts in Bhaktapur. Forget about winning the election and garnering the maximum votes, some of the candidates ended up without even getting a single vote – their own vote too.

The first-phase local election was held for 283 local levels in Province Nos. 3, 4 and 6 on May 14.

One among the candidates getting zero votes is Babu Krishna Shrestha who was in election race for the post of Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality as an independent. The Election Commission had assigned him the 'shuttle cork' as the election symbol.

Fourteen individuals had registered their candidacy for the post of Mayor and six for the post of Deputy Mayor.

According to the Chief Returning Officer Chandra Kumar Pokharel, the election symbol 'badminton shuttle cork' did not get even a single vote when the vote counting was concluded.

           

            Shrestha is not the only candidate to get zero votes in the first-phase local election in Bhaktapur. There are others of his ilk. Roman Bajracharya is another mayoral candidate who did not even get one vote. He was assigned the election symbol 'bat- the mammal'. Bajracharya said he did not canvass the voters before the election nor distributed any pamphlets to voters. He even did not place posters of himself and his election symbol at any strategic location in town.

           

            Asked why he did not vote himself, he declined to answer. He only said this was not any news-worthy topic and something that has to be responded.

           

Similarly, the candidates for the post of Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 7 of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality with 'kangaroo' and 'gumboot' as election symbols got zero votes.

Two candidates of ward chairperson in Madhyapur got zero votes in the election. Similarly, number of candidates getting less than 10 votes in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality is two in the post of Mayor, 11 in ward chairperson and 35 in ward members.

According to the Office of the Election Officer, candidate of Mayoral post, Maha Prasad Parajuli with 'cat' election symbol had got a single vote while Sarita Duwal, candidate of mayoral post, with 'battery' election symbol had received only two votes.

Likewise, most of the candidates of ward chairpersons and members receiving less than 10 votes are from Rastriya Janamorcha, CPN (ML), and the alliance of Federal Socialist Forum and Naya Shakti Party.

Similarly, number of candidates receiving zero votes in Bhaktapur Municipality is 11.

According to the details provided by the Office of the Chief Returning Officer, an independent candidate of chairperson of ward no 2 of Bhaktapur Municipality, Surya Narayan Phanju with 'tea table' election  symbol, Hari Sundar Labaju of ward no 3 with 'garlic' election symbol, Bishworam Twayana of ward no 4 with 'janto (traditional grinding stone)' election symbol, Narayan Bhakta Bhele of ward no 5 with 'walnut'  election symbol, Bidyan Dhusa of ward no 6 with 'pineapple' election symbol, Purna Bhakta Suwal of ward no 6 with 'chulesi (traditional vegetable cutting knife)' as election symbol, Rameshwor Prajapati of ward no 7 with 'watch' election symbol and Krishna Prasad Koju of ward no 8 with 'sketch of doctor' as election symbol, Bishnu Bhakta Kusi of ward no 9 with 'cone' election symbol and Bharat Prasad Bhadra of ward no 10 with 'hat' election symbol got zero votes. 

Similarly, independent candidate of member of ward no 10, Mohan Kumar Hyogoju with 'tiger' election symbol received zero vote. RSS

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NATIONAL NEWS

01-       Instruction for destroying rotten rice grains at NFC depot

Khotang, May 23: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Khotang has issued an instruction to destroy the rotten rice grains at the Nepal Food Corporation depot at Baakshila of Kopilasagadhi Rural Municipality.

The Commission instructed the corporation and the local administration to dispose of the decaying food grains.

More than 46 quintals of rice grains have rotten at the food corporation's depot, Commission's Sub Regional Office, Diktel stated.

The Commission has drawn the attention of the Nepal Food Corporation's central office at Bhadrakaali, Nepal Food Corporation's Zonal Office in Lahan and the District Administration Office (DAO) over the decaying rice grains with an unbearable stench stating that it posed high risks of affecting human health conditions. RSS

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02-       Two sustain serious injuries after bus rams bike

Damauli, May 23: Two persons were injured when a bus rammed a motorbike at Musekhola of Byas Municipality – 1o here in Tanahun.

The bus (Na 6 Pa 2550) en route to Pokhara from Kathmandu struck the motorbike (Ga 10 Pa 8738) heading towards Dumre from Damauli.

The injured riders have been identified as Bishnu Sunar, 19, and pillion rider, Sachin Sunar, 18, of Byas – 2, according to District Police Office, Tanahun.

Bishnu's right leg was severed in the accident. They are receiving treatment at the Metro City Hospital in Pokhara. The police have detained the bus driver and started necessary investigation. RSS

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03-       Jeep veers off road, three in critical condition

Baitadi, May 23: As many as 14 persons were injured following a jeep accident on Monday evening along the Dasharath Chand Highway.

Three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. They have been identified as Dhaniram Luhar, 32, Indra Ram Lohar, 22, and Bal Dev BK of Shikharpur of Suryana Rural Municipality – 8, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Heramba Sharma, of District Police Office, Baitadi. They were referred to Kailali as they could not be treated at the district hospital in Baitadi.

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The jeep (Se 1 Ja 245) heading towards Gothalapani – the district headquarters – from Khodape area fell 20 meters below the road at Dhasharath Chand Municipality – 4 at 7 pm. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Police have detained jeep driver Ananda Bohara, a native of Dasharath Chand Municipality – 2, for investigation. RSS

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04-       One killed after truck rams bike

Ratnanagar (Chitwan), May 23:  A motorcyclist was killed after getting struck by a truck at Tikauli area of Ratnanagar in Chitwan.

Upanesh BK, 30, of Ratnanagar Municipality – 11, who was seriously injured in the accident at 9:30 pm, died at 10:35 pm in course of treatment, District Police Office, Chitwan said.

The truck (Na 6 Kha 1442) heading towards Bharatpur from Ratnanagar rammed a bike (Na 39 Pa 7895) coming from the opposite direction injuring BK, who breathed his last at College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur. The police have detained the truck driver. RSS

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05-       Biratnagar joins the league of metropolitan cities, rolls up sleeves for    celebration

Biratnagar, May 23: Biratnagar is gearing up for a grand celebration in response to the government's announcement to upgrade the sub metropolis into a metropolitan city.

The Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening took the decision to upgrade Biratnagar sub metropolis into a metropolitan city.

The local political party leaders, lawmakers, trade and social organizations had been lobbying for too long to designate the status to Biratnagar.

The city currently has a total population of 214,000 which will be enlarged further with the merger of Tanki Sinubari village's population of around 2o,ooo and 8,000 more from Jahada – 3.

The city's estimated population is expected to balloon to 240,000 with the merger of additional wards. The city currently has 19 wards.

The Morang Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting a Deepawali – a celebration of lights – in Biratnagar this evening to mark the government's announcement. It has appealed to all the town dwellers to take part in the celebration.

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The Chamber issued a statement 'heartily welcoming' the government's decision and expressing gratitude to all the political parties and town's residents for support in a long – drawn out effort.

Biratnagar, which has remained a hub of political and industrial progress, will now join a league of country's four metropolitan cities – Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bharatpur and Pokhara. RSS

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06-       Mystery surrounds teenage girl's death

Nawalparasi, May 23: The death of a 15 – year – old girl from Danda area of Kawasoti – 16, Nawalparasi has become more baffling despite the claim of suicide made by her family members.

Rabina Aryal was found hanging in her own house on Wednesday with a bleeding nose and bruises on her face. The locals accuse her father Tulasi Aryal and the step mom for murdering her and then hanging her.

The locals even took out a demonstration demanding a fair investigation by the police. They have warned of stringent agitation if an impartial investigation is not launched into the case.

According to Danda's local, Sharmila Giri, Rabina's body had been taken to Bharatpur Hospital for a post-mortem examination after primary health centres at Chormara and Damkauli areas refused to examine her body citing the suspicion hanging over the incident.

Her body was cremated on Friday after an autopsy. The police have taken into custody the deceased's father and the step mom for investigation.

Area Police Office, Kawasoti's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Rajesh Thapa, said investigation is continuing and further information will be disclosed once the report of the post-mortem examination arrives. RSS

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07-       Youth arrested in possession of automatic pistol

Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), May 23: Police have arrested a 22 – year – old youth from Janakpur in possession of modern weapons.

The District Police Office, Dhanusha acted on a special tip off to arrest the youth from room no 107 of Apsara Hotel and Guest House in Janakpur Sub Metropolis – 10. The arrested youth has been identified as Suraj Sah, a native of Birgunj Sub Metropolis – 19.

The police recovered an automatic pistol loaded with three rounds of bullets from underneath his bed covering, Dhanusha's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Manoj Yadav said. The authorities are preparing to take steps for necessary legal action under the Arms and Ammunition Act. RSS

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08-       Taxi rams nine – year – old boy to death

Kathmandu, May 23: A nine – year – old boy has died after getting rammed by a taxi at Galkopaakha area near Thamel.

Dipesh BK of Shivapur Rural Municipality of Nuwakot and currently living at Kapurdhara sustained serious injuries after getting struck by the taxi (Ba 2 Ja 2345) at 8 pm last night. He succumbed on his way to the TU Teaching Hospital.

According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD), the vehicle driver was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Circle, Lainchaur following the unfortunate incident. RSS

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09-       PM to give special address in Parliament today

Kathmandu, May 23: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will be giving a special address at the Legislature – Parliament session today.    

The PM will address the session at 1 pm, PM's Press Advisor, Govinda Acharya, told the National News Agency (RSS). RSS

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(Editor : Sandesh Shrestha)

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School activity TRILOK SCHOOL MACHHAPOKHARI KATHMANDU

National News

01-       Voter training programme kicks off in Morang

Biratnagar, May 22: With the second phase of the local polls in sight, voter training programmes have kicked off in Morang.

Volunteers have been mobilized for running 640 voter training programmes for the elections slated for June 14, according to Eastern Regional Election Office, Biratnagar.

The volunteers will make door – to – door visits to train the voters on the voting process and on ways to fold the huge ballot paper. The trainers deputed from the election office will be in company with the cadres of the local political parties including a ward secretary acting as a supervisor, Election Office Chief Prem Prasad Sanjel said.

Morang – with the voter population tipping 563,870 – has already received 651,000 ballot papers to prepare for the elections. Morang has one sub metropolis, eight municipalities and eight rural municipalities. RSS

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02-       American climber dies on Everest, Indian national still unaccounted      for

Solukhumbu, May 22: An American climber has died on his way to the summit of Mt Everest, the world's highest mountain.

50 – year – old Roland Yearwood died at an altitude of 8,400 meters – inside the death zone close the summit on Sunday, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Madhav Budhathoki confirmed. The death toll of the climbers on Everest this season now has reached three.

Earlier, Nepal's veteran climber, Min Bahadur Sherchan, and Swiss national, Ueli Steck, lost their lives at the Everest Base Camp (EBC).

An Indian national who was descending after a successful summit bid has gone missing since Saturday, according to Nepal Government's EBC Liaison Official, Gyanendra Shrestha. 

Shrestha said 120 climbers have already reached the summit this season. A total of 374 climbers have taken permits to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain. The climbing season will last until May 25, and many climbers are expected to reach the peak of the mountain if the weather remains favourable, Shrestha added. RSS

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03-       Newly elected executive heads vow to reopen Balewa airport

Phalebash (Parbat), May 22: The newly elected executive heads of the Kushma and Baglung municipalities on Sunday made a joint commitment to reopen the Balewa airport which has remained shut for the past two decades.

At a felicitation programme organized by Kushma – Balewa Mechanized Bridge Ltd here, the newly elected chiefs noted that the airport could play an important role in Dhaulagiri's future, and pledged to take steps to regularly operate the airport in the next two years.

Kushma Municipality's Mayor, Ram Chandra Joshi, spoke of the intimate relations existing between the residents of Balewa area of Baglung and Kushma Bazaar for hundreds of years, and vowed all possible support for its development.

On the occasion, Baglung Municipality's newly elected Mayor, Janak Poudel, said he would make utmost effort in reopening the airport located within the municipality.

Kushma Municipality's Deputy Mayor, Sita Sharma Lamichane, said that regardless of her political affiliations, she would now remain committed to the people and work impartially. RSS

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04-       NC candidate elected in Indravati Rural Municipality

Melamchi, May 22: Nepali Congress candidate has been elected the chairperson of the Indravati Rural Municipality here in Sindhupalchowk district.

Bansalal Tamang mustered 5,365 votes against CPN (UML) candidate, Jhamka Nepal's 5,165 votes to win the election.

In the post of Vice Chairperson, NC's Mira Adhikari Lama has been elected with 5,191 votes. Her closest contestant Saraswoti Adhikari from UML received 5,079 votes. RSS

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05-       NC candidate wins in Humla's Kharpunath

Humla, May 22: Nepali Congress candidate has been elected the head of the Kharpunath Rural Municipality.

NC's Karna Bahadur Rawat won the local level poll with 1,110 votes under his belt while his closest contender Ganesh Rawal from CPN (Maoist Centre) garnered 533 votes.

NC's Sindu Hamal has been elected the vice chairperson of the rural municipality with 1018 votes. RSS

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06-       Bickering parties fail to forge consensus to resume Pokhara's vote         count

Pokhara, May 22: The vote counting of the local level polls held in the Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City is not making any headway over political parties' dispute despite an instruction coming from the Election Commission for its resumption.

The vote count was disrupted on Saturday after some ballot papers in ward no 17 were found to have bigger swastika marks. The parties held rounds of all – party meetings the next day, but only to continue the deadlock.

A letter was sent to the EC for necessary decision regarding the use of swastika marks after parties failed to come to a consensus. The EC responded at 5:30 pm on Sunday with an instruction to resume the vote count following which Chief Election Official's Office called for an all – party meeting again, but a consensus continues to remain evasive, according to Regional Election Office, Pokhara's Chief, Gangalal Subedi.

"We have again called for an all – party meeting as an effort to forge consensus among the local parties to resume vote count regardless of the legal base for it," Subedi shared and added further, "Our effort is to resume vote count by forging an agreement through the all – party meeting."

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Kaski's Secretary, Sudeep Mohan Bhattarai, said the EC must resolve the dispute and create an environment for resuming the vote count at the earliest. RSS

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07-       Industrial production affected with nonoperational transmission line

Birgunj, May 22: The industries in Birgunj have been prevented from functioning in full capacities with a nonoperational Raxaul – Parawanipur 132 kV power transmission line set up two months ago.

The cross-border transmission line straddling India's Raxaul and Nepal's Prawanipur was set up two months ago, but it is yet to start operation, thereby preventing the industries in Nepal to operate in full capacity. 

When questioned, project's chief Laxmi Narayan Mukhiya said he did not know why the transmission line is not functioning.

The Indian government has set up two substations in Raxaul and Parawanipur in Nepal under an investment amounting to around Rs 10 million. 

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The Birgunj Pathalaiya Industrial Corridor is waiting eagerly for the operation of the transmission line which is believed to greatly relieve the electricity burden.

Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry's former Chair, Pradip Kedia, said many industries were on verge of closure with lack of voltage, which in turn is affecting the production. Kedia accused the electricity authority of remaining apathetic towards the situation. 

Midnight shooting and robbery at a remote location in Bharatpur

Midnight shooting and robbery at a remote location in Bharatpur

Chitwan, May 19: A band of robbers last night barged into a house at Shukranagar of Bharatpur Metropolitan City – 25 and shot at the residents before making off with belongings and cash.

According to District Police Office Chitwan's Superintendent of Police (SP), Deepak Thapa, the robbers entered the house at a remote location and shot at Ganga Ram Mahato, 33, and attacked his mother Sahuni Mahato, 56, and Ram Kumari Mahato, 25, with a sharp weapon on their heads. The robbers also beat up Sahu Ram Mahato, 60, a neighbour who went inside after hearing a commotion and shouts for help.

Mahato's 27 – year – old wife, Kunti Mahato, fell unconscious in the attack. The robbers made off with Rs 150,000, two necklaces, a ring, four mobile phone sets and other jewelries.

The injured are receiving treatment at the Chitwan Medical College. A bullet fired from a pistol was extracted from Mahato's head while his mother Sahuni is suffering from a blood clot in her head. Others are reported to be out of danger.

A group of three unidentified persons attacked at 11:45 pm, according to SP Thapa. A police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police has launched an investigation and is using sniffer dogs to search for the robbers. RSS

DPM of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara returns from Beijing

DPM of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara returns from Beijing

Kathmandu, May 16:  Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara returned to home Tuesday night after attending the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation organized by China in Beijing.

Speaking at a press conference at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport after the arrival, DPM Mahara said the participants at the Belt and Road Forum agreed that the One Belt One Road Initiative was a very good concept.

"It can play a significant role for Nepal's development on infrastructure building as railroad and opening of additional border points," he said, adding China was always positive for Nepal's economic development and discussions were held on China's continued assistance to Nepal.

During his stay in China, DPM Mahara also held discussions with various Chinese officials in which he informed them about Nepal's latest political development as local elections and ensuing political stability with the implementation of constitution. He informed at the press meet that he found Nepal and China very good friends.

The Nepali delegation had left here for Beijing on Friday to take part in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held on May 14-15.

            The eight-member Nepali delegation including Minister for Information and Communications Surendra Kumar Karki, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ramesh Lekhak led by DPM Mahara took part in the Forum that was attended by 1,200 representatives including Heads of States from 29 countries, 100 ministerial level personalities and representatives from different agencies.

On Sunday, the head of Nepali delegation and DPM Mahara met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yang.

Earlier, Nepal and China and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, on May 12. The Nepali delegation attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation during thematic session on Connectivity of development Policies and Strategies.

During the session, Minister Karki said that Nepal’s geographical location, as a part of belt and road initiative, provides unique opportunity to synergize the benefit of connectivity with Central Asia, Europe, North and East Asia to South Asia.

He also proposed for mutual cooperation mechanism under the belt and road initiative and find some synergy in outcomes from the policies and projects related to connectivity, adding that Nepal was ready to work together with China for realizing the goal of creating harmonious and prosperous society for more equitable and just global order. RSS (Photo Available)

FNJ marks World Press Freedom Day 2017

FNJ marks World Press Freedom Day 2017

Kathmandu, May 3: Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) this morning took out a rally to mark the World Press Freedom Day 2017.

Under the banner 'Sensitive Vision in Sensitive Time: Media's Role for Peaceful, Inclusive and Just Society', the rally started from Naya Baneshwor and converged into a corner meeting after reaching Maitighar Mandala.

Addressing the meeting, FNJ President Dr Mahendra Bista spoke of 'still not being able to sense complete press freedom'. He added that although the press freedom has been enshrined in the constitution, attacks were continuing on press under different pretexts.

"The guilty has not been subjected to action, the 'incidents of press freedom' has increased as investigations have not been launched into attacks on journalists," Dr Bista said, adding "the press freedom incidents have increased as if a trend. There is no complete press freedom."

He said the journalists are forced to write news under control as there is no press freedom in practise. Stating that the country's transformation is possible through the medium of journalism, FNJ President Bista stressed on the need for freedom of press in a democratic country.  

On the occasion, FNJ General Secretary, Ujir Magar, said there were 71 cases related to press freedom this year alone. Magar took the occasion to underline 16 incidents of mistreatment of journalists, 11 incidents of arrests of journalists and 11 cases of attacks on journalists.

The rally was participated by FNJ's former President Dharmendra Jha, Press Union Chair Badri Sigdel, Press Chautari Nepal's former Chair Rajendra Aryal, Press Centre Nepal's former General Secretary, Om Sharma including journalists affiliated with various media houses. RSS

MTPD urges pedestrians to follow traffic rules

MTPD  urges pedestrians to follow traffic rules

Kathmandu, May 2: The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, Kathmandu has urged pedestrians to strictly follow traffic rules to avert untoward damage to be caused by the negligence while walking in the streets and crossing roads.  

According to the Division updates, of total traffic fatalities in the Kathmandu Valley, 40 per cent involve pedestrians.

The Division has planned to come with the provision for taking fines from pedestrians found violating traffic rules from May 15 as it seeks one of the possible effective steps to reduce the  cases of road casualties, according to Division Chief and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mingmar Lama. 

             

Those found taking risk and unsafe ways unintentionally and unknowingly while walking in the streets and crossing the roads are being made aware of the importance of road safety. Jaywalkers will be fined from the coming May 15.

Meanwhile, with an objective of making people aware of the traffic rules and importance of road safety, the Division, in collaboration with the National Folk and Duet Song Academy organised a folksong competition here today.

           

Popular folk singers Badri Pangeni, Pashupati Sharma, Ramji Khand, Shiva Hamal, Krishna Reule, Rita Thapa, Deepak Khadka and Kulendra Bishwakarama gave their voices on the theme "chances of fatal consequences from negligence while crossing roads, importance of the compliance with traffic rules, the means of proving oneself as a civilized citizen. RSS (photo available) 

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