A letter allegedly found in the house of one of the five persons arrested for "links" with the banned CPI (Maoist) talks about the ultras mulling "another Rajiv Gandhi incident", Pune police told a court on Thursday.

Police had arrested a Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale on Wednesday, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activists Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen and Rona Wilson from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi respectively in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held here in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence in the district.

All five were produced before the sessions court today which remanded them in police custody till&nbsp;June 14.

A letter found in Rona Wilson's house in Delhi talks about requirement of Rs 8 crore to procure M-4 rifle and four lakh rounds, and also about "another Rajiv Gandhi incident", prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar told the court.

"We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a chance that we might fail but party must deliberate on our proposal," Pawar quoted the letter as saying.

Seeking their remand, Pawar told judge A S Bhailsare, that documents seized also showed that preparation for the Elgar Parishad -- which police believe was backed and funded by the Maoists -- was going on for two months.

Quoting another letter allegedly seized from Wilson's house, Pawar said, "The higher Committee has appreciated the endearing efforts of all urban comrades for the specific tasks given to them... There is a lot of ground to be covered. Comrade Mangalu and Deepu have been coordinating the Koregaon programme (for) last two months with Comrade Sudhir.

"They have been able to gather support from the larger sections of Dalits across the state," Pawar quoted the letter as saying.

Evidence also showed that funds were provided by the CPI (Maoist) to "comrade Sudhir" for Koregaon Bhima "task" and "Comrade Shoma and Surendra" were authorised to provide funds for future programs, the prosecutor said.

In one of the letters from one Prakash to Wilson, it is stated that the Bhima Koregaon agitation was losing its steam, and cadres should keep it alive, Pawar said.

An investigation also revealed that senior Maoist leaders were asking lower-rung cadres to target and recruit "intelligent" students from "renowned" institutes, she said.

The lawyers of the accused said the documents cited by the prosecution were fabricated, and the accused have been framed up.

One of the defence lawyers pointed out that while police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the five accused, the stringent law was not applied against right-wing activists Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who are accused of inciting anti-Dalit violence at Bhima Koregaon on&nbsp;January 1.

Earlier in the day, Joint Commissioner of Police Ravindra Kadam told reporters that a letter allegedly seized from Wilson's house had been sent by fugitive Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde.

When asked if it refers to the Congress and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar (as alleged by a BJP leader today), he said, "The letter has their references, but we are still investigating the details."

Documents seized from Gadling's house in Nagpur show his indirect connection to recent Maoist attacks in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and in Chhattisgarh, Kadam said.

Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle, on&nbsp;December 31.

Police had earlier claimed that Kabir Kala Manch activists made provocative speeches at the gathering, leading to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day.

Police today also said that Teltumbde, comrade Prakash, comrade Manglu and comrade Deepu have been added as absconding accused in the present case.

A day before Kadam had claimed that some of the arrested activists were the "top brass of the Urban Maoists".&nbsp;

Dalits commemorate the 1818 battle of Bhima Koregaon where British forces, mostly consisting of Mahar soldiers (who were Dalits), defeated the forces of Peshwa, ending the Maratha rule. Some Hindu organisations had opposed the celebration this year.

A letter found in Rona Wilson's house in Delhi talks about requirement of Rs 8 crore to procure M-4 rifle and four lakh rounds

A letter allegedly found in the house of one of the five persons arrested for "links" with the banned CPI (Maoist) talks about the ultras mulling "another Rajiv Gandhi incident", Pune police told a court on Thursday. Police had arrested a Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale on Wednesday, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activists Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen and Rona Wilson from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi respectively in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held here in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence in the district. All five were produced before the sessions court today which remanded them in police custody till June 14. A letter found in Rona Wilson's house in Delhi talks about requirement of Rs 8 crore to procure M-4 rifle and four lakh rounds, and also about "another Rajiv Gandhi incident", prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar told the court. "We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a chance that we might fail but party must deliberate on our proposal," Pawar quoted the letter as saying. Seeking their remand, Pawar told judge A S Bhailsare, that documents seized also showed that preparation for the Elgar Parishad -- which police believe was backed and funded by the Maoists -- was going on for two months. Quoting another letter allegedly seized from Wilson's house, Pawar said, "The higher Committee has appreciated the endearing efforts of all urban comrades for the specific tasks given to them... There is a lot of ground to be covered. Comrade Mangalu and Deepu have been coordinating the Koregaon programme (for) last two months with Comrade Sudhir. "They have been able to gather support from the larger sections of Dalits across the state," Pawar quoted the letter as saying. Evidence also showed that funds were provided by the CPI (Maoist) to "comrade Sudhir" for Koregaon Bhima "task" and "Comrade Shoma and Surendra" were authorised to provide funds for future programs, the prosecutor said. In one of the letters from one Prakash to Wilson, it is stated that the Bhima Koregaon agitation was losing its steam, and cadres should keep it alive, Pawar said. An investigation also revealed that senior Maoist leaders were asking lower-rung cadres to target and recruit "intelligent" students from "renowned" institutes, she said. The lawyers of the accused said the documents cited by the prosecution were fabricated, and the accused have been framed up. One of the defence lawyers pointed out that while police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the five accused, the stringent law was not applied against right-wing activists Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who are accused of inciting anti-Dalit violence at Bhima Koregaon on January 1. Earlier in the day, Joint Commissioner of Police Ravindra Kadam told reporters that a letter allegedly seized from Wilson's house had been sent by fugitive Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde. When asked if it refers to the Congress and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar (as alleged by a BJP leader today), he said, "The letter has their references, but we are still investigating the details." Documents seized from Gadling's house in Nagpur show his indirect connection to recent Maoist attacks in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and in Chhattisgarh, Kadam said. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle, on December 31. Police had earlier claimed that Kabir Kala Manch activists made provocative speeches at the gathering, leading to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. Police today also said that Teltumbde, comrade Prakash, comrade Manglu and comrade Deepu have been added as absconding accused in the present case. A day before Kadam had claimed that some of the arrested activists were the "top brass of the Urban Maoists". Dalits commemorate the 1818 battle of Bhima Koregaon where British forces, mostly consisting of Mahar soldiers (who were Dalits), defeated the forces of Peshwa, ending the Maratha rule. Some Hindu organisations had opposed the celebration this year.

In letter, banned CPI (Maoist) talks of 'another Rajiv Gandhi incident'

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-looking-forward-to-resolving-trade-disputes-at-g7-143162">Trump says 'looking forward' to resolving trade disputes at G7</a>

President Donald Trump said Friday he wants to use the G7 summit to resolve what he called unfair trade deals with US allies.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/maoist-letter-reveals-rajiv-gandhi-type-assassination-bid-on-pm-modi--143143">Maoist</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/maoist-letter-reveals-rajiv-gandhi-type-assassination-bid-on-pm-modi--143143"> letter reveals 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on PM Modi</a>

Pune police have chanced upon a letter from the residence of one of the five persons they had arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. The letter discusses 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-moon-to-visit-russia-meet-putin-on-june-23-25-143090">South Korea's President Moon to visit Russia, meet Putin, on June 23-25</a>

South Korea's President Moon Jae -in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 23 to 25, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/celebrity-chef-anthony-bourdain-found-dead-in-france-hotel-room--143149">Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain found dead in France hotel room</a>

Noted celebrity chef and television host Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel roomStrasbourg, France on Friday. The police is suspecting a case of suicide.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/economic-growth-may-cross-8-in-next-2-years-suresh-prabhu-143118">Economic growth may cross 8% in next 2 years: Suresh Prabhu</a>

India's GDP growth is likely to cross 8 per cent in the next two years and the government is taking a number of steps including formulation of a new industrial policy to double the economy's size to USD 5 trillion in 7-8 years, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Friday.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Trump says 'looking forward' to resolving trade disputes at G7 President Donald Trump said Friday he wants to use the G7 summit to resolve what he called unfair trade deals with US allies. Maoist letter reveals 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on PM Modi Pune police have chanced upon a letter from the residence of one of the five persons they had arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. The letter discusses 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. South Korea's President Moon to visit Russia, meet Putin, on June 23-25 South Korea's President Moon Jae -in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 23 to 25, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain found dead in France hotel room Noted celebrity chef and television host Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel roomStrasbourg, France on Friday. The police is suspecting a case of suicide. Economic growth may cross 8% in next 2 years: Suresh Prabhu India's GDP growth is likely to cross 8 per cent in the next two years and the government is taking a number of steps including formulation of a new industrial policy to double the economy's size to USD 5 trillion in 7-8 years, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A Maoist, allegedly involved in the killing of a former Janata Dal (U) MLA, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district on Friday, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, an NIA team arrested Sunil Dangil alias Chris, a member of the surrendered leader Kundan Pahan squad of the outfit, on Friday, they said.

The Maoist is one of the seven accused involved in the gunning down of Ramesh Singh Munda, a JD(U) MLA from Tamar in Ranchi in 2008.

He was taken to Ranchi by the NIA team after he was produced before the local court.

Former Jharkhand minister Gopal Krishna Patar was arrested in 2017 by the NIA for allegedly conniving with the Maoists to get his political rival Munda killed in 2008, they said.

Jharkhand Party candidate Patar defeated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren in the Tamar bypoll forcing him to step down as chief minister in 2009.&nbsp;

Also, at least two suspected Maoists, including a woman, were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, a senior police official said.

On Friday, security forces killed at least eight Maoists including five women in a forest in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, after 39 rebels were gunned down in neighboring Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli earlier this week. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Acting on a tip-off, an NIA team arrested Sunil Dangil alias Chris, a member of the surrendered leader Kundan Pahan squad of the outfit

A Maoist, allegedly involved in the killing of a former Janata Dal (U) MLA, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district on Friday, the police said. Acting on a tip-off, an NIA team arrested Sunil Dangil alias Chris, a member of the surrendered leader Kundan Pahan squad of the outfit, on Friday, they said. The Maoist is one of the seven accused involved in the gunning down of Ramesh Singh Munda, a JD(U) MLA from Tamar in Ranchi in 2008. He was taken to Ranchi by the NIA team after he was produced before the local court. Former Jharkhand minister Gopal Krishna Patar was arrested in 2017 by the NIA for allegedly conniving with the Maoists to get his political rival Munda killed in 2008, they said. Jharkhand Party candidate Patar defeated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren in the Tamar bypoll forcing him to step down as chief minister in 2009. Also, at least two suspected Maoists, including a woman, were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, a senior police official said. On Friday, security forces killed at least eight Maoists including five women in a forest in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, after 39 rebels were gunned down in neighboring Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli earlier this week.

Jamshedpur: NIA arrests wanted Maoist accused of killing MLA

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said.

The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout.

The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days.

The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said. The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout. The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest. It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said. Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days. The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

Odisha: Four Maoists killed in gun battle with security forces

Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said.

All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control.

Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party&#39;s electoral alliance with the Communist Party of&nbsp;Nepal-Unified Marxist&nbsp;Leninist&nbsp;(CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government.

The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said.

According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday.

&quot;Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday,&quot; Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said.

Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.

All Maoist ministers were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections

Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said. All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control. Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party's electoral alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government. The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said. According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday. "Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday," Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said. Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.

Nepal: 17 Maoist ministers decide to quit government

In 2018, the Odisha police have decided to work for the betterment of Maoist belt.

The police have formulated two-pronged approaches to work for the advancement in the belt.&nbsp;

It is planning the strategic deployment of forces to counter the growing Maoist in the area.

Besides this, it will also facilitate economic development in the restive area.&nbsp;

The Director-General of Police (DGP) RP Sharma has said that the completion of Gurupriya bridge in Maoist affected Malkangiri district will add to the economic development.

The police have planned to institute measures for controlling the crime against women and children.&nbsp;

Stating Cybercrime check as one of the main priorities of the state, the police are&nbsp;planning to launch awareness campaigns to educate people about safe uses of the internet.

The police will also devise ways for people to freely interact with them.&nbsp;

The Odisha police have decided to work for the betterment of Maoist belt

In 2018, the Odisha police have decided to work for the betterment of Maoist belt. The police have formulated two-pronged approaches to work for the advancement in the belt. It is planning the strategic deployment of forces to counter the growing Maoist in the area. Besides this, it will also facilitate economic development in the restive area. The Director-General of Police (DGP) RP Sharma has said that the completion of Gurupriya bridge in Maoist affected Malkangiri district will add to the economic development. The police have planned to institute measures for controlling the crime against women and children. Stating Cybercrime check as one of the main priorities of the state, the police are planning to launch awareness campaigns to educate people about safe uses of the internet. The police will also devise ways for people to freely interact with them.

Odisha police to counter growing Maoist in 2018

The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Raghubar Das and his counterpart in Bihar, Mr Nitish Kumar were confident that the Maoist movement in Bihar has been brought under control. However, both have been proven to be wrong. Just after midnight today, a group of armed Moist insurgents killed one deputy head of village committee and abducted two staff of the Indian Railways, including an ASM. The irony is that this incident happened at Masudan Railway station which is just 164kms away from the heart of Bihar&#39;s capital city, Patna.

&nbsp;

There is a purpose in selecting the place and the action. They want to convey the message that they can reach anywhere, anytime and even in the proximity of the capital, spreading terror and insecurity in the minds of people.

&nbsp;

It is a matter of concern. Indeed, it is a matter of serious concern.

&nbsp;

Bihar and Jharkhand are important transit points for Maoists. It connects two important strongholds of the red corridor, the Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh and Junglemahal in West Bengal and, hence, carries very high value for the Maoist movement. The entire leadership of the Maoist movement emphasises on controlling this corridor at all costs or else their movement will split and die.

&nbsp;

But what compelled Maoist to kill innocent civilians, burn the railway station and abduct the staff?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The answer lies in the recent developments in Bihar, Dandakaranya (Chhattisgarh) and Jharkhand. Over last three years, Bihar and Jharkhand Police have been cracking down on the Maoists in the bordering areas of the two states. So far, they have recovered a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and incendiary literature.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also, their ideologue and member of Polit Bureau, Kobad Ghandy was re-arrested by Police. As the Central Police Forces are cracking down on the Maoist leadership and their ideology, while the civil administration is making inroads in the rural and underdeveloped areas, they are constantly losing moral ground among the local population. The poor tribal and villagers who used to help Maoist movement selflessly, are now getting away from them because they have understood the reality of the movement.

&nbsp;

A few years back, any shutdown declared by the Maoists used to be totally successful because of a whole-hearted local support. But things have changed now, and Maoists have no option but to undertake forceful measures to make their shutdown successful.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The recent incident of Lakhisarai reflects the highest level of frustration among the Maoist leadership. They demanded that the railway traffic on this route would be stopped till their shutdown is over. In his letter issued to the common public, some Suraj who claimed to be the secretary of Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee says, &quot;Join for protests on 18th and 19th December and follow the total Shutdown on 20th December 2017.&quot;

&nbsp;

The message is clear. The movement which earlier claimed to be the movement of public has already turned into a terrorist movement. Not for the people but for their own prestige, money and power.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

In choosing soft targets, the Maoists are showing vulnerability in their once stronghold.

The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Raghubar Das and his counterpart in Bihar, Mr Nitish Kumar were confident that the Maoist movement in Bihar has been brought under control. However, both have been proven to be wrong. Just after midnight today, a group of armed Moist insurgents killed one deputy head of village committee and abducted two staff of the Indian Railways, including an ASM. The irony is that this incident happened at Masudan Railway station which is just 164kms away from the heart of Bihar's capital city, Patna. There is a purpose in selecting the place and the action. They want to convey the message that they can reach anywhere, anytime and even in the proximity of the capital, spreading terror and insecurity in the minds of people. It is a matter of concern. Indeed, it is a matter of serious concern. Bihar and Jharkhand are important transit points for Maoists. It connects two important strongholds of the red corridor, the Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh and Junglemahal in West Bengal and, hence, carries very high value for the Maoist movement. The entire leadership of the Maoist movement emphasises on controlling this corridor at all costs or else their movement will split and die. But what compelled Maoist to kill innocent civilians, burn the railway station and abduct the staff? The answer lies in the recent developments in Bihar, Dandakaranya (Chhattisgarh) and Jharkhand. Over last three years, Bihar and Jharkhand Police have been cracking down on the Maoists in the bordering areas of the two states. So far, they have recovered a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and incendiary literature. Also, their ideologue and member of Polit Bureau, Kobad Ghandy was re-arrested by Police. As the Central Police Forces are cracking down on the Maoist leadership and their ideology, while the civil administration is making inroads in the rural and underdeveloped areas, they are constantly losing moral ground among the local population. The poor tribal and villagers who used to help Maoist movement selflessly, are now getting away from them because they have understood the reality of the movement. A few years back, any shutdown declared by the Maoists used to be totally successful because of a whole-hearted local support. But things have changed now, and Maoists have no option but to undertake forceful measures to make their shutdown successful. The recent incident of Lakhisarai reflects the highest level of frustration among the Maoist leadership. They demanded that the railway traffic on this route would be stopped till their shutdown is over. In his letter issued to the common public, some Suraj who claimed to be the secretary of Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee says, "Join for protests on 18th and 19th December and follow the total Shutdown on 20th December 2017." The message is clear. The movement which earlier claimed to be the movement of public has already turned into a terrorist movement. Not for the people but for their own prestige, money and power. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why Maoists chose soft targets to prove their dominance

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Here's an infographic looking at the number of security forces personnel, civilians and Naxals/Maoists that have died in attacks over the past 12 years

Infographic: Fatalities from Maoist attacks in India 2005-17

A prominent Delhi university academician and activist along with ten others were booked for alleged involvement in the murder of a tribal villager, Shamnath Baghel in the Sukma district of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The police, acting on the complaint of Baghel&#39;s wife on Saturday, charged professor Nandini Sundar, who heads the department of sociology at the Delhi University with murder, criminal conspiracy and rioting.&nbsp;

Ten others, including JNU professor Archana Prasad, Vineet Tiwari (Delhi Joshi Adhikar Sansthan) and Chhattisgarh CPI secretary Sanjay Parate were also named as accused, told inspector general of Bastar range, SRP Kalluri. He added, &quot;the strongest possible action will be taken against those guilty after the investigation.&quot;

The slain, along with his associates was leading a protest against Maoist activities in the Nama village in April when he was killed by armed Maoists.&nbsp;

Earlier in May, Baghel had lodged a complaint against Sundar for allegedly inciting tribals against policemen.&nbsp;

The Delhi-based sociologist, Sundar has worked extensively in the conflict-torn state and recently published a book, &#39;The Burning Forest, India&#39;s war in Bastar&#39; which talks about police atrocities in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

She had even petitioned in the Supreme Court of India to ban state-backed anti-Maoist militia Salwa Judum, terming the anti-insurgency operation unconstitutional.&nbsp;

The police told reporters that Baghel&#39;s wife had alleged that the professor and other workers conducted meetings to provocate the villagers. She even said that his husband had received threats, saying he would be eliminated if he did not fall in line. Baghel and some of the villagers had reportedly filed a complaint in May against Sundar.&nbsp;

However, some prominent voices in the country came out in support of the DU professor. These people are of the view that Baghel&#39;s wife was coerced to name the professors at the behest of the inspector general of police, Kalluri himself.&nbsp;

Nandini Sundar alleged that the charges were a clear act of vendetta by the police and that Kalluri has been targeting activists working in the region. &quot;Kalluri is afraid of being implicated in cases that activists have been fighting here for years,&quot; she told the media.&nbsp;

&quot;The FIR filed against us by the Bastar police is patently absurd. We condemn the killing of Shamnath Baghel. This is clearly part of IG Kalluri&#39;s attempt to intimidate and harass journalists, lawyers, researchers, political leaders and human rights activists who have exposed the reign of fake encounters, gang rapes etc. that are going on in Bastar. In particular, this is a direct fall out of the CBI charge sheet of special police officers turned constables for arson in Tadmetla in 2011, an operation which Kalluri directed. First our effigies were burnt by the police and now a false FIR is being filed against us.

This should also show what kind of false cases have been filed against Adivasis (tribals) all these years &ndash; people are routinely charged in cases where they have no involvement at all. That&rsquo;s why the jails of Chhattisgarh are so over-crowded.&quot; Nandini wrote on her Facebook wall.&nbsp;

Delhi University Teachers Association, President, Nandita Narain, talking to WION said, &quot;It is nothing but a witch-hunt of scholars and activists who have been challenging the state narrative. Nandini Sundar is an academician of international repute and it it is completely absurd to allege her of instigating a murder. It is her years long work in the state with the Adivasis that has upset the police, which is now framing her in a false case.&quot;

Manisha Sethi, a renowned human rights activist and professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi also raised apprehension about the case filed against Nandini Sundar, terming it a revenge by the state of Chattisgarh for bringing to mainstream the lawlessness of Bastar.&nbsp;

&quot;The case against Nandini Sundar, Archana Prasad and other activists reeks of malevolent vendetta. It is obviously intended to teach Sundar a &lsquo;lesson&rsquo; for constantly bringing to the mainstream attention issues of militarisation and lawlessness in Bastar, and her relentless pursuit of justice in killings, rapes and arson by the agents of the state. Coming days after the CBI filed charge sheet against SPOs and Salwa judum leaders in the Tadmetla violence of 2011, a case which Nandini has kept alive through her writings and legal interventions, the vindictiveness of the charges against her is all the more apparent.&quot; she told WION. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed scholar, Ramcharandra Guha, took to Twitter and wrote that the FIR against Nandini is vicious and vindictive and it proves beyond doubt that Chattisgarh is a police state.&nbsp;

Amid all the charges and counter claims, Chattisgarh police have maintained that it is taking the FIR very seriously and is &quot;determined to take action against those named in the FIR after investigation&quot;.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

The activist, backed by the University's association, said the charges reek of 'police vendetta' for highlighting the lawlessness in Bastar

A prominent Delhi university academician and activist along with ten others were booked for alleged involvement in the murder of a tribal villager, Shamnath Baghel in the Sukma district of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The police, acting on the complaint of Baghel's wife on Saturday, charged professor Nandini Sundar, who heads the department of sociology at the Delhi University with murder, criminal conspiracy and rioting. Ten others, including JNU professor Archana Prasad, Vineet Tiwari (Delhi Joshi Adhikar Sansthan) and Chhattisgarh CPI secretary Sanjay Parate were also named as accused, told inspector general of Bastar range, SRP Kalluri. He added, "the strongest possible action will be taken against those guilty after the investigation." The slain, along with his associates was leading a protest against Maoist activities in the Nama village in April when he was killed by armed Maoists. Earlier in May, Baghel had lodged a complaint against Sundar for allegedly inciting tribals against policemen. The Delhi-based sociologist, Sundar has worked extensively in the conflict-torn state and recently published a book, 'The Burning Forest, India's war in Bastar' which talks about police atrocities in Chhattisgarh. She had even petitioned in the Supreme Court of India to ban state-backed anti-Maoist militia Salwa Judum, terming the anti-insurgency operation unconstitutional. The police told reporters that Baghel's wife had alleged that the professor and other workers conducted meetings to provocate the villagers. She even said that his husband had received threats, saying he would be eliminated if he did not fall in line. Baghel and some of the villagers had reportedly filed a complaint in May against Sundar. However, some prominent voices in the country came out in support of the DU professor. These people are of the view that Baghel's wife was coerced to name the professors at the behest of the inspector general of police, Kalluri himself. Nandini Sundar alleged that the charges were a clear act of vendetta by the police and that Kalluri has been targeting activists working in the region. "Kalluri is afraid of being implicated in cases that activists have been fighting here for years," she told the media. "The FIR filed against us by the Bastar police is patently absurd. We condemn the killing of Shamnath Baghel. This is clearly part of IG Kalluri's attempt to intimidate and harass journalists, lawyers, researchers, political leaders and human rights activists who have exposed the reign of fake encounters, gang rapes etc. that are going on in Bastar. In particular, this is a direct fall out of the CBI charge sheet of special police officers turned constables for arson in Tadmetla in 2011, an operation which Kalluri directed. First our effigies were burnt by the police and now a false FIR is being filed against us. This should also show what kind of false cases have been filed against Adivasis (tribals) all these years – people are routinely charged in cases where they have no involvement at all. That’s why the jails of Chhattisgarh are so over-crowded." Nandini wrote on her Facebook wall. Delhi University Teachers Association, President, Nandita Narain, talking to WION said, "It is nothing but a witch-hunt of scholars and activists who have been challenging the state narrative. Nandini Sundar is an academician of international repute and it it is completely absurd to allege her of instigating a murder. It is her years long work in the state with the Adivasis that has upset the police, which is now framing her in a false case." Manisha Sethi, a renowned human rights activist and professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi also raised apprehension about the case filed against Nandini Sundar, terming it a revenge by the state of Chattisgarh for bringing to mainstream the lawlessness of Bastar. "The case against Nandini Sundar, Archana Prasad and other activists reeks of malevolent vendetta. It is obviously intended to teach Sundar a ‘lesson’ for constantly bringing to the mainstream attention issues of militarisation and lawlessness in Bastar, and her relentless pursuit of justice in killings, rapes and arson by the agents of the state. Coming days after the CBI filed charge sheet against SPOs and Salwa judum leaders in the Tadmetla violence of 2011, a case which Nandini has kept alive through her writings and legal interventions, the vindictiveness of the charges against her is all the more apparent." she told WION. Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed scholar, Ramcharandra Guha, took to Twitter and wrote that the FIR against Nandini is vicious and vindictive and it proves beyond doubt that Chattisgarh is a police state. Amid all the charges and counter claims, Chattisgarh police have maintained that it is taking the FIR very seriously and is "determined to take action against those named in the FIR after investigation". (WION)

Nandini Sundar case: Chhattisgarh police accuse DU professor of involvement in villager's murder

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has been elected as Nepal&#39;s Prime Minister by 363 votes. The appointment has come in only a few days after former minister KP Oli&#39;s resignation ensued a fresh political turmoil in the country. 
 
Nepal&#39;s parliament met today in a crucial session that confirmed the former Maoist rebel chief as the Himalayan nation&#39;s new prime minister after Oli stepped down to avoid a no-confidence motion. 
 
Nepal has been mired for years in political instability, and the new leader will be its 24th prime minister after weeks of deadly protests established multi-party democracy in 1990. 
 
This is &nbsp;61-year-old Prachanda&#39;s second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008. 
 
&#39;Prachanda&#39;s appointment unlikely to end&nbsp;revolving-door politics&#39; 
 
Analysts say the return of Prachanda, who still uses his nom de guerre meaning &quot;Fierce&quot; but has lost his former &#39;Robin Hood&#39; image dating back to the insurgency, was unlikely to end the revolving-door politics that has sapped business confidence in one of the world&#39;s poorest countries. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think he will be stable,&quot; said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the daily Nagarik. 
 
&quot;There is no agreement between parties on a basic agenda for the country. They have only agreed for convenience and there is already a deal to change the prime minister after nine months.&quot; 
 
Prachanda&#39;s confirmation was virtually assured thanks to the support of the centrist Nepali Congress, the biggest party in parliament, and an alliance of several small parties. 
 
Under a widely reported power-sharing deal, Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to take over from Prachanda before Nepal holds a general election at the beginning of 2018. Party officials have declined to comment. 
 
Frequent changes of government are blamed on politicians who are seen as selfish and power hungry, and who show little concern for the plight of Nepal&#39;s 28 million people. Nearly a quarter live on less than $2 a day. 
 
Great power rivalry 
 
Political change in Nepal, which has great potential to generate hydroelectric power, is closely watched by China and India as they vie for influence over the country that is home to Mount Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. 
 
In 2008, Prachanda visited China before India, breaking a tradition of new Nepali leaders making New Delhi their first foreign port of call. 
 
During a visit in March, Oli cosied up to China with a deal to use its ports for trading goods with third countries, ruffling feathers in India which controls landlocked Nepal&#39;s main overland export route. 
 
India is blamed in Nepal for imposing a blockade on fuel and essential goods last year following protests by the Madhesi minority against Nepal&#39;s first post-monarchy constitution, an accusation India denies. 
 
The Madhesis, who mostly live on the southern plains and have historical and family ties to India, have protested against the charter saying it weakens their say in the central government by dividing their homeland into several provinces. 
 
The new leader also faces the task of rebuilding homes, roads and monuments destroyed by earthquakes that killed 9,000 people last year as well as oversee settlement of war crimes cases against the Maoists and the security forces. 
 
(Reuters)

This is ?61-year-old Prachanda's second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has been elected as Nepal's Prime Minister by 363 votes. The appointment has come in only a few days after former minister KP Oli's resignation ensued a fresh political turmoil in the country. Nepal's parliament met today in a crucial session that confirmed the former Maoist rebel chief as the Himalayan nation's new prime minister after Oli stepped down to avoid a no-confidence motion. Nepal has been mired for years in political instability, and the new leader will be its 24th prime minister after weeks of deadly protests established multi-party democracy in 1990. This is 61-year-old Prachanda's second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008. 'Prachanda's appointment unlikely to end revolving-door politics' Analysts say the return of Prachanda, who still uses his nom de guerre meaning "Fierce" but has lost his former 'Robin Hood' image dating back to the insurgency, was unlikely to end the revolving-door politics that has sapped business confidence in one of the world's poorest countries. "I don't think he will be stable," said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the daily Nagarik. "There is no agreement between parties on a basic agenda for the country. They have only agreed for convenience and there is already a deal to change the prime minister after nine months." Prachanda's confirmation was virtually assured thanks to the support of the centrist Nepali Congress, the biggest party in parliament, and an alliance of several small parties. Under a widely reported power-sharing deal, Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to take over from Prachanda before Nepal holds a general election at the beginning of 2018. Party officials have declined to comment. Frequent changes of government are blamed on politicians who are seen as selfish and power hungry, and who show little concern for the plight of Nepal's 28 million people. Nearly a quarter live on less than $2 a day. Great power rivalry Political change in Nepal, which has great potential to generate hydroelectric power, is closely watched by China and India as they vie for influence over the country that is home to Mount Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In 2008, Prachanda visited China before India, breaking a tradition of new Nepali leaders making New Delhi their first foreign port of call. During a visit in March, Oli cosied up to China with a deal to use its ports for trading goods with third countries, ruffling feathers in India which controls landlocked Nepal's main overland export route. India is blamed in Nepal for imposing a blockade on fuel and essential goods last year following protests by the Madhesi minority against Nepal's first post-monarchy constitution, an accusation India denies. The Madhesis, who mostly live on the southern plains and have historical and family ties to India, have protested against the charter saying it weakens their say in the central government by dividing their homeland into several provinces. The new leader also faces the task of rebuilding homes, roads and monuments destroyed by earthquakes that killed 9,000 people last year as well as oversee settlement of war crimes cases against the Maoists and the security forces. (Reuters)

Maoist chief Prachanda takes over as Nepal's 24th Prime Minister

The leader of Nepal&#39;s Maoist party appeared certain to be the next prime minister after the deadline for nominations expired on Tuesday with only his name on the ballot. 
 
Lawmakers in the Himalayan nation are due to elect a new prime minister on Wednesday after KP Sharma Oli resigned last week, minutes before facing a no-confidence motion in parliament. 
 
&quot;We have only received the nomination of Pushpa Kamal Dahal for the prime minister&#39;s post,&quot; deputy parliament spokesman Sudarshan Kuinkel told AFP, referring to the Maoist party leader. Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or &quot;the fierce one&quot;, led a decade-long Maoist insurgency before transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal. 
 
He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but only lasted nine months in office before resigning.&nbsp;The party lost ground in the last elections in 2013 and is now only the third-biggest force in parliament. But neither of the two larger parties have enough seats to govern alone. 
 
Dahal secured the backing of the largest party, the Nepali Congress, after pulling out of Oli&#39;s coalition three weeks ago. If elected, Dahal faces the twin challenges of rebuilding the country after a devastating earthquake and resolving simmering unrest over a divisive new constitution adopted last September. 
 
Oli faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. 
 
More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal&#39;s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. 
 
But continuing discussions between the government and protesters over the constitution, particularly over the rights of marginalised communities, have failed to yield an&nbsp;agreement. 
 
(AFP)

He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but resigned after nine months in office

The leader of Nepal's Maoist party appeared certain to be the next prime minister after the deadline for nominations expired on Tuesday with only his name on the ballot. Lawmakers in the Himalayan nation are due to elect a new prime minister on Wednesday after KP Sharma Oli resigned last week, minutes before facing a no-confidence motion in parliament. "We have only received the nomination of Pushpa Kamal Dahal for the prime minister's post," deputy parliament spokesman Sudarshan Kuinkel told AFP, referring to the Maoist party leader. Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or "the fierce one", led a decade-long Maoist insurgency before transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal. He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but only lasted nine months in office before resigning. The party lost ground in the last elections in 2013 and is now only the third-biggest force in parliament. But neither of the two larger parties have enough seats to govern alone. Dahal secured the backing of the largest party, the Nepali Congress, after pulling out of Oli's coalition three weeks ago. If elected, Dahal faces the twin challenges of rebuilding the country after a devastating earthquake and resolving simmering unrest over a divisive new constitution adopted last September. Oli faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But continuing discussions between the government and protesters over the constitution, particularly over the rights of marginalised communities, have failed to yield an agreement. (AFP)

Nepal's Maoist leader, Prachanda, set to become next prime minister

China&#39;s foreign ministry said today that it hoped that all parties in Nepal put national interest first and worked for stability, after the landlocked country&#39;s prime minister resigned, nine months after coming to power. 
 
Nepal&#39;s Prime Minister KP Oli resigned on Sunday, minutes before parliament was to vote on a no-confidence motion he was likely to lose. 
 
The no-confidence motion was brought by former Maoist rebels who propped up the Oli-led government last October, but fell out with him after accusing him of failing to honour a power-sharing deal. 
 
Oli&#39;s departure plunges the Himalayan country, plagued by political turmoil for years, into a whole new round of political uncertainty. This is the country&#39;s 23rd government to fall since a multi-party democracy began in 1990 after bloody protests, and the political tumult has weighed on business confidence. 
 
China is vying to increase its influence in Nepal, challenging India&#39;s long-held position as the dominant outside power. 
 
When Oli visited China in March, he signed a deal allowing Nepal to use China&#39;s ports for trading goods with third countries, potentially ending India&#39;s decades-long monopoly over the impoverished country&#39;s trading routes. 
 
&quot;As a neighbour and friend, China genuinely hopes that all parties and sides in Nepal put the national and people&#39;s interests first, and dedicate themselves to effecting Nepal&#39;s stability and development,&quot; China&#39;s foreign ministry said in a brief statement. 
 
&quot;China and Nepal have been through thick and thin together, and no matter the changes in the international or domestic situation, the direction of China and Nepal&#39;s friendship and mutually beneficially cooperation will not change.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

China is vying to increase its influence in Nepal, challenging India's long-held position as the dominant outside power

China's foreign ministry said today that it hoped that all parties in Nepal put national interest first and worked for stability, after the landlocked country's prime minister resigned, nine months after coming to power. Nepal's Prime Minister KP Oli resigned on Sunday, minutes before parliament was to vote on a no-confidence motion he was likely to lose. The no-confidence motion was brought by former Maoist rebels who propped up the Oli-led government last October, but fell out with him after accusing him of failing to honour a power-sharing deal. Oli's departure plunges the Himalayan country, plagued by political turmoil for years, into a whole new round of political uncertainty. This is the country's 23rd government to fall since a multi-party democracy began in 1990 after bloody protests, and the political tumult has weighed on business confidence. China is vying to increase its influence in Nepal, challenging India's long-held position as the dominant outside power. When Oli visited China in March, he signed a deal allowing Nepal to use China's ports for trading goods with third countries, potentially ending India's decades-long monopoly over the impoverished country's trading routes. "As a neighbour and friend, China genuinely hopes that all parties and sides in Nepal put the national and people's interests first, and dedicate themselves to effecting Nepal's stability and development," China's foreign ministry said in a brief statement. "China and Nepal have been through thick and thin together, and no matter the changes in the international or domestic situation, the direction of China and Nepal's friendship and mutually beneficially cooperation will not change." (Reuters)

China calls for stability after Nepal PM's departure

Nepal Parliament today started a three-day discussion on the no-confidence motion filed against embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli after all the three bills related to the annual budget were rejected by majority vote. 
 
Speaking in the 598-member House, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal &#39;Prachanda&#39; sought the support of the lawmakers for the no-confidence motion. 
 
The no-trust motion was registered by the largest party in the parliament Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-United. 
They have been demanding that Oli should resign to clear the way for formation of a new government. 
 
A total of 281 parliamentarians of 13 parties have supported the motion. The parliament will hold discussions for three days on the motion. 
 
Earlier in the day, the parliament rejected all three budget-related bills by majority vote. 
 
Nepali Congress and Maoist had decided to table the bills before tabling the no-trust motion as per the request of the ruling parties, but they voted against it. 
 
The parliament meeting has been postponed till tomorrow morning. 
 
Oli, who became prime minister last October heading Nepal&#39;s eighth government in the past 10 years, has been facing a no-trust motion after the Maoists withdrew support from the coalition government last week. 
 
Nepali Congress and the Maoists tabled the no-trust motion against Oli, accusing him of not honouring his past commitments. 
Oli has refused to step down, despite the fact that the coalition government led by him is in minority after the Maoists withdrew their support to the coalition government. 
 
(PTI)

The no-confidence motion was registered by the largest party in the Parliament, the Nepali Congress, seeking support of other lawmakers

Nepal Parliament today started a three-day discussion on the no-confidence motion filed against embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli after all the three bills related to the annual budget were rejected by majority vote. Speaking in the 598-member House, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' sought the support of the lawmakers for the no-confidence motion. The no-trust motion was registered by the largest party in the parliament Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-United. They have been demanding that Oli should resign to clear the way for formation of a new government. A total of 281 parliamentarians of 13 parties have supported the motion. The parliament will hold discussions for three days on the motion. Earlier in the day, the parliament rejected all three budget-related bills by majority vote. Nepali Congress and Maoist had decided to table the bills before tabling the no-trust motion as per the request of the ruling parties, but they voted against it. The parliament meeting has been postponed till tomorrow morning. Oli, who became prime minister last October heading Nepal's eighth government in the past 10 years, has been facing a no-trust motion after the Maoists withdrew support from the coalition government last week. Nepali Congress and the Maoists tabled the no-trust motion against Oli, accusing him of not honouring his past commitments. Oli has refused to step down, despite the fact that the coalition government led by him is in minority after the Maoists withdrew their support to the coalition government. (PTI)

Nepal Parliament begins discussion on no-trust motion against Prime Minister Oli

Nepalese opposition lawmakers filed a no-confidence motion today against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after former rebel Maoists quit his coalition, triggering fresh political turmoil in the quake-hit nation. 
 
The former guerrillas announced on Tuesday that they were withdrawing support for Oli`s government, leaving his coalition without a majority. 
 
After Oli refused to resign, opposition lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the Maoists filed a motion against the embattled premier in parliament, an official told AFP. 
 
&quot;A no-confidence motion against the PM has been registered, 280 members have signed it,&quot; said Parliament spokesman Bharat Gautam. 
 
According to procedure, Oli will now have a week to secure support for a majority government before Parliament hosts discussions and a possible vote on the motion, Gautam said. 
 
Oli`s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) currently holds 175 elected seats in Parliament, far fewer than the 299 needed to win a vote of confidence. 
 
The Maoists joined the government last October, weeks after Nepal adopted a divisive new national constitution. 
 
Cracks began to appear in the coalition two months ago when they threatened to topple Oli. 
 
Oli survived that attempt by drawing up an 11th-hour deal with Maoist chief, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known by his nom-de-guerre Prachanda. 
 
But Dahal later pulled out of the coalition, citing the government`s failure to implement the agreement to withdraw civil war cases from Nepal`s courts and offer amnesties to people accused of abuses during the decade-long Maoist insurgency which ended in 2006.&nbsp; 
 
Since becoming premier, Oli has faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the new charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade in southern Nepal by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. 
 
More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who said the constitution left them politically marginalised.&nbsp; 
 
Kathmandu accused New Delhi of imposing an &quot;unofficial blockade&quot; on the impoverished landlocked nation in support of the Madhesis, who share close cultural and family links with Indians across the border. 
 
The new constitution, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to cement peace and bolster Nepal`s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. 
 
But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter have failed to yield agreement. 
 
(AFP)

According to procedure, he will have a week to secure support before Parliament hosts a possible vote

Nepalese opposition lawmakers filed a no-confidence motion today against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after former rebel Maoists quit his coalition, triggering fresh political turmoil in the quake-hit nation. The former guerrillas announced on Tuesday that they were withdrawing support for Oli`s government, leaving his coalition without a majority. After Oli refused to resign, opposition lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the Maoists filed a motion against the embattled premier in parliament, an official told AFP. "A no-confidence motion against the PM has been registered, 280 members have signed it," said Parliament spokesman Bharat Gautam. According to procedure, Oli will now have a week to secure support for a majority government before Parliament hosts discussions and a possible vote on the motion, Gautam said. Oli`s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) currently holds 175 elected seats in Parliament, far fewer than the 299 needed to win a vote of confidence. The Maoists joined the government last October, weeks after Nepal adopted a divisive new national constitution. Cracks began to appear in the coalition two months ago when they threatened to topple Oli. Oli survived that attempt by drawing up an 11th-hour deal with Maoist chief, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known by his nom-de-guerre Prachanda. But Dahal later pulled out of the coalition, citing the government`s failure to implement the agreement to withdraw civil war cases from Nepal`s courts and offer amnesties to people accused of abuses during the decade-long Maoist insurgency which ended in 2006. Since becoming premier, Oli has faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the new charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade in southern Nepal by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who said the constitution left them politically marginalised. Kathmandu accused New Delhi of imposing an "unofficial blockade" on the impoverished landlocked nation in support of the Madhesis, who share close cultural and family links with Indians across the border. The new constitution, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to cement peace and bolster Nepal`s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter have failed to yield agreement. (AFP)

Opposition, Maoists file no-confidence motion against Nepal PM Oli

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