The death toll in the massive earthquake which struck Nepal on Saturday has passed 8,500 and many thousands are still unaccounted for.
CPN-Maoist party led by Chairman Mohan Baidya 'Kiran' suffered a split with its General Secretary and second-in-command announcing his decision to part ways with the organisation. Netra Bikram Chand in a statement today said that some leaders close to him have broken "all ties with the leadership of party Chairman Mohan Baidya", as he can lead neither the party, nor the class struggle.
