24th April, 2006 (Monday) Non-emergency US embassy staff, families ordered to depart, other details (Breaking News!!!) By Bhola B Rana Kathmandu ,24 April: On the 19th day of opposition protests, the State Department today (April 24) ordered all non-emergency U.S. mission personnel and dependents to depart Nepal, the American embassy said. "This decision, made at the recommendation of the Embassy, was taken out of concern for the safety of U.S. Government employees and their families, " the embassy said. Ambassador James F. Moriarty, who informed the Mission community of the Embassy's recommendation, also is recommending that all American citizens in Nepal should consider leaving the country at this time because of the uncertain security conditions. On April 12, the State Department had authorized voluntary departure for non-emergency Mission staff and families. Non-emergency Mission staff and families must now depart the country as ordered. The U.S. Mission includes the Embassy, its Consular Section and American Center (both closed until further notice), and USAID. Thew opposition has not, so far, taken up the King's Friday offer to seven parties to form a government after he ended direct rule. Instead, they are holding a massive protest rally at the city's outskirts on the ring road Tuesday saying the King has not addressed the opposition agenda. Meanwhile, security forces said they repulsed an overnight Maoist attack on Sindhupalchowk district headquarters Chautara , the Defence Ministry said. The Ministry said four civilians were also injured. Maoist casualties are high although only five bodies of rebels have been found so far, the Ministry said. Maoists used a hospital and private homes as shields to launch their seven-hour assault. People’s News/BR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Curfew for seven hours, other details Kathmandu , 24 April: Valley district authorities slapped a seven hour curfew from 11 in the morning to six in the evening Monday. The curfew was relaxed slightly on the 19th day of an opposition general strike. There was no overnight curfew Sunday. Meanwhile, the British Embassy Monday announced the postponement of a reception to mark the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth. People’s News/BR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 persons, including eight Maoists, killed, other details Kathmandu , 24 April: Ten persons, including eight Maoists, were killed in an overnight rebel attack on Sindhupalchowk district headquarters Chautara, security sources said. Nine others have been injured. A soldier and vegetable trader Bhakta Shrestha were killed in the attack. Maoists attacked government offices, including the district post office, which was completely destroyed. Maoists also attacked and damaged the district hospital which was damaged, local reports said. Sick and attendants were injured. Curfew has been slapped in the town as security forces launched a search. Maoist vice commander Sitish was among the rebels killed. Bodies of five Maoists have been recovered so far. People’s News/BR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protests continue for 19th day Kathmandu , 24 April: Opposition activists continued their protests for the 19 day Monday. Seven parties have rejected Friday's invitation to form a government after abruptly ending direct rule. Seven parties Monday asked people to join their planned mass meeting along the ring road Tuesday. People’s News/BR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maoists preparing to announce government under their leadership Kathmandu , 24 April: Maoists are preparing to present themselves as an alternative government in the midst of the movement, Sanghu reports. Maoists have hurriedly made public their Nepal general legal work procedure 16 April. This, intellectuals say, is a Maoist preparation to run a central government. People’s News/BR go to www.peoplesreview.com.np for further news