네팔뉴스 #7

While the CPN(M) is reacting positively to the requests of the seven main opposition parties to stop/call back the General Strike(bandh) the ruling regime is continuing with its policy of massive oppression/terror.

2.8, "Election Day"...

According to GEFONT and some bourgeois media just few people particiapated in the so-called municipal election, organized by the king and his collaborators.

Please read more here:

Maoists call back general strike (7:30 PM)

Maoists withdrew the seven day long bandh (general strike) with effect from Thursday, after four days of the bandh.

A press statement issued by the Maoists on Wednesday said they withdrew the bandh respecting the requests of seven political parties, different organizations and people of different walks of life.

Maoists announced week long bandh from Sunday to disrupt the municipal poll.

Maoists have described the municipal poll as total failure.

Maoists also expressed gratitude to all people who had contributed for the success of the bandh.

Maoists appealed the seven political parties, civil societies and intellectuals to initiate dialogue for finding out the outlet of the present crisis through the election of the constituent assembly.

The statement further said that they will announce future programmes along with the process of dialogue.

The bandh has been facing widespread criticism from all walks of life. nepalnews.com pb Feb 08 06

...RNA 'in action'

GEFONT

Very few voters turn up to cast their ballot
February 8th, 2006
Today the Royal Regime staged a drama of election ploy across the country for municipal elections. One of the Nepali Blogers Dinesh Wagle has written in blog- United We Blog! For Democratic Nepal entitled – "Deserted Voting Booths of Nepal" very interestingly on today's election drama.

"An elderly man looks for his name in a voters’ list pasted outside a voting center in Kathmandu. Royal Nepal government is organizing ultra-controversial municipal election today."

"I went around a few voting booths to see how the election process was going on. I saw no people but security personnel on all booths. They were staying idle with nothing to do. A voting center in New Baneshwor was exception. There were some people! And they were looking for their names on the voters’ list pasted on the wall outside the Cooperative Center."

"Deserted Road in downtown Kathmandu. Today is a double Nepal Banda in this troubled country. The week-long general strike called by Maoist rebels to foil the election is on its fourth day where as the government has banned driving in the city for today’s election purpose."

"Police and Army were imposing a strict NO ENTRY policy for the press."

http://www.gefont.org/summary.asp?flag=3&cid=50

Nepalnews

Over 130 activists arrested in Biratnagar, UML activist reported killed in Dang

Very few voters turn up to cast their ballot

Human rights activist arrested in Janakpur

Municipal polls: one suspected Maoist killed in Dhangadhi; over dozen arrested in Kathmandu

One armyman killed;10 civilians abducted in Dhankuta clash

eKantipur

Army opens fire at protestors in Dang, one killed, another injured

Over 150 arrested on the eve of polls

...and so on, and so on...