Ukraine conflict: Russia arrests hundreds at anti-war protests
Russian police are reported to have arrested hundreds of protesters rallying against the Kremlin's decision to call up thousands of extra troops to fight in Ukraine, BBC reported.
Russian human rights group OVD-Info put the total at more than 1,300. The largest numbers arrested were in St Petersburg and Moscow.
Dozens were held in Irkutsk and other Siberian cities, and Yekaterinburg.
Flights out of Russia sold out fast after Vladimir Putin's announcement.
Pictures on social media showed long queues at border posts, and on Google, the search for "how to leave Russia" skyrocketed.
Russia's president ordered a partial mobilisation, meaning some 300,000 military reservists - but not conscripts - will be drafted to bolster Russia's forces who have suffered recent battlefield reverses in Ukraine.
And in remarks condemned by Ukraine and its allies, Mr Putin stressed that he would use "all available means" to protect Russian territory - implying this could involve nuclear weapons.
PM Deuba summons legal experts to hold consultations on President’s move
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has summoned legal experts in Baluwatar to hold consultations after President Bidya Devi Bhandari did not authenticate the Citizenship Bill. It has been learnt that the Prime Minister called the legal experts to make further strategy. Prime Minister Deuba’s press advisor Govinda Pariyar said that they were summoned at 4 pm today. Earlier this afternoon, the ruling coalition concluded that the President’s move was unconstitutional and an attack on Constitution. Meanwhile, Janata Samajbadi Party cadres burnt the effigy of President Bhandari in Birgunj this afternoon.
President’s move attack on constitutional system: Ruling coalition
The ruling coalition said that President Bidya Devi Bhandari has grossly insulted and underestimated the Federal Parliament, which was elected by the people, by not authenticating the Citizenship Bill. Issuing a joint statement after a meeting held in Baluwatar this morning, the ruling coalition said that the President, who is supposed to follow and protect the constitution, has attacked the constitutional system. The statement was signed by Nepali Congress President and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Nepal and Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav. “The President has violated the Constitution by not authenticating the bill, endorsed by both the houses—House of Representatives and National Assembly—within the 15-day time frame,” the statement read, “President Bhandari’s this unconstitutional move has grossly insulted and undervalued the Federal Parliament.” The alliance has concluded that the children of Nepali mother-father, who have already got the Nepali citizenship, have been deprived of their constitutional right to obtain Nepali citizenship by the recent move of the President. Similarly, the coalition has said that the move has attacked the constitutional supremacy and democratic governance established by the people.
Nepali Embassy in Islamabad organizes program to celebrate Constitution Day
The Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad organized a program today to celebrate the Constitution Day and the National Day of Nepal. Welcoming the guests to the event, Tapas Adhikari, Ambassador of Nepal to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, highlighted the importance of the day in Nepal's history and its role in national unity in a country of diversity like Nepal, read a statement issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad. The Ambassador further said that the Constitution embodies the federal system of governance and democratic norms and values as well as principles of human rights and human dignity. After several years of the promulgation of the Constitution, "the foundation the Constitution laid is gaining even stronger towards fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of Nepali people for progress and prosperity", he added. Speaking on Nepal-Pakistan relations, the Ambassador said that the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked by cordiality, friendship and cooperation. He also highlighted the importance to further expand and diversify the relations to their potentials for mutual benefits. On the occasion, Ambassador Adhikari expressed his condolences to the Government and people of Pakistan for the damage caused by the recent massive monsoon floods in Pakistan. He also said that Nepal and Pakistan have been working closely to support each other during the times of such crisis, the statement read. Highlighting Nepal's natural and cultural| attractions, Ambassador Adhikari invited all to visit Nepal to experience the land of beauty and discovery. Speaking as Chief Guest, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Energy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, expressed congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. The Chief Guest also highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations between Nepal and Pakistan. The event was attended by Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, members of parliaments, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Defence Committee, former ministers, high civilian and military officials of the Government of Pakistan and former ambassadors of Pakistan to Nepal; Ambassadors/High Commissioners to Pakistan as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations; friends of Nepal, business and mediapersons and Nepali community members and the Embassy family members. Earlier in the morning, the Ambassador hoisted the national flag of Nepal in the Embassy premises.
