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Nepal observes Democracy Day

     Kathmandu/New Delhi: Nepal on Friday observed Democracy Day with political activists holding anti-government demonstrations even as authorities once again cut telephone lines in an apprarent bid to scuttle the protests. At least 14 people were arrested when over a hundred protestors held demonstrations chanting slogans against authoritarian rule and absloute monarchy and demanding restoration of democracy and fundamental rights in the kingdom. Those arrested included former Nepali Congress MPs Hari Bhakta Adhikari, Mina Pandey and Mukti Prasad Sharma, party sources said. Eleven other Nepali Congress workers were also arrested as they staged demonstrations against the Febuary one royal takeover and imposition of emergency. Man Bahadur Bishwokarma, the President of Nepal Dalit Association affliated with the Nepali Congress, was among those arrested from the city's New Silk road area. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) today announced that it is organising a focus group discussion on the crisis in Nepal on Saturday. Various political leaders from Nepal, who are in exile now, have agreed to participate in the discussion, including Ms. Sujata Koirala, Dr Shekhar Koirala (Nepali Congress), Mr. Pradeep Giri (Nepali Congress-Democratic), Mr Rajendra Mahto, Mr Hridesh Tripathi (Sadbhavna) and Mr Girdhari Lal (Janmorcha) and Manjushree Thapa (author). Former Indian ambassadors to Nepal Mr. M.K. Rasgotra, Mr. D.V. Rajan, Mr. Arvind Deo and South Asia experts like Professor S.D. Muni, Dr Sanjay Jha, Brig. Arun Sehgal, Major General (retired). Ashok Mehta have also agreed to take part. The Nepali leaders are also likely to stage a demonstration in the Indian capital tomorrow to demand the return of multi-party democracy in the Himalayan kingdom.

Nepal's crisis hits business in Indian border villages (Go To Top)

     Nautnawa: Gravel traders in Indian villages bordering Nepal border are reeling under heavy losses after the change in Govt there cut off the tiny kingdom from the rest of the world. Most of the Indian businessmen along the1,747 kilometre-long porous borders are into the construction material trade, which is procured from Nepal. But as the borders have been sealed no one dares to even contact their suppliers. The traders import gravel from Nepal's rivers and then routes it to construction companies across India. Since the last two weeks not a single truckload has arrived from the neighbouring nation, hitting the business and also the poor porters and daily-wage labourers, who have lost their only means of livelihood. "We are facing a lot of problems. Per day at least 200 to 300 truckloads of gravel comes here from Nepal but now entire yards are lying vacant. The impact of Nepal's crisis is extremely bad, business is shut completely. Even more affected are the daily labourers who used to earn about 100 rupees a day now they can't even manage 10," said Rajiv Dubey, a gravel trade.

Sania now sets her sights on Dubai Open and top 50 (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: Tennis star Sania Mirza on Friday said that her sights were now set on performing well at the Dubai Open that begins on February 28, and that at present she was more concerned about resting her injured ankle to avoid "long-term" injury. Talking to reporters here after calling on the Union Sports Minister, Sunil Dutt, Sania said: "I have set a goal of breaking into the top 50 by the end of the year and I think it is achievable. But right now my priority is to give ample rest to my ankle as I don't want a long term injury." "My ankle is feeling better now. But I have not been practicing after the Hyderabad Open. I hope I recover before the Dubai Open," she added. Sania said she was looking forward to playing in yet another Grand Slam, but was quick to point out that there were many events in between where she would have to first make a mark. She was referring to landmark performances in the Australian Open, where she became the first Indian woman to enter the third round of a Grand Slam tournament. This was followed with her winning the WTA Hyderabad Open, beating several top seeds along the way. The Sports Minister gifted Sania two books based on letters written by former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira to each other from 1922 to 1964. He also hoped that Sania, who was accompanied by her parents and younger sister Anam, would bring more laurels for her family and the country in future.

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