Political polarization among the Maoists continued, this time due to a clash between the cadres of the CPN (Maoists) and the CPN (UML) during an election campaign event1. While the CPN (UML) raised objections over the ‘violent’ behaviour of the Maoists labeling it as ‘political terrorism’, the Nepali Congress reprimanded the Maoists over the violent incidents and asked it to refrain from attacking the political leadership2. Meanwhile, Maoist Chairman Prachanda accused the CPN (UML) of bowing down to US pressure3.

In other developments, the Nepalese Ambassador to India Durgesh Man Singh voiced an interest in meeting Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to apprise him on issues concerning the borders, trade deficit, supply of petroleum products, among other issues4.

• 1. “Maoists, UML cadres clash in Chitwan,” Nepal News, March 17, 2008, at http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar17/news10.php
• 2. “Prachanda will lose in both constituencies: UML leaders,” Nepal News, March 19, 2008, at http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar19/news01.php; “Mend your behaviour: NC tells Maoists,” Nepal News, March 19, 2008, at http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar19/news09.php
• 3. UML shied away from leftist alliance under US behest, claims Prachanda,” Nepal News, March 18, 2008, at http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar18/news02.php
• 4. “Singh prefers 'quiet diplomacy' to resolve contentious issues with India,” Nepal News, March 17, 2008, http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar17/news11.php