Date:27/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/27/stories/2008122755991300.htm

International

NC given seats on panel

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: The special committee formed to integrate the Maoists’ combatants with the Army will finally get a full shape soon as the Maoists have now agreed to give two seats to the main opposition party, Nepali Congress (NC).

The committee formed two months ago has not been able to start its work after the Congress demanded equal representation, which was opposed by the Maoists. On Friday, leaders of the CPN (UML), Nepali Congress, and the CPN (Maoists) held talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and hammered out the agreement. Now, the procedure to integrate and rehabilitate the combatants is expected to start soon. The government has announced to “manage” them by March 2009.

Maoists surrender

Ttwo Maoist union leaders, Ramesh Babu Pant and Ramesh KC, who were accused of involvement in the attack on the Himal Media have surrendered.