#625 5 - 11 October 2012 20 pages Rs 30 JET SET GO nternational airlines fl ying into Ilandlocked Nepal intersect with the two most important aspects of Nepal’s economy: tourism and migrant labour. Yet, there is little strategic planning to encourage international airlines and support the national carrier. At the ‘Nepal By Air’ roundtable organised by Nepali MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Times, international airlines operating to Kathmandu say they see great potential for the growth in traffi c. But they also want the government to address concerns like high landing and navigation charges, shoddy ground handling and infrastructure bottlenecks at the airport. page 9 Destinations Bored with dal, bhat, and masu? Fed up with relatives? Can’t take Kathmandu’s power cuts, water shortage, pollution, and traffi c jams anymore? Hop on a plane. Nepali Times brings you a roundup of great holiday getaways this Dasain-Tihar. page 12

How to ransack the treasury Prime Minister Bhattarai may be personally honest, but he is presiding over the plunder of the state.

EDITORIAL page 2

Brinkmanship doesn’t work BY THE WAY by Anurag Acharya Leaders to come out of coterie politics and seek broader support page 15 2 EDITORIAL 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 HOW TO RANSACK THE TREASURY

e have been arguing to pay retroactively for roads built during the war. An here against replacing Prime Minister investigative report last week lists proof that the Local WBaburam Bhattarai as Bhattarai may Development Ministry (which for some strange reason prime minister mainly because is under the control of the Maoist Foreign Minister) has he seems the least incompetent be personally spent Rs 5 billion over the past year on fake development of the politicians on offer. Pushpa honest, but he projects: non-existent causeways, phantom irrigational Kamal Dahal has a track record canals, roads from nowhere to nowhere. for being super-ambitious and is presiding There is up to Rs 600 million missing in just six highly unpredictable. The UML over the districts in the eastern Tarai alone. The fact that much of and NC may have democratic- this money was foreign aid channelled through the Local minded candidates, but they have plunder of the Government and Community Development Program been tried and tested, and found state (LGCDP) should be setting off alarm bells in donor wanting. offices. The evidence points to a complete breakdown of In the public perception, Bhattarai is exhibiting accountability in the absence of elected officials at the Bhattarai still has the aura of the same traits all his local level. being someone with intellect and predecessors in Singha Darbar The Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of integrity despite the thoroughly did: behaving as if he is Authority (CIAA) which should be probing this mountain kleptocratic coalition he leads. another little party boss, and of malfeasance is headless, and seems to have been co- None of the sleaze seems to rub not a national statesman. By opted by the Maoist party. Its secretary (recipient of the off on the Teflon Man, though. going back on the five-point government's Rs200,000 Best Civil Servant Award) has His overnight trips to stay and eat deal, the Maoist party once refused to act on a petition to probe the misappropriation of with Dalit families in Jumla and more shifted the goalpost to Rs4 billion that was supposed to have gone for the Chepang families in Chitwan are ensure electoral incumbency upkeep of ex-guerrillas in the cantonments since 2006. expensive populist stunts, but and destroyed what little trust The move to distribute IDs to the poor, the Good seem to go down well with the the other parties had in them. Governance Project, the Youth and Small Business Self- public. His demolition of half of Kathmandu has raised Despite President Ram Baran Yadav’s repeated prodding, Employment Scheme all have such weak oversight that hackles, but also bolstered the perception that he is a do- the latest last Friday, we see the four main political forces they are barefaced attempts to buy votes at election time er, because he has sent bulldozers tearing through even unable or unwilling to come to an agreement. by throwing fistfuls of cash at them. By the way, the the property of the rich and powerful. The other more serious reason that we need a new government seems to be in no hurry to appoint a new But it now has to be said that by clinging on to power consensus government is because this coalition has Election Commissioner, either. Comrade Bhattarai is becoming a liability to himself, his broken all past national records for corruption. In fact, Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, PhD, is party, and the country. He was someone we trusted to calling it corruption is a gross understatement. The obviously a genius. But we wish he had used his forge a consensus government to take us into elections, country cannot survive such blatant ransacking of the considerable intellect to control this haemorrhage of the but he is now an obstacle to that goal. In fact, all his past treasury for much longer. treasury, and invest the funds in cost-effective social commitments about a government of national unity now The Maoist-controlled Finance Ministry is throwing welfare. Instead, he is presiding over the plunder of the seem to have been decoy flares to keep himself in power. Rs 10 million here, Rs 180 million there to party cadres state.

PAWAN

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

NO HYDRO NO POWER resolving the current deadlock (‘Getting all my life I fi nd it very diffi cult to a doko (bamboo basket), but unlike industry in the 1960s and 70s and it’s We need a strong renewable energy rid of brokers’, #624). At a time when understand why we are treating the earlier times the boy does not stop heart warming to see an Australian cooperative that works on large gibberish written by politicians and elderly so cruelly and how children can his father instead he asks him to artist understanding the importance or small scale projects based on pundits who got us into this state in discard their elderly parents without bring back the empty doko. When of this art. diverse natural resources such the fi rst place passes off as ‘opinion’ in a second thought (‘Giving up on the father asks why, the boy tells him Tashi Lama as hydropower installations, solar Nepal’s media, at least Anil dares to grannies’, Dambar Krishna Shrestha, that he will need the basket when panels, and biogas and geo-thermal speak his own mind. #624). It broke my heart to read some the father gets old. I think there is an HAIR FOR FOOD plants in partnership with local Ray Ban of the stories of the grandfathers and important lesson to be learnt here. Nepalis should emulate Cambodia’s communities (‘No hydro, no power’, grandmothers that the writer profi les. When our children see us mistreating example and start selling their hair for Editorial, #624). Spain introduced Anil is spot on with his analysis. We They don’t deserve such a sad and disrespecting our elderly parents, money (‘Hair for food’, Borin Noun, a cooperative called Som Energia need more such honest voices who is to they won’t treat us in #624). It can help eradicate poverty which has been hugely successful, coming from the professional the same way when we become to a certain extent in poor areas. although the country does not suffer circles who have a real stake in old? We have to pass on good Even party cadres should resort a chronic energy crisis as Nepal. the country. values to the next generation to this practice instead of extorting If handled properly, Kathmandu Rdr otherwise our social fabric will ordinary Nepalis. residents can have access to completely disintegrate. Chrikaji uninterrupted water and electricity Anil says the fi rst option is Aga Nyima supply in 10 years. for Nepali leaders to apologise Nirmal to the people for letting them INSULT TO INJURY Note: We would like to encourage our down. Simply repenting will It does not surprise me one readers to send us pictures of daily We can live without electricity, make no difference whatsoever bit that the lifelong pension life in Nepal with a brief description- but not without water. Nepal’s and will only worsen the scheme for war victims and location, subject and thoughts on the governments have proved incapable situation by prolonging the ex-combatants is being used to image - to [email protected]. of providing either, so it’s now up to corrupt politicians’ stay in power. plunder the state coffer (‘Insult We will upload the photos onto our us to generate our own power and Option two of encouraging to injury’, Rameswor Bohara and Facebook page and publish the best collect our own water. If we rely on successful technocrats and ones on our Happenings section. Dirgha Raj Upadhya, #624). Isn’t Photos should be in hi-res (300dpi) the state for utility services, we are professionals to join politics it clear by now that the people’s and maximum 2MB. going to perish. seems appealing and feasible. All we existence, not in that age. Although war and new Nepal were scams to Bob need is a few good men who are not the trappings of modern lifestyle are loot millions? How do the intellectuals afraid to work hard. pushing us towards nuclear families, who supported these thugs in the fi rst The leakage of water from old Anonymous I feel grandparents are very valuable place feel now? pipes waste water and increase the and see no reason why we cannot Pasdl Weekly Internet Poll #625 number of waterborne diseases, but Although I appreciate Anil’s opinion, accommodate them in our lives no PRESERVING THE FABRIC Q.What do you think of the opposition’s decision to unseat nobody seems to notice. Also I don’t there is little difference between what matter how busy our schedules are. The Nepali government should protect the Bhattarai-led government through street protests? understand why so many Nepalis he says and the views of countless Many of our grandparents gave their all the carpet weaving community by Total votes: 2,052 prefer to live in Kathmandu Valley other experts who have appeared on – fi nancially and emotionally- to raise promoting it in international markets with no water, no electricity, and no these pages. If Anil really wants to our parents and us and taking care of and recognising it as an art form security with piles of waste on every contribute to Nepal’s future, he should them is the least we can do. (‘Preserving the social fabric’, Juanita corner of the street. not limit himself to rhetoric, but leave Santosh T Malagon, #624). Furthermore, the Daya Gautam the banking sector and get his hands best exporters and weavers should dirty in politics. I remember watching a serial on be given certifi cates of excellence. GETTING RID OF BROKERS Samita Rai NTV many years ago called Doko in Carpet weaving has a great potential Thank you Anil Keshary Shah and which a son tries to abandon his aging to provide employment to thousands Weekly Internet Poll # 626. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Nepali Times for giving us a fresh GIVING UP ON GRANNIES father. One day, the grandson sees his and boost the country’s economy Q. Should Baburam Bhattarai step down before Dasain? perspective on how to go about Having lived with my grandparents father taking his grandfather away on as was shown by the Tibetan carpet

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Director of Corporate Events: Anup Prakash | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 3 4 NATION 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 Truth and memory The victims of conflict have moved beyond revenge to remembrance, politicians could learn from them

has never made a move to support the only for victims of state violence, such establishment of ‘memory places’ and to memorials do not create peace, tolerance, create a space for dialogue not only to and reconciliation and instead glorify the victims’ community, but for general violence and politicise the cult of public to respect their legacies. martyrdom. Cambodia established the Tuol Sleng On the other hand, the army and museum at a lycée in Phnom Penh police bases that became infamous where thousands of people were tortured centres for detention, torture and and executed during the Khmer Rouge executions like the Bhairabnath Battalion genocide. In Bangladesh, a pit where the on Lazimpat road, Charali Barracks bodies of massacre victims were dumped in Jhapa, the Chisapani Barracks in KUMAR SHRESTHA / A PEOPLE WAR in 1971 is now a small museum. Bardiya are out of bounds. Scenes of The objective of identifying historic massacres and terrorism, like Doramba in into action? What happens to a family sites is to locate the places of detainment, Ramechhap and Madi in Chitwan, will that loses a member? How is it different enforced disappearances, and killings, have memorials, but erected by one side GUEST COLUMN when the relative has been disappeared? and to create historic structures that or the other. Ram Kumar Bhandari How do people cope with that loss or preserve both visual and narrative Fortunately, women groups made up ambiguity, and move on? How do they memorials showing the suffering of of relatives of victims who suffered at the feel when they do not get a response or people. Memorials can speak about the hands of both sides have got together in recognition by the state? past and show younger generations how many places to create peace memorials, ne of the buzzwords of Nepal’s There are many sites in Nepal such incidents happened and why they plant trees, and collect testimonials. Like prolonged peace process is where citizens were illegally detained, must not be repeated. More important with a lot of areas in Nepal, communities O‘transitional justice’. But most disappeared, tortured or killed in army of all, they keep the issue of truth and have stepped in where the national people, even victims of conflict violence barracks, in police custody, in village justice alive. Once we establish truth and government has dragged its feet. and their relatives, do not understand squares, school playgrounds, in forests. public memory, society can move further The people have forgotten their exactly what it means. We have not been able to link past peacefully in a respectful way, with no past enmity and shunned vengeance But after six years, most relatives violence with the sites because in many sense of revenge. to work for truth and reconciliation by of victims know they want more than cases we don’t have access to them. Reviving public memory and remembering. The politicians could learn just a token compensation amount: they There is no systematic archiving revealing truth automatically generates a from them. want to know the truth, and they want process, and many of the evidence are certain moral ground for justice in a post- acknowledgement from the state about either forgotten or being obliterated. The conflict environment. The continuous Ram Kumar Bhandari, whose father was why it happened. They are realistic state is in denial mode, and has tried denial of justice and the politics of disappeared in 2001, is a human rights activist enough not to expect justice right away. to push through an ordinance on the memory in Nepal have created a and chair of the National Network of Families of At a recent conference in India on formation of a Truth and Reconciliation vacuum for truth-seeking and the justice Disappeared and Missing (NEFAD) Asian Sites of Conscience on Transitional Commission that would pardon process. Political parties have cynically Justice, Nepali participants like me were perpetrators, and gloss over their crimes. manipulated truth and justice, applied it nepalitimes.com forced to relive the memories of the There is collusion between the former selectively, or have tried to sweep past The disappearance of truth, #620 crimes under the carpet. relatives who were killed or disappeared state and the former rebels because both The politics of memory, #538 during the conflict. How we can connect are now in the administration. For example, the ruling Maoist The long, long wait, #409 the past to present, and convert memory This is the reason that the government party is creating several memorial gates A dangerous precedence ANURAG ACHARYA The state’s refusal to accept an OHCHR report detailing war crimes will hurt the peace and reconciliation process uring the early hours OHCHR’s mandate OHCHR’s rights activist Mandira Sharma of 14 June 2005, six mandate in Nepal, which the of Advocacy Forum. Dcivilians were abducted court turned down. There are When the CPA was signed from a village 150m away also international laws and in 2006, the parties had from Armed Police Force base treaties including International agreed to form an independent in Banbehda area of Kailali Covenant on Civil and Political commission to investigate into district. The victims were taken Rights and the UN General cases of war crimes within to a nearby forest, tortured and Assembly resolution 48/141 six months, but six years on, murdered. Four of the victims, which provides a global the commission has not been including three women and a mandate to the UN body to formed and the government has child, were family members of investigate cases of human refused to own the only field APF personnel, the other two rights violation in any part of report which has systematically were aspiring recruits. the world. compiled the reported cases. A field investigation by In spite of acknowledging There is an underlying fear the UN’s Geneva-based Office widespread abuse of human that if there is a trail based of the High Commissioner rights during the years of on the reports, every party in for Human Rights (OHCHR) conflict in Article 33 of the conflict, whether directly reported abuse and lack of the interim constitution involved in the war or in the respect for human life and A PEOPLE WAR on the need to implement government leadership, will be dignity by the perpetrators. No and later. The report has been mandate. international treaties and dragged to court and possibly group claimed responsibility due at least a year now, and the Human rights activist agreements while investigating the international tribunal under for the incident, and allegations government has been trying to and lawyer Govinda Prasad them, the government is now the principle of command of CPN (Maoist) involvement suppress it. The state refused to Sharma ‘Bandi’ says: “The citing technicalities to avoid responsibility, an international was denied by the party in a extend the OHCHR’s mandate Nepal government signed a addressing the issues. law instrument that has been press statement. beyond June this year. broad agreement with OHCHR “All the perpetrors used to prosecute many war Last week, a visiting OHCHR In a meeting last week, in March 2005 allowing it to including those from the criminals. This could indict team provided the government OHCHR made it clear that if investigate incidences of human Nepal Army and the Maoists, former army chiefs for cases a copy of its conflict mapping the government failed to own rights abuses and violation of as parties to the conflict have like Bhairab Nath massacre report which summarises the report, it would unilaterally international humanitarian law. aligned themselves against free and Doramba killings, or bring over 2,000 cases of human publish it. This has prompted There is no ambiguity about the and fair investigation and are Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal rights abuses and violations of the government to question mandate.” looking to sweep the dirt under Dahal to trial for the Madi international humanitarian law report’s validity and blame Between 2007-2010, the the carpet by providing blanket bombing that killed 36 bus during the decade-long conflict OHCHR for overstepping its Supreme Court has upheld amnesty in serious cases,” says passengers in 2005. 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 DEVELOPMENT 5 Small farm’s large benefits Smallholder farmers can boost sustainable agriculture and economic growth

KANAYO F NWANZE investment linkages between smallholder farmers and the private sector are needed. By s drought becomes enabling farmers to increase increasingly common, their output and incomes, Afarmers worldwide are smallholder-inclusive private struggling to maintain crop investment can bolster yields. In the United States, economic growth and food farmers are experiencing the security. Finally, farmers’ most severe drought in more organisations, which are than a half-century. As a result, crucial intermediaries between global corn, wheat, and soybean producers and corporate prices rose in July and August, investors, must be involved in and remain high. the formulation of plans and But the severe dry spell policies aimed at agricultural parching croplands across the development. US is only the latest in a global A vibrant rural sector can MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA cycle of increasingly frequent generate demand for locally LEADING THE WAY: Like many African countries, 66 per cent of Nepal’s population is involved in agriculture. Supporting and damaging droughts. In produced goods and services, smallholder farmers with knowhow will not only increase production, but boost the nation’s economy. Africa’s Sahel region, millions thereby stimulating sustainable of people are facing hunger for employment growth in agro- the third time since 2005. Lack sub-Saharan region’s food, need and Ethiopia – but also in efforts should, therefore, processing, services, and small- of rain in the region and volatile infrastructure for agricultural emerging countries like China, focus on promoting the scale manufacturing. Such global food prices have made a development, including India, and Vietnam, experience growth and sustainability opportunities would allow bad situation worse. Indeed, it is irrigation and roads, as well as has repeatedly shown that of smallholder farmers and young people to thrive in their the world’s poor – particularly better market organisation and smallholder farmers can lead small rural businesses. This rural communities, rather than those in rural areas – that suffer access to technology. agricultural growth while requires a more supportive being forced to search for work the most from these combined The International Fund for stimulating broader economic regulatory environment, in urban areas or migrating factors. Agricultural Development sees development. Small farmers, technical assistance, as well abroad. This does not bode well enormous potential in Africa’s both women and men, are as connections to suppliers, Africa can feed itself. But for our future. By 2050, global agricultural sector, which Africa’s biggest agricultural distributors, and finance that is not all: with knowledge, food production will have experienced 4.8 per cent growth investors. And agriculture- providers. technology, infrastructure, and to increase by 60 per cent to in 2009, compared to 3.8 per driven GDP growth is more than Countries that are enabling policies, smallholder meet demand from a growing cent in the Asia-Pacific region twice as effective in reducing experiencing significant farmers in Africa and world population with and only 1.4 per cent in Latin poverty as growth in other agricultural growth, such as elsewhere can drive sustainable changing consumption habits. America and the Caribbean. sectors. Brazil and Thailand, have agricultural development, To ensure food security for Given that agriculture amounts But African farmers benefited from public-sector contribute to global food all, we will have to increase to roughly 30 per cent of sub- encounter significant barriers investment in research and security, and catalyse economic not just food production, but Saharan Africa’s GDP, and to achieving their potential. On infrastructure development. growth worldwide. also availability, especially accounts for more than 60 average, they apply less than We should consider not only for those living in developing per cent of employment in 10kg of fertiliser per hectare, how to improve the ability of www.project-syndicate.org countries. That means breaking most African countries, the compared to 140kg in India. smallholder farmers to grow down barriers and inequalities, sector’s development could Furthermore, less than five food; we also must strengthen Kanayo F Nwanze is the president of building capacity, and reduce poverty in the region per cent of agricultural land is their ability to participate in the International Fund for Agricultural disseminating knowledge. In substantially. irrigated, and improved crop markets, while improving the Development (IFAD), an international Africa, smallholder farmers, Not only in Africa – in varieties are rarely used. way those markets function. fi nancial institution and a specialised who provide 80 per cent of the countries like Burkina Faso Agricultural development Moreover, sustainable agency of the United Nations. 6 LIFE TIMES 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625

rivalries to the pitch. Rs 4500, 12 to Lhasa Bar, enjoy a beer or a splash of EVENTS 14 October, Futsal Arena, GAA Hall, cocktail at this springboard for excellent GETAWAYS Thamel, 9849718836, 9841817298 young musicians starting out on the Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043 Top to Toe Pampering, go the full Saturday is workday, for those who Alfresco, for homemade pastas and monty with 240 minutes of facial, fancy backyard landscaping and want other lip-smacking delights. Soaltee body, pedi, mani, and foot massages. to help out. 6 October, 10 am to 5 pm, Crowne Plaza, 4273999 Rs 8600, Gokarna Forest Resort, Hariyo Chowk, Lagankhel, 9841442296 Kathmandu

Dhulikhel Kite Festival, head to the Mango Tree Lodge, indulge in culture hills and battle it out with the best kite walks, rafting in Karnali, wildlife fl yers from Dhulikhel. 12 to 13 October, exploration, jungle safari at the Bardia EKADESHMA, the Nepali edition of Taalu Danda, Dhulikhel AN EVENING WITH MARK ATKINS, National Park. Bhetani, Bardiya, info at the Manhattan Short Film festival will the Australian musician, performer, [email protected] feature international as well as local Nepal music education festival, an storyteller, composer, percussionist, fi lms, and there will be discussions on eight-day workshop conducted by Gene visual artist, and instrument maker Mark Shivapuri Village, eco-tourism close to fi lmmaking. 6 to 7 October, 12.30 pm Aitken and Mariano Abello culminating Atkins will summon the sounds of the the Shivapuri National Park replete with to 7 pm, Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti in a two-day celebration. Rs 10,000 for Australian outback on his didgeridoo. 9 a charm of bygone days. Patiswara, Mandap non-members, 4 to 13 October, 2 pm, October, 6.30 pm, Siddartha Art Gallery, Shivapuri National Park, 4017725, Moksh, Jhamsikhel, 5013554 4371687, 4218048 CHOPSTIX, savoury Asian food cooked 9851034141, [email protected] WCN nature and wildlife in true Chinese fashion sure to charm photography competition, take Meet Pushpa Basnet, the social All Nepal battle of the bands, see if and impress. Try the famous drums of photos of fl ora, fauna, landscape, worker intends to make sure no you can hit the right notes at this nation- heaven. Kumaripati, 5551118 macro, and human interaction with child grows up in prison and you can wide music competition. Rs 5000, nature to promote awareness and meet her with children from her home. auditions on 6 October, 9841779176, Boomerang Restaurant & German interest in conservation. Deadline 31 6 October, 4 to 6 pm, Basantapur 9803750550 Bakery, offers a large selection of October, forms available at cuisine for those who want to enjoy www.wcn.org.np Voices of hope, an exhibition of a full meal and desserts. Lakeside, Sumeet Shakya’s photo-essay DINING Pokhara, 061-461412 on the lives of 24 underprivileged children living at a children’s home. 28 September to 11 October, 10 am to 6 pm, Galleria CUC, 9841240341, 9841497639

Inheriting statelessness, exhibition and sale of paintings by Saroj Bajracharya. 21 September to October SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 5, Park Gallery, Pulchowk, 9803187665 BLUEBIRD NEWARI FOOD BAZAR 2012, sample the products, FESTIVAL, savour the delights of fi ne services, and ideas of social MUSIC Newari cuisine and enjoy traditional entrepreneurs from across Nepal music and dance performances. JUNGLE SUNSET AT SAURAHA, and enjoy culinary delights and arts 5 to 6 October, 11 am to 7 pm, Blue YIN YANG RESTAURANT, east meets special one night-two days package and music from across Asia. 4 to 6 Silence Festival III, fi ve bands from Star Complex, Tripureswor west as you choose from a variety for Nepalis, including accommodation, October, 9 am to 4 pm, Babarmahal Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, of Thai and continental dishes. Add lunch, dinner, and breakfast, as well as Revisited, 4462254, 9813198453, Sweden as well as Jindabaad of Nepal Oktoberfest, free fl ow of Carlsberg a little spice to your life with the pad elephant back safaris, cultural dances changefusionnepal.org will be rocking it out at this year’s beer and lavish German buffet at the thai or green curry. If you can't handle and sightseeing, two-way tickets from annual music festival. Rs 500, Terrace Bar. Rs 1299 plus taxes, 5, the heat, fall into the safety net of its Kathmandu and Pokhara. Rs 6666, Corporate fi ve-a-side futsal 13 October, 12 pm, Jawalakhel 6, 12 and 13 October, 6 to 10 pm, western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, Jungle Sunset Camp, Sauraha, 056 tournament, take your business Football Ground Radisson Hotel, 4488181, 4423888 4701510 580112, 9855062199, 9851137060 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 LIFE TIMES 7 Let there be sight 'Nepal and Australia: 20 years of restoring sight' will showcase photographs in celebration the twentieth anniversary of the Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF). FHF was set up to MO’ JAZZ carry on the work of Australian visionary Jazzmandu turns ten in late Professor Fred Hollows who thought a month and have they it was appalling that people in the got a treat for you. This developing world became blind from cataracts because they didn’t have access to year’s fanfare will feature affordable treatment. He set out to provide local doctors with the skills and tools Tito Puente Jr, Marlow they needed to give people back their sight. In 1994 FHF started an intraocular Rosado, Suzy&2, Adil and lens production lab in collaboration with the Tilganga Eye Hospital. It is now run Vasundhara, Rootman, by an all-Nepali team and produces world class intraocular lenses to be used Nojazz, Cadenza Collective, within Nepal and to be exported to south-east Asia. 9 to 17 October, 12 to 4 pm, Siddartha Art Gallery Urjazz, Kutumba, and many more. In the past decade, Jazzmandu has brought quality music to Nepalis, and worked across cultural boundaries to spread a message of peace and compassion through music. This year will be no different, and promises to be a bigger blast. Starts 1 November jazzmandu.org 9803076007 or 01-5013554

Dragon Chinese Restaurant

SOMEPLACE ELSE

hile strolling down Pokhara’s Lakeside Wavenue, I chanced upon a little joint serving PICS: RUBY TUESDAY authentic Chinese cuisine. There are abundant dining options table. Although in retrospect, quality of cooking, and the variety into the Mao Cai – the Sichuan of steaming soup on warm along this lane, but most of them the misunderstanding must of dishes coupled with the steady style hot pot (whose price is rice made for a most enjoyable offer the usual, a little bit of have come about due to increase of Chinese tourists in decided by the amount of extras meal, best had leisurely in large everything with an emphasis on communication breakdown Nepal convinced Karki and his you want to include). company. ‘continental’ cuisine. Even so, between the Chinese chef and business partner Pushkar Pathak The larger tables at Dragon We didn’t know how we were attracted by the bright Nepali servers. to strike Chinese while the iron have a big round hole at the fulfilling Mao Cai would be, red lamps and the de rigueur So why this full-blown was hot. They took a local chef centre in order to set the big Mao and had also ordered the deep reddish décor at Dragon because Chinese restaurant in the back home and thus Dragon Cai bowl with two compartments fried cat fish (Rs 480) just in its flamboyance and luridness middle of Lakeside? Like Chinese Restaurant was born. on the stove below. One part case. Crispy on the outside and stood out from the rest. other restaurant owners, Ram As a result of this of our bowl had a red broth dipped in a tangy sauce, the The place is very new and Sharan Karki also assumed that conversation, carried out while bubbling away, while the other fish was delectable and worth opened its doors less than two Chinese food amounted to chow waiting for the arrival our first side contained a light cream returning to Pokhara for second months ago. The good thing is mein and Manchurain curries. delicacy, our expectations were filled with vegetables. Platters helpings. Later, they served us that the staff was welcoming However, after travelling to very high. The Kung Pao Pork (Rs of meat, tofu, mushrooms, fish complimentary jasmine tea like and eager to please. But the China and getting a taste of 380), a spicy dish of stir-fried pork and vegetables were then placed at a true Chinese diner. novelty wore off soon and it authentic Chinese flavours, he with chili and peanuts, is sharp around the bowl. Dunking these So if you happen to be in became apparent that staff here came to know his assumptions and piquant, and was a tasty start tidbits into the flavoured broth, Pokhara, do enter the Dragon. was still rusty in coordinating were ill-founded. to our meal. We decided to forego waiting for them to be cooked, between the kitchen and dinner The unique flavours, the other starters and jumped straight and then pouring out ladlefuls Ruby Tuesday 8 LIFE TIMES 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625

to a range of guests from those that are at par with five star on shoe-string budgets to those hotels. Like all other businesses Forty-four and counting who like to be pampered in in Kathmandu, KGH is not luxury all under one roof. immune to Nepal’s chronic Even with the additions, the energy crisis, but solar power Even after four decades and countless competitors, Kathmandu hotel maintains its old world keeps all rooms brightly-lit Guest House is a favourite among budget and high-end travellers alike charm and is a tasteful fusion during power cuts. of tradition, simplicity, and KGH’s greatest asset is its modern comfort. garden. Tucked away from the Starting at $2 per night, dusty lanes, it’s a perfect spot the lower end rooms are very to unwind on a swing seat or basic and guests have to share sip Nepali tea under the palm bathrooms. Standard rooms trees while admiring the roses offer more facilities, and some and dahlias. Despite being have air conditioning. Special a few hundred metres from rates are available for week or Thamel’s main thoroughfare it’s month long stays. Pay a few unbelievable just how quiet and extra bucks and get the garden peaceful the place is. facing rooms for the spectacular The hotel boasts of three view and quiet surroundings. restaurants, the Bahal Café Deluxe rooms (pic,below) have which serves international more space and amenities while cuisine, Laskus with its the super deluxe have fine rugs, traditional Newari dishes air conditioning, and services and the Clay Pot Oven which is renowned for its chicken tandoori and pizzas. But it’s advisable to avoid peak hours. “There is nowhere else in Kathmandu we would rather ANDREW TCHIE is still one of the most well- stay. The staff are very attentive known landmarks in the area. to our needs and make sure we ou couldn’t miss Karna Sakya, founder of are well looked after and each Kathmandu Guest the KGH chain, welcomed his year we are back, we have seen YHouse (KGH) even if first guests in 1968 into an old the hotel improve,” say the you wanted to. Located at the Rana mansion which had been Contis who have been regular heart of Thamel, KGH has seen converted to accommodate 13- guests at KGH for more than hundreds of hotels, shops, and rooms. In April, the guesthouse 20 years. restaurants come and go. But the opened its newest wing, Siddhi hotel has stood the test of time Anex which was named after www.ktmgh.com and more than four decades Sakya’s parents. 4700632 after it first opened it gates KGH Today the 141 rooms cater 4700800 PICS: KGH

HIMAL KHABARPATRIKA 2-16 October, 2012

COVER Badly governed : Prime Minister Baburam BhaƩ arai’s speeches on good governance are at odds with the corrupƟ on scandals on the ground

EDITORIAL Spectator Shital Niwas

COMMENTARY Unholy alliances Chandra Kishore Path to polls Radheshyam Adhikari

REPORT Preparing to capture Lost in translaƟ on Pedal to prosperity

HISTORY Understanding Kirat history Ramesh Dhungel 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 ECONOMY 9 NEPALNEPAL BYBY AIRAIR International airlines see big potential for growth in Kathmandu traffic

nternational airlines flying into structural challenges to do with safety runway, and there are still two years to go per cent of the annual revenue of Nepal landlocked Nepal intersect with and infrastructure can be dealt with. for runway upgrading. Airlines. There is a push to deregulate Ithe two most important aspects “The market is not growing very Samir Chada, the representative of ground handling, allow competition, of Nepal’s economy: tourism and rapidly, but it is relatively good, there Jet Airways which picked up the second bring down costs, and improve service. migrant labour. Yet, prolonged is enough potential for organic growth,” highest number of passengers to and from However, an initiative to hand over the political instability has resulted in a says Ramdas Shivram of Qatar Airways, Kathmandu last year, agrees that there are management of Kathmandu airport to lack of strategic planning to encourage which carries the highest volume of bottlenecks for expansion. “There are 28 an Indian company was put off because international airlines and support the passengers to Kathmandu with four daily airlines already here, so obviously there of a nationalist hue and cry. national carrier. flights from Doha. This week, it started are huge opportunities for growth,” Chada “Cost is a factor, but for us it is not Tourist arrival by air between using RNP-AR, a new navigation system says, “but if the infrastructure, costs, and as important as the quality of ground January to June was up by 20 per cent to make precision approaches that will pricing issues can be resolved we can see handling, the service level has to go from 2011, and is expected to total reduce delays and diversions due to poor even more flights.” up,” says Pawana Shrestha of Etihad 800,000 this year. The number of visibility at Kathmandu airport in winter, Renji Thomas of Gulf Air agrees, and Airways. overseas workers will hit 450,000 this and ensure more safety. This project says his airline would add to the 14 flights Thai, which has always done year, with more than 200,000 going to initiative is undertaken by the Civil a week it operates if the charges and taxes its own ground services, is facing a Qatar and Malaysia alone. Travel and Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in were reduced. “Even though business KFC-type union issue, and says the tourism contributed four per cent of coordination with the Airbus Industrie has grown, the bottom line is in the red government should revise the labour act total GDP in 2011, and this is forecast subsidiary, Quovadis, and Qatar Airways. because of costs,” Thomas explained. and implement it strictly. Most airline to rise to 4.7 per cent in 2012, mainly Chantosh Srinilta, the manager of Thai Indeed, current government policy operators say that the authorities tend because of the growth in Nepal's International, which has been operating seems to be to squeeze every cent out to see airlines as a cash cow, and don’t aviation sector. continuously to Kathmandu for 45 years, of passengers and airlines in taxes and realise that they have to work on very Since Nepal has only one sees potential for even more charges, whereas the strategy slim margins. international air gateway, streamlining growth in tourist traffic to should be to encourage more “From the outside it looks like a procedures at the airport, making it Nepal. “We would like to share tourists so that they spend really glamorous business, but we are in attractive for new international airlines our experiences to promote more and there is a multiplier a very drastic situation, fuel costs and to fly to Nepal, as well as removing Nepal through roadshows and in the economy. handling charges means the yield is infrastructure bottlenecks should be travel marts to increase tourist For this there has to be down,” says Bhola Thapa of President government priorities. But it doesn’t traffic,” Srinilta said at the paradigm shift in aviation Travels, which handles Malaysia seem to be. ‘Nepal By Air’ roundtable on policy, and a strategy Airlines and Indigo. Landing and navigation charges the airline industry on Tuesday to boost passengers. Joy Nepal’s national airline is plagued in Kathmandu are 30 per cent higher organised by Nepali Times. Dewan of Zenith Travels, by the same problems the airport is. Its than other airports in the region, but There are now 28 which handles Spicejet and share of international traffic has now the facilities offered are not up to par. international airlines Bahrain Air in Kathmandu, gone down to five per cent because of Ground handling is largely a monopoly connecting Kathmandu to rest of the agrees. A major concern for the government interference in its plans to of Nepal Airlines, and international world, and two new airlines, including government should be how to increase and modernise its fleet. “The operators say they are forced to use Turkish, are expected to start operations attract more carriers and retain the country’s economic growth is tied up its expensive and shoddy service. soon. However, Kathmandu is running out existing ones with consistent policies with the state of its national airline,” The international airport is a national of landing slots especially in winter when and rational pricing, he says. Airlines admits Nepal Airlines’ Commercial disgrace, with mismanagement, rude the airport is open only from midday, as have been paying taxes even on the Director, Madan Kharel, “we have to staff, and huge queues. Frequent the fog lifts, till midnight. taxes of ticket sales, and are lobbying to regain the position of being the main media exposes have made the airport CAAN has informed airlines that make it fare-based. “The airlines need carrier of tourists and Nepali workers.” synonymous with corruption. Kathmandu will be open for 24-hour to justify their operations in Nepal, we Travel trade executives say International airlines, which have operations from 28 October, but there should not be pricing ourselves out of the improving the management of the state- seen their profit margins erode with is skepticism about whether this will market,” Dewan told the ‘Nepal By Air’ run airport and airline, and making heavy fuel charges, bear the added really happen. Noise issues at night roundtable. them more efficient would be a big burden of their planes being put on long can be addressed if current departure Airlines are not satisfied with the price boost to Nepal’s economy by making air holds due to traffic congestion or poor procedures can be changed to take planes and quality of ground handling (which travel to and from Nepal easier. visibility at Kathmandu. The litany away from built-up areas. The airport also includes check-in, baggage delivery, bus BK Singh of Everest Express of woes is long, and many of them has a parking problem, with only nine ferry from terminal to plane) that Nepal which handles Silk Air recounts are caused by political interference, bays. The interval between international Airlines provides to most operators. But what passengers often say when they neglect, poor coordination, and arrivals at present is 10 minutes because the carrier is reluctant to let go because arrive here: “I know I have landed in apathy. The state of the airport and the taxiways do not reach the ends of the ground handling charges alone make up 18 Kathmandu airport, I can smell it.” the national airline reflects the general state of the country. With the mirage of a new WHAT’S WRONG HOW TO FIX IT international airport receding, aviation experts say the economic importance of No more landing slots Allow 24-hour operation Kathmandu airport will only increase Traffi c congestion Upgrade taxiways and apron in the years ahead. Representatives of international airlines based in Weather delays Improve navigation system Kathmandu say they see tremendous Expensive ground handling Allow private providers potential for growth if some of the Expensive landing charges Reduce to international norms Poor condition of terminal Improve, privatise, management Immigration and security lines Train and streamline 10 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 11 12 ECONOMY 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625

ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE, has developed as a destination for adventure seekers and shoppers alike. The city hosts Formula 1 Grand Prix every year during November-December, a testimony of its growing affluence. You could visit the largest mosque in UAE, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque JETJET SETSET GOGO which has 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knotted carpet. For the ith 28 international airlines operating in Nepal, exploring adventure enthusiasts a safari in the desert of Abu Wsun kissed white sand beaches of Thailand, scuba diving in Dhabi is worth trying and so is sky diving at the Abu Malaysia, and desert safaris in the Middle East is just a hop, skip Dhabi Country Club’s Spacewalk facility. THAILAND and jump away. Give yourself a break from the mundane dal, bhat, Round trips start from Rs 59,000 With an abundance of beaches, parks, forests, and and masu this Dasain and make the best of the longest holiday at fantastic dining and nightlife, Thailand is the perfect an exotic destination. choice for luxury travellers and backpackers alike. Pick and choose from these international getaways across Asia CHINA Teeming with locals and foreigners Chatuchak without burning a big hole in your pocket. Beyond Shanghai’s towering structures there is weekend market in Bangkok is an ideal place to a lot that the city offers. The Bund is a waterfront hunt for best bargains. If shopping is not your cup area in central Shanghai and is regarded as the of tea, then jet set to one of the islands in the south foodies. Adventure seekers can trek through dense symbol of the city for hundred years. A visit to the like Kho Phi Phi and Phuket and explore water tropical rainforests, scale challenging rock faces, Old City gives glimpses of Shanghai’s past. It still sports like snorkeling, parasailing or scuba diving. and explore caves in Sarawak in eastern Malaysia. has original sections of the defensive wall that Or simply surround yourself in the lush greenery And the fun doesn’t end there. Explore gorgonian surrounded the city dating back to the 11th century. and soak up the sun at the white sand beaches. sea fans, barrel sponges, and stunning seascapes And also indulge in Shanghai’s culinary joys from Round trips start from Rs 33,000 at renowned diving paradise at Sipadan Island or the famous soup dumpling xiaolongbao to grilled unwind at the idyllic beaches in Langkawi. oysters and caramel strawberry kebabs. INDIA Round trips start from Rs 53,000 Round trips start from Rs 67,000 If your summer spirit was dampened by the incessant monsoon in Kathmandu, head to Goa’s HONG KONG seaside. Mostly visited for its ocean resorts, Goa Hong Kong is known for its expansive skyline and also has other attractions like the Basilica of Bom deep natural harbor. Victoria Peak, the highest Jesus, the ecologically rich wildlife sanctuaries, a mountain in the island, provides spectacular views local fl ea market as well as guided tours into the the sand dunes of Mui Ne that attract kite-fl yers and of the city. Make a trip to the Historical Museum spice plantations near Ponda. sand-bikers, and the rich and fertile Mekong River to better understand the city’s history and cultural Round trips start from Rs 44,000 delta. Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, heritage. Edward Youde Aviary in Hong Kong Park If you would like to see a slightly different side which has reserves of pristine tropical forest and is the best place for bird watching. of India – one that Bollywood usually skips out on- coral reefs. Round trips start from Rs 46,000 then head down south to Kerala. From the gorgeous Round trips start from Rs 67,000 beaches in Kovalam to the exquisite hill stations of Munnar (which might remind you of home) or CAMBODIA the famed backwaters, the trip is guaranteed to SINGAPORE As the cradle of civilization in South East Asia, and calm your senses. While you are in god’s own The multicultural city state packs a punch for its home to the largest Hindu temple complex in the country and that too during Dasain, a visit to the small size. For an authentic slice of Singapore’s world, Cambodia has diverse attractions for the Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagwati temple is a must. history, visit Chinatown Heritage Centre where willing wanderer. The capital city of Phnom Penh, Round trips from Delhi start from Rs 12,600 Singapore of the late 19th century and early 20th lying on the confl uence of three rivers and founded century has been recreated. Visit Gardens by the 700 years ago, is the cultural and economic home Bay, the 101 hectare the iconic garden dedicated to an entire civilisation. The resort towns of Ratnakiri to horticultural artistry in the midst of the city. Relish and Kirirom are perfect holiday getaways, while the in the culinary delights that await you at every town of Kampok is renowned for its seafood. street in Singapore. To get away from the bustling Round trips start from Rs 73,000 city life, saunter through the Mac Ritchie Reservoir Park which is a short trip from the city centre. As an UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) added bonus: Nepalis visiting Singapore get visas Dubai has emerged as a global city, and is one of LHASA on arrival. the most popular holiday destinations in the Middle Situated at an altitude of 3,4090 metres, Lhasa Round trips start from Rs 55,000 East. Burj Khalifa, the tallest manmade structure is one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa towering at 828m, is the latest addition to Dubai’s literally means ‘place of gods’ and the city’s rich VIETNAM skyline. The observation deck at the tower offers a cultural heritage offers plenty to explore. Yamdrok Keen to be known for its splendid natural beauty splendid view of the city and the unbroken canvas Yumtso Lake is one of three holy lakes in Tibet and and ancient traditions, Vietnam has transformed of Dubai’s skyline. Those with a high bling quotient is said to be the female guardian of Buddhism in MALAYSIA itself into a vibrant tourist destination from a war- could stroll around Dubai Gold Suk, traditional Tibet. Potala Palace is another landmark in Lhasa Pristine blue waters, tropical rainforest, rich heritage, torn hinterland. Places of interest include the market housing around 300 jewellery retailers. Or symbolising Tibetan Buddhism while Jokhang and friendly locals make Malaysia a kingdom of majestic Bay of the Descending Dragons – the Ha simply beat the heat at Ski Dubai, the fi rst indoor ski Monastery in Barkhor square has been a key leisure. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, ranks high on Long, Nha Trang the most popular resort town, the resort in the region. centre of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. diversity, is easy on your wallet and a paradise for Hoi An fi shing village, the rice terraces of Sa Pa, Round trips start from Rs 38,000 Round trips start from Rs 67,000 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 LIFE TIMES 13

Jazzing Hitting the up Dasain

hether it's lok-dohari blaring right notes Wthrough a microbus, a catchy Kollywood tune on radio or the sounds of the saxophone The Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory permeating through the alleys of Jhamsikhel, Nepalis love their aims to inculcate a culture of learning music. And with Dasain around the corner music is bound to get music theory among Nepalis louder and merrier. Add two jazz festivals to the mix and the party just got started. While jazz is not native to the subcontinent, it enjoys immense JUANITA MALAGON starting a musical school. “I was popularity in Nepal. Jazzmandu telling Nirakar how unfortunate festival, which turns ten this JUANITA MALAGON year, and Kathmandu Jazz it was that so many talented Conservatory (KJC) which is hen Mariano Abello Nepalis lacked formal music it is one of the few that have learning how to read and write celebrating its fi fth anniversary in (pic, right) came to education. He looked at me and professionalised the field. It has music, and play the saxophone October attest to the popularity WNepal from the United said, ‘let’s do it’.” One thing proper sound proof classrooms since the past ten months. He of the genre. States seven years ago, he led to another and they found a and an actual curriculum. “In says, “At my age I need to work To celebrate its fi fth birthday, started off by helping his brother place in Lalitpur next to Moksh Nepal, music is taught orally harder than all my younger KJC is organising a music in the clothing business. But restaurant and Kathmandu Jazz and many of our students also classmates, but this does not festival from 4 to 13 October. the Argentinian-born Spaniard Conservatory (KJC) was born in thought they could learn by discourage me.” He wants to The festival features certifi ed just couldn’t keep himself 2007. just touching the instruments,” master the saxophone in four workshops from Gene Aitken, a from his passion for music, Initially, there was very little admits Abello. “So it was a years and plans on teaching renowned music educator and and started playing and giving interest because people got little difficult at first to change music at schools. Mariano Abello, director of KJC. www.katjazz.com.np private lessons. When Chhedup the impression that KJC taught this attitude and make them “With KJC, we have shown it Bomzan of the Jazz Upstairs Bar only jazz. But through word understand the importance of is possible to run a professional and Navin Chettri, drummer and of mouth, music enthusiasts theory.” Five years later, the music school,” says Abello. vocalist of Cadenza, invited him flocked to the conservatory enthusiasts are warming up to “Now we would love to see to be a part of the Jazzmandu after finding out that it also the academic aspect of music schools introduce proper music festival, he jumped at the offer offered classical music, rock, and work just as hard here as programs into their curriculum and agreed immediately. pop, Indian, and jazz classes. they would at school. because music not only teaches Before long, Abello quit his “We thought maybe 50 students Abello and Yakthumba discipline, but also improves job and started teaching music would show up, but 115 ended started KJC with the aim of children’s language, listening, and full-time. He was playing almost up enrolling. We even got emails making music more accessible mathematics skills.” every night at hotels, parties, from international musicians to Nepalis of all ages and bars, and embassy functions. about their interest in teaching backgrounds. And 64-year-old nepalitimes.com One night he told Nirakar at KJC,” reveals Abello. Deepak Man Sherchan was The Jazzers in 'Mandu, #575 Yakthumba, the bass player of Although KJC is not the a perfect fit. An architect by Once upon a time in Jazzmandu, #574 1974AD, about his interest in only music school in Nepal, profession, Shrestha has been 14 HAPPENINGS 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625

BIKRAM RAI SEPARATE WAYS: Janajati leaders of the UML announce their decision to leave AGORA the party at a function in Kathmandu on Thursday. (played by the broodingly handsome Max Minghella), and by her father for her brilliant mind, her extraordinary beauty and her ability to translate the purity of scientifi c principals to human MUST SEE behaviour, at one point intervening in a heated discussion between two of her students, Synesius (Rupert Evans) a Sophia Pande Christian, and Orestes (Oscar Isaac) a follower of the pagan gods of the time. She points out that if two things equal a third ne day in New York in August of 2010 I walked into one thing in a mathematical sum, then it means that all three are also of the smallest independent movie theatres in the West equal to each other. “We are all brothers here,” she says, “there OVillage to see a fi lm I had happened to read about in are more things that unite us then divide us.” the New York Times. It sounded promising – a fi lm about the And with these words we are thrown into the centre of philosopher Hypatia, a woman committed to the truth and the film’s conflict: the hideous clashes between the Pagans beauty represented by pure science, living in the 4th Century and the Christians that result in the sacking of the Library, the in Roman Egypt, teaching at the famed library of Alexandria. mauling of Hypatia’s father Theon, and the rise of the Christian The fi lm was a Spanish production directed by the immensely fundamentalist Bishop Cyril who, in the years that follow, affects talented and visionary director Alejandro Amenábar, and the course of Alexandria’s future, forcing all to convert to his starring the stunning Rachel Weisz. religion via terrorising tactics, including stone throwing, burning, KRISHNA SINJALI I walked out of the theatre determined to tell everybody and the use of the frighteningly militant Parabolani, or, ‘Soldiers MUDDY MESS: Heavy rainfall on Saturday caused a major landslide along the about Agora, shocked that I hadn’t heard about it sooner and of Christ’. Mechi Highway in Kolbung VDC of Ilam district on Sunday. Six people were wondering how I could get more people to see it. Available As Hypatia mediates, her former students, Orestes, who killed and eight are still missing. now, fi nally, on DVD, the fi lm is as powerful, visually and in its loves her, and who is now the appointed Prefect of Alexandria, philosophical content as I remembered it. and Synesius, now a powerful Bishop, struggle to protect her Agora is effective on so many levels that it is hard to from Cyril’s insinuations that she is a witch, and that as a woman, describe on paper and with words – the hallmark of a truly according to the Bible, she may not be above a man (she may successful piece of cinema. It is set, as I mentioned earlier, also not wear braids, jewelry, or revealing clothing). with the backdrop of the Library of Alexandria, the real It’s impossible to sum up what follows and the austere sets having been actually built on Malta, complete with the beauty of Hypatia’s decisions which leave the viewer fi lled with Lighthouse of Alexandria, among other stunning landmarks, horror at the ugliness of religious strife and a profound sense and complemented by the blueness of what would have been of wonder at one woman’s decision to live by her principals. So the then pristine Mediterranean sea. watch the fi lm. As Hypatia teaches her students, all young men, the mysteries of the universe, we learn that they are puzzling over the inelegance and whimsy of the accepted Ptolemaic system nepalitimes.com that posited that the earth was at the centre of the cosmos. Watch trailer Hypatia is beloved by her students, her slave Davos

only 750 mg/day of diamox MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Conquering heights (acetazolamide) would prevent READING PATROL: A policeman glances through a book while on duty at the AMS. National Book Exhibition. The fair will be held until 13 October. Recent review articles, which single-minded determination to now include studies post 2000 reach the sacred site. (many of which were conducted In addition, sudden military by us in the Himalayas), have DHANVANTARI deployment at high altitudes, clearly shown that a much lower Buddha Basnyat, MD such as the Hindu Kush dose (250 mg/day) of diamox is Mountains in Afghanistan, may adequate for prevention. Other necessitate drug prophylaxis for drugs including ginko biloba and ou have made it to 4,500 the prevention of AMS. Finally ibuprofen have been tested in the metres with only a few there is a fast-growing population prevention of AMS. But diamox Yhundred metres before of climbers in pursuit of records continues to be the superior drug Everest Base Camp. Suddenly who are incorrectly being due to its proven efficacy over you feel a severe headache and advised by physicians to use the years in a large number of nausea. Like countless other prophylactic medicine to both trials with an acceptable side- mountaineers and trekkers, effect profile. you are experiencing acute Another important use mountain sickness (AMS). of diamox in the mountains AMS is a common is in the prevention SYLVIE DUBORDI affliction for people who of periodic breathing climb above an altitude (literally, trying to ‘catch CALM IN CHAOS: A Buddhist monk fi nds peace while praying at Boudhanath of 2500m. Although it is your breath’ while sleeping) Stupa some metres away from the swarming streets of Kathmandu. best to prevent AMS by at high altitudes. This is gradual ascent without a very common problem using any drugs, this may which sometimes triggers not always be an option anxiety attacks. Diamox WEEKEND WEATHER in many settings. Rescuers decreases the hypoxemic may need to go up rapidly (low oxygen) spells during The Met Offi ce offi cially declared that the 2012 monsoon offi cially closed on to high altitudes or owing sleep and successfully 30 September, and just to prove how to a lack of camp site, it may not improve performance and summit treats this problem in most unpredictable it can be the monsoon made a revival and dumped over 100mm of rain in 12 be possible for trekkers to spend successfully. instances. hours in parts of eastern Nepal on Monday the night at an optimal altitude. Up-to-date knowledge about Climbers ascending high triggering landslides and loss of life. These late rains were a result of a low pressure Furthermore, airports in the most commonly used drug altitude need to be encouraged circulation over the Bay that just grazed KATHMANDU places like Lhasa, Tibet (3,490m) Diamox (acetazolamide) for the to go up gradually without the central and eastern Nepal, but there was enough moisture there to unleash storms and La Paz, Bolivia (4,058m) prevention of AMS is helpful. use of drugs, including diamox and showers. There is also extended and may cause travellers to arrive Recently there has been a to enhance acclimatisation. prolonged cloud cover over eastern Nepal, FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY which has affected fl ights. Lukla airport has at high altitude without the significant change in its dose However, in certain instances, been closed for fi ve straight days, stranding opportunity to acclimatise en recommendation. In a publication chemoprophylaxis may be thousands of passengers. Expect some thunderstorm on Friday, but the weekend will route. Many trekkers specially in the British Medical Journal useful. In those cases, low dose be hot and sunny with cloudy intervals in the pilgrims, often disregard advice in 2000, Dumont and colleagues (250 mg/day) diamox is the drug afternoon. 29°-12° 29°-12° 29°-12° about gradual ascent in their had arbitrarily shown that of choice. 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 OPINION 15 engage with the Baidya-led splinter of the Maoists and the Madhesi Front with the newly-formed alliance led by Upendra Yadav. As a party in the government it is also their duty to play a Brinkmanship facilitating role among the parties while holding talks with the Dalit, Janajati, and the Madhesi groups. The parties must keep all options open, including CA revival, since socio- doesn’t work political polarisation persists and they have not been able to convince the and acknowledge that without engaging there is a pre-agreement on outstanding people that elections will be peaceful with the larger constituency in a spirit issues of the constitution with other or that it will necessarily facilitate of compromise and fl exibility future stakeholders. If the next government is constitution drafting. negotiations will fail. given a mandate to hold elections, there The leaders tried talking at each The opposition must understand must fi rst be an agreement about its other and failed miserably, may be now that even if the Maoists agree, the new purpose. they will talk with each other to look for government cannot be formed unless Similarly, the Maoists must also a settlement.

BIKRAM RAI Leaders come out of coterie politics to seek broader support

UML, the revolt within the Maoists against corruption, as well as the cross-party caucus in the ex-CA are BY THE WAY indications that the political landscape of the country will not be the same in Anurag Acharya coming days as institutions become stronger than individuals. Before its dissolution, the debates ope is fading for a concrete in the CA and interim legislature had political settlement on elections helped a Kathmandu-centred leadership Hand the electoral government to gauge the political mood outside before the festive season starts next their limited coterie. But since then they week. But the good news is that no have become a disoriented lot who fi nd matter how strong the rhetoric, the it diffi cult to connect to the masses, parties will keep coming back to the and are jeered when they go out to the table. districts. When the Comprehensive Peace The meeting called by top leaders Accord of 2006 was signed, it was this week with ex-lawmakers and agreed by all political parties that the other party leaders at the dissolved basic characteristics of Nepali politics CA building in New Baneswor was until the new constitution is written another indication that they are not would be consensual. So despite the sure about what they negotiate behind disagreements, the parties are doomed closed doors anymore. This is actually to having to agree with each other. good news for Nepali politics, and the Six years of consensual politics media has an important role to play have transformed a guerrilla party into in pressurising the leaders to make a civilian party, not only moderated future negotiations more inclusive and their totalitarian ambitions but forced transparent. them into accepting basic tenets of As the nation gets into festive mood competitive politics, even at the cost of this month, Sushil Koirala, Jhalanath splitting the party. Khanal and Pushpa Kamal Dahal have There are suffi cient reasons for the a lot to think about as they take time off. people to feel betrayed by the leaders The political constellation has changed in the last six years, but there are also in the last six months with various Dalit, reasons to be hopeful that Nepali society Janajati, and Madhesi groups asserting has changed for the better. Never themselves in a more organised political before was society fractured politically alliance. They must not ignore these and socially as now, but neither had changes, and use the opportunity to the social and political consciousness engage more with diverse political peaked to this level before. constituencies before returning to the There is not just an overwhelming table next month. awareness about rights and belonging It is not unusual for leaders to among Nepalis, even the political class seek power or passionately stand is questioning traditional loyalties and for their vision of what is in the is increasingly critical of patronising best interest of the country and the political fi gureheads within the parties. people. But they should learn from the The Janajati dissent within the NC and disastrous brinkmanship of the past 16 NATION 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 Disastrous disaster Post-accident crisis management is almost non- existent in Nepal

ANDY JOSHY

he Sita Air crash near the airport on 28 September Thappened exactly one year after the Buddha Air crash at Kot Danda, and barely six months after an Agni Air plane hit a mountainside in Jomsom. In the past six years alone, 114 people have been killed in airline accidents in Nepal, making our aviation safety record as bad as countries that are notoriously dangerous for flying like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. The reasons are ineffective regulation, lack of a maintenance culture, poor crew training, and lax enforcement of procedures for bad weather flying. Nepal’s rugged terrain makes it one of the most challenging places to fly in the world, but monsoon clouds, inadequate navigation facilities, and the poor condition of airports make it even more treacherous. In addition, aviation in Nepal is governed by the same culture of of those who perished last by a bird strike in Nepal. valuables from the bodies and INFERNO: Onlookers swarm to the carelessness, fatalism, and poor Friday on the soggy banks of the Post-accident crisis the wreckage. burning Sita Air plane 20 minutes discipline that we see exhibited Manohara River will also have management has been almost To be sure, Kot Danda after it crashed on Friday morning on the roads and highways been in vain. non-existent in Nepal. After villagers who were first on (above). Four hours later, police every day. More than 90 per cent of the Buddha Air crash last year, the scene helped pull out had cordoned off the area but in the process tampered with the evidence We never learnt our lessons the crashes in Nepal have been thousands of gawkers flocked a wounded passenger from air crash investigators would need from past accidents and the caused by pilot error, usually by to the impact site trampling on the plane and rushed him to (left). Debris from the bird-strike recommendations of the inquiry flying into a mountain in poor evidence, picking up souvenirs, hospital, where he died. But appears to have hit the tail rudder reports after previous disasters visibility. However, the Sita Air and obstructing rescue and the lack of crowd control after (above, right) making it diffi cult for were never implemented, so it crash seems to have been the police vehicles. Eye-witnesses an accident hampered rescue. the pilot to control the stricken plane is likely that the tragic deaths first known fatal crash caused saw police themselves pocketing People were at the scene of the as he prepared to ditch. Sita Air crash last week within minutes, and had they tried to get the passengers out they of coordinating rescue and could have been killed as well protecting the integrity of the because the plane caught fire crash site for investigators. and exploded. The disaster of the plane However, thousands of crash was followed by the people had gathered to look at disaster of ineffective crisis the plane on fire, some wading management. This calls for a across the river to get closer. serious review of police, fire The sheer mass of onlookers and rescue training, and putting obstructed fire and rescue a clear chain of command vehicles, and the first police on in place. During the Buddha the scene did not cordon off the Air crash, the army had a area with the standard 50-m no- ground team that coordinated go radius. Traffic police should effectively with rescue have been keeping the road helicopters to clear a helipad clear for rescue vehicles, but at the edge of the forest. Body became onlookers themselves. bags, gloves, and stretchers were Fire trucks had to project foam all ready. If someone has to take on the burning plane from charge of rescue, the army seems 50m away. The head of the to be best equipped to do so. Civil Aviation Authority was The Sita Air crash also busy giving live tv interviews, brings up the problem of bird with the burning wreckage activity on and above the serving as backdrop, instead runway. Kathmandu airport is BIKRAM RAI 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 NATION 17 management

An airline captain suggests immediate steps to minimise the dangers of flying in Nepal A SAFER SKY BIKRAM RAI

COMMENT Vijay Lama

ir crashes have been happening with These checks happen after every crash, and frightening regularity, and with tragic then slowly they are forgotten. Spot checks Aconsequences. Last week’s disaster of a and inspections should have continuity. Sita Air Dornier 228 that crashed and burned As with most accidents, last week’s crash on takeoff from Kathmandu on a flight to Lukla was also followed by grisly live tv coverage of killing all 19 on board, proved once more that the accident scene with unedited footage of we have learnt none of the lessons from past half-burnt corpses. If mainstream television crashes. channels were bad, the pictures on Facebook Nepal’s horrendous air safety record has and blogs were much worse. The media needs done incalculable damage to the reputation of to strictly implement guidelines on visuals, a country whose economy depends on tourism. respect the dignity of the dead and recognise It is time to go to the root of the malaise, find the sensitivity of what they are broadcasting. out the underlying reasons for this poor safety People also need to speak out in social media BIKASH KARKI record, and take urgent steps to ensure a and ostracise those posting gruesome images. safer sky. All we have been doing is talking, We know that the real reasons for frequent blaming, and speculating. How many more air crashes in Nepal are lax enforcement of people need to die before we act? flight rules, regulatory failures, lack of internal As always, there has been a flurry of checks and balances within airlines. We can speculation about what happened to the eliminate up to 90 per cent of crashes in the Dornier on Friday morning. We won’t know for future if we just act now to: sure until the report of the investigation team comes out, and this time there are two British 1. Stop political interference in pilot selection, air crash investigators also helping. licencing, and other aviation matters. From preliminary evidence it seems a Politicians, keep your hands off a profession of bird hit the plane on takeoff, and parts of the which you know nothing about. propeller or wing ricocheted off to hit the 2. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal control surfaces of the plane. The Dornier 228 (CAAN) must take its regulatory role more is a sturdy German-made turboprop designed seriously and deploy tough, independent to fly on one engine, but something happened inspectors to conduct regular checks of to prevent the pilot from turning back to make operators and blacklist those who overlook an emergency landing. safety issues. Another aspect that the investigators 3. Stop the practice of new airlines inducting must turn their attention to is the practice of old planes. aircraft overloading on flights to remote area 4. Follow strict international guidelines on airstrips in Nepal. Most flights to Lukla are on pilot discipline and confidential reporting of the heavier side either because of deliberate detrimental crew behaviour. overloading, or under-calculation. Airlines 6. Regulate the cut-throat competition among use a 75kg average to calculate the weight of airlines that forces them to fly in bad weather now surrounded by garbage- no training and simulation male foreigners, but in reality most are above or with technical snags, and cut corners on filled urban sprawl, the nearby for response that is rapid, 80kg. Baggage allowance is 15kg, but up to safety. Manohara and Bagmati rivers coordinated, and multi-tasked. 20kg is allowed. Passengers also have carry- 7. Avoid conflict of interest and ban airline are dumping grounds for If this is what happens after the on bags with heavy trekking gear. In addition, owners and promoters from serving in the animal carcasses. The airport crash of a small plane, imagine airlines also make money on cargo and there CAAN board. management is supposed to the chaos and confusion after is a tendency to pack it in. Most STOL aircraft have bird control officers, a bigger disaster, or a mega in Nepal are overweight, but the extra weight Captain Vijay Lama has been flying Twin Otters and where were they on Friday earthquake in Kathmandu. never shows in the load sheets given to pilots. Boeing 757s for Nepal Airlines for the last 24 years. morning? In the days after the Sita Air crash, civil There was serious aviation inspectors conducted spot ramp nepalitimes.com checks to examine for overloading and found mismanagement of a crisis Andy Joshy is a technical “I don’t want any more Sarahs to die”, #518 situation last week, it showed adviser to the Ministry of several instances of extra weight on planes. there has been virtually Health and Population. 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 Expensive integration

Roshan Khadka, Naya Patrika, 3 October

Spent till date: from November 2006 to July 2012 Rs 14 billion has been sanctioned by the `Ministry of Peace and the Special Committee. Still remaining: 13,000 ex-combatants who chose rehabilitation need to paid the second installment of Rs 3.63 billion. Preparations are underway to complete the payment BIKRAM RAI by 10 November. HEADMEN (from l-r): CP Gajurel, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Mohan Baidya, Netra Bikram Chand, and Narayan Hollow nationalism Sharma of CPN-M during a meeting at the party’s headquarter. Editorial, Kantipur, 1 October populist slogans when dealing with the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. All Nepal-India related issues need Narayan Kaji Shrestha and his Indian Leaders of the CPN-M have made fools to be handled delicately and with great counterpart SM Krishna at New York, of themselves by prohibiting the entry foresight because the countries have Krishna made his country’s displeasure of cars with Indian number plates and close socio-economic-political ties and clear. Shrestha ensured that vehicles Hindi fi lms that ‘insult’ Nepal. There is our citizens interact with each other would be granted safe entry into Nepal no doubt that Nepal’s sovereignty is through the open border. Campaigns and no Indian citizens or vehicles would under serious threat and our nationalism to stop Indian vehicles or fi lms affect be harmed. The Nepal government must is facing a crisis. Events in the past year relations right down to the local level. start practicing what it has promised to Spending/expenditure in the last six years have shown how foreign intervention No one can deny the legal protection India. • Ration: Rs 2.74 billion is on the rise and the head of the offered by both states to each others’ The NC-UML were quick to point • Combatants’ monthly stipend : Rs 5.82 billion caretaker government even admitted vehicles or the pragmatism that demands out that their anti-government protest is • Infrastructure development in the cantonment : publicly that ‘the keys lie elsewhere’. their entry. Besides, India is Nepal’s only different from the CPN-M’s ‘nationalism Rs 270.1 million But at a time when the peace process supplier of petroleum, and many of our campaign’ and refused to support the • Transportation, electricity, maintenance: has taken a positive turn and when all daily necessities also come from across program. The opposition should not Rs220.44 million parties should be looking to resolve the the border. Nepalis will only suffer if India infl uence bilateral issues from the street, • First installment paid to the 13,000 ex-combatants who deadlock together, coming out on the decides to cut supplies. and it has made the right decision to chose rehabilitation: Rs 3.62 billion streets to protest against neighbours in Moroever, there are other crucial distance itself. the name of protecting nationalism is issues between the two countries that The way CPN-M is trying to protect • Amount given to unqualified ex-combatants: ill-conceived. need attention and vehicle entry or fi lms nationalism is simply wrong. Diplomatic Rs 850.65 million This is not to say that political don’t fall in this category. Vehicles and issues must be solved diplomatically, parties remain silent when nationalism is movies are already covered by the 1950 and the correct channel for that is really in crisis. However, they must fi nd Peace and Friendship Treaty. A better through the government. Targeting better ways to express their concerns move would be to call for the treaty to be vehicles and fi lms will take us nowhere about bilateral and domestic issues, revised. and such foolish ultra-nationalism will while also maintaining cordial diplomatic During the ‘sideline’ talks held only stifl e the growth of progressive relations. They must not resort to between Minister of Foreign Affairs nationalism. Faking it

Dilip Singh, Siraha, Naya Patrika, 3 October

CPN-M versus India The District Education Office (DEO) in Siraha has decided to cancel the licences of 69 primary schools in the district after a Interview with vice-chairman of CPN-M CP Gajurel, the support of these countries. But even then, Nepal has monitoring team found that the schools were receiving state BBC Nepali Service, 4 October certain interests and those must not be misinterpreted as funding and resources in the name of 40,000 fake students. Out an affront. of the schools that were investigated, 52 couldn’t be located, two didn’t have buildings and hadn’t conducted exams, eight had no What is your party’s motive behind banning the entry How long will this ‘nationalism’ campaign go on? students or property, another school was found without essential of vehicles with Indian number plates and Bollywood Let’s see. We will make sure that our actions don’t infrastructure and six other schools also didn’t have any students. fi lms? negatively affect the lives of ordinary Nepalis. There have All the schools have been given 15 days to present evidence We feel that some of the demands of Nepalis can be easily been false reports that we stopped the supply of LPG and to save their licences. Lack of regular inspection and rampant met by Nepali goods so it is not necessary to import these. medicines. But these claims are baseless. corruption have led to a proliferation of such fraud cases. But your shirt is not made in Nepal. Why aren’t you But hall owners and distributors are suffering huge wearing clothes produced domestically? losses due to the ban and many Nepalis don’t support Because there aren’t enough clothes produced in Nepal the move either. What do you have to say? and when there is a shortage of supply we must bring You are right, but many people have invested a lot in Nepali goods from outside. For example, the local market cannot fi lms and the industry must be nurtured and developed. meet the demand for medicines, so we must import them. But as is the case with vehicles, there are some capitalists here who are acting as agents of India capitalists and we How come these demands are resurfacing only after are against them. your party split with the establishment? Why were you silent all these years? But why blame Indian vehicles for the current political We had tried time and again to raise these issues, but crisis. Aren’t we in this situation because political the party wouldn’t listen to us. Some of our leaders have stalwarts like you failed to steer the country to forgotten communist ideology and sold out. So after we prosperity? split, these things came naturally to us because they are There is no doubt that politicians ruined the country, related to national sovereignty. because politics decides all. Also in addition to the ban on Indian cars and fi lms, we have 28 other demands related What happened to national sovereignty when you to national sovereignty that we will look to enforce. After spent eight out of ten years of the armed confl ict in having fought the people’s war, I think India? we have the right to address these Yes, we can’t deny that we used Indian territory demands. Baburam Bhattarai said during the conflict, but out of the four million his government will take strong Nepalis in India, half of them supported us. actions against us for the vehicle clamp down, but he has done What will happen to those four million nothing so far and won’t be able Yubak in Nagarik, 4 October Nepalis if the Indian government decides to do anything because we are to return the favour and ban Nepalis functioning within our rights. or Nepali vehicles from entering their terrain? After 50 years in politics, QUOTE OF THE WEEK

First of all the move has to be justifi ed. don’t you think all your efforts

have gone to waste? Do you think Nepal’s sovereignty and No, I don’t agree because in politics There will be objective conditions“ nationality will be saved by taking India on? you have to take a stand. Maybe we “ for armed struggle in Nepal for We are only claiming our rights and not looking made some mistakes, and have not for a fi ght. They must not think of it as achieved all that we set out to do, another two decades. their loss. India is a friend, as is but I’m sure we’ve done some China and we must look to things right. CPN-M leader Netra Bikram Chand build our economy with quoted in Kantipur, 2 October 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 NATION 19 Pedalling to prosperity

SARALA GAUTAM says he still remembers how are ferried from depots to the road in Jhapa would turn homes on cycles. into a sea of red when 2,500 “For 41 years till I retired hortly after her sari-clad women rode home in 2008, I pedalled to work husband’s death, after finishing their shifts at every day and took my bike all SNandakini Aryal learnt the garment factories fifteen around the city. My colleagues to ride a cycle. The two- years ago. in Singha Darbar used to wheeler not only helped her Although not as popular respect me a lot because become more independent, as in the Tarai, 50,000 cycles back then owning a cycle but also boosted her dairy ply on the roads of the was a status symbol much business. She would hang 17 capital. 20 years ago, 6.6 per like owning a car is today,” jugs on her bicycle handles cent of residents rode bikes. reminisces Hari Prasad Dahal. and travel to the market In the absence of public With the crippling fuel everyday selling 100 litres of transport, cycles were the crisis and an inefficient milk and yoghurt. With a daily lifeline which connected the public transportation system, income of 1,500, she was able villages on the outskirts of cycles have become an to save enough to buy back her the Valley to the centre. environmentally friendly house and invest in a few acres As the living standard alternative for urban Nepalis. of land. Aryal, who is lovingly of the Kathmandu’s middle More and more are hopping called Cycle Aama by locals class rises so has their onto their two wheelers to says that if it wasn’t for her demand motorbikes and commute to work and groups cycle she wouldn’t have been Cycles have been empowering Nepalis and cars. That coupled with like Kathmandu Cycle City are able to look after her family. making them financially independent long unsafe roads has meant that lobbying with the government Nepalis have been using before urban residents took to the two- cycle use in the Valley has to build bicycle lanes and make cycles long before cars made dropped to 1.6 per cent. the capital a cycle-friendly city their way into the country. wheelers as a hobby However, cycles are still by 2020. Cycling as a hobby Seen as status symbols at one essential for business. Each has also caught up as Valley time, cycles may not carry the make it possible for activists, them come out of the confines day, almost 1,000 cycles ferry residents look to escape the same prestige these days, but health care volunteers, and of their house, made them vegetables and fruits from concrete jungle and explore the they are intrinsically linked to midwifes to travel to remote more confident, encouraged the Kalimati market through countryside. the livelihood and prosperity areas where there are no them to take up jobs and the narrow alleys and deliver Despite its evolving roles, of many. The self-employed roads or public transport. made them economically it to wholesalers throughout many Nepali can still trace and small business owners like Access to cycles has also independent.” Kathmandu. their progress back to the the Aryal particularly reliant on increased the attendance rate There is a popular saying in According to Bidur two-wheelers. pedal power. of female students and kept Chitwan that women who can’t Acharya of the Kalimati In the Tarai, most them from dropping out. ride bicycles won’t get married Fruits and Vegetables Market households have at least “Cycles have made a big and the dairy industry here is Development Committee, nepalitimes.com one cycle. Apart from being difference in the lives of a stellar example of women on almost 40 per cent of the total stock is cleared by Girl power, #618 a means of transport, the Tarai women,” says Birganj- wheels pedalling to prosperity. Cyclists and the city, #579 two-wheelers even serve as based journalist Chandra Bishnu Rimal of GEFONT, a cycles. Similarly, almost 50 Cycle city, #510 ambulances in the region and Kishor Jha. “It has helped labour union close to the UML, per cent of LPG gas cylinders 20 BACK SIDE 5 - 11 OCTOBER 2012 #625 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Vertically challenged in Nepal

y now, it is pretty clear will improve bilateral now is five grand, and they’ll that the current deadlock relations between even give you a receipt. Turning Bis not over anything to India and Nepal.” to civil aviation, there is a do with the constitution but similar state of affairs at CAAN about who gets to be in power FG for the written exam to get one’s at election time. So far so good. What’s this we pilot’s licence endorsed. The Nothing unusual there. It’s part hear about the road results of a recent written test of a politician’s job description widening project were scrapped after the nephew that he wants to be Top Dog. grinding to a halt at of the Great Helmsman himself The problem arises when one of Dilli Bazar because and a relative of a disgruntled them wants to be Only Dog. the First Lady’s UML leader, both flunked the FG maiti lodged a test. The two however passed complaint? Does the re-exam after being fed the Democracy, as they say, is all this mean Comrade questions beforehand, and now about everyone having equal Hasiya is working at have jobs flying for a domestic rights to screw things up. cross purposes with airline that shall remain The disagreement at all-party Comrade Hatauda, nameless because they advertise meetings about who gets to sit the hubby first with us. The others who passed on the high chair shows that gentleman? And the first time don’t have jobs yet. everyone takes democracy another erstwhile Also-First seriously in this country. After complex about his stature ever bring Tamil movies with their Lady has raised objections as FG the splits in the Baddies and since the Lilliputian snapshot of dance sequences of gyrating well about the road-widening When money collected from Maddies, there are now so many himself standing next to Barack pelvises that he got addicted at Ekantakuna and has pulled those who failed breathalyzer top leaders during party pow- and Michelle in 2009. So, guess to watching while serving time strings to limit the demolition tests started disappearing, wows that there aren’t enough what, Makuney refuses to attend in Chennai for travelling on so it doesn’t encroach into Traffic Police came up with an executive chairs to go around the meeting until the cushions a forged passport. The Ass’ ancestral property. Meanwhile, ingenious incentive scheme. around the conference table. were removed from under the prediction is that Hindi will be one embassy still refuses to Cops testing drivers for alcohol So the admin staff brings in Prime Minister. Our leaders are unbanned and the cinemas will budge, leaving Comrade Sthapit now get to take home 15% of extra stools from other offices. always making asses (ahem) of open for the festival as soon as with no recourse but to send his all fines, and the money has Trouble is, not all of them are themselves, and don’t seem to the Hyphen Party’s coffers are bulldozers to work around the to be paid at Global Bank and the same height which makes mind if people find out that they topped up. The ban on Indian Great Wall of China. drivers have to produce the some leaders look shorter than are intellectually-challenged. vehicles also hit a snag after a FG receipt the next day to sit for a others. After Prime Minister But they take umbrage at being tabloid revealed that Comrades self-improvement class and get BRB noticed on the evening seen as vertically-challenged. CP, Cloudy, Pumpa, Hitman, Nepal has adopted a laissez-faire their licences back. Smart move. tv news how he was dwarfed FG Big Plop, and other hyphenated policy when it comes to granting Maybe we can also go high- by Chairman PKD, he got the commies all drive stolen Indian drivers’ and pilots’ licences. A tech with kickbacks and bribe PMO to add a few cushions to Cinemas across Nepal have had Scorpios. visually impaired man actually payments now, and his chair. PKD didn’t mind, to close as the Badder Baddie Quote of the Week is managed to buy a heavy vehicle make all under-the- but when Ex-PM Makuney saw campaign against Hindi films Comrade Big Flop telling licence some time ago, and from table transactions that, he blew a gasket. MKN gathers momentum. Rumour has reporters the other day at The what we hear the going rate for electronic. apparently has had a bit of a it this is Comrade CP’s ploy to Club: “The ban on Indian cars getting through the written exam ISSN 1814-2613

CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/069/70