After expelling 11 leaders, UML seeks clarifications  from other 12

KATHMANDU, May 24: The ruling CPN-UML has decided to seek clarification from 12 more leaders of the party.  A meeting of the party’s  standing committee held in the capital on Monday asked the 12 leaders, including Surendra Pandey, Birodh Khatiwada, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Ghanshyam Bhusal, Som Prasad Pandey, Krishnalal Maharjan, Jhapat Rawal, Bhawani Prasad Khapung, Yagya Sunuwar, Metmani Chaudhary, Deepak Prakash Bhatt and Narayan Khatiwada to furnish their clarifications in the next 24 hours.  Monday's meeting also decided to expel 11 other leaders, including senior leaders Madhav Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanak, from the party's ordinary membership.  According to a leader, the meeting also discussed the issue of withdrawing the UML's support extended to the Sudur Paschim Government.  The decision, however, has not been taken yet, he added.