Nepal Timeline - 2016

January 1

Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs registered a bill to amend some Nepal Acts to 193 existing laws in accordance with the new Constitution. The Ministry is planning to entrust a team of four experts and experienced members with the responsibility of formulating the new laws.

UDMF made it clear that it would neither take part in deliberations on the constitution amendment bill nor relax the ongoing agitation till its demands were met.

TRC started discussions with conflict victims in Rukum District from. The TRC team led by member Shreekrishna Subedi held discussions with chiefs of various Government offices, media persons, civil society representatives and conflict victims in the District headquarters Musikot.

January 2

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato, who is undergoing treatment at Gurgaun-based Medanta Hospital in India, said that their struggle would continue until their rights were ensured in the new constitution.

SP organizing a press meeting in Kathmandu announced for separate programs of protest from January 3 to January 11 including wall painting, showing black flags, candlelight vigil among others.

January 3

A protester who had sustained a bullet injury in Gaur of Rautahat District in a clash with Police on September 13, 2015, died during treatment. The deceased is identified as Shekh Mairudin (50).

The preliminary discussion on the Bill on First Amendment of Constitution of Nepal concluded in Kathmandu. Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, however, paused the remaining proceedings of the bill till 1:00pm January 4, hoping for a breakthrough in the negotiations among three major political parties and agitating UDMF to resolve the Tarai unrest.

Three major political in talks with the UDMF held at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar in Kathmandu put forward a proposal on forming a joint taskforce to finalize a roadmap to an agreement with UDMF.

Matrika Yadav, the central coordinator of CPN-Maoists speaking at a press conference organized by the Madhesi Journalists Society Saptari chapter said that Madhesi people would be compelled to use weapons in self-defense given that the armed suppression upon them was not withdrawn at the earliest.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Bhim Rawal inaugurating a national conference on 'Conflict victims from the security sector and families dependent on them," organized by Women for Human Rights said that regulations relating to the victims of the decade-long insurgency will be endorsed soon.

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoists proclaimed autonomous Abadh state incorporating Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu Districts of Lumbini Zone for the operation of a parallel Government.

January 4

ASI Ramesh Subba (45) was shot death by cadres of Akhil Tarai Mukti Morcha at Jhutaki VDC in Saptari District. Jay Krishna Goit, coordinator of Akhil Tarai Mukti Morcha, took the responsibility of the attack and claimed that his organization resorted to such extreme measures to challenge the state that has been ruling the country with the use of brute force.

Cadres of UDMF and NMSA picketed the District Administration Office in Rautahat District with the body of Shekh Mairuddhin, who died in the course of treatment in Birgunj town in Parsa District on January 3.

A meeting of UDMF in Kathmandu agreed to form a separate task force to work out a detailed draft based on their 11-point demands.

NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula speaking to journalists in Pokhara city of Kaski District claimed that the concerns raised by the agitating forces could be settled through the constitution amendment.

Chairman of FNJ Dr Mahendra Bista speaking at an interaction programme on hardships of Tarai-based journalists organized in Simara town of Bara District said "The issues should be resolved through the medium of talks and dialogue, and media should play positive roles for this to happen."

January 5

Agitating UDMF formed a three-member task force including Hridayesh Tripathi, vice-chairperson of TMDP, Co-Chairman of FSF-N Rajendra Shrestha and senior leader of TMSP Ram Naresh Yadav to hold talks with the government and the main opposition party on its 11-point demands.

Minister for General Administration Rekha Sharma said ?People have suffered a lot, but the government is not going to forge consensus as people don?t want any agreement against national interest.?

Chairperson of FSF-N, a constituent of UDMF, Upendra Yadav condemned the statute amendment bill tabled in the Parliament, saying it wouldn?t address the demands of Madhes agitation.

Senior NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the blockade at the Nepal-India border points would end the day after the Bill on the First Amendment of Constitution of Nepal is passed from Parliament.

January 6

A meeting of the task forces of the three major parties and UDMF ended with an understanding that they would discuss all the 11-point demands of the front.

Home Minister Shakti Basnet at a press conference held at the Ministry said that the Government has been taking a lenient approach toward the growing security threats in the Tarai Districts as any stiffening in its response may disrupt ongoing negotiations between the ruling and agitating parties.

January 7

Traders? torched two motorcycles used by the leaders of UDMF after the front cadres vandalized shops at Janak Chowk in Dhanusa District.

Police arrested four cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-CPN-Maoist for torching a gutkha factory at Duhagadhi VDC in Jhapa District on December 21, 2015.

24 amendment proposals on the Bill on First Amendment of Constitution of Nepal were registered at the Secretariat of Parliament, the last day for filing amendment proposals on the Bill.

The meeting of two task forces formed by the three major parties and the agitating UDMF concluded on a positive note.

Senior CPN-UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said that his party had initiated a campaign to wipe out the misconceptions related to the contents of the constitution in the Tarai Districts.

January 8

Two task forces of major parties and the agitating UDMF started point-wise discussion on the front?s 11-point demands.

Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha said that the new Constitution fulfilled the long cherished goals of the people who wanted to write their constitution and the gaps could be bridged through amendments.

CPN-UML general secretary Ishwar Pokharel said that the Tarai issues were more created than genuine.

Addressing the meeting of the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, Chairperson of the TRC Surya Kiran Gurung and Chairperson of CIEDP Lokendra Mallik said that due to the differences between the political parties, the Cabinet has been delaying approval of the regulations.

January 9

UDMF in a press release signed by FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav, TMDP Chairman Mahantha Thakur, TMSP Chief Mahendra Raya Yadav and SP Co-chairman Laxman Lal Karna announced fresh protest programmes besides other forms of protest, including blockade of border entry points.

January 10

The meeting of the task forces of the major parties and UDMF decided to continue their talks, which have been moving in a positive direction, on January 11 as well.

NC leader Mahesh Acharya, one of the task force member of the major parties, while briefing on the ongoing talks with Madhes-based parties at the party?s Central Working Committee meeting said that major issues of the agitating Madhesi parties, except the one relating to provincial boundaries, can still be addressed through the first amendment of the new Constitution.

January 11

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung warned of the UN intervention if the transitional justice mechanism fails to address the conflict-era rights violation cases.

Chairman of CPN-Revolutionary Maoist Mohan Baidhya addressing a function organized by Bhakta Bahadur Memorial Foundation to commemorate late leader Bhakta Bahadur Shrestha's fourth memorial said that all the communist parties of the country should unite to safeguard national sovereignty.

Addressing cadres at Parbat District CPN-Revolutionary Maoist Secretary Dev Gurung said that his party was about to unite with the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led UCPN-M to save the country because Nepal is currently in existential crisis.

The task forces of the major parties and the agitating UDMF failed to meet. FSF-N Co-Chairman Rajendra Shrestha, a member of UDMF task force, said that he has not taken the postponement negatively as he is mindful of the busy schedules of the leaders of the three parties.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at a tea party organized by RPP-N said that the Tarai agitation is heading towards solution.

January 12

Taskforce meeting of major three political parties and UDMF held in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu ended inconclusively. The meeting was postponed till January 14 1 pm, citing lack of preparation.

RRP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand addressing a four-day central-regional party training in Dulikhel town of Kavre District urged the Government to ensure peace in the country by addressing the legitimate demands of the agitating Madhesi parties.

Rajendra Mahato-led SP will soon join the task force of the UDMF, said SP leader Manish Suman, a day after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli telephoned Rajendra Mahato.

January 13

CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai speaking at an interaction at the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu said that endorsing the political mechanism from the Parliament could be a way-out to the ongoing political tension.

January 14

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions and development partners of Nepal in Kathmandu said that Government is expecting to address the genuine concerns very soon through a consensus.

Three major parties agreed to address the demands of the agitating UDMF before the Parliament meeting slated for January 19. They also decided to form a political mechanism to review the existing demarcation of federal units and the same could be given legitimacy either from the Parliament or through constitutional amendment.

January 15

The meeting of the joint taskforce held at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu made positive headway toward reaching a written agreement before January 19. The meeting discussed the replies given by leaders from the three parties in response to the 11-point demand of the agitating parties.

January 16

UDMF cadres staged a stick rally in Birgunj town of Parsa District. The rally that started from Ghantaghar Chowk of Birgunj traversed through different parts of the city before concluding in a corner meeting at the chowk. No untoward incident was reported.

UDMF agreed to finalize the delineation issue under the state restructuring through the high-level political committee in the meeting of the joint task force of the three major political parties and the UDMF held in Kathmandu. After Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's apologized to SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato over phone and regretted the incident in which Mahato was injured, SP's Co-Chairman Laxman Lal Karna joined the meeting of the task forces.

January 17

Three major parties and agitating UDMF at a meeting of the joint taskforce have agreed to give validity to high-level political mechanism's decisions.

Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at the Dhangadhi Airport in Kailali District said that formation of a new National Unity Government is necessary to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

January 18

Three major parties failed to address the demands of agitating UDMF at the meeting of the two task forces. Following the meeting UDMF task force member Laxman Lal Karna said that the members of major parties? task force told them that Big III was not ready to address their demands.

Chairman of SP Rajendra Mahato met NC President Sushil Koirala and urged him to play proactive role to address the demands of UDMF. He urged the NC President to try to find a solution to all issues, including a revision of provincial boundaries.

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav talking to mediapersons in Biratnagar town in Morang District 18 accused the Government of disseminating rumours about talks.

January 19

Cadres of UDMF intensified agitation in Birgunj town of Parsa District. They resorted to the streets, burning tyres and forcing local businesses to shut in the morning.

Parliament put off the remaining proceedings of Bill on First Amendment of Constitution of Nepal until January 21, awaiting possible consensus among the three major political parties and the agitating UDMF on the draft of the bill.

Hridayesh Tripathi, a member of the UDMF task force while addressing a press meet organized at the party office of the TMDP said that all their efforts to resolve the Tarai crisis had gone in vain and therefore there was no significance of the task force.

Top leaders of main opposition NC and ruling UCPN-M forged an understanding to amend the constitution through consensus among the major stakeholders in order to resolve the Madhes agitation.

January 20

Major parties at a meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar in Kathmandu agreed to revise the Constitution Amendment Bill, which is under discussion in Parliament, to accommodate the voices of the agitating political parties.

January 21

Three persons were killed in Police firing after cadres of UDMF clashed with Police and activists of YAN in Morang District. The deceased have been identified as Draupati Devi Chaudhary (58), Mahadev Rishidev (45) and Shibu Majhi (25). 16 persons, including six Policemen were injured in the clashes.

The talks between the major political parties and agitating UDMF leaders ended amidst heated exchanges among the leaders. "The Prime Minister's statement at the outset of the talks made us feel optimistic but the discussions turned into heated exchanges in the end as the Prime Minister came across a little aggressively," Dilnath Giri, chief whip of RPP-N told.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressing the first meeting and cadres' training organized by the CPN-UML Kathmandu District Organization Committee at Bode said that conspiracies were being hatched to divide the Madhes and hill and that the Government was fully committed not to letting it become successful.

SP Chairperson Rajendra Mahato in a meeting with cadres at the party office based in Rajbiraj of Saptari District warned that the country would steer towards violence if the peaceful protest underway in Madhes failed to deliver any concrete results.

January 22

Four persons were injured as agitating UDMF cadres intensified its protest in Tarai region following the death of three persons in Morang District on January 21.

The ongoing clause-wise discussion on Constitution Amendment Bill concluded. As many as 45 lawmakers expressed their views on the Amendment Bill in two days. As many as 24 Amendment proposals have been filed regarding the Bill.

TMDP Vice Chairman Hridayesh Tripathi at a press conference in Kathmandu accused the Government of committing genocide against the Madhesi people.

Firebrand leader of CPN-Maoist also the coordinator of United Madhesi National Agitation Committee, Matrika Prasad Yadav said that the liberation of Madhes was possible only through an armed revolution.

January 23

Parliament made the first amendment of the Constitution four months after its promulgation ensuring proportional inclusion for backward communities in state bodies and increasing the number of constituencies in the Tarai region.

Major political parties including those in the ruling coalition and the main opposition NC held a meeting at the Prime Minister?s residence in Kathmandu to discuss endorsement of the Constitution Amendment Bill from the Parliament.

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist formed people?s Government in Lamjung District reminding people of the decade-long insurgency.

January 24

UDMF cadres burned the copy of Constitution Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament in front of District Administration Office, Rautahat District on January 23.

Limbuwan Joint Struggle Committee enforced a strike in vehicular movement in the Districts across Arun River. The life in Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha, Jhapa and other Districts of the eastern region was affected as the vehicles of short and long routes have remained off the road.

FSF-N decided to launch Kathmandu-centric national protests claiming the first amendment to the Constitution was insufficient to address its demands.

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist formed people?s Government in Bajhang District reminding people of the decade-long insurgency.

Former Prime Minister and former UCPN-M leader Baburam Bhattarai organizing a press conference in Kathmandu formally announced the names of 35 members of the ICC of his New Force, which would turn into a political party soon.

January 25

Lawmakers representing Tarai-Madhes-based parties boycotted meeting of the Parliament expressing dissatisfaction over first amendment of the new Constitution.

UDMF at a meeting attended by second-rung leaders of the front as the chiefs of the constituents were out of Kathmandu decided to continue its agitation till its 11-point demands were addressed in a package.

Leaders of SLMM announced fresh but 'soft protests', which are scheduled to meet later this week to take a decision on Morcha's future course of action.

January 26

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressing a luncheon meeting with journalists in Kathmandu said that the blockade at border entry points would end in a day or two.

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav talking to journalists at his Biratnagar residence accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of spoiling the environment for consensus.

Mahendra Raya Yadav, Chairman of TMSP at an interaction with the media in Kathmandu dubbing the ongoing agitation as a nonviolent movement said it should be further intensified and extended to the hills and mountains also.

January 28

As the standoff between the agitating Madhesi forces and the Government continues even after the passage of two constitutional amendments, Madhesi parties are seriously mulling over formation of a grand alliance.

January 29

UCPN-M and NC accused CPN-UML and its chairman for prolonging the Tarai unrest as both the main opposition party NC and coalition partner UCPN-M were ready to resolve the Madhes crisis.

January 30

TMLP Chairman Mahantha Thakur at an interaction held by the Reporters' Club at TMLP Office in Kathmandu said that the UDMF would revise the ongoing agitations at Nepal-India border and bring new protest programmes.

January 31

Eight persons including four Policemen were injured in a clash ensued between UDMF cadres and Police at in Janakpur city of Dhanusha District as Police barred a group of UDMF cadres tried to foil NC general convention.

Cadres of agitating Madhesi parties foiled local conventions of NC in Mahottari and Dhanusa Districts. NC leaders and cadres have sought support from Police to carry out the elections as per the calendar.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Agni Prasad Kharel, speaking at a press conference organized in Kathmandu said that the Ministry was preparing to devise 60 essential laws in the first phase of the implementation of the new Constitution.

The meeting of the HLPCC held in Kathmandu ended inconclusively as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli failed to show up in the meeting. The meeting, however, decided to resolve the outstanding Madhes issues through dialogue.

February 1

Four Policemen and Kiran Nidhi, wife of NC parliamentarian Bimalendra Nidhi?s brother, sustained minor injuries from stones pelted by the cadres of UDMF and FIMA as they attacked the house of Bimalendra Nidhi in Janakpur city of Dhanusha District. 

A meeting of three major political parties and agitating UDMF decided to revive their task forces and resume the talks from the point where they ended due to disagreement on the terms of reference of the proposed political mechanism for settling the issue of boundaries of federal units.

FIMA in a statement issued urged the UDMF to agree on forming a grand alliance of agitating Madhesi forces.

Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressing a press meet organized by the party at its headquarters at Paris Danda in Kathmandu said that National Consensus Government was essential for catering to the challenges posed by the crises facing the country after last year?s earthquakes and Tarai blockade.

Spokesperson for the Home Ministry Joint Secretary Yadav Prasad Koirala at a press meet organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications said that 58 people lost their lives in the Madhes agitation that began with the promulgation of the new Constitution in the country.

February 2

Three leaders of UDMF Upendra Yadav, Rajendra Mahato and Mahendra Raya Yadav during a meeting with Sushil Modi, one of the influential leaders of India's ruling BJP said that the Constitutional Amendment was unacceptable to them since it completely ignored their demands.

Sources said that UCPN-M is posing hurdles in endorsing the draft regulations of the TRC and the CIEDP.

February 3

One person was injured in clash between Police and UDMF cadres in Janakpur city of Dhanusa District when Police tried to stop UDMF cadres from greeting NC former general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi with black flags at the airport.

Leaders of UDMF during an interaction organized at the Reporters? Club in Kathmandu said that the next meeting of the Front would review the ongoing agitation and change the form of protest.

Senior leader of the ruling RPP Pashupati Shumsher Rana speaking at the same interaction organized by the Reporters Club said that the current Government has failed to tackle the key burning issues of the nation.

CPN-Maoist Politburo Member Om Prakash Pun at a cultural program said "People's movement is not over yet. Prachanda, Baburam and other Maoist leaders betrayed the people. If the state does not meet our demands, there is a possibility that we will raise our rifles again."

February 4

UDMF cadres clashed with traders at Birgunj town in Parsa District as the traders tried to bring in their consignments from across the border by removing the blockade put up by the agitators.

Cadres of UDMF shut down educational institutions, markets, and transport service in Dhanusha District.

Chairperson of SP Rajendra Mahato said that obstructing passage of goods only on Birgunj-Raxaul border entry point was not enough to pressure Government.

February 5

After 134 days of blockade, locals removed the blockade at the Nepal-India border checkpoint in Birgunj town in Parsa District.

PM KP Sharma Oli and Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal talked to SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato over phone and urged him to return to Kathmandu.

February 7

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while receiving the annual interim reports presented by the TRC and the CIEDP told the TRC and the CIEDP to perform their duties notwithstanding undue pressure.

Citing symptoms of danger for the coming years, the TRC warned the Government and the political leadership that national stakeholders will lose control of the conflict-era cases and face international intrusion if the commission is not extended support on time.

February 8

UDMF at an informal meeting of the chiefs of its constituents decided to lift border blockade, put off its general strike and allow Government offices to open for the time being, keeping in mind country's problems, people's needs and their suggestions.

FIMA issued a press release holding the UDMF responsible for the setback the ongoing Madhes agitation suffered recently.

CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel urged the agitating UDMF to keep away from violent activities, saying that such activities wouldn't help with the task of constitution amendment.

February 10

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav speaking at his party's programme in Dewapur VDC of Bara District said preparations are on to launch a decisive agitation from Tarai, hills and the mountains simultaneously.

CPN-Maoist Coordinator Matrika Prasad Yadav speaking at a press meet organized to make public the decisions of the meeting of Madhesi National Agitation Committee held in Rajbiraj town of Saptari District said that UDMF had aborted the Tarai agitation lured by certain temptation.

February 11

UDMF decided to induct three fringe Madhesi parties NMSP, NSP and MJF-R into the front.

February 12

The joint meeting of the task forces of the three major parties and agitating UDMF decided to form a political mechanism to address the concerns of the front regarding the provincial demarcation within three days.

February 14

Vice-chairman of TMDP Hridayesh Tripathi said "These three parties are not ready to address our demands because they want to maintain the hegemony of their group."

SP Co-chairman Laxman Lal Karna said "Even today we were expecting talks with the major parties."

FSP-N Chairman Upendra Yadav said "Madhesis and Janajati communities have similar experiences of suppression, problems and pain as well as demands. Both communities must come together in the ongoing struggle against discrimination and suppression."

February 15

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist cadres obstructed Government efforts to collect details for the reconstruction of damaged houses of earthquake victims in the Koshipari area of Kavre District.

February 17

The task forces of the big three political parties and the agitating UDMF discussed the ToR of the political mechanism to be formed to revise provincial boundaries, but failed to reach agreement.

Chairman of SP Rajendra Mahato in his brief remarks to journalists at the Biratnagar Airport stressed the need for resolving the issues of provincial boundaries within one-and-a-half months by any means.

February 18

Cadres of the agitating UDMF vandalized stage set up to address a function by State Minister for Health Mohammad Mustak Alam in Rautahat District after learning that preparations were being made for the Minister's visit to a Hospital.

Government decided to form a political committee to resolve the disputes over provincial demarcations under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa.

UDMF rejected the political mechanism formed under Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa to revise provincial boundaries.

February 19

Agitating Madhes-based political parties criticized the Government's move to form a political mechanism to resolve disputes over provincial boundaries without first finalizing its ToR through the joint taskforce.

February 20

Chairperson of TMDP Mahantha Thakur speaking at an interaction organized by Reporters Club in Kathmandu said that if Government does not change its attitude towards the agitating forces, UDMF will impose a blockade at the Nepal-India border entry points again.

February 21

CIB of Police arrested seven cadres of underground outfit JTJP, Ram Rijhan Yadav aka Ajay (24), the 'military commander' of JTJP, Jogindar Mahato aka Anil Doctor (42), Amit Kumar Purbey (35), Nage Sah (22), Shubh Narayan Yadav aka Dilip (24), Bechan Paswan (24) and Jaslal Yadav (35) in Dhanusha District.

Four UCPN-M leaders joined Baburam Bhattarai-led New Force. The four leaders are Dhruba Parajuli, Gobinda Parajuli, Dil Bahadur Shrestha and Baburam Karki.

February 22

56 UCPN-M leaders and cadres left the party and joined the New Force led by former UCPN-M leader Baburam Bhattarai in Kavre District.

UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at a cadre meeting in Kathmandu accused his former comrade Baburam Bhattarai of betraying the nation in the time of need and turning traitor.

February 23

SP, at a Central Executive Committee meeting, said that the other parties in the UDMF did not fulfill their responsibility of taking the Madhes movement to its height.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato during a press meet organized at its party headquarters said "We will begin a stronger movement next month if the Government fails to utilize this time to fulfill the demands of Madhes."

February 24

Chairman of FSF-N Upendra Yadav said the new Constitution had no future as it was discriminatory and favoured only the ruling class and the party was ready to pay any price for securing the rights of oppressed communities.

February 25

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav during an interaction organized at the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu warned that they would block north and south border points if the Government did not take an initiative to address the demands of the UDMF at the earliest.

February 26

Police arrested five leaders of UDMF in Rupandehi District for attempting to enforce bandh with the intent of foiling CPN-UML mass gathering program slated to be held at Bhairahawa in the District.

Civil Society organizations TRIAL, REDRESS and Advocay Forum launched a joint campaign to demand justice for victims of international crimes in Nepal.

Parliament's Social Justice and Human Rights Committee asked the TRC not to bring its internal disputes out in social networking web sites or the mass media.

February 27

Deputy Prime Minister Bhim Rawal while speaking at a meeting organized by the CPN-UML in Kaski District said that the border blockade and agitation to be carried out by the UDMF would not get the support of the Madhesi people themselves.

February 28

Chairman of SP Rajendra Mahato addressing an interaction organized by his party to review the ongoing Madhes movement and its future agendas said that the UDMF is preparing for a decisive battle.

Four parties Sharat Singh Bhandari-led NMSP, Anil Kumar Jha-led NSP, Rajkishor Yadav-led MJF-R and Kaushal Kumar Singh-led Lok Dal have joined the Federal Alliance.

February 29

FSF-N Chairperson Upendra Yadav speaking at a programme organized by Former Police and Army Forum in Pokhara city of Kaski District said that rewrite the Constitution as the newly promulgated principal law failed to address the issues of Dalits, Madhesis and indigenous people.

March 1

Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti has made its financial guidelines public. As per the guidelines, the would-be party will not accept more than NR 50,000 per year from an individual donor and more than NR 2 million per year from an institution, firm or company.

March 2

UDMF announced new protest programmes against what it calls discriminatory provisions of the Constitution. The front said that it would carry out an awareness programme in the Tarai from March 8 to March 14. The front also announced it would organize rallies on March 18. On March 20, the front will burn a collective effigy of the erstwhile CA members who promulgated the Constitution.

OHCHR has said that it can't support TRC and CIEDP due to lack of authority given to these instruments to ensure justice to the conflict victims and book perpetrators of serious human rights violations.

March 3

Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar while addressing the 13th General Convention of the NC has said that the onus lies on the NC to implement the new Constitution.

March 4

Spokesperson for the CIEDP Bishnu Pathak speaking at an interaction in Khotang District headquarters Diktel rued the lack of Government support to the commission.

NC at the closed session of the NC's 13th National General Convention promised another amendment to the Constitution to address the issue of boundaries of federal units and other agendas raised by the Madhesi people.

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav speaking at a meeting of his party in Birgunj town of Parsa District said "This government will fall due to its own weaknesses. No one can stop this from happening."

March 5

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung said that TRC and the CIEDP are not astonished by the statement of position by the OHCHR regarding the two transitional justice mechanisms in Nepal.

March 7

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav speaking at a press meet organized by the party's District Working Committee in Gaur town of Rautahat District said that the country would witness a huge revolution if the newly promulgated Constitution was not rewritten.

March 8

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that major political parties should be united for effective implementation of the Constitution and post-quake reconstructions.

March 10

Newly elected President of NC Sher Bahadur Deuba said that NC would complete the responsibility of implementing the Constitution as it was promulgated in his party's leadership.

Chairperson of FSF-N Upendra Yadav accused the Government of not being serious to address the issues of Madhes.

March 11

Leaders of the agitating UDMF held talks with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for the first time after the front withdrew its extreme forms of protest, including border blockade.

March 12

SP chairperson Rajendra Mahato speaking at a press conference organized by the party in Rautahat District warned of another phase of agitation from mid-April if the Government continued to ignore their demands.

March 13

Police arrested UCPN-M MP Lharkyal Lama after the CIAA found 14 unused bullets and some shrapnel in his bank locker in the course of investigations.

CPN-Maoist-Revolutionary leader CP Gajurel inaugurating the 21st District Council of Sindhuli District ruled out the possibility of unification with the UCPN-M in the near future.

March 14

Mahantha Thakur, senior leader of the UDMF speaking at a seminar organized by Nepal-India Women Friendly Society in the Constitution Club in New Delhi said that Madhes is still viewed as a colony of Kathmandu.

March 15

SC allowed arrest and prosecution of UCPN-M leader and former CA member Keshav Rai charged with murders committed during the armed insurgency period.

The agitating Madhesi parties decided to launch fresh protests from April second week if their demands are not addressed by then.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a function in Charikot town of Dolakha District said that there is a need of national unity for the implementation of the new Constitution.

March 16

Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel talking to media persons in Pokhara city of Kaski District said that the issue of demarcation of provincial boundaries would be resolved only through talks.

March 17

Former President Ram Baran Yadav talking to media person at Biratnagar airport in Morang District said that all political parties should unite to end political deadlock.

March 18

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-Revolutionary Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya and the then senior leader of the UCPN-M, Baburam Bhattarai, among others, met the Prime Minister and urged that judicial cases from the war era against its leaders should not be dealt by regular courts of justice.

The first Central Working Committee meeting of NC decided to hold talks with political parties, including the agitating UDMF to find solution to all the outstanding issues, including demarcation of provinces.

March 19

Federal Alliance organized a protest rally in Kathmandu demanding amendments to the Constitution to address the concerns of Madhesi, Janajati and other marginalized communities.

March 20

UCPN-M during its central committee meeting of the party decided to hold the party's general convention by April 2017. UCPN-M has also decided to initiate party unification process among other Maoist parties in the country.

March 21

Federal Alliance issuing a press release urged the public to prepare for a decisive joint people's movement. The Alliance said that it would continue to fight for identity-based federalism no matter how difficult and how long the battle was.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato speaking at a function organized in Saptari District headquarters Rajbiraj said that Madhesi struggle will continue until the rights of the Madhesi people were assured in all sectors of the state.

March 22

TRC decided to seek complaints from victims for 60 days between April 17 and June 17. The TRC has also set a goal of starting detailed investigation into war-era crimes from June 15.

CIEDP has set a goal to start detailed investigations on the complaints from June 15. After verifying the complaints, the Commission will send trained officials to the victims' houses to fill an ante-mortem data form for each disappeared person.

March 24

JTJP 'military commander' and one cadre were arrested from Dhanusha District. Police recovered a pistol, a magazine and seven round bullets from them.

March 25

UDMF cadres vandalized entrance gates prepared for a fair UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal was scheduled to inaugurate. UDMF cadres have been staging demonstrations outside the venue.

Police arrested 17 UDMF cadres in Birgunj city of Parsa District during a protest against visit by UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Talks between the major parties and the agitating UDMF are in a limbo, as the Government seems to be reluctant to resolve the issues of demarcation after the UDMF changed its form of agitation.

The central committee meeting of the CPN-Maoist began with party general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa registering differing views on Chairman Mohan Baidhya's political document on unity among like-minded Maoist parties.

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav speaking at the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu said that a stern protest would be launched from mid-April if the Government did not address demands of Madhes by that time.

March 26

UDMF enforced shutdown in Birgunj city of Parsa District demanding unconditional release of the cadres arrested during a protest on March 25.

March 27

Speaker Onsari Gharti inaugurating the National Poetry Festival organized to mark the 58th anniversary of Nepal Academy called on the political parties to extend their positive support to draft the Legislature-Parliament Rules of Procedures.

March 28

UCPN-M Secretary Barsha Man Pun at a news conference organized by the Revolutionary Journalist Association in Dang District has opined for National Consensus Government for the enforcement of the new Constitution.

A fresh controversy surfaced after TRC inducted Chitwan District's Nisha Neupane, an ex-Maoist fighter into the MVC set up to screen complaints from the conflict-victims.

March 29

Law Minister Agni Kharel speaking at a tea reception organized by Yuba Sangh in Jhapa District underscored the need of unity among the parties for effective implementation of the newly promulgated statute.

Chairman of NMSP Sharat Singh Bhandari addressing the opening of the extended meeting of the party's National Committee in Kathmandu urged the party rank and file to prepare for another movement to ensure the rightful share of Madhesis.

March 30

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while inaugurating the silver jubilee celebration of the Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal in Chitwan District said that the nation would not witness any kind of border blockade and obstruction in free transportation as the Government would not tolerate such activities.

The TRC unveiled its plan to complete investigation into conflict-era human rights violation cases by early February 2017.

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung said that the existing law should be amended by Parliament to make the TRC's actions and report internationally acceptable.

March 31

UDMF directed its constituents to prepare for another movement to begin from mid-April. According to Spokesperson for NMSP Keshav Jha, the UDMF will wait and see till mid-April.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato during a press conference after the conclusion of three-day extended meeting of the party in Biratngar town of Morang District warned that a stern protest would be launched from mid-April if the Government did not address demands of Madhes by that time.

April 1

RPP central member Parashuram Khapung defected to Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti. Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu, Khapung said that he had decided to sever ties with the RPP after the party leadership failed to take the party ahead with the time as per need.

NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi while addressing his party's assembly in Janakpur city of Dhanusha District blamed that the current CPN-UML-led Government itself was a hindrance to the implementation of the country's new Constitution.

April 2

UCPN-M former politburo member Hemanta Prakash Oli organizing a press meet at Ghorahi of Dang District announced the formation of a new party called Communist Nucleus Center Nepal with an 11-member central committee.

April 3

Minister for Home Affairs Shakti Basnet while speaking at press conference organized by the Federation of Revolutionary Journalists at Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan District said that consensus and cooperation among the major political parties were necessary for the implementation of new Constitution.

TMDP Chairperson Mahantha Thakur talking to reporters in Saptari District said that Madhes issues have not been resolved due to unilateral stance and adamant attitude of major political parties and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

April 5

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the Government has learnt a serious lesson from the five-month Indian blockade and is now committed to further diversification of Nepal's transit and trade options.

April 6

UDMF cadres protested the visit of Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota by greeting him with black flags in Rautahat District.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato interacting with media in Birgunj town of Parsa District said that the upcoming protests to be launched by Madhes-based parties will be centered on picketing Singha Durbar in Kathmandu.

NC leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula while talking to media persons at Biratnagar Airport in Parsa District said that the NC joining the incumbent Government was only a rumor.

April 7

The Cabinet formed a 11-member High Level Federalism Implementation and Restructuring Directive Committee headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to coordinate among mechanisms working on the state restructuring.

CPN-UML senior leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal while interacting with his party cadres said in Gaur town of Rautahat District said that Madhesi people are the most affected during Madhes protest. He further argued that Madhesi leaders have lost their credibility among the people of Madhes.

Ashok Kumar Rai, Parliamentary Party leader of FSF-N said that launching another movement had become a compulsion for UDMF as the Government had been indifferent to the front's demands.

April 9

A meeting of UDMF, Federal Alliance, INNM and some other outfits championing the cause of Janajatis held a meeting in Kathmandu and agreed to launch a nation-wide movement under single banner in order to force the major forces to ensure rights of Madhesis, Janajatis and other marginalized communities.

April 10

Senior NC leader Ramchandra Paudel speaking at a programme organized by Reporters Club Nepal in Tanahun District said that the State should address the dissatisfaction put forward by UDMF.

April 12

The Conflict Victims Common Platform, an alliance of a number of organizations representing those hit by the decade-long armed conflict, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Office and Council of Ministers and demanded that their concerns about legal and structural reforms of the TRC and CIEDP be addressed.

April 13

DPM CP Mainali at an anniversary programme organized by Disha Nirdesh Club in Kathmandu urged the dissenting Madhes-based parties to join the high-level political mechanism formed by the Government.

UDMF leaders termed PM KP Sharma Oli's offer of talks with the agitating Madhesi forces as an eyewash.

UDMF leader Rajendra Mahato who is also the President of SP speaking at Reporter's Club clarified that there would be no blockade in the name of protests from now onward.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressing a joint training organized by Society of Martyrs' Families and the Society of the Families of Fighters Disappeared by the State at the party headquarters in Kathmandu said that the Maoists' uprising would move forward under the strength of full unity.

April 14

DPM CP Mainali addressing a programme said that effective implementation of the new Constitution was a must to end discrimination against women, Dalits, Madhesis and people from other oppressed groups and communities.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba said the new Constitution could be amended to address the concerns of the agitating Madhesi parties.

CIEDP started collecting complaints from the conflict-era victims from today. 4,000 forms have been circulated in all 75 Districts, where victims of the disappearance incidents that occurred during the decade-long Maoist insurgency can lodge complaints.

 

April 15

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato said that fresh movement only option left to force the Government to address Madhesi demands.

Chandra Kant Jha, a member of the committee formed by the UDMF to provide medical help to people injured during Madhes movement said that although the Government has decided to bear the cost of medical expenses incurred by people injured during the Madhes movement it had not received any amount from the Government till today.

April 17

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal spoke with NC senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel seeking the latter's support in the Constitution implementation process.

TRC received 125 complaints across the country from victims of the decade-long armed insurgency on the first day of its two-month campaign.

April 18

Federal Alliance urged all ethnic and indigenous communities to participate in the mass movement once more.

Home Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet said that UDMF movement is not possible just because a handful of people desire it.

April 19

Conflict survivors' registered 16 complaints in Dang District. The TRC and CIEDP received the complaints through Local Peace Committee.

April 20

Federal Alliance prepared the programmes of protest hoping to intensify Kathmandu-centric agitation in next three weeks.

Five Maoist parties in a meeting held at UCPN-M party office at Kathmandu decided to press the Government to amend the TRC Act with a provision of bringing the war-era sub judice cases under the jurisdiction of the commission from various courts.

April 21

Four Maoist parties and the New Force Nepal led by a former Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai issued a joint statement calling the Government to scrap conflict-era cases, claiming that such cases violated the CPA.

Leaders of UDMF met with diplomats of various countries and informed them about the fresh protests they are planning to launch if their demands are not addressed by the Government immediately.

Minister for Home Affairs, Shakti Basnet while addressing a special security meeting defended the use of force by SFs during Madhes protest saying that it was relevant.

UCPN-M Standing Committee member Gopal Kiranti speaking at an interaction with journalists in Kathmandu demanded that the current Government led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli be replaced with the new one at the earliest.

April 22

DPM Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar talking to journalists at Biratnagar Airport in Morang District urged the Tarai-centric parties to find political solution through talks.

Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Agni Kharel at a regular press meet in the Ministry said that it was about to complete preparations for formulating 138 news laws as demanded by the country's new Constitution.

Federal Alliance in a press statement issued announced its new phase of agitation to begin from April 27.

April 23

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a news conference organized by the Revolutionary Journalists Association in Dang District said that he would take responsibility for the incidents that occurred during the decade-long Maoist movement.

April 24

NC central member Prakash Man Singh speaking at a press meet organized by Nepal Press Union in Lamjung District said that the present KP Sharma Oli-led coalition Government would fall very soon.

April 25

A group of Maoist cadres, who were either convicted or are under prosecution in various courts for war-era crimes, formed their 'Association of Court Victims on People's War Cases'.

Home Minister Shakti Basnet while inaugurating the regional level special security seminar organized in Butwal city of Rupandehi District has directed the security officials to rein in the anti-Constitutional activities to be launched in Tarai by the Madhesi alliance.

NSP Chairman Anil Jha speaking at an interaction organized by his party in Birgunj town of Parsa District said that the incumbent Government had failed in every respect.

April 26

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari called the second session of Parliament on May 3.

April 27

Federal Alliance submitted a 26-point memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli through CDOs.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba talking to reporters stressed on solving Tarai-Madhes problem through talks with the agitating Madhes-based political parties.

April 28

Even though the TRC and the CIEDP had recommended the Government to bring a law to criminalize torture, the Government has not amended and enacted new laws required for the effective functioning of these bodies.

The Standing Committee meeting of UCPN-M kick off in Kathmandu discussed party unity, peace process, implementation of Constitution and the Government.

April 29

Cadres of UDMF erected black flags at Government offices in Gaur District Headquarter on in a show of protest against the Government.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an all-party meeting for April 30 to discuss Madhes movement, reconstruction and budgetary issues.

April 30

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar claimed that the recent Constitution drafted and promulgated by the people's representatives was one of the best documents in the world.

CPN-UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal while talking to media persons in Dhankuta District said that there should be consensus and cooperation among the political parties for the effective implementation of the Constitution and to take the country towards the path of development.

May 2

ANNISU-R aligned to Netra Bikram Chand-led Maoist party announced all Kathmandu Valley schools would close on May 3 to exert pressure on the Government to release their friends who are in Police custody and to control all kinds of irregularities in the school sector.

NC lawmakers urged the party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to try and form a National Consensus Government under the NC's leadership.

In an interaction organized by Nepal Republic Media in Malangwa, the district headquarters of Sarlahi, civil society leaders argued that the Government should not delay in addressing the legitimate demands of Madhes movement.

May 4

Budget session of the Legislature Parliament began and the first meeting of the session ended in five minutes, as it did not enter into any business.

NC joined hands with UCPN-M and agitating UDMF to topple KP Sharma Oli-led Government.

UCPN-M skipped a meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to discuss burning political issues among the coalition parties and decided to form a new Government under the leadership of its Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

May 5

In order to save the Government, UCPN-M and CPN-UML signed a nine-point agreement. In the agreement, the two parties have decided to take initiatives to form a national consensus government with an objective to create conducive environment for the implementation of Constitution and socio-economic transformation.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at an interaction programme said that it was not an appropriate time to change the Government as the date to announce the next budget was approaching closer.

Federal Alliance at a meeting held at the office of the FSF at Tinkune, Kathmandu decided to intensify its ongoing protest programmes.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Government's failure to address the demands, lawmakers of the UDMF boycotted the pre-budget discussion in Parliament.

May 6

Conflict Victims Common Platform Nepal said that the political agreement the ruling CPN-UML and UCPN-M parties struck in order to keep the ruling coalition intact has breached the current transitional justice process.

May 8

Government formally invited UDMF for talks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, who heads the Government talk's team, wrote a formal letter to the UDMF, inviting its constituents for talks.

Rajendra Mahato, Chairperson of SP, a constituent of UDMF, said "We are going to intensify our movement from next week and hence the government wrote this letter today to defuse our movement. The letter does not reflect government's seriousness about dialogue."

May 9

Four advocates and a student of law filed a writ petition at the SC against the nine-point agreement signed by UCPN-M and CPN-UML stating that the two parties' agreement to withdraw conflict era cases and to accelerate the process of amending the relevant laws within 15 days was against the verdicts delivered by the SC.

Election Commissioner Ila Sharma said that local elections were imperative but election related laws needed to be enacted and there must be political consensus before holding local polls.

NC demanded that the civic polls be held only after restructuring the local bodies in accordance with the new Constitution after forging political consensus.

May 10

Chairman of FSF-N Upendra Yadav said "The United Democratic Madhesi Front won't let local polls happen. Declaring local elections without resolving disputes over provincial boundaries is a ploy to fail federalism."

May 11

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged foreign diplomats to duly acknowledge the Government's efforts towards democracy and human rights.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal taking part in a meeting of the Legislature Parliament expressed discontentment at the Government's policy and programme for lacking clear vision in dealing with the issues of Madhes, setting up proper mechanism for implementation of Government's programmes and conducting civic polls.

Six Maoists parties including the UCPN-M led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal met at Dahal's Lazimpat residence in Kathmandu and pointed out the need of immediate unification by settling the disputes.

May 12

Responding to a call for talks from Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, the parties under the UDMF banner said that it will be useless sitting for talks with the Government unless some prerequisite conditions are met and a favorable environment is created.

May 13

Federal Alliance in a press release warned Government against using force during its demonstrations. The Alliance announced that it would take out a rally from Ratnapark on May 14 and stage demonstrations around Singha Durbar on May 15.

May 15

Federal Alliance began their Kathmandu-centric protests with the picketing of Singha Durbar as an initial phase.

Minister for Information and Communications, Sherdhan Rai said "The protest is meaningless. The alliance is inflicting pain on people through the protest and it will backfire on them."

May 16

25 conflict-era complaints were registered with the Local Peace Committee in Sunsari District on basis of the notice issued by TRC and CIEDP. Among the complaints, 14 are related to CIEDP and 11 with TRC, according to the Peace Committee.

Federal Alliance decided to picket the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar from 10:00am to 5:00pm on May 17.

May 17

13 people were injured when Police clashed with the agitating Federal Alliance cadres at Balutwatar in Kathmandu. Those injured include 11 cadres of Federal Alliance and two ASIs Rabindra Dulal and Pramod Raut. Police recovered 150 sticks from the demonstrators.

NC treasurer Sita Devi Yadav said "There should be two provinces in the Madhes from Jhapa to Kanchanpur, the electoral constituencies should be determined on the basis of population and there should be proportional representation in all local bodies. The NC will support all genuine demands of the agitating parties."

A single bench of Acting Chief Justice of SC Sushila Karki issued a show cause notice to the Government and the leader of main opposition NC for not holding local bodies' election.

TRC and CIEDP members said that the recent nine-point pact sealed between the ruling CPN-UML and UCPN-M parties has shattered thousands of conflict-victims' hope for justice.

May 18

A meeting of the Joint Movement Mobilization Committee under the Federal Alliance announced protest programs for the next 12 days.

Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai speaking at an interaction at Reporters' Club in Kathmandu said that the Kathmandu-centric protest by Federal Alliance is pointless.

Expressing dissatisfaction over leadership of the protesting Federal Alliance, three of its constituents Lok Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party-Nepal and Loktantrik Party-Nepal declared they left the Alliance.

Santosh Poudel, office secretary at the Local Peace Committee, Rupandehi District said that 21 conflict-era related complaints have been registered in Rupandehi. 20 are related to TRC while one is related to CIEDP.

May 19

Ten Maoist parties in a joint convention in Kathmandu united to form a new force under the UCPN-M leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal to give birth to what they have decided to call CPN-Maoist Centre.

TRC started preliminary investigation on complaints received from the conflict victims. The preliminary investigation into the complaints will decide whether the event complained about had indeed occurred or not and whether the complaints fall under the jurisdiction of the commission or not.

Victims of Madi bomb blast, one of the most infamous incidents from the insurgency era, have filed their complaints at the TRC. The Madi Incident Struggle Committee collected 57 complaints from the victims and submitted it to the officials at the TRC central office in Kathmandu.

May 20

General Secretary of CPN-Maoist Netra Bikram Chand said his party would revive the people's Government and people's courts at the local level as the new Constitution was promulgated without consulting his party.

Government decided to make a call to the Federal Alliance for talks. A Cabinet meeting made the decision to this effect. According to the Cabinet decision, the Government would show utmost flexibility in the talks with protesting parties.

NC sought support from the UDMF for the proposal to amend the draft of the parliamentary regulations the former has registered in the Parliament.

May 21

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato at a program organized by SP at its Party office at Thapa Gaun in Kathmandu reaffirmed that they will not return home until the rights for the Madheshis are secured in the new Constitution.

CPN-Revolutionary Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidhya decided to join the ongoing agitation launched by the Federal Alliance. Baidhya said the central committee meeting of the party decided to support the genuine demands of Madhesi, Tharu and indigenous nationalities.

May 22

UDMF has put forth several conditions before resuming talks with incumbent Government. The UDMF has made it clear that declaration of martyr to the deceased during the Madhes protests, free treatment of injured and joint commitment of the major parties before resuming talks with Government.

Chairperson of FSF-N Upendra Yadav said that if the Constitution is not rewritten, there will be another popular movement that will repeal the Constitution and write a new one.

May 23

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an all party meeting, including the ruling parties, the main opposition NC party and the constituents of the UDMF to find a negotiated settlement of all the contemporary issues.

May 24

UDMF boycotted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's all-party meeting. So, the meeting ended without any conclusion. Chairman of SP Rajendra Mahato said the UDMF was against holding futile talks for the 37th time, as all the previous talks were a waste of time.

NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi revealed that his party was going to collaborate with agitating the Madhesi Front soon. Nidhi said that the Government foiled the environment of talks instead of taking initiatives to bring the agitating parties for talks.

SC summoned UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on a contempt of court writ filed by advocate Dinesh Tripathi. Tripathi had move the apex court as Dahal criticized the judiciary for issuing verdicts on the conflict-era cases tantamount to the contempt of court.

316 complaints registered in TRC and CIEDP in Jumla District through the local peace committee. 303 complaints registered at the TRC and 13 complaints at the CIED.

May 25

The embassies of Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the US, Switzerland and the delegation of the EU in a joint statement urged all stakeholders in Nepal to respect the country's basic national and international human rights obligations while addressing outstanding issues of the peace process.

May 26

Family members of 17 laborers who were killed in a military action in 2002 filed a complaint at the TRC against the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the then senior Royal Nepal Army official Rookmangud Katawal.

Family members of 17 laborers who were killed in a military action in 2002 filed a complaint at the TRC against the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the then senior Royal Nepal Army official Rookmangud Katawal.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in a press conference organized by the Revolutionary Journalists Association, Chitwan District said that he will be leading the new Government after endorsement of the new budget as per the nine-point understanding reached between his party and the CPN-UML.

140 complaints filed in TRC and CIEDP in Kavre District. Of the complaints lodged with the Local Peace Committee, 118 are meant for the TRC while the remaining 22 are for the CIEDP.

May 27

Federal Alliance during a meeting held in Kathmandu said that it would sit for talks if the Government sent a formal letter in the name of Alliance.

May 28

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the Constitution promulgated in September 2015 was the outcome of a long struggle.

May 30

CPN-UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said a national consensus Government was needed for at least next 20 months.

CPN-Maoist led by Netra Bikram Chand said "The party strongly stands against the parliamentary system, and it will start armed insurgency at any time. When we stand against the parliamentary system, the government will obviously suppress us, prompting us to take up arms against the state."

Federal Alliance in a press release issued by the Alliance's Coordinator Upendra Yadav said that it will stage a relay hunger-strike at Tundikhel Khulamanch in Kathmandu from June 7 until its demands are met.

Upendra Yadav warned that a new Constitution would be issued through a third people's movement if the parties didn't agree to rewrite the present Constitution.

May 31

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that no one could budge his Government and hinted that he wanted to stay in power as long as he could.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the SC's summon on a contempt of court case and argued that he did not make any statement against honor of the judiciary.

June 1

CPN-Maoist Centre at a central committee meeting at Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal's Lazimpat residence in Kathmandu proposed a 75-member standing committee and a 245-member politburo.

June 2

CPN-Maoist Centre at a Politburo meeting held at the party office in Kathmandu formed a 1,099- member Central Committee. The party also decided to form a 255-member Politburo and an 85-member Standing Committee.

June 3

Normal life hit hard due to a bandh imposed by the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist in Chitwan District protesting the arrest of its cadres from Jhapa, Jumla and Dhading Districts.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba at a discussion programme organized by the HURON on 'Conflict Resolution and Justice' in Kathmandu said that Army and Police just discharged their duties in line with the state's policies.

June 4

CPN-Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal while addressing a gathering of party cadres at Manthali of Ramechhap District said that the consensus Government would only be able to bail the country out of crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi at an interaction at the Reporters' Club in the Parliament said that the incumbent Government would not topple unless there was the national consensus.

TRC Chairperson Surya Kiran Gurung speaking with media persons in Sindhuli District said that no amnesty for serious war crimes committed during the conflict. He clarified that the proceedings of the commission will move ahead as per the spirit of the CPA.

June 5

Former Prime Minister and Naya Shakti Coordinator Dr Baburam Bhattarai speaking at an interaction organized in Thimi of Bhaktapur District to formally declare the Naya Shakti a political party said that all should accept the new constitution as it was drafted with hard efforts.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting and discussed national consensus Government. They also discussed the nine-point agreement signed between the two major ruling partners and other contemporary issues.

June 6

Federal Alliance announced to start month long relay hunger strike in Kathmandu and other parts of the country from June 7.

June 7

Federal Alliance started a relay hunger strike at Tundikhel Khulamanch in Kathmandu.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said "Everyone realizes there is a need of consensus government. So talks with other political parties are on to turn the present government under my leadership into a national consensus government."

June 8

Minister for Agricultural Development Haribol Gajurel who represents CPN-Maoist Centre in the CPN-UML-led Government said that his party was ready to lead the Consensus Government.

NC leaders criticized Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for working 'unilaterally' and expressed their objection to the government for carrying out the task of formulating new laws in accordance with the new Constitution without consulting major opposition and other political parties.

June 9

Truck driver Bal Ram Bhandari (35) and his assistant Basanta Magar (20) were injured as Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist) cadres hurled a petrol bomb at a loaded truck in Rautahat District.

Police arrested 99 bandh enforcers from different parts of the country during a nationwide bandh imposed by the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist.

June 10

Chairman of CPN-Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a press conference organized in Birendranagar city of Surkhet District said that all parties' attention should be on forging national consensus rather than bringing down the Government.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba addressing a convention of the Nepal Civil Society in Kathmandu accused the incumbent Government of being apathetic about implementing the Constitution.

June 11

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist cadres attacked the World Vision International Nepal's Office in Nuwakot District. They set a parked vehicle on fire in the premises of World Vision Office at Battar area.

June 12

Naya Shakti, under the leadership of former UCPN-M leader Baburam Bhattarai, has been formally announced amidst a gathering of thousands of people convened at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

Krishna KC lodged a complaint at the TRC against the former King Gyanendra Shah and five former PMs, seeking justice for his detention by the NA for 810 days during the insurgency.

June 13

Government officially sent a letter to the agitating parties - Madhesi Morcha and NMSA - inviting them for a dialogue. Earlier, on June 5, the Government had sent a letter to Tharuhat/Tharuwan United Struggle Committee urging them for talks.

500 complaints received from conflict victims in Baitadi District. 436 complaints are related to CIEDP while 64 complaints are related to TRC.

TRC member Madhabi Bhatta said that the preliminary investigation into complaints filed at the TRC by conflict victims has been halted in the absence of TRC directive.

June 14

JTMM-K exploded an IED in Rajbiraj, the District headquarters of Saptari to pay tribute to its cadres who were martyred. The explosion, however, did not cause any casualty.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Nepal party proposed resolving contentions around provincial demarcations on the basis of the report submitted by the SRC formed as per the Interim Constitution.

June 15

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung said that the TRC may give more time to file complaints. Gurung said that the TRC had received reports from districts about the victims seeking an extension of deadline.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli invited the Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekata Party for talks. The party has been protesting the Constitution promulgated in 2015 demanding a separate province in the Chure Bhawar region.

June 16

Police arrested two cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist party for their alleged involvement in arson attack on an Ncell tower in Lamjung District on June 11.

A conflict victim from Taplejung District registered a complaint against former king Gyanendra Shah and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the TRC through local peace committee in Jhapa District.

Communist Nucleus Nepal party led by Hemanta Prakash Oli and Bhupendra Neupane led CPN-Maoist Revolutionary decided to merge announcing armed revolution to complete 10 years long Maoist movement.

TRC has extended the time period by one month for victims of the insurgency era to file complaints. TRC decided to continue complaint collection until July 16 after it learnt that hundreds of victims are yet to lodge their complaints related to the war-eras, TRC member Madhabi Bhatta told.

The conflict survivors at a discussion programme held at Mahendranagar of Kanchanpur District said that that are still fearful of lodging complaints for no assurance of maintaining confidentiality of personal information.

The Government unveiled its time-bound work plan to hold three elections by 2017-end for the implementation of the new Constitution. The Cabinet meeting endorsed the action plan to implement the Constitution by January 24, 2018.

Responding to the Prime Minister's call for talks, the agitating UDMF sent a letter to the Government setting out seven-point conditions.

June 17

A serious human rights violation case has been filed at the TRC against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba by six martyrs' families.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressing an interaction 'Implementation of Constitution: Challenge and Accountability' organized by the High Level Administration Reforms and Implementation Committee in Kathmandu said that the Government will strictly follow time-bound action plan to implementation of the new Constitution.

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung speaking at a function organized by the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of Parliament said that TRC will take international law into consideration while investigating conflict-era cases.

June 18

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking with the media persons at Biratnagar Airport in Morang District underscored the need to form National Unity Government for the implementation of the Constitution.

June 19

The Government tabled a roadmap of the Constitution implementation at the Parliament. According to the roadmap, civic polls would be held by mid-December, federal polls by mid-June 2017 and polls to elect members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly would be held by November 2017.

CPN-Maoist Centre leader Mani Thapa said that it was possible to fulfill the demands of the agitating UDMF, but did not reveal his formula to rope them in.

June 20

Madhes-centric parties boycott the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament, citing the Government was indifferent to their demands.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli sent an invitation to the agitating 33-party Federal Alliance for talks to join the talks on June 23, 2016, at the Prime Minister's Office.

A complaint seeking action against former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has been lodged with the TRC in Jhapa District, accusing him of blatant violation of human rights during the decade-long insurgency.

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said his party is making efforts to get over and get back to the revolutionary path though it got stuck in a bog of parliamentary system and luxuries after joining the mainstream politics.

TMDP Chairman Mahantha Thakur while inaugurating the first national general convention of the party in Parasi of Nawalparasi District blamed the Government for not being serious about resolving the Madhes issue.

June 22

CPN-Maoist Center expanded its Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat and Headquarters. The party would have a 1,499 Central Committee. Likewise, the Politburo would have 299 members and the Secretariat 99. The nine-member Headquarters has also been expanded into the 33-member body.

June 23

Talks between the Government and the agitating 33-party Rastriya Morcha ended positively at Prime Minister's Office in Kathmandu. The alliance held talks with the Government after it became ready to take ownership of the Constitution promulgated by the CA.

Mohan Baidya addressing a press conference organized to make decisions of his party's national cadre gathering public in Kathmandu said his party would not unite with other Maoist parties anytime soon.

June 24

Home Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet speaking in the inauguration of the Area Administration Office at Rampur town in Palpa District said that the structure of the local bodies would come within two to three months from now.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the President of the main opposition party NC speaking at a function in Kathmandu said that the Government could not hold any election unless it forged a national consensus among major political forces in the nation.

June 25

Leader of the agitating UDMF Laxman Lal Karna said that the front wanted all major parties, including the main opposition NC party, to be included in the Government's talk's team.

June 26

Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai addressing a function organized by Federation of Nepali Indigenous Nationalities Journalists in Kathmandu said that the Government wouldn't hold dialogues with the agitating parties who come with pre-conditions.

June 27

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal talking to reporters in Rautahat District said that the Government should amend the work-procedure in order to provide at least NR 3,00,000 to each family.

June 28

A meeting of the task force formed by the ruling and opposition parties to end the House disruption ended without making any concrete decision. The meeting was held at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu.

Acting CEC Ayodhi Prasad Yadav responding Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli visited the EC and inquired about plans, preparations and challenges for holding local elections declared by the Government said that the EC is ready to hold local election. The Acting CEC

June 29

All lawmakers of the CPN-Maoist Centre during an informal meeting of the parliamentary party backed party leader Janardan Sharma's proposal to block the budget until the nine-point agreement the party signed with the CPN-UML is implemented.

The coordinator of the Federal Alliance Upendra Yadav speaking at an interaction organized by Reporters Club in Kathmandu said that the Government had not yet prepared grounds for talks with the agitating forces.

June 30

UDMF lawmakers boycotted the Legislature-Parliament meeting against some provisions of the Constitution. Right after the meeting commenced as announced by Speaker Onsari Gharti, the protesting political parties affiliated with the UDMF stood in protest.

UDMF lawmakers boycotted the Legislature-Parliament meeting against some provisions of the Constitution. Right after the meeting commenced as announced by Speaker Onsari Gharti, the protesting political parties affiliated with the UDMF stood in protest.

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at a function in Banke District said that national consensus was a must to expedite the national development projects and give an end to all the problems currently facing the nation.

July 1

The first meeting of the High-Level Federalism Implementation and Administration Restructuring Directive Committee was held under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister and Committee Chairman, KP Sharma Oli, at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu.

July 2

Two cadres of CPN-Maoist Center were arrested on the charge of attacking NC leader Ram Baran Paswan in a minor dispute on the formation of the management committee of the Janata Secondary School at Janakpur of Dhanusa District.

July 4

Cadres of Mangol National, a ragtag armed group, forcibly launched a donation drive in the remote villages of Rukum District.

July 5

Cadres of the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist have started extorting donations from VDC secretaries in Udayapur District ranging from Rs 5,000 to 10,000.

July 6

TRC finalized its directive paving the way for investigation into complaints lodged by the conflict victims. TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung said that the directive had been framed in keeping with international standards.

July 7

A politburo meeting of the CPN-Maoist Center decided to form a consensus Government to resolve the current problems facing the nation.

July 8

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that federalism should be made effective to address needs of the nation.

Federal Alliance at a meeting of the Central Secretariat announced to launch decisive protests from mid-September. The meeting also decided to train Alliance carders throughout August before going for the decisive protests.

July 10

CPN-Maoist Center, a major coalition partner in the incumbent Government, at a meeting held at the residence of Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Kathmandu urged the ruling CPN-UML to fully implement all the agreements made with it in the past.

CPN-UML leader Shankar Pokhrel at an interaction organized by the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu made it clear that there was not any gentlemen agreement with the CPN-Maoist Centre except the nine-point deal.

July 12

CPN-Maoist Center announced that it has withdrawn support from the CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led coalition Government. The Maoist party had demanded that the CPN-UML handed over the government's leadership to it as per the gentlemen's agreement made during the formation of the ruling alliance.

Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai speaking at an interaction at Reporters' Club warned that the decision of the CPN-Maoist Center to withdraw the support to the current Government will prove fatal for its Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

July 13

NC, CPN-Maoist Center and CPN (United) registered a vote of no-confidence motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Legislature-Parliament.

CPN-Maoist Centre decided to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Parliament if he did not resign at the earliest. Eight Ministers representing CPN-Maoist Centre resigned from the coalition Government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Federal Alliance said that it will also help the NC and CPN-Maoist Centre to unseat the CPN-UML-led coalition Government led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

NC during its Central Working Committee meeting held at the Nuptse Hall in the Parliament building decided to lend support to Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the new Prime Minister. The meeting also endorsed a seven-point agreement with CPN-Maoist Center.

July 14

Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist party's Rautahat District General Secretary was been arrested on charge of murder attempt from Helekhola. According to Police, accused Gopal Jimba had led a group of youth which had thrashed a local youth Man Dhoj Thing.

A PP meeting of CPN-UML decided to face a no-confidence vote registered against its leader Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Parliament. The PP leader and Prime Minister Oli during the meeting had directed lawmakers of his party to take the fresh political developments easily.

July 15

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar postponed Parliament meeting till July 21 so as to first allow a debate on no-trust motion moved by the NC and the CPN-Maoist Center.

CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal showed up at Khulamanch in Kathmandu where the Federal Alliance was officially concluding its 39-day relay hunger strike, apparently seeking support from the agitating bloc to form a new Government under his leadership.

July 17

A meeting of the ruling parties held in Kathmandu decided not to allow a discussion on the no-trust motion on July 21 without allowing a debate on the three budget related bills first.

Leaders of the agitating UDMF reiterated that they will vote for the no-confidence motion registered in Parliament against the Prime Minister KP Oli-led Government.

July 18

Federal Alliance unveiled its fresh protest programs. A meeting of the Alliance decided to launch the protest programs starting July 20 until September 13. Moreover, the Alliance also decided to vote for the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister KP Oli Government.

July 19

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar to allow a debate on the three budget related bills Financial Bill, Bill on Raising Public Debt and Loan and Guarantee Bill before the discussion over the no-trust motion takes place at the Parliament.

July 20

Speaker Onsari Gharti during a meeting with CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the latter's residence in Kathmandu urged Dahal to create conducive environment for political consensus.

Minister for Law and Justice Agni Kharel at a press conference organized at the Ministry alleged that the CPN-Maoist Center of using cases related to armed-conflict for laying claim to power rather than being serious about settling them in a proper way.

Coordinator of the Federal Alliance Upendra Yadav at an interaction organized by the Alliance said that the alliance would not join the Government until the issues of the exploitation, oppression and discrimination of Madhesis and Janajatis were addressed.

July 21

The meeting of the Legislature-Parliament postponed till 2 pm on July 22 after the last deal effort initiated by the Speaker Onsari Gharti to forge consensus among the political parties struck no chords.

TRC extended the deadline for registering complaints related to human rights violation during the armed conflict until August 10.

A meeting between Speaker Onsari Gharti and top leaders of three major political parties, held as a part of a last ditch effort to forge consensus among the parties, ended without yielding results.

July 22

CPN-Maoist Center Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal tabled the no-trust motion in the Parliament against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi seconded the no-confidence motion tabled by Dahal.

Parliament rejected the Finance Bill, the Bill to Raise Domestic Debt and the Loan and Guarantee Bill. The bills were rejected after the previous ally CPN-Maoist Centre and the main opposition NC decided to vote against the bills.

A meeting of top leaders of the NC, CPN-Maoist Centre and the Madhes-based parties decided to vote in favour of the no-trust motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

July 24

After being reduced to minority, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his post. He spent 287 days in Singha Durbar as Nepal's executive head.

Naya Shakti Party Coordinator Dr Baburam Bhattarai speaking at a press meet organized by Nepal Press Society in Kaski District said that the act of forming and toppling the Government was not in the interest of people and country.

July 25

Federal Alliance cadres disrupted a workshop on restructuring at the local level in Rautahat District. The programme was organized by Local Level Restructuring Technical Support Committee Rautahat in a meeting hall at Gaur Municipality.

Life was partly crippled across the nation due to the bandh enforced by Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist protesting the Government's decision to remove as many as 455 squatters' families from Sagarnath forest in Sarlahi District.

Police arrested 130 cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist from different Districts, including Kathmandu Valley, during the nationwide strike enforced by the party.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari asked the political parties in the Parliament to elect new Prime Minister on the basis of political consensus within seven days.

July 26

Parliament passed the President Bidhya Devi Bhandari's order to remove the constitutional difficulties in electing a new Government, despite criticism from opposition lawmakers.

July 27

NC and CPN-Maoist Centre at a meeting of held in Kathmandu agreed to hold local elections by mid-April 2017.

July 28

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressing the National Assembly of the All Nepal National Free Students Union-Revolutionary in the Kathmandu assured that the new Government would address demands of the dissenting Madhesh-centric political parties, Tharus and indigenous groups.

Nine of the Madhes-based political parties united under the Federal Alliance and the UDMF stated that there is no possibility of their joining the next government, which is expected to be led by CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

July 29

Caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli demanded that the Parliamentary elections be held before the local and provincial elections.

SP Chairperson Rajendra Mahato said that the UDMF would not join the government until the constitution was amended to meet UDMF's 11-point demands.

July 31

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari met leaders of five major political parties and said that Parliament is preparing to hold the election of the new Prime Minister under majority system on August 3.

Attorney General Hari Phuyal said that CPN-Maoist Center is ready to face conflict-era cases. Phuyal said CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal was appreciative of the work carried out by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

August 1

SP Chairperson Rajendra Mahato said that UDMF is ready to lend external support to the upcoming Government led by CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal provided there is a written agreement to fulfill its twin conditions.

August 2

Although the task force members of the NC, CPN-Maoist Center and the Federal Alliance reached a tentative three-point agreement they failed to strike a formal deal.

August 3

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal elected as the new Prime Minister of Nepal. While total 573 lawmakers had cast their votes in the poll, 363 were for Dahal.

August 4

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that addressing the demands raised by the agitating Madhesi, Tharus and Janajatis to strengthen internal unity and increasing the acceptance of the constitution would be his top priority.

August 5

Government decided to provide NR 1 million each to family members of the individuals killed during the Madhes movement in 2015.

August 6

TMDP Spokesperson Sarvendranath Shukla said that UDMF could discuss its participation in the Cabinet if a bill to amend the constitution was tabled in Parliament in the next two months, but delay would dampen the front's chance of joining the Government.

August 7

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a meeting of the Chief Secretary, the Secretaries of all the Ministries and other top officials held at the at Singha Durbar urged top Government officials to work as per policy of 'forgive and forget' dealing with cases from the decade-long Maoist insurgency.

August 9

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a proposal to Madhes-based parties for forming a joint taskforce to prepare a constitution amendment proposal.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a meeting with a delegation of the FNJ at his official residence in Kathmandu said that national consensus was essential to address national issues.

August 10

Madhesi parties obstructed the work of the Local Bodies Restructuring Commission in the preliminary phase in Saptari District calling it a ploy to finish off federalism.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a meeting of the ruling parties in Kathmandu pledged to forge a common understanding among major political forces on the number of local bodies and criteria for restructuring them, and provides it to the commission formed to fix the number and boundaries of local bodies within a week.

August 11

TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung said that hundreds of conflict-era cases are likely to be shelved without conducting any inquiry.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar said that there is no alternative to amending the constitution.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi said the constitution amendment process would begin within one and half months.

August 12

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi while addressing a function in Kaski District said that the coalition between NC and CPN-Maoist Center was essential to implement the Constitution.

23 NC District presidents during a meeting convened by NC leader Shekhar Koirala suggested to stand for holding interim local elections instead of clinging to the idea of conducting local polls only after the completion of restructuring of local bodies under the federal setup.

Coordinator of the Naya Shakti Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai, said that the dispute over the delineation of provinces should be settled soon even by amending the new constitution on the basis of consensus.

August 15

Cadres of ANNISU-R vandalized Swoyambhu-based Kathmandu Model Hospital School of Nursing, Banasthali-based School of Medical Sciences and Jorpati-based Shankarapur Academy for operating classes and the administration department there during the strike.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a meeting with the Chairman and Commissioners of TRC assured that the Government and his party is not seeking a blanket amnesty in conflict-era cases of human rights violation.

TRC delegation urged the Prime Minister to amend the TRC Act and come up with a new law criminalizing torture for resolving war-era cases swiftly. The delegation also requested him to allocate adequate budget for the transitional justice instrument.

August 16

Major parties decided to extend the Local Bodies' Restructuring Commission to submit its report till the last week of August and reach an understating among the political parties before that.

August 17

CEC Ayodhi Prasad Yadav speaking at an interaction organized by District Election Commission in Tanahun District said that the EC was ready to hold the three levels of elections by January 21, 2018.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato speaking at a function organized in Saptari District ruled out the possibility of joining the Cabinet until the Government executed all the past agreements.

August 18

Government decided to declare 52 individuals including 41 protestors and 11 SF personnel who lost their lives during the 2015 Madhes movement.

August 19

CIEDP member Bishnu Pathak said "The government seems reluctant to give us the needed resources so that it can later blame us for not doing our job. CIEDP's work was much more challenging, as 25 per cent of cases out of 2,846 complaints could require excavation at suspected sites. Digging out one site could take at least one month and DNA test of degenerated bones could take 6-9 months. CIEDP would need at least 10 years to complete its assigned task."

August 20

CPN-Maoist Center at a meeting of the party's central office at the private residence of Prime Minister and the party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal August 20 constituted a support mechanism for running the Government.

August 21

FSF-N Chairperson Upendra Yadav speaking at a function organized to commemorate the martyrs of Madhes movement in Saptari District argued that their agitation would continue until the disparity between the rulers and the ruled ended in the country.

CPN-Revolutionary Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya insisted the need for a radical change in the Constitution.

Conflict victims threatened to move court TRC if it doesn't revise a recently endorsed guideline regarding shelving probe into war-era cases.

August 22

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal urged EC to carry out preparations on time for three polls to be held within one year.

A meeting of UDMF Secretariat welcomed the Government's decision to fulfill some of its demands but concluded that the Constitution should be amended to address UDMF's demands before dates for any type of election are fixed.

August 24

A meeting of UDMF told that UDMF wanted second point of three-point agreement implemented pronto.

August 25

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal meeting a delegation representing injured and disabled members of the then PLA in Kathmandu assured free treatment to injured members of former PLA.

The Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament asked the Government to draft amendment bill on the CIEDP and the TRC Act in line with the verdicts issued by SC on the cases of transitional justice as well as keeping in mind the international standards and practices.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli speaking at a press meet at Tribhuvan International Airport said that it is meaningless to amend Constitution without implementing effectively.

August 26

CVNS Secretary Gyanendra Raj Aran submitted a letter to TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung stating that the working procedure was against the principle of transitional justice and several of its provisions were designed to give amnesty to the perpetrators of heinous crimes committed during the decade-long Maoist insurgency.

August 28

Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi during a meeting with Madhesi leaders assured that the constitution amendment proposal will be registered at Parliament prior to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato met Prime Minister Dahal and warned him that if he did not table the constitutional amendment bill in the Parliament immediately, it could create crisis of confidence between the Government and the UDMF.

A meeting of TRC office-bearers ruled out amending its working procedure that has a provision to shelve inquiry into hundreds of war-era complaints. The TRC also denied providing original copy of the minutes of the decision that endorsed the guidelines, claiming that it might affect the privacy of the transitional justice body, according to a source.

August 29

ICRC and NRCS made public the updated list of the disappeared. The list puts the number of disappeared persons in Nepal so far at 1,334. The updated list of 1,334 missing persons is contained in the 9th edition of a publication titled 'Missing Persons in Nepal: Update list 2016'.

August 31

A meeting of the Constitution Day Main Celebrations Committee presided over by its Chairman Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal decided to observe the Day for three days from September 18 to 20 by organizing various programmes.

Parliament's Development Committee asked the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development to determine the number of local units and delineate their borders to be applicable under the new federal set up as soon as possible on the basis of clear criteria developed using scientific data.

September 1

CIEDP urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to amend the TRC Act, 2014 pronto. Holding a meeting with the Prime Minister, the CIEDP members said the amendment would be necessary to effectively carry out its duties as the current law was not clear and complete enough.

September 2

UDMF seeks Government to withdraw charges against 491 people who were indicted during the Madhes movement. A task force formed by the UDMF met Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and gave the details of 491 people who face criminal cases in the Tarai Districts, urging the ministry to withdraw their cases.

September 4

Two agitating forces - the Federal Alliance and the UDMF - decided to observe a 'black day' on September 19 the day that the constitution was promulgated.

September 5

Federal Alliance formed an 11-member committee under SP Chairman Laxman Lal Karna to prepare a draft of the constitution. Members of the committee include Lalbabu Raut, Brikhesh Chandra Lal, Ram Naresh Ray, Keshav Jha, Gopal Dahit, Kumar Lingden and Prem Bahadur Khati.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal while responding to lawmakers' queries at the Development Committee of the Parliament said that the Government was committed to holding local polls.

September 8

SC issued a show cause notice on a writ petition filed by four advocates, demanding that the Government make public its work plan relating to all three levels of elections and announcement of election dates.

Human Rights organizations urged the Parliament to remove the statute of limitations to book the perpetrators of torture during the armed conflict era.

September 9

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the current ruling coalition would remain intact till all three polls at local, provincial and federal level would be over.

September 11

NEFIN submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and demanded 11 amendments to the Constitution in order address concerns of indigenous nationalities.

September 13

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav said that the incumbent Government should give top priority to Madhes issues.

September 14

Madhes-based parties expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal over the delay in moving forward with the amendment of the Constitution while some of their leaders even threatened to withdraw their support from the Government.

September 15

TRC has started its preliminary investigation on more than 25,000 complaints among the 53,016 complaints it has received. Likewise, the CIEDP has been scanning at least 1200 complaints at present.

September 16

DPM Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that the Government is committed to holding local, provincial and federal elections within next one and half years.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba said that demands put forth by the Madhes-centric parties regarding the Constitution will be addressed.

September 18

UDMF submitted list of 16 persons to the Government seeking martyrdom status for them.

September 19

Various agitating political parties and other groups aligned with the Federal Alliance and UDMF staged demonstrations in Kathmandu and several other Districts as a protest against some of the provisions in the Constitution, which was promulgated on September 20, 2015.

Government observed the Constitution Day as a national festival by organizing various programs. The Government has formed a special committee under the chair of the Prime Minister to celebrate the Day and announced a public holiday on this occasion.

September 20

Two pressure cooker bombs went off at two schools in Jorpati of Kathmandu. No human casualties have been reported in the explosions. IEDs were also found planted in Kanchanjunga School in Dallu, Rai School and East Pole School in Jorpati, Kantipur Boarding School in Chappal Karkhana and Radiant School in Lalitpur.

Min Bahadur Devkota, co-coordinator of the MCCN, claimed that it planted and exploded bombs in several private schools in Kathmandu. He said that they carried out the incidents after the talks with PABSON and NPABSON, organisation of private school operators, failed.

CIEDP expressed concern about transfer of its trained human resources including some senior officers claiming that it would only impact its investigation into war-era disappearance cases.

September 22

Police arrested two cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist on charge of collecting donation from a college operator in Chitwan District. The arrestees have been identified as Prem Chaudhary and Ramesh Lamichhane.

The Government decided to provide NR 14 million for treating protesters injured during the Madhes agitations in 2015. Government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Surendra Kumar Karki informed that the Government will pay all the medical bills submitted to the Home Ministry by the UDMF, an alliance of the agitating parties.

September 23

Police arrested 15 leaders and cadres of Mohan Baidya-led CPN-RM for trying to enforce Chaka jam in Kathmandu. The party had announced protest programme to pressurize the Government for 'unconditional release' of its four leaders Shivaram Yadav, Dipendra Gahatraj, Ram Nepali and Mahesh Shrestha who were arrested from Bagbazaar for extorting businesspersons on September 21.

September 24

DPM Bimalendra Nidhi said that final efforts were underway to register a Constitution amendment proposal at the Parliament to address the demands of the agitating parties.

Sources said that the Government has been preparing to amend the CIEDP and TRC Act removing crimes against humanity from the heinous crimes category.

September 25

DPM Bimalendra Nidhi said that the Government was preparing the process of Constitution amendment to address the concerns of the Madhesi community.

September 26

UDMF decided that it would not accept the three major parties' decision to create more than 900 local bodies equal to the areas (Ilakas) as practiced in the past.

September 27

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal told the agitating Madhes-based parties that the Government has been working to change the constitution and will soon finalize an amendment bill addressing their demands.

Six bills related to the establishment of different constitutional commissions were presented at the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament for approval.

A Cabinet meeting decided to give additional mandate to the LBRC for demarcating boundaries of local bodies on the basis of existing structure of Ilakas.

Conflict victims have become concerned about preparations to remove 'crime against humanity' from the heinous crime category in the amendment draft bill of the CIEDP and the TRC Act, which is being tabled in the Parliament soon.

UDMF in a meeting held between the Prime Minister and the UDMF warned of a strong agitation unless the Government implements the three point pact immediately.

September 28

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the Government was committed towards the meaningful enforcement of the constitution.

September 29

SC issued an interim order to the TRC not to implement its guidelines for putting complaints on hold.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking during the first General Convention of Press Center urged the media and journalists to play a constructive role in promoting wider acceptance of the Constitution.

September 30

Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Hitraj Pandey said that Constitution implementation needs cooperation of all parties. The Minister also said that the process has moved ahead to hold all three levels of elections within the set time.

October 1

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato demanded that the Government immediately table a Constitution amendment proposal at the House to address demands of the agitating Madhesi parties.

October 3

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal receiving a delegation representing the Magar community at his residence in Baluwatar of Kathmandu said that the next Constitution amendment will give justice to all marginalized communities.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal assured the UDMF leaders that the Government was committed to table a Constitutional amendment bill between Dashain and Tihar. The Prime Minister also told UDMF leaders that the Government was talking to political stakeholders and it would start drafting the bill in two to three days.

Major political parties backed away from their previous decision to take the existing ilaka as the main basis for restructuring local units under the new federal setup, following criticism from various quarters.

October 4

LBRC said it would be unable to meet the deadline set by the Government for submitting its report as the new mandate given by the Government recently meant it had to revise what it did earlier.

October 6

Three major parties NC, CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Center have begun work to change some provisions of the three election-related bills Bill to Amend and Integrate Laws Related to Functions, Duties and Powers of Election Commission Bill to Amend and Integrate Laws Related to Voters' List and Bill to Amend and Integrate Laws Related to Political Parties at the Legislature Parliament Secretariat.

Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar decided to change some provisions in the new ToR given to the commission, which called for making ilakas as the main basis for restructuring local units under the new federal setup and keeping the existing municipalities intact.

October 14

TRC proposed 18 reparation schemes for victims of the Maoist insurgency. The schemes for murder cases include financial support to the victims' families for free education, vocational training, and soft-loans and residential and other facilities such as psychological counselling.

LBRC wrote a letter to MoFALD seeking original data on ilakas. LBRC member Sunil Ranjan Singh said the constitutional body wrote a third letter to the Ministry as the Ministry did not respond to two of its previous letters.

SP Chairman Rajendra Mahato said that UDMF will withdraw support to Government if Constitution amendment bill not registered before Tihar. Mahato said the UDMF will make its protest programs public after Chhat festival if the Prime Minister does keep his promises.

October 16

Chairman of the SP Rajendra Mahato warned of withdrawing the party's support extended to the Government if the Constitution amendment proposal was not registered at the Parliament by November 6.

Chief Secretary Som Lal Subedi asked the MoFALD to furnish within three days all particulars related to the ilakas sought by the LBRC.

October 18

NC senior leader Ramchandra Paudel at an interaction with experts on the issue of Tarai-Madhes problems in Kathmandu said that all parties should demonstrate flexibility to settle disputed issues in the new Constitution.

The members of LBRC formed to restructure the local units are divided over considering Ilakas as a basis for the restructuring. As a result, the commission has not been able to come up with a new number of local units to be created even after continuous deliberations for the past three days.

October 19

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that Government is preparing to bring the Constitution amendment bill by Chhath festival as the draft of the amendment proposal was in the final stage.

TMDP, one of the major partners of the UDMF, asked for the formal views from the Government on Constitution amendment. TMDP said not coming any official decision from the parties in the Government has cast doubt on the Government's performance.

October 21

Police arrested two cadres of MCCN who allegedly masterminded multiple school bombing incidents in Kathmandu on September 20 from Kavrepalanchok District.

LBRC decided to create 744 local bodies at the most. The LBRC determined the number of local bodies for the second time after the Government revised its terms of reference and told it to treat ilakas as one of the major criteria for creating local bodies.

October 23 13 Mongol Mulbasi Rastriya Force leaders and cadres were arrested along with lethal weapons, explosives and several documents from different places. The suspects include the least heard of armed group's chieftain Upendra Gharti Magar, who is also the western region in-charge, Prithivi Narayan Limbu the eastern region in-charge and Temdi Sherpa the central region in-charge. Police identified the arrestees as Upendra Gharti Magar, who uses several aliases including Uttam Magar, Karna Bahdur Budha, Juntara Budha Magar and Upendra Magar Jang, of Rukum Prithvi Narayan Limbu of Taplejung Temdi Sherpa aka Dawa aka Nima Chhiri Sherpa of Ramechhap Sachin Palungwa Limbu aka Shashi Limbu of Panchthar Subas Rai aka Subas Chandra Kiranti of Khotang Rabin Shrestha of Sindhupalchok Ban Bahadur Syanbo of Sindhupalchokl Ajaya Tamang of Sindhupalchok Ram Bahadur Budha Magar of Rolpa Lok Bahadur Budha Magar of Rolpa Chandra Bir Gharti Magar of Rolpa Dujman Gharti Magar of Rolpa and Jog Bahadur Gharti Magar of Ropla.
October 24 Chairman of the SP, Rajendra Mahato at a press conference organized at Jaleshwor in Mahottari District has warned of agitation if the Constitution amendment proposal was not registered at the Legislature-Parliament before the Chhath festival. Chairman Mahato said if the Prime Minister did not become serious on the Constitution amendment, the agreement made with Madhesi parties would be breached and the support to government withdrawn.
October 25

FSF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav speaking at a press conference organized by the Federal Press Forum warned that a fresh people's movement would be launched if the Constitution amendment bill was not table by Chhath festival. Yadav said that a stern agitation would be launched if their demands were not addressed as per the three-point agreement forged during the formation of the incumbent Government.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking to editors shortly after his one-and-a-half hour meeting with NC President, Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman, KP Sharma Oli said that Constitution amendment and elections are top priorities. He said, "This is the first meeting between the three top leaders after I returned as prime minister. On constitution amendment, I personally feel we need to be more flexible on key issues to accommodate the demands of the agitating Federal Alliance," Dahal said. "We will have to redraw boundaries of some provinces and the issue of national language also needs to be worked out. A federal commission will soon be formed to recommend and settle the issue of provincial boundaries in the long run."

October 27

Government has registered only three of the nine election-related bills in Parliament. Less than six months have been remaining for the local elections as the Government has unveiled its plan to hold the local elections in April 2017. While the Election Commission has been demanding that all election-related laws should be ready before three months of the election date, the Government has yet to enact two bills which are necessary for holding the local-level elections. Local level election bill and bill on electoral crime and punishment are yet to be registered in Parliament. The bills related to the political parties, voters list and the Election Commission are under discussion in the state affairs committee of Parliament.

October 31

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal stressed on the need for unity among political parties for the amendment of Constitution and holding fresh elections. Addressing a rally organised on the occasion of New Year 1137 of Nepal Samwat in Lalitpur, the PM opined that the parties needed to be united now like in the wake of the April 2015 devastating earthquake. The RSS Nepal, reported that he further said the elections should be held by addressing genuine demands of Madhes, Tharu and Aadivasi Janajati through the statute amendment.

NC, President Sher Bahadur Deuba, said the elections of the three structures of the state will be concluded within the time stipulated by the constitution. During a program held by NC Bhaktapur District Working Committee, Deuba urged all quarters to shun doubts regarding whether the elections will be held or not. Stating that the local body elections should be held quickly for provincial and parliamentary elections, the NC President said, "The elections of the local body, province and parliament or house of representatives will be held within the time stipulated by the constitution, this responsibility the Nepali Congress will fulfill." Deuba further shared that the present ruling coalition is preparing to bring the Madhes-centric parties to agreement by amending the constitution.

Minister for Education, Dhaniram Poudel, said the Government was making final preparations for registering the constitution amendment proposal. At a press conference held by Press Centre Nepal District Chapter - Myagdi at Beni, Minister Poudel shared his opinion that the amendment proposal would help create an environment for holding elections at the local, provincial and central levels. Minister Poudel elaborated further that efforts were underway to hold agreements on amendment before the Chhath festival with Madhes-centric parties, the ruling coalition, opposition and the civil society.

November 2

The Government is planning to hold consultations with ruling parties and the main opposition CPN-UML on November 4, with a view to introducing the constitution amendment bill in Parliament by November 15. In the latest talks between the Government and agitating UDMF and the FA on October 30, PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal assured UDMF and FA leaders that the Government would introduce the bill by November 15. "Prime Minister Dahal is planning to hold consultations within the ruling parties and the main opposition CPN-UML immediately after the Indian president's visit concludes. The government will work with the target of registering the bill in Parliament by November 15," said Chakrapani Khanal, political adviser to PM Dahal. UDMF and FA leaders reiterated their demands and told the PM that they would respond to the proposed contents of the amendment bill after the Government brings the draft proposal. "The PM, during the Sunday's (October 30) talks, sought suggestions from the agitating parties. Then we said we will respond after the government brings the draft," said SP leader Rajendra Mahato.

November 4

Police arrested 13 CPN-M cadres, including its 'politburo member' Anil Sharma, during demonstrations at Shanti Batika in Kathmandu. They were demanding the recall of Nepali nationals working in the Indian Army from risk-prone areas and closing the Gurkha Recruitment Centre. Spokesperson at the Metropolitan Police Range, SP, Pradyumna Karki said 13 were arrested during the demonstration. He said they were arrested in consideration of peace and security situation. CPN-M central member Gunraj Lohani said Police arrested Akash Bhetwal, Prakash Dahal, Rabi Gole, Sahash Bhatta, Tanka Joshi, Dhruba Adhikari, Prakash Adhikari along with 'politburo member' Sharma.

November 6

CPN-Maoist Center spokesperson Pampha Bhusal said that the party can do nothing to address their demands as the issue of providing financial package to them is sub judice in the court. "The government has already decided to release Rs 200,000 each for the discharged combatants following pressure from our party. But the court ordered not to release the money until the final verdict," Bhusal said. "As the issue is sub judice in the court, our party can't do anything for them now."

November 8

Nepal Police arrested 169 former Maoist child soldiers who had been picketing the CPN-Maoist Center party head office, Parisdanda since November 7 demanding 'justice' for their contributions during the People's War. About 169 former Maoist child soldiers, who were discharged from the Maoist cantonments after finding them 'ineligible' for integration into the national army, had been protesting outside the party office causing obstruction to the day-to-day operation of the office. SSP, Bikram Singh Thapa, chief of Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, said, "It is unlawful to occupy others' properties and disrupt the operation of the office. So we detained all of them." But we released all of them on condition that such activities would not be repeated again, he added..

DPM and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi said that a constitution amendment proposal will be finalized within the next four days and registered in parliament before mid-November. DPM Nidhi informed said that the government is in the last stage of drafting the amendment proposal and that it will be registered in parliament before mid-November. He said that the amendment proposal is being drafted based on common understanding reached among the political parties. "However, I am really surprised by statements from leaders from the main opposition CPN-UML that no such understanding has been reached regarding constitution amendment," he said. "Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and leaders from the Nepal Congress have already held several rounds of talks with CPN-UML on constitution amendment proposal. I do not understand why they are saying that they have not discussed about the constitution amendment issue with us," he added. He accused the CPN-UML of trying to pose hurdles in the constitution amendment process.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that Constitution amendment draft process has just begun since November 7. Dahal repeated that no understanding has been reached so far on natural citizenship and constitution amendment. He ruled out the reportedly released draft of constitution amendment and stated that the news in this connection was unauthentic. "Don't be guided by the alleged draft. Some media have been disseminating false information. Don't follow them," he said. He also said that the draft of the constitution amendment would be forwarded in the participation of the secretaries at the concerned Ministries and to the ruling parties' leaders. PM Dahal said that the government was working out to go for elections after amending the constitution. Stating that the government will hold discussions with the Madhesi, Tharu and indigenous representatives to find a ground for amending the constitution on the basis of national consensus, the Prime Minister assured that the incumbent government will take the country towards the election by uniting one and all.

November 9

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated that the preparation was on to register the constitution amendment proposal at the Legislature Parliament before November 15 by forging consensus among the political parties, including the main opposition CPN-UML. "Constitution amendment process has advanced. No need to doubt it," the PM underlined. Stating that the government was involved in a campaign to create environment conducive for holding election, the PM said election of all-three levels would be held by January 2018. The PM further said that the government has expedited various tasks as formulation of required laws and other preparation keeping local bodies' election in centre.

Almost all the districts, other than the eight districts under Province No. 2, have either submitted their reports proposing local units under the federal system, or are in the final stages of doing so. As many as 50 districts have submitted their reports as of November 9 to the commission formed to restructure the local units, and they have proposed 450 local units. The remaining districts, except the eight districts of Province No. 2, are in the process of finalizing their reports and are likely to submit these by the end of the week, said Devi Prasad Subedi, under-secretary at the commission. The deadline for the district committees to submit their reports to the commission was November 5, but as many of the districts could not meet the deadline for various reasons, the commission became more flexible and asked them all to submit the reports as soon as possible. Officials of the commission have said that they will wait till mid-November for all the 75 districts to submit their reports.

Six political parties, including the main opposition CPN-UML submitted a memorandum to the District Development Committee, opposing the decision made on November 7 by the Local Body Restructuring Technical Committee, Jhapa in relation to the demarcation of the boundaries of local bodies. The parties demanded that eight municipalities and three village bodies be formed against the decision of the committee to increase the local bodies (up to 15 bodies). They said the decision was taken in their absence. The note was signed by district leaders of the CPN-UML, Naya Shakti Nepal, Sadbhawana Party, CPN (ML), Rastriya Janashakti Party and CPN (Samyukta).

November 10

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated that the preparation was on to register the constitution amendment proposal at the Legislature Parliament before November 15 by forging consensus among the political parties including the main opposition CPN-UML. During a program organized on his 100 days in office, PM Dahal said Government was effortful to address the demands of indigenous, Tharus and Madhesh-centric political parties. "Discussion and consultation are continuous with the political parties and leaders," he said, adding that top leaders of the major parties were meeting tomorrow to this regard. According to him, the Government had planned to table amendment proposal before a week, but waited for some more days to garner the suggestions. "Constitution amendment process has advanced. No need to doubt it," the PM underlined.

Police on November 10 arrested at least 15 cadres of CPN-Maoist-Netra from various areas of the Chitwan District for disrupting vehicular movement to protest increasing inflation, black marketing and corruption. The arrestees include the district secretariat members Lokraj Pandey, Puran Rai, Krishna Baral, Raghubir Sherpa and Ramesh Lamichhane among others.

The PM held separate talks with NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli to garner their support in finalizing a constitution amendment proposal. "When the prime minister sought his consent, main opposition leader Oli gave a positive response with regard to constitution amendment," said Dahal's press advisor Govinda Acharya after the meeting held at Singha Durbar. Both leaders, at the meeting, reached an understanding to hold meeting between the three major political parties within a few days to discuss the content of the amendment, said Acharya. However, CPN-UML Chairman Oli while emerging from the meeting said he does not know about the details of amendment proposal.

The FA expressed concern over the ignorance on part of the government to register constitution amendment proposal in the house even within the timeframe that it unilaterally announced. In a meeting of the Alliance it took a decision to take to the streets if the constitution amendment bill was not registered by coming November 15. As no indication was seen whereby the government would register the bill, a decision was taken to resume agitation, said the Alliance Secretariat member Keshav Jha. "Programs of protest will begin from tomorrow [November 11] in one form or the other but we will wait until mid-November, and then go for nationwide agitation if it does not take place within that time," Jha said.

RPP chairman Pashupati Shamser Rana said his party and the RPP-N led by Kamal Thapa will be merging soon. Rana said bilateral discussions are forthcoming to unite the parties. Giving his views regarding the current political scenario at home, he stressed the need of amending the constitution as soon as possible and thereby holding the local poll. He was of the view of continuing the existing village-municipal structure to hold the election. Restoring the country as a Hindu state will be the agenda of the party, he said, adding that party is not in favor of allowing the naturalized citizens for the appointment to constitutional posts.

November 11

Police have detained 10 persons including CPN-Maoist-Chand Makwanpur District Secretary Jwala from several locations of the District. The other arrestees include trade union leader Gokud Dahal, student leader Ram Ghalan and other Maoist leaders Bimal Tamang, Dilip Syangtan, Kiran Lama, Ram Hari Khanal, Sagar Ghatane and Bikas Lamsal among others. The detainees were found involved in disturbing public life by disseminating misleading information, said Chief of the District Police Office, SP, Mira Chaudhary.

November 12

President of FSFN Upendra Yadav said that the proposal to amend the constitution would be registered in such a way so as to resolve the national problems. "The amendment should address the major national issues including federalism, inclusion, identity, autonomy and good governance," he said. He said registration of the amendment proposal without the consent of the dissenting forces would not be acceptable. Otherwise, they would be no option left than to take to the streets again, he warned. Yadav, who also convenes the federal alliance, said the amendment issue should be addressed as per the tri-partite agreement.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal proposed amendment to the constitution has allowed naturalized citizens to hold six of the 10 key state positions. Preparations are underway to amend the constitution to bar naturalized citizens from holding the post of President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and chiefs of security bodies. Article 289 of the constitution bars naturalized citizens from holding the post of President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief of State, Chief Minister, Speaker of the State Assembly and chiefs of security bodies.

The NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting with the PM at the PM's official residence in Baluwatar. According to the PM's press advisor Govinda Acharya, the two leaders focused on the issues relating to the revision of one of the contentious issues in the constitution amendment-delineation of the federal province. Various Madhesh-centric political parties have been demanding for the second amendment in the new national statute, expressing their displeasure over proportional inclusive representation and citizenship among other issues.

CPN-UML Secretary Gokarna Bista has said that the government has been making attempts to invite constitutional crisis in the country in the name of constitution amendment. Bista blamed the ruling parties for trying to invite constitutional crisis by amending the constitution rather than implementing it. He further said that issues of naturalized citizenship among others were raised to bring constitutional crisis in the country. Saying that different forces are active to undermine constitution implementation, he mentioned that the issue of appointment of those acquiring naturalized citizenship to constitutional bodies after 10 years would snatch the rights of the bona fide Nepalis. He said it would not be acceptable to the CPN-UML if attempts were made to amend the constitution under the influence of foreign forces.

CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel said that the party was not in favour of amending the constitution without any specific agenda for it. He made it clear that his party would not support the constitution amendment process until the rationale behind it was made clear. Stating that the government was not yet sure about the constitution amendment process, he said a formal proposal for it was yet to arrive.

November 13

The nationwide general strike called by the CPN-Maoist-Netra partially affected life across the nation, followed by few incidents of vandalism and torching of vehicles. According to Nepal Police, over 295 Maoist cadres from various districts, including 213 cadres from Kathmandu Valley alone, were arrested since early morning. Of them, 28 were female protestors. "We made the arrests while the protesters tried to forcefully shut down businesses. They were also trying to smash and torch vehicles," Nepal Police spokesperson Hemanta Malla said. Khadga Bahadur Biswokarma, spokesperson of the CPN-Maoist-Netra, meanwhile said, "We will come up with stringent protest programs in the days to come, if our demands are not addressed by the government at the earliest."

Chairman of the MPRF-D Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar said that key state posts cannot be given to naturalized citizens. Gachchhadar argued that no such provision exists in other countries in the world as well. "Naturalized citizens are not allowed to head key state posts in any countries in the world. Even in India, one must be a citizen by descent for heading some key positions," he said. However, Gachchhadar said they could be generous to naturalized citizens over a few posts if there is consensus among all political parties. "We can be generous enough over some posts. But that needs consensus among all political parties," he said, while adding that the provisions set in the interim constitution are good.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli emphasized on collaboration among the parties to implement the new constitution, which should start from holding elections at the three tiers of Government. However, the issue of implementing the constitution should not be associated with its amendment, he added.

The Election Commission reiterated to get the authority of declaring the election date and managing the officials for the election purpose. Chief Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav, speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs Committee under the Legislature-Parliament today, said that the authorities should be with the commission to make the election fair and trustworthy. The committee has begun discussions on the integrated bill 2073 BS related to the rights, responsibility of the commission, political parties, voters list among others as the laws require amendment. On the occasion, lawmakers stressed on holding three-tier elections to ease the process for the implementation of the constitution.

November 14

RPP and RPP-N said that they would announce the unification between two parties on November 21. Chairmen of the RPP and the RPP-N - Pashupati Shamsher Rana and Kamal Thapa - issued a joint statement and informed that the two parties would announce the merger amid a special function in Kathmandu. They said the unity would be a bid to safeguard democracy and to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom. The two parties have ratified an interim statute in this connection, the statement read. Both the parties have reached an agreement to hold unity convention by mid-February.

The UDMF has decided to give the Government 15 more days to bring amendment proposal in parliament. Earlier, the front had given the Government till mid-November. The UDMF leaders have been walking out of parliament since November 11 to pressure the Government to register amendment proposal at the earliest. The alliance of the agitating Madhes-based parties had asked the Government to register the amendment proposal before Chhath festival. According to Keshav Jha, general secretary of the NMSP, UDMF agreed to extend the deadline after PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal requested the alliance to give him additional time for his efforts at consensus with the coalition partners and the main opposition CPN-UML. Top leaders of the UDMF had held meeting with PM Dahal at the PM's office in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu to submit a memorandum on constitution amendment.

November 15

A clash erupted between the cadres of UDMF and CPN-UML in front of DDC in Gaur in Rautahat District. The clash ensued after UDMF leaders started protesting against the visit by CPN-UML senior leader and former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal. A team of CPN-UML leaders including Nepal had reached DDC to participate in a meeting of the Constituency Infrastructure Development Program. UDMF leaders then started sloganeering against Nepal and other CPN-UML leaders. The clash erupted after CPN-UML cadres resorted to a counter sloganeering. DSP, Nabin Bhandari at District Police Office, Rautahat said that they have arrested six UDMF cadres involved in the sloganeering to contain the clash. The arrested are Sadbhawana leader Yogendra Yadav, TMDP leader Arjun Singh, District Chairman of student wing of FSF-N, Prakash Yadav and student leader Lalan Yadav among others.

November 16

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the Government is preparing to register an amendment proposal in parliament to address constitutional grievances of various agitating parties. PM Dahal assured that all legitimate demands of the agitating parties including Madhesis will be addressed through amendments. "The government is committed to addressing just demands of the agitating groups as far as possible. An amendment proposal will be tabled in parliament within a few days," the PM said. This comes in the wake of UDMF leaders issuing a 15-day ultimatum to the Government to register amendment bill in parliament starting today. Earlier, the PM failed to register amendment bill before Chhath festival despite making a public announcement.

RPP Chairman, Pashupati Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, said preparations are afoot for amending the constitution to form two provinces in Madhes and address other demands. Speaking at an interaction held by Rafat Sanchar Club, Rana said the naturalized citizens would be allowed to hold any position except the post of President, Prime Minister and head of security organs. He said RPP-N and RPP will soon merge into a single entity with the agenda of reinstating Hinduism as Nepal's State religion.

The joint meeting of the RPP and RPP-N held in Kathmandu has decided to make the upcoming party unification declaration assembly a success. The meeting held at the central office of the RPP-N at Dhumbarahi has also decided to form a central works execution committee comprising 12 members each from both parties and a central executive committee with 150 members each from the both parties, according to the RPP-N Spokesperson Rajaram Shrestha. The unification declaration assembly is scheduled to take place on November 21.

November 17

The top leaders of the NC, CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Center at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar in Kathmandu, held positive discussions on the issue of constitution amendment and they agreed to register a proposal on this in the Legislature-Parliament at the earliest. The top leaders of all three parties have reached to the conclusion that they should move ahead together forging consensus to take the constitution towards implementation like during the time of writing the constitution, CPN-Maoist Center leader Barshaman Pun said. The highest leadership of three major political parties has realized the necessity of amending the constitution to find a smooth way for its enforcement and the meeting that focused on the amendment issues ended into a positive note, Pun added. PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal briefed the meeting about the issues in the constitution that need to be amended. The meeting discussed the issues pertaining to the fresh demarcation of provinces, citizenship and the representation of provinces in the National Assembly. It is noted that the Federal Alliance, a coalition of 28 regional parties and UDMF comprising three Madhes-based major political parties have been demanding the amendment of the country's main law, expressing dissatisfaction over some of its provisions before the promulgation of the constitution.

Former Nepal Prime Minister and NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the Constitution would be amended soon to accommodate the demands of the agitating Madhesi parties and other ethnic groups. "The issue relating to Constitution's amendment will be resolved soon as agreement is being forged among the main opposition CPN-UML and agitating Madhesi parties in this regard. Preparations for elections are also under way along with the process of constitutional amendment," Deuba said in Dhangadhi of Kailali District. "The constitution will be fully implemented with the conduct of parliamentary, provincial and local-level elections," he added.

NC senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel said NC would take initiative to give a way out of Tarai issue through constitution amendment. A direct dialogue with Tarai people would also be held in this regard, he said while addressing the gathering of District NC cadres held by Makawanpur NC in Makawanpur District. Poudel is currently on a Tarai visit with the objective of 'making Tarai people aware of their basic rights and increasing their self-confidence.' He also stressed the need for the NC to amend the constitution through consensus and in agreement with main political parties and Madhes-based political parties, and for creating a favorable environment to hold local body elections slated in five months.

November 18

The TRC has not been able to conduct substantive investigations into conflict-related complaints due to delay by the Government in amending a crucial Act. Though the Government has been claiming that the CIEDP and TRC Act would be amended soon by incorporating the verdicts of the SC on transitional justice, the Government has yet to bring an amendment bill in parliament. The original term of the commission expires on February 10. On the other hand, commissioners at the TRC also lament that they are facing a funds crunch as their proposals are stuck in red tape at the Ministry of Finance. The commission receives funds only after its programs are sanctioned by the ministry. "From the very first day, we asked the government for regulations. It took almost a year to finalize the regulations. We have also been asking for amendment to the existing Act but we are still unaware where the amendment process is stuck. On the other hand, the commission's every financial proposal for taking forward the investigation has to be endorsed by the Ministry of Finance and this takes time," said Shrikrishna Subedi, a commissioner at the TRC. The commission has received 57,753 complaints from the victims of the insurgency. Although the existing Act allows the commission to recommend extension of its one-year tenure, settling all 57,753 complaints within a year's time looks almost impossible. The commission has so far received 6,290 complaints from Province 1; 3,802 from Province 2; 7,508 from Province 3; 3,637 from Province 4; 16,343 from Province 5; 10,315 from Province 6; and 9,858 from Province 7. The commission had received complaints from its office in Kathmandu and Local Peace Committee at 75 Districts. Local Peace Committee in Kapilvastu has registered 4,528 complaints, which is highest among the local peace committees. No complaints were registered in Mustang while only one complaint was registered in Manang.

CPN-UML vice-chairman Bamdev Gautam stated that all the political parties should be serious towards enforcement of new constitution. Addressing the cadres training and awareness program organized today by CPN-UML Pyuthan Chapter in Swargadwari in Pyuthan. The former Deputy Prime Minister argued, "At this point, the political parties should be more concerned about bringing into effect the new national charter than amending it." Reiterating CPN-UML's stance on constitution amendment proposal in regard to delineation of federal province, leader Gautam maintained that the proposal was not acceptable to CPN-UML, claiming that the proposal was floated at the behest of foreign forces. Pressing for timely elections at local, provincial and central level, Gautam forewarned that the crisis could befall the county if the elections were not held by February, 2018.

At a session of the Legislature-Parliament lawmakers drew the attention of the Government to declare the date of local poll, bring the constitution amendment proposal and accelerate the post earthquake-rebuilding task. CPN-Maoist Center Girirajmani Pokhrel expressed concern over the 'slow pace' of the Government, stressing that the Government should present the constitution amendment proposal at the House soon on the basis of consensus. Deepak Khadka of NC demanded the announcement of the local poll date being based on the existing structure. CPN-UML's Gangalal Tuladhar demanded the allocation of Rs 500,000 from the Parliamentarian's Development Fund to spend in the education for strengthening disaster risk reduction. RPP-N's Resham Bahadur Lama said republic brought in the country due to sacrifice of 17,000 people lacks good governance. MJF-D's Dr Subodh Kumar Pokhrel sought the government attention towards the forest conservation. TMLP's Narsingh Chaudhary insisted on the continuity of programmes unveiled by the government for the relief of people. NRP's Laxman Rajbanshi called on his colleagues to regularly attend the House session for the dignity of parliament.

November 19

RPP-N Chairman Kamal Thapa cautioned all sides including the Government and various political parties of a force 'being active to disintegrate Madhes'. Speaking at a press conference in Hetauda in Makwanpur District, the former Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need for the Government and political parties to become aware of the maneuverings of such force. He also emphasized the need for all political parties to come together for constitution amendment to sort out Madhes issue, which he asserted would prove to be the means to defeat such force.

November 20

The CPA inked exactly a decade ago had considered transitional justice a major part of the accord, but this crucial component in the process of establishing sustainable peace has remained unfulfilled to date. In the CPA, the Government and the then CPN-M agreed to make public the real names and addresses of people disappeared by them and of those killed during the conflict, and provide information thereof to the respective families within 60 days after the signing of the CPA. However, it took more than eight years to form the TRC and the CIEDP. Both the commissions were formed only on February 10, 2015. Attorney General Raman Shrestha has opined that changes in the power equation in the first and second Constituent Assemblies have delayed the completion of transitional justice.

November 21

Three main parties NC, CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Center failed to forge consensus on the Constitution amendment proposal prepared by the Government in line with the demands of the agitating UDMF.

November 22

During an interaction organized by a local peace committee of Mahottari in Gaushala of Mahottari District, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Sita Devi Yadav said the Government was committed to amending the Constitution.

Senior leader of the NC Ram Chandra Paudel said that the Constitution amendment process will be taken forward by forging national consensus among the political parties.

November 23

Ruling NC and CPN-Maoist Centre and agitating UDMF agreed to register the Constitution amendment bill by November 28, the deadline set by the UDMF for the same.

Agitating Madhes-based parties expressed differing views on the decision of the ruling CPN-Maoist Center and NC to register an amendment bill in Parliament within a few days to address at least four of the concerns of the agitating parties.

Local people of Province No 5 warned of a stern protest against the Government if it amends the Constitution to separate the Tarai Districts with the hilly Districts of the Province.

Most central committee members of RPP suggested to the party leadership to oppose the idea of allowing naturalized citizens to hold top state posts, through a constitutional amendment.

November 24

A total of 25 fringe political parties representing in the Parliament drew the attention of PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal towards their exclusion from any political decision-making like the formulation of new laws.

Chairman of MPRF-D Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar said that the Constitution amendment proposal should be brought only in an agreement with all three major political parties as the issue has drawn differences.

November 25

Police arrested 30 cadres of CK Raut, a separatist leader, including Ahok Singh, chairman of Independent Madhes Alliance, from the District headquarters at Gaur in Rautahat District.

November 26

The Government expedited preparations to register a draft bill that seeks to amend four provisions of the Constitution in the Parliament on November 27 in the wake of the efforts of PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other leaders of ruling parties failing to bring the main opposition party, CPN-UML onboard the constitution amendment process.

The heads of both TRC and CIEDP expressed serious dissatisfaction over Government apathy toward the two transitional justice bodies. TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung and CIEDP Chairman Lokendra Mallick accused the Government of weakening the two bodies by not providing legal and financial support.

November 27

With a view to seeking a commitment from the UDMF to take part in elections following the Constitution amendment, the Government stayed Constitution amendment bill in Parliament.

Janajati leaders representing INNM led by Padma Ratna Tuladhar submitted a 14-point memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, demanding 10 territorial and one non-territorial provinces as suggested by the erstwhile State Restructuring Commission.

November 28

Leaders of the Madhes-based parties said that seeking their commitments for participation in the elections prior to registering the Constitution amendment bill could be only an excuse to delay the amendment.

November 29

The Government registered a seven-point Constitution amendment bill at the parliament secretariat, proposing, among other things, to take the entire hill Districts out from Province 5.

CPN-UML decided to obstruct the Parliament proceedings and electrify street protests against the constitution amendment bill registered in the Parliament.

November 30

Locals enforced banda in Pyuthan District against the Constitution amendment bill registered by the Government to take the entire hill Districts out from Province 5.

UDMF issued press release stating they cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill in its current form.

RSS called an indefinite District-wide general strike in Arghakhanchi District in protest against the Government's registration of the Constitution amendment bill in parliament, with changes to the province borders.

December 1

CPN-UML obstructed parliament proceedings to protest against the Constitution amendment bill that proposed changes in provincial boundaries and other provisions.

CPN-UML Central Secretariat meeting concluded that the Constitution amendment bill that the Government had moved in the Parliament was anti-national.

Federal Alliance rejected the Constitution amendment bill registered at the parliament by the Government.

Protests started at the public and political sphere in Pyuthan and Rolpa Districts against the proposal to separate hill Districts of this region - Pyuthan, Rolpa, Arghakhanchi and Gulmi from the Tarai region.

Palpa was shut against the Government proposal to exclude the District from the Province No 5 and include in the Province No 4 in the constitution amendment bill.

December 2

Opposition parties including CPN-UML, CPN (ML), Rastriya Janamorcha and NWPP obstructed the second successive meeting of the parliament demanding withdrawal of the Constitution amendment bill registered by the Government in the parliament.

ANNFSU protested and called transport strike in front of almost all Government campuses across the country. They urged the Government to withdraw the bill saying that the bill is against the national sovereignty and public interest.

The youth and students called an indefinite strike in Palpa in protest at the decision to shift the District to Province no 4.

RPP Chairperson Kamal Thapa said that RPP will present amendment proposal to the second Constitution amendment bill registered at the Parliament Secretariat to press for reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu nation.

December 3

The Saptari District Police Office arrested two cadres of Krishna Goita-led JTMM-K, identified as Nathuni Yadav (50) and Bhawani Prasad Argariya (30) of Siraha, for their alleged involvement in installing explosives at the DAO.

December 4

The opposition parties obstructed the meeting of Parliament for the third consecutive time demanding to withdraw the Constitution amendment bill.

Different students' unions and youth organizations protested against the Constitution amendment bill registered by the Government in the parliament.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari urged political parties to end the deadlock in the Parliament through dialogue.

Government failed to introduce the TRC Act amendment bill in the Parliament to facilitate the process of resolving insurgency-era rights violation cases.

December 5

NSP Nepal Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai claimed that the Constitution amendment motion recently tabled by the Government before the Parliament is incomplete.

Ruling coalition partner RPP stated that some of the provisions in the Constitution amendment bill are against the national interest and urged the Government to put the bill on hold.

December 6

250 rounds of INSAS bullet were seized from four cadres of the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist party in Chhedachaur of Jajarkot District.

Locals in the western and mid-western regions of the country continued their protests for the sixth consecutive day against the Government's plan to revise the federal boundaries of Province 5.

CPN-UML decided to intensify the ongoing agitation against the Constitution amendment bill registered by the Government at the Legislature-Parliament.

The student and youth organizations close to the opposition parties have decided to intensify their stir against the Constitution amendment proposal tabled at the Parliament.

December 7

Police in Dhangadhi of Kailali District arrested 70 leaders and cadres of CPN-UML after they held a demonstration against PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to the Dhangadhi city.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the Constitution amendment bill registered in parliament would not be withdrawn at any cost as long as he remains the PM.

DPM and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi claimed that the Constitution amendment bill would be passed at any cost, albeit with some changes.

Conflict Victims' National Society handed over a memorandum to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and urged the largest party in the Parliament to pay attention toward transitional justice and transitional justice mechanism.

December 8

SC issued show cause notice to Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on a case filed against the registration of Constitution amendment bill in the Parliament.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli said that House obstruction to continue till bill to amend Constitution not withdrawn.

CPN-Maoist Revolutionary Chairperson Mohan Baidhya said to scrap the Constitution amendment bill registered by the Government in the Parliament.

December 9

CPN-UML and six other parties continued to obstruct Parliamentary proceedings to protest the registration of the Constitution amendment bill in the Parliament. Following the obstruction, Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar adjourned the House meeting for next six days and called the next meeting on December 15.

December 10

Joint Struggle Committee, Arghakhanchi, an alliance formed to protest the Constitution amendment bill that proposes to transfer five hill Districts from Province 5, has resumed banda in the District.

A mass demonstration was held in Tamghas in the District headquarter of Gulmi District as part of the 11th day of the indefinite District-wide banda to protest the Constitution amendment bill the Government registered in the Parliament.

December 11

Chairman of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, expressed wonder why the Government was voicing for Constitution amendment rather than making preparations for elections.

December 12

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that consensus with the ruling parties will be forged if the Government revokes the newly registered Constitution amendment bill.

The student union leaders close to the political parties dissenting the registration of the Constitution amendment bill organized a protest assembly at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu.

December 13

10 CPN-UML leaders and cadres were injured as cadres of the YCL attacked them in Gokule VDC of Kavre District.

CPN-Maoist Center, NC and CPN-UML during the meeting of the chiefs of the three major parties at the PM's official residence in Baluwatar in Kathmandu agreed to hold local elections under the existing structures.

A joint meeting of eight political parties including the main opposition CPN-UML those are against the Constitution amendment bill decided to continue the House obstruction and intensify their protests until the bill is withdrawn.

December 14

Government registered two election related bills - Bill on Local Level Elections and Bill to amend and Integrate Prevailing Law on Election Offences and Punishment at the Legislature Parliament Secretariat, proposing an increase in punishment for poll related offences.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking with journalists in Lahan of Siraha District claimed that the Government would soon announce dates for the local elections.

UDMF threatened to disrupt civic polls if they are conducted without the Parliament passing the constitution amendment bill.

December 15

Clashes erupted between Magars opposing the Constitution amendment bill and pro-constitution bill supporters in Libang, the District headquarters of Rolpa.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar adjourned the Parliament until 1:00pm on December 19 after the ruling parties, NC and CPN-Maoist Center, disputed with the main opposition CPN-UML over business schedule at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the Parliament.

UDMF forged understanding with Coordinator of NSN to jointly launch a movement if the Government moved ahead with the process of holding local polls after postponing the process on the constitution amendment bill.

December 16

39 persons including 35 protestors and four Policemen were injured during a clash between banda enforcers and Police in Tamghas, the District headquarters of Gulmi.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at a press meet in Pokhara city of Kaski District defended the proposed amendment to Nepal's Constitution, claiming that it was on a par a proposal that the opposition had floated earlier.

NSN Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai and TMDP Chairman Mahantha Thakur met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and urged him to hold local polls only after ensuring passage of a revised Constitution amendment bill.

CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli called on the Government to withdraw the Constitution amendment bill registered at the Parliament.

December 18

Protests against the Government's move to revise federal boundaries of Province 5 have paralyzed various Districts of western and mid-western regions of the country.

A key leader of UDMF Rajendra Mahato, speaking with journalists at the Reporters' Club in Kathmandu said the UDMF would help the Government endorse the Constitution amendment bill registered at the Parliament.

December 19

Durga Tiwari (40), Rupandehi District Chairman of YAN was shot dead. Tiwari was actively participating in the ongoing protests against the Government's proposal to take away five hill Districts of Province 5.

Owing to the obstruction from opposition parties again, Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar adjourned the House meeting till 1 pm on December 22. The Parliament has been unable to move with its business after the Government registered the bill on November 29.

December 20

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli said all political forces that backed the promulgation of the constitution in 2015 have to come together to end the current political imbroglio.

NMSP General Secretary Keshav Jha, expressing serious dissatisfaction over the possible number of local units in the Tarai, said that Madhes-based parties want at least 46 percent of the local units to be in the Tarai.

December 21

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressing cadres of his CPN-Maoist Center party in Dhangadhi of Kailali District said the Constitution amendment proposal must be passed for an effective implementation of the national charter.

LBRC member Neeraj Shah said Government is hesitant to receive the reports prepared by the LBRC as receiving reports would render the local bodies under the old structure invalid. Another LBRC member Sunil Ranjan Singh also claimed that the Government was not ready to receive commission's report as it was still undecided whether the elections would be held under old or new structure.

December 22

CPN-UML informed that the party began preparations for a mass demonstration it had planned against the registered Constitution amendment bill. The main opposition is planning to hold the demonstration on January 6.

A meeting of the Federal Alliance held in Kathmandu announced to isolate the CPN-UML through various programs including street protests. The meeting also concluded that the CPN-UML-led protest was 'regressive' and it will land the country in a never-ending civil war.

December 23

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressing a convention of Government Attorneys in Kathmandu said all three levels of elections civic, provincial and parliamentary could be held at once if the Government faced time constraints.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba addressing the inaugural session of the two-day national convention of NC treasurers from all 75 Districts in Kathmandu alleged that the main opposition party, CPN-UML, was trying to create division among the people living in the hills, mountains and tarai.

December 24

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at a press conference organized by the Dang Press Centre in Ghorahi city of Dang Deukhuri District said the Constitution amendment bill registered at the Parliament would be finalized from the Parliament itself.

December 25

Claiming that the Government failed to justify any meaning of the Constitution amendment bill, nine opposition parties organizing a press conference in Kathmandu demanded that it be withdrawn. The claimed the amendment proposal was not only against Tarai-Madhes, but also against national interests.

A tug-of-war among TRC members has unnecessarily delayed the decision on the reparation guideline prepared by its sub-committee. A seven-member panel headed by TRC member Madhabi Bhatta had prepared the guideline and submitted it to TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung on September 30.

December 26

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal launching a book on the life of late Maoist leader Bhakti Prasad Pandey in Kathmandu asked all Maoist forces and leaders to come together to safeguard achievements of the armed conflict.

NC, the largest party in the Legislature-Parliament, at a meeting of the Parliamentary Party's office-bearers and Central Working Committee members in Kathmandu proposed four-point road map for way out to the current political deadlock in the country.

Frustrated over the Government's refusal to accept its report, the LBRC sent a formal letter to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, seeking time to submit it.

December 27

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal avoided a meeting with the LBRC members. The meeting was fixed at 10 am. The office-bearers reached the Prime Minister's Office on time. But, Dahal avoided the meeting saying he was busy.

CPN-Maoist Center and NC held a meeting with the Federal Alliance to discuss various contemporary issues including removing obstructions at the Parliament, the Constitution amendment proposal and preparations for local polls.

MJF-R Chairperson Raj Kishor Yadav said "There is no question of Madhes being a separate country if we are to take into account the geo-political situation."

December 28

Opposition parties' obstructed Parliament meeting. As soon as Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar announced commencement of the meeting at 3 pm, lawmakers from the opposition parties stood up from their seats in protest of the bill the Government had registered at the Parliament Secretariat on November 29.

Three major parties the NC, CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Center agreed in principle to announce dates of civic polls under the new structure within a week and hold the polls between April end and mid-May.

Agitating Madhes-based parties said that the local elections cannot take place under the new setup.

December 29

President Bidya Devi Bhandari while receiving the annual report of the EC at Sheetal Niwas in Katmandu has urged the EC to continue with its preparations for conducting elections in a free and fair manner whenever the parties agree to go for polls.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar while receiving a delegation from the Reporters' Club Nepal in Kathmandu gave ultimatum find a consensus in order to end the ongoing Parliament obstruction within three days.

December 30

Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi said that the Government will not withdraw the constitution amendment bill.

KNMM affiliated to the CPN-Maoist Center warned of launching a rebellion if the mother party abandoned its agenda of establishing identity-based autonomous province.

Senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said his party was not against Madhes. Likening CPN-UML's relationship with Madhes as that between Hindu mythical characters Krishna and Sudama, he said CPN-UML could never be anti-Madhes.

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.