• Educating Girls: Report From Dharan • Nepali Politics: External Dynamics • Business Expo

CONTENTS

Page

\..\t\\U'S 3

News Notes 4

'efs 6

Quote Unquote 7 The past decade of Nepal's rough journey to democracy has seen every kind of political altiance and action, opportunitistic, un­ OtT The Record 8 holy and unnatural. Page 16 KOJRALA'S MESSAGE: Without Political Agenda 9

NEPALI POLITICS: Hands That Rock The Cradle 13

EXPOSITION: All That Glitter 24

YOUTH: Views On News 25

BOOK REVIEW 26

POLITICS OF AGITATION: Suicidal Move THE BOTTOMLlNE 27 UML's street protests erode its credibil ity as an alternative democratic party. Page 10 DHARAN : School Skills 28

PASTIME 29

LEISURE 30

INTERVIEW: OBITUARY: Dewang Mehta 32 Rabindra Nath Sharma RPP leader Rabindra Nath Shanna Comments on the current political SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 developments. Page 22 SPOTLIGHT EDITOR'S NOTE THE NATIONAL NEWSMAGI\ZINE Vel. 20, Nc.40, April 20, 2001 (8aishak 7, 2057lj

Chief Editor And Publisher Madhav Kumar Rimal hat an irony of fate? Prime Minister Girija Prasad

Editor cannot rule, Even an absolute majority in Sarita Rimal parliament always fails to work for him. The poor Managing Editor people must be wondering why a political party Keshab Poudal , commanding an absolute majority cannot deliver anything. In the Associate Editor past one year after assuming office for the third time, Girija Prasad Bhagirath Yogi Koirala announced many packages for the poor people, but his Senior Reporter Sanjaya Dhakal words have never turned into reality for the poor people who ha& to face all kinds of hardship. The main opposition party, too, Reporter d_ Akshay Sharma not have anything to boast about its performance. It might be

Design and Layout appropriate to write something about the recent violent agitation Jyoti Singh by power-hungry leaders of opposition party, Whether it is corrupt Photographer or main opposition party leader Madhav Nishchal Chapagain Kumar Nepal, no one seems to be worried about the problems Art faced by the 20 million poor Nepalese people, As the suffering of M.S. Khokna the Nepalese people is increasing by the day, Legal Advisor Advocate Lok Bhakta Rana politicians, who prize self-interest more than national wellbeing, refuse to see how things stand. As far as the Nepalese people are Marketing/Advertisement Sari1 Rimal (USA) concerned, it makes no difference who the prime minister or the main opposition party is, because all of them are busy grabbing the Marketing Madan Kaji Basnet nation's property for their benefit. When the main opposition party Navin Kumar Maharjan Madan Raj Poudel is asking for his resignation for his alleged involvement in corrup­ tion, Girija Prasad Koirala, if he has any wisdom, would quit Editorial Office GPO Box 7256, Baluwatar, , without much ado. Tel: (977-1) 423127, Fax: (977-1) 417845 Chief Editors: 435594 E-mail: [email protected] The politics of violent agitation provides unequivocal proof that Internet Add: http://www.nepalnews.com/ spotlight Nepalese politicians are still far from acquiring maturity. Despite

Cover Design the fact that violent agitation is always counterproductive, why do Wordscape they keep organizing bandhs and other disruptive activities? In Kamal Pokhari, Ph : 410772, Fax: 432872 countries like ours, where politicians in power pay no heed to the Distribution national loss resulting from such agitation, it need not be empha­ Bazaar International 228 Sanchaya Kosh Bldg. Kathmandu sized that violent demonstrations never manage to put pressure on G.P.O 80x 2480, Ph: 222983 Fax: 229437 e-mail: [email protected] the government. Moreover, those who call such violent activities must understand that destroying public property, forcing shops to Printers: Kishor offset Press (P.) Ltd. P.D. Box 4665, Galkopakha, Thamel, close or keeping transport off the streets will not help fulfil their Kathmandu,Tel: 351044 (Off), 351172 (Res.), Fax: 977-1-351112, interest. As such, let's hope, our politicians, if they have any love E-mail: [email protected] for their country, will stop organizing bandhs.

C.D.O. Regd. No 151/039-40 Postal Regd. No 42/057/58 U.S. Library of Congress I Madhav Kumar Rimal Catalogue No. 91-905060 Chief Editor& Publisher

2 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20,2001 LETTERS ______

turbed by his desire to cling to WTOWoes power at any cos t. At this point Your cover story in history. Koirala would do well by stepping down and giving a "Preparing For The way out la the country' s politics WTO" (SPOTLIGHT, that is stranded at a critical junc­ April 13) provided inter­ ture. esting illformation on the Binaya Karki country's preparations to Hattisar join the global tradillg body. It seems the gov­ End The Row ernment, not only ourpri­ Although ANFA officials have reached a lIUce that al­ vate sector, is ill prepared lowed Nepalese team to take for WTO membership. part in the World Cup qualify­ Many questiolls are still ing tourney in Iraq, there is a left unallswered, espe­ concern that this will not last cially those regarding the long ("Brief Respite", SPOT­ LIGHT April 6). In case the row consequences of becollZ­ eruplS again, Nepalese football ing a member of the glo­ will have to pay an cnonnous bal trading regime. The cost. We cannot afford to let a government should issue few people sink the whole sport . a white paper specifying The higher authorities must in­ tervene and end this difference the pros and COilS ofWTO once and for all. membership. Jauak Ralla Sudhir Lamsal Satdobato Chhetrapati Poignant Story Your story-cum-interview Survival Tactics small countries like Nepal from guarantee that current importers "For A Fistful of Rupees" The authorities should joining the world trade body. we will continue la buy after d Ul y­ (SPOTLIGHT. March 9) was a °e clear to Nepal's business cannot remain isolated. The free access is ensured by the heart-touching one. It repre­ unity the measures they WTO has come as a rude shock WTO provisions. In view of sented the situation of thousands need to adopt to survive in the to the smaller counlries. There these stark facts, thegovernment of girl s and the plight of famil y post-WTO days ("Preparing For has to be a global movement to would do well to research the members. NGOs like Mai ti The WTO", SPOTLIGHT, April force the developed and indus­ probable. impact of the WTO Nepal are doing a good job and 13). As barriers will have to come trialized countries to consider provisions on its exports and should beapprcciated. However. down, the less competitive in­ the grievances of the poor coun ­ chart ways to lessen theireffects these problems will continue dustries of developing countries tries. and even exploit them for our until more and more people be­ like Nepal stand to lose in inlcr­ Krishl/a KC own good. come educated in the true sense. national trade. All the provisions Sinamangal Kanral Shrestha Awareness programmes, semi­ that the WTO has for promoting What About Dhobighat nars, interactions and workshops the small industries should be alone cann ot be expected to stop explained to the private sector Garments, Carpets .. ? Still Belligerent this problem. "Yoshree". the well in advance. Export-oriented industries Apropos your cover story man menti oned in the article, is Kltagelldra GuruIIg like carpets and gannents are "Koirala Under Attack" (SPOT­ energeti c as well as educated Tharnel already feeling the heat from LIGHT, April 6). it is astonish­ and wenllO search for hi s sister. preparations under way to join ing to find how much our prime But how many people can do No Alternative the WTO ("Preparing For The minister can bear when it comes that?Thegovemmcnt has la take Nepal seems to have no WTO", SPOTLIGHT,ApriI13). to digesting the opposition's some strong action to SlOp thi s alternative to joining the WTO As they are currently dependent voices. He is surrounded by hos­ brutal lrade and to help the an­ (" Preparing For The WTO", on quotas. the enforcement of tile forces but refuses to bow gui shed families. SPOTLIGHT, April 13). Al­ WTO rules will mean they will down. While onc can marvel at Subilasil wilall; though there are no benefits for lose their market, as there is no his confidence, one is aJso per- Kalopul

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 3 NEWSNOTES

Royal Message On The New Year Leftist Parties Slam 'External Interference' Six left parties, including the main opposition \ (United Marx.ist-Leninist), have strongly protested against what they call "exter­ nal interference" in the domestic affairs of Nepal. In a statement issued Saturday, they alleged that some national and inter­ nalional forces were out to protest .the "corrupt" government of Prime Minister Oirija Prasad Koirala crossi ng the limits of diplomatic decorum. Stating that the whole country was united la throw Koirala government out, the left said they strongly objected to any wrong attitude toward the Nepali people's united

In a message to the nation on New Year 2058 B.S. Saturday, King Birendra has said as peace with security is essentja] for development and for society to progress, development becomes necessary. His Majesty stressed that the primary responsibility of the state is to function within the framework of a just and equitable polity, safeguarding the lives, propeny and freedom of its citizens. It has now become imperative to overcome the prevailing economic anomalies and social aberrations through good governance and political stability and provide the people a credible basis for optimism towards a prosperous and secure future, the King said. Analysts say the royal message carries a significant meaning as itcomes amjd growing violence and attacks upon security personnel by Maoist rebels in different parts afthe country.

PAK Diplomat lations, the government has decided that PM KoiraIa Mr. Cheema should leave the country Leaves Nepal within 24 hours," a Foreign Ministry and lawful protests. The left panies' state­ The first secretary at the Pakistan spoJ

4 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 NEWSNOTES ous escalation of violence and loss of life reports referring to comments made by in the context of the Maoist insurgency in the US ambassadorto Nepal, Ralph Frank. Nepal and has extended its condolences to In a statement, chief of the party's foreign the fami li es orthe bereaved. Condemning affairs depanment, lhala Nath Khanal, recent attacks upon police posts by Maoist said Saturday that the Nepalese people rebels in Nepal, the EU said it supported always want to resolve their problems the democratic government and process themselves and always reject any foreign of democracy enshrined in the constitu­ interference, pro-UMLChhalphal weekly tion of Nepal. It has urged all parties to reported Sunday. He, however. did not exercise full respect for human rights in mention what were his party's specific the search for a solution to the Maoist objections. Meanwhile, Kantipur daily issue. to strengthen democracy and rule of quoted UML lawmaker and chairman of law in Nepal. tn its significant message, the Public Accounts Committee of parlia­ the EU stressed its belief that citizens ment, Subash Nemwang, as saying that it have a legitimate right to expect lO li ve in was un fortunate on part of Nepal to see .. ely, and governments havea legitimate fo reign diplomats comrnenLing on the t to provide for the security and well­ coumry's law-and-order situation and being for the people. The EU urges all other matters.CompiledJrom reporls Apr. parties to redouble their efforts to find a /6. negotiated and peaceful solution to the current conflict, to promote stable and New Strategy continuing development in Nepal. The US and Norway associate themselves with To Fight Poverty thi s statement, a press release issues by Nepal has prepared a country repon ward linkages. Compiled from reports the EU said. Compiledfrom reporls Apr. outl ining its strategy April 15. 13. to fight pervasi ve • poverty in the coun­ JV\ter-CtAlttAral Fi I W1 Society UML Criticizes US try. The repon, to be presented at the third o .. ~ nO.., i. 10 b .. i"'9 dive.. se feo'" ... f,l..,s f....,.., diff...... ", c,,'t .... .,s " "o""d Ihe 91c:,b., to 0 .... , ...."di.,,,'"-e fo .. t~e ·p...., .. 'olio ... <>f '... ter-c.. lt .... al ""de"sta... di"g·, Ambassador's Remarks international confer­ The .. ;d,... "ss of c .. I' ... .-es ;5 0 .... <>f I~e bea .. ties 0f~" world wh"d.. i • .. e~ected i" 0".. loso I~ot ~y",bolises ..... it)' i ... di""..,.ity. The main opposition Unified Marx­ ence on Least Devel­ oped Countries, has Every month a film will be shown at the Russian Cultural Center in iSl-Lcninist has protested against media Kamal Pokhari on a screen 4x6m. The films are mainly from southern stressed on the need CQW1tries, spoken in their original language with English subtiUes. to increase agri cul­ 7.1.." c..p. tural production by at A film by Khyentse Norbu, /, 1999 SUNDAY 22 April 5:00 pm least 4 to 5 percent A delightful comed}' about the lighter side of life in a annually. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhist monastery. the action plan made ·~;Id~e" of tleo"e,,· A film by Majid Majidi, lran, 1998 public here at a func­ SUNDAY 20 May 5:00 pm When Ali loses his sister Zahra's school shoes the pair plan to share his tion by member of shoes and keep it a secret from their parents ! Oiarming! National Planning ·1]", K"owl~<::Ige of tleQli"9" A film by Franz Reichle, Switzerland, 1996 Commission Dc SUNDAY 17 June 5:00 pm A documentary about the secret of Tibetan medicine and how it Shanker Shanlla Fri­ found its way to Switzerland, challenging Western medicine. day, the government ·M"k,....do· . A film by Thering Rita She,!," Nepal, 1999 has also gi ven em­ SUNDAY 22 JULY 5:00 pm phasis on the growtb The story of a couple involved with a Jhankrini who is deeply ambivalent about her shamanic role. of non-agriculture ·WrstBei.... t· 0\ film by Ziad Doueiri, Lebanon, 1998 sector and continue SUNDAY 19 August 5:00 pm financial sector re­ A cheerful and touching s tory of three beaming ' youths in the city of Beirut and their love for their Super 8 Film camera. form program. The The Imer-Cultural Film Society is a registerednon-profi t NCO This programme proposed strategy IS spc:mso.red by "t:lelvetas Nepal" as part of thei r interest in promoting the also aims at encour­ ~sl~JVe Side of natio nal cultures and to encourage a better understanding and af~OIty among the people of the :-vorld. Helvetas is committed 10 striving for a aging expon-oriented faI rer world and for greater respect between nations,

and import-substitut­ To ~ ill membet ~ do the following: in g industries with . Register before the show with the attached form or by e·mail: [email protected] • e mphasis on their pay Rs. 600 which allows you t 0 see , 2 films from March 2001 up to Jhala Nath Khana. backward and for- February 2002.

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 5 BRIEFS

NEPAL BUSINESS EXPO A Good Beginning The first-ever expo gives an opportunity for district chambers to showcase their products

Amid the glamour and attractions at LheNepal Business Expo 2001, Pramod Gauli, member of Sankhuwasabha Chamber Commerce and Industry, was busy last week explaining curi ous visitors about his products including hand-made paper. "[ am Majesties accepting royal salute at quite happy here for the exposure this exposition has given to me." Army headquarter said Gauli. "I wish such an expo would have been organized least a decade ago." KING BIRENDRA HAS PROMULGATED THREE OR­ Business expositi on are not new in Nepal. With House Rajkarnicar launching Himalayan Expo II years back, a dinances submitted by the government. According to the cabinet of business and trade exhibitions have become a regular event in secretariat, the King has, with the advice and consent of the the capital. The latest entrant in the show is none other than the Council of Ministers and in accordance with the country(s Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Indusu-y constitution, promulgated the "Armed Police Ordinance 2057," "Local Administration (fourth amendment) Ordinance 2057," (FNCCl). The apex private body, IOge ther wi th its district cham­ bers, organized the wee-long expo for the first time that concluded and "Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts concerning health 2057" as parliament is in recess, The government had sent these ordin ances with some amendment to King Birendra for approval afl er the recent 19th session of parliament could not ralify them because of continued disruption by the opposition panies.

THE CENTRAL WORKING COMMlTTEEOFTHE RUL­ ing Nepali Congress has asked the government to implement the "integrated development and security program" proposed by it. At th e cnd of the extended meeting Thursday, the ruling party call ed upon all the political parties in the country 10 unite to sa feguard democracy by ri sing above petty parlis~n lines. The party also asked the government to maintain law and order in the country by using all the security measures available.

SAARC EDUCA TION MINISTERS HAVE AGREED TO focus on action-oriented programs and promote regional coop­ eration 10 tackle problems of illiteracy in South Asia. The mceting adopted ajoint statement stressing its commitment to altain the goals of providing compulsory and quality primary education to all the children by 2015 as proposed during the Dakar conference last year. Sunday. THE SECURITY EXCHANGE BOARD HAS ENFORCED "We organized this event to provide an opportunity for our the Security Registration and Issue Approval Guidelines, 200 I members IQ showcase their products and services and wi th effect from Monday. The guidelines aims al making the customers," said Billod Bahadur Shrestha, Vice Prcsident process of registration and issuance of securities simple. trans­ FNCCI and coord inator of the event. "We have had very en,oOllr-1 parent and more systematic, officials said. The guidelines also ag ing response from the visilOrs." Nearly 150,000 visitors visited lays down the conditions that corporate institutions would re­ the expo that had more than 200 stails had separate pavilions quire to meet prior to making stock issue and the various agricultural products and engineering goods and services. conditions it has to fulfill once it makes a public issue. • the challenge for the FNCCI is to give continuity to its efforts . 6 SPOTLI GHT/APR IL 20. 2001 QUOTE UNQUOTE

"The issue of changing the leadership should not be made a priority now. I am confident that Girijababl will give a way out that is acceptable to all at the proper time." , former prime minister, in Bimarsha. * * *

"Our program will be a peaceful one," Madlrav KlIl1lar Nepal, leader of the maill opposition and general secretary of th e Ullified Marxist Lenillis t, speaking at a public program about his party's cam­ paign to OIlst the prime minister by denying him the entry to Singh Dllrbar. * * *

"T he prime mini ster will derinitely enter Sin gh Durbar," Sushi! Koirala, celltral melll ber of the Nepali Congress. speaking af a program at th e Reporters Club. "S top the bloodshed. I am willing to "There are big irregularities in the * * * mediate." di s t~ibuli o n of assistance funds for po­ Dr. Dilli Ramall Regl1li, senior liti cal victims. In the name of political "I w.ill take re st only when the contry politician, calling all the Maoist victims, even thieves ha ve been given gets rid of political cri ses:' rebels and the governm ent to talk, th e assistance. By accepting th e assis­ Prim e Minis ter Koirllla ill speakin g at a pl/blic program, tan ce I cannot remain wi tn ess to such Gorkllllpatra. * * * irregularities, " Khadga Prasad Oli, standing COI1/­ mittee member of UML , who re­ cently a/mowlced he was giving the Do 'J6~ assistance he received to a social -thi'r1k. I Ca-rd push you charity, in Budhabar. aside? * * *

"The re .IS no talk of getting married any time soon. j can only say that he is my good friend." Manislra Koirala, Bollywood ac­ tress altd grand-daughter of NC leader B.P. Koirala, whelt asked if th e rUl1lors that she was ill love with the Australian Ambassador to Nepal were true and if she was consider­ ing l1Ia"')'ill g him, in Ghatana Ra Bichar. • * * u SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 200 1 7 OFF THE RECORD

Bhattarai's Politics vealed that part-time politi­ worthy of adherence cians are responsible forcreal­ as long as they suit The moods and musings ing havoc in Congress poli­ his interest. When· of former prime minister and tics. Addressing last week's ever Oli meets a Congress leader Krishna Congress parliamentary party western diplomat or Prasad Bhattarai undergodras­ meeting, Gachchedar cited scholar, the deputy tic change in almost no lime. dozens of such politicians who leader of the CPN­ This was the reason why ev­ were gi ving the Congress a UML expounds on erybody turned suspicious bad name. Pointing a finger at the ideals and prin­ when Bhallarai decided to or­ Or. , ciples of democracy ganize a New Year's reception Gachchedar went to the extent and his party'scom­ at hi s Bhainsepati residence. of question iog his commitment mitment to them. Just a few weeks ago, Bhattarai to politics. If Gachchedar's Strangely, when he was in the news for demand­ conclusions are true, what addresses hi s fellow ing Prime Minister Girija would be the future the dozens communists, Oli Prasad Koirala's resignation ofPh.O.s and professionals that sounds sound every in the presence of major oppo­ are making much more than a bit of a hard-line sition leaders at the same li ving by their association with comrade. His real venue. However, Bhattarai the governing party? obstructionist char- lOok a different approach at the New Year's party. He acterwhen hewas declared exposed he ~~~~~~:!~~~~~~~===~ backed Koirala' s refusal to step Study Abroad would lead a block- down, describing the It seems that some stu­ ade of all entry points to Singha lion LO that rule by having oppositi on's demand as irra­ dent unions in the country are Ourbar in the UML's bid to joined hands in the humor­ tional. It is clear that Nepalese working as promoters of force Prime Minister Girija satire business for more than politics defies reason. With schools in foreign countries. Prasad Koirala out of office. 15 years. However, it appears Bhallarai, the intensity of the This was demonstrated when that the duo have come to the defiance gets stronger and different outfits ofleft students end of their joint action. It is declared their program to shut stronger. Endurance Test rumoured that the two are in down private schools for a In Nepal, fe w partner­ the process of divvying up month. Coincidentally, the Gachchedar's ships last more than a year. their enterprise. If the rumor announcement came at a time Madan Krishna Shrestha and is true, it would be another when the admissions process Theory Haribansha Acharya have re­ confirmation that no partner­ at foreign schools begins. Be· Formerministerand pow­ mained an enduring excep- ship is ete rnally enduring. erful Nepali Congress rebel cause o f the uncertainty posed B ijaya Kumar Gacchedar rc- by the call of the stude nts ma ny parents Annual SUBSCRIPTION Rate have already sta rt ed looking for schools in Indi_ idu .. 1 In ~ lil U l in n Indhidu .. l 'I·p. ,,1oI, R, HUIICJO ~R-'R, ~UO'~' ~q'al 'R\R' l.JnllCMl 'R,R, c~(~IIW' lndia. In the name of InJla le Ih I.JOUOO le R, 1:!fX)00 In ..h., leR, IleMI'.) tt~, I~IWJI . I Olliel SAAIoIC OIlier SAARl the poor c hildre n of C"UJlIIIC' PS S 15 on U.s s 150.00 (""'UlInC' ISS7~lXl lS"'I~OCM) Nepal, are the student J~!,~II L'S 5 IOU,OIl US $l00.nu JUI',Hl I;S~ 1(JIl(JU l'S~_'.!~ICWI A,c"" l'''U'II''~'''' LIS j09().OO l·.s S ItluOO A'I:~n (·"u!11rie' 1-,)'1,11(100 I:So;;; I~IIC.I leade rs actually work­ Chll1.11I.;"rc~ \'SSIOO.OO \'S\!lK)IJO nlll1.i1K_'"·~ I'S$HM)!lU I'SS.:'IM)'.) ing as promoters of for­ r-\oil "S ('------,RIIU~ NOW (Seud a CIFi' Sflbscriplw/I fIJ!rit lldSlllry 14 111 1111'(' If) eign educational in sti· II'I~~,~ 11m! Cl1cilhCd Ilc",,, uti 'n~ annual ,ut>"';"pClun lor ""r'. I tutions? I1{",llfllflK1Jcqucl"n ,or R "~,-.• ,S' D~ I ~ I: I'~ITI': I Comradely ,--I ,I Doublespeak PrnCode ,I I Like all communist I LI ______Si~mllun> Tt·I,·phOflf -,,0;,;-,--J _ ""...... Iead e rs, C P N-UML leader K.P. Shanlla 01; 00 1'Ioor !wnd ( ,\SIf in \ 1\11 Pk"~ ..end ~,"'r r1!mIlUII<"( 11, D,"!UU"''lIlC I.. does not fail to show his SPOTLIGHT dual personality. Oemo- TilE "ATlOS,\L M .\\S \I,u;-\ZiNI:. _A_c_h_a_r-.:y_a_: _O_i_v_id_e_d_w_e_ st_a_n_d_ ___ c ratic pri ne i pi es a re G.P au, 725n.Balu"JIJ.r.Ph 971·I-lBI27 . .j)'i~'.i-1 FuQl1 I ,117X.j~ E·mall edIIOf~~puC IT\()'CI>1n np

8 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 200\ NATIONAL KOIRALA'S ADDRESS Without Political Agenda Erime Minister Koirala's address to the nation lacks political commitments

By KESHAB • POUOEL distortions in the political process. In hi s last leg of political career, Koirala could Tn his 15 minute long message to the have taken a bold decision. ..Llati on. Prime Minister Girija Prasad "Koirala's statement hassornc politi­ Koirala spared much o f hi s lime to urge calmcaning as he has called the Maoist to people and political workers to follow the table. J don't think Maoist will re­ cmocratic nonns. spond to him on just that ground," said At a time when K oi rala is facing RPP leader Rabindra Nath Sham1a. violent demonstrations from the main The main oppositi on pan.y termed oppositi on party CPN-UML, he should the prime minister's plea as a hoax. "Wc have challenged them to face fresh elec­ have nO( seen any word s that is inspiring tions. to the people," said Bharat Mohan Everyone knows that it Adhikary. is impossible "A prime minister taimed with make any comment on how that would be for Koirala la dissolve the house at this corruption charges should have no option possible. juncture. but he could have challenged other the than to quit." "Had the prime minister given some opposition by offering elections as an Although Prime Minister Koiralaalso indication, it would have been beneficial to alternative to end the political s urged Maoist talematc. leaders to start the dialogue ending the violent Maoisl insurgency in the "What is th e use of listening to the and give up their weapons. he did not country," said Shanl1a .• rhetoric o r Prime Minisler Koirala. Had he spoken about the e lecti ons. he would • hav~ gained more sympathy from the Himalayan Travel & Tours (P) people," said a political analyst. Ltd. Prime Ministcr Koirala's intention to avoid the word "election" is understand­ We are one of Nepal's lc as he might have been advised by his Most . Jeechwri ter not to weaken the internal reliable, efficient and profes­ dynamics in the party. sional cargo handlers. Our dedi­ Nobody has found anything appeal­ cated professionals can offer ing in hi s speech. Amid continual violent the best service in town. agitati on and unconstitutional methods Always remember adopted by the opposition, seeking the us for your mandate from lhcpeople would have been worldwide cargo handling the onl y opti on for any democratic gov­ service. ~~~~~:=i~::::.~,,;;,,:.,r.;;.;...... J ernment. In any democracy, it is the people For more information contact: who can decide who has the mandate to govern. " If the prime minister had chal­ lenged the opposition 10 face the elec­ tions, his stature would have ri sen. Unfor­ IIJJ? tunately , Prime Minister Koirala has lost a big opportunity 10 threaten the main Himalayan Travel & Tours opposition," said a political analyst. (P) Ltd. Durbar Marg, P. O. Box The prime minister's statement was 324 Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 223045 (la lines). Fax: 977-1-22400 not in spiring as it did not mention any 1, : KTMHITG e-mail: [email protected]. clear-cut political terms 10 correct the URL : HTIP :/Iwww.catmando.com/comlhttlhltindex.htm

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 9 NATIONAL

they would not have been forced to UML POLITICS damage public property," said Lilamani Pohkhrel, leader of the radical United People's Forum. Suicidal Move For the small left outfits, the pro­ tests came as a boon, since they received The CPN-UML's street protests erode its credibility as a higher level of publicity the CPN­ UML 's involvement inevitably brought. an alternati ve democratic party In the end, it is the UML which has emerged badly bruised. 'The violent By KESHAB POUDEL who were out on the streets. Liberal agitation in support of unconstitutional UML leaders like Madhav KumarNepal, demands has done more damage to the K.P. Sharma Oli, Jhal Nath Khanal, UML'scredibility than other left forces:' he street at Putali Sadak was filled Bharat Mohan Adhikary and other were saidapolitical analyst. "TheCPN-UML T with pieces of broken stones and on hand to support the agitators. cannot continue as a moderate comm the air was filled with the toxic effect of The UML leaders, along with lead­ nist pany as it is increasingly veeri tear gas on Monday (April 16). Commu­ ers of other radical communist parties, towards radicalism." the analyst said. ni st workers broke off sidewalk railings led a wave of vio lence that saw windows "If this agitation i, the peaceful protest and pulled out drain covers to block the smashed, tires and government vehicles the UML promised, onc wonders what streets. The area turned into a battlefield set on fire, stones pelted against police methods the party would use if it had when police used force to disperse the in what was billed as "peaceful" demon­ call ed for violent protests." agitators who were trying to block Prime strations. CPN-UML 's hobnobbing with radi­ Minister Girija Prasad Koirala from en­ The event proved that the CPN­ cal communist forces is not a new devel­ tering hi s office in Singh Durbar. UML is still suffering from the hang­ opment, as the top leaders in the party It was not only the party faithful over of communist militancy that much have been competing with onc another 1II!II~.. of th e world discarded to acquire a militant image to establish over adecade ago. Party themselves within rhe party. As a closed leaders seemed happy organization, no one can see the power to ruin themselves. like struggle that goes on in the CPN-UML. they did in 1993, when In th eir quest to strengthen their the streets of leadership positions, general secretary Kathmandu were and deputy leader turned into a battlefield K.P. Sharma Oli are the main competi­ for a month. tors in the race to claim the radi rf the ongoing po­ mantle. litical agitation is any A few weeks back. Nepal even indi­ indication, it shows that cated that his party would be ready to go the CPN-UML seems underground to launch a violent struggle. to be following a more Going one step ahead, Oli declared that radical path and encour­ party workers were capable of over­ aging unconstitutional throwing the present system from the practices. Despite re­ street. peated ciaimsoftheop­ As the CPN-UML is tilting in a position that they would militant direction, it has been suffering organize peaceful pro­ in terms of its credibility as a liberal tests, violence almost alternative democratic party which they .. instantly crept in. have painstakingly built in the last ten ... But the organizers years. of the protests remained Although street agitations are noth­ --'--- defiant. 'The govern­ ing new in Nepal, the way communist ment is responsible for leaders are encouraging violence is all violence in the street. strange. Ever since the restoration of If our workers were not democracy in 1990, when demonstra­ ~~~~§~~~L!§i~~~~~~2f===~ provoked by the police, tors overthrew an autocratic political

to SPOTLlGHT/APRlL 20, 2001 I NATIONAL system through street agitations. all po­ political parties litical parties have resorted to similar regularly call vio­ methods. lent street demon­ The Nepali Congress and commu­ stration to express nist parties, in effect, encouraged their their dissent. workers to break the law to ovenhrow The CPN- the panyless system. UML and other In an open and liberal polity, there nine left parties is no justification for continuing with called violent violent street demonstraUons. Whether stree t demonstra­ they are thrown by supponers of Girija tion hundreds 0 Prasad Koiralaor Madhav Kumar Nepal, time in the past as stones damage public property and dis­ ifit isa way topres­ rupt peace. su re the govern­ Some of the western friends of the ment. N-UML have already expressed dis­ This Lime, too, pleasure over the party's unconstitu­ they are leading an tional methods to overthrow the govern­ agitation with a ment, but CPN-UML leaders seem to be group of extreme ignoring them. left, including "The CPN-UML is damaging itself United People Fo­ and sending the message to the world rum, Unity CcnLer, that it does not have any democratic Nepal Communist com mitment," sai d a political analyst. Party Masal and "What has compelled it to adopt violent Worker and Peas­ means." ant Party. The UML' s agitation has not re­ CPN-UML, ceived internal or external support. For which holds 69 the police force. it seems that they have seats in the House to fight a lone battle with the commu­ of Representa­ nists in the urban and rural areas. tives, is hobnob­ The difference for them is that they bing with small extreme left outfit which "When ruling party does not listen our have to face Maoists' bullets in the rural do not have more than half a dozens of voice, CPN-UML is compelled 10 go to as and the sharp stones of the CPN­ representatives in the legislature the street to pressure the government. ML in the urban streets. For the com­ "Street demonstration is also a part There is a solution of the agitation but it mon pcople, the CPN-UML's agitation of democratic exercise. As long as Prime must come from the ruling party which ha s brought more inconvenience . Minister Girija Prasad Koirala contin­ is running the government," said profes­ "The CPN-UML has already been ues in power, wc will continue street sor Harsha Narayan Dhaubadel. a pro­ trapped in a political game and it is very demonstrations," UML leaders say. UML intellectual. difficult for them to exit from it," said a Interestingly, it is the main opposi­ Unlike in the ruling Nepali Con­ political analyst. tion CPN-UML which emerges as a gress where everything is flared up in Except for some die-hard commu­ main opposition party in the last three politics as soon as it starts. The situatjon nist followers, no one is justifying the elections. The party even formed minor­ is different within the UML where the UML's decision. "The UML is not fol­ ity government and joined different gov­ leadership challenges are happening in lowing parliamentary norms and val­ ernment as a coalition partner. covert manner. ues. It is very unwise on the pan of the Although the activities of the CPN­ The latest slOry doing the rounds is CPN-UML to destroy public property UML seems to be a suicidal game, the that the UML, which had openly de­ worth of million of rupees," said leadership does not seem to be bothered clared its half-hearted commitment to , leader of Nepal about it. "The CPN-UML is in a suicidal the democratic constitution when it was Sadbhavana Pany. "Sooner the UML phase and does not want to listen to promulgated (they extended only criti­ calls off their violent agitation, better rational arguments," sa id apolitical ana­ cal support with strong reservations), for their future.'" lyst. now seems to ha ve withdrawn the re­ Street agitations have already No body understand the rational lnaining part of its support - whatever crippled Nepal 's economy as the major behind the agitation to the CPN-UML it meant and implied. •

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 tt NATIONAL

tion gets angry. They denounce the Frank FOREIGN INTERFERENCE remarks. Again, the main opposition UML takes the lead. Politburo member and For­ eign Relations Department chief, Ihalnath Frankenstein Reaction? Khanal, issues a fonnal statement. He acc uses the American ambassador of in­ As it seeks to turn the heat on the government, the agitating UML-led communist terfering in Nepal's internal affairs. opposition gets caught on the wrong foot over American ambassador's comments TIMING: Wben ambassador Frank made his first statement, the UML-Ied communist By KESHAB POUDEL democratically elected government and opposition was preparing to start agitation the non-violent opposition." The opposi­ against the Koirala government. Their ti on including the main opposition leader main issue: rising corruption. To thecom­ SCENE I: is not bothered by this statement. They munlst opposition. "capi talist and imperi­ Dare: January 30. 2001 keep quiet. alist" American envoy's (non)stateme Vefllle: Kathmandu None of the above remarks by the came in handy. In his statement at a USAID function, envoy of the world 's only super power is Frank's second statement came just American ambassador Ralph Frank makes see n as "interference" in Nepal 's internal before the joint street agitation of the a vague reference to the problem of cor­ matters. UML and more radical leftist outfits. The ruption in Nepal and emphasises the need SCENE:2: communjst opposition stopped short of for good govern ance. Dare: April 12, 2001 admitting that they wanted to overthrow Newspapers including the country' s Venue: Katlzmandu the democratically elected government "number one" dail y "report" him the fol­ 1n a rejoinder to reports about him in through non-constitutional means. lowing day as directly castigaling the gov­ a pro-UML vernacular weekly, American Butas they vowed to depose Koirala's ern ment. The opposition parties bank on majority government on the strength of a the ambassador's statement to lambast the hammer-and-sickle nag-waving mob, a government, without even bothering to mere restatin g or hi s governm ent's policy check if the ambassador had been cor­ by the American ambassador became rectly quoted. The main opposition leader anathema to them. and the general secretary of the Nepal Three months ago. ambassador Frank Communist Party (UML), Madhav Kumar was a hero. Today , he is a villain. That's Nepal, takes the lead in launching a tirade how the communist opposition sees him. against Prime Minister, Girija Prasad The issue is not: if the American ambassa­ Koirala. dor was right or wrong in making su Ambassador Frank also reiterates the statements. American government's support for "a The issue is: if the communi st oppo­ sition has acted and reacted rightly. The government and the ruling Nepali Con­ gress did maintain one standard, that of keeping quiet on both occasions. Wisdom of their si lence may be debatable. But can there be a debate on the double standard of the oppositi on? The commu ni st opposi tion was loud and noisy in reacting to the American ambassador's both statements. But, for ambassador Ralph Frank says, "under no different reasons. [t was happy and did not circumstances does the United States sup­ see "foreign interference" when the Frank pon or advocate the overthrow of an statement suited it. elected government through violence or The communist opposition was an­ non-constitutional methods. Ultimately, gry and saw "imperialists' injection" to ofcourse, the problems facing Nepal need the "ailing" governm ent when the Frank to be resolved by Nepalis." words did not go well with the "revolu­ The remarks create a big uproar in the tionary" ways of breaking Lhc street-rail ­ Nepal: Double speak opposition circle. TIle communist opposi- ings and torching the cars. •

t2 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 NATIONAL

cized the concerns raised by the interna­ tional commun it y. ''The international com­ munity. including the US. has no ri ght to interfere into our domestic affairs," said , chairman or Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, a com­ munist ou tfit. "In ract. we strongly be­ lievcthat the US imperialism will co me to an end soo ner than later." More than the international co ncerns, undeclared 'cold war' bctween two giant neighbors, India and Chin a,may have had its impacton the prolonged political insta­ bility in the country, say ana lysts. Writes Ganesh Raj Sharma, a noted lawyer and political analyst in the latest issue of Hill/at khabarparrika. "Nepal lns. its long-found stability rrom both of its neighbors after Chinese army took the control of Tibet in 1950, Looking at the military power or A scene of political agitation: Where is its orig in ? in Tibet. India has been launching seve ral covert and oven operations in Nepal to bring this H;malayan kingdom NEPALI POLITICS under its secur ity sys tem. That's why. Nepal has fallen victim to a ll -round insta­ bility over the last several decades:' Hands That Rock The Cradle According to Shanna, India wo uld rind it suitable to launch its operations Conflicting interests of its giant neighbors and politicians without under communist cover whereas China would find it appropriate to use people of integrity continue to make Nepalese politics unstable Indian origin or under Indian inOuence to further its interests. "I r there were no By BHAGIRATH YOGI parliament, Ramesh Nath Pandey. Ir it roreign conspiracies. Nepalese people and were in , the police would have its leadership had capabilities to run a epalese politics is known for its summoned Pandey to know aboul his democratic polity," said Sharma. complex nature. Not only laymen, motive in meeting the underground lead­ interestingl y. analysts say commu­ even seasoned analysts fiRd it difficult to ers that are waging a five-year-old rebel­ nist rulers of China see th e monarchy and explain the 'ridiculous' behavior exhib­ lion to throw the constitu ti onal monarchy centrist Nepali Congress as .heir depend­ ited by Nepalese political actors lime and and parliamentary polity. Or, Pandey him­ ab le friends in Nepal rather than morc again. selr would have been rorced to resign ror than a dozen commun ist parties including Why would the main opposition bringing the monarchy into unwarranted the one holding guns in the name orMao. UML,that has preny rairchancesofronn­ controversy. Not in Nepal. Nobody should be amazed, hence, to see in g a government. would disrupt the par­ In astatement issued early this month, that nonc of the Communist parties wel­ liamentary proceedings for nearly two the European Union condemned recent comed the move taken by the Koirala months? Worse, why wou ld it choose to attacks upon police posts by Maoist rebels govern ment a few month s back to open an lead vio lent street protests with other non­ in Nepal and said it supported the demo­ altern ative land route to Tibet autono­ descript left parties when opinion polls cratic government and process of democ­ mous region of China to link Kathmandu say more people wou ld vote for it than the racy enshrined in the constitution ofNcpal. via Kerung. ru ling NepaJi Congress if the elec ti ons The government s of Norway and US also This could naturally irk the 'security were held now'? supported the EU move. Interestingly, none sensi tive' southern neighbor, For the last Con tradicti ons in Nepalese politics of the communi st panies in the cou ntry. 50 years, Beijing has not changed the way do not end here. 'Republicans' Or. including the UML, condemned brutal it looks at . The decades-old Bahuram Bhatlarai and Comrade attacks by the rebels upon tile security mi stru st anchored in a volatile past and a 'Prachanda' confirmed Ihatthey had had personnel. present conditioned by India's nuclear secre t parleys with a royal nominee in the Opposition leaders, however, criti- tests in May 1998 continues. Beijing has

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 13 NATIONAL been one of the most stri ngent critics of depicting Nepal as a yam between two try was threatened. This treaty was signed Pokhran2. viewing it as India's grand boulders is the renecti on of this geographi­ in virtual perpetuity. "hegemonic and expansionistic" design. cal reality. The 120-km long Arniko highway Experts say India expects others to The establishment of diplomatic re­ was constructed in 1962-64 period with light for its cause. So, instead of squarely lation with China in 1955. the cross-bor­ Chinese assistance despite India's objec­ facing the Chinese threat, it has tried to der transit treaty with autonomous region tion, The then King Mahendra had argued continuously play it down. It has gone out of Tibet and the Peace and Friendship to si lence the Indian critics by say in g thal. of it s way each time to placate China. Treaty between Nepal and China in 1960 "communi sm does not come by taxi cab." 1ndia recognizedTruwan usa part of China had opened the way for promotion of Theconstruction of highway was the open­ as far back as in 1950. In 1954, Ncw Delhi friendship on the basis of 'PanchsheeL' ing of the fjr;t Chinese gateway to South accepted Chinese authority over Tibet. Nepal ha ~ treated the Tibetan affair as an Asia. The Arniko highway has remained On the other hand. China refused to recog­ internal matter of China and has consis­ a militarity strategic.: point for both India niLc Sikkim as a pan of India and contin· tently supported the policy of onc China. and China while Nepal has considered it ues loclaim parts of Arunachal Pradcsh as Till 1950 lhe Himalayas were con­ as politically important in its policy of its territory. Chinastill considers Kashmir sidered as the secure boundary of India as balancing the neighbors. Recently. China as a "disputed territory" to be resolved there existed the buffer zone of Tibet, has agreed to support Nepal to constr bilaterally between India and Pakistan. which prevented the Chinese anny from an alternative route. Syaprubesi-Rasuwa­ Bpth india and China arc immersed coming face to face with those of India. Kerung highway. as an alternative to in radical economic reforms and Kodari highway, Interestingly, are competing la capture the glo­ Nepali communist parties. in­ bal market. China's sway over stead of welcoming the bold South East Asiaswnds undisputed. decision taken by the centrist Its growing economic clour. mili­ Nepali Congress government. tary strength and political stabil­ chose to stall the parliament with ity are way ahead of India. whi(.;h a view to pull down the govern­ wuuld like recognition as a major ment. player. It is no secret that China Ncpali leaders have always has been I iSled as the world' s sec­ been susceptible of Indian in­ ond largest military power. In tentions in the pa~t. India's an­ India's perception this is alann­ nexation ofSikkim in 1974 wa~ ing. enough [0 give risc to:1 sense of Besides diplomatic finesse. insecurity to Nepal. Within six growing interaction between , ...... months, with a view to prec­ Nepal and China over the last few Former PrtmeMlI1lster Bhatlarm (rtght) With Indian Defence mpt any Indian attempt to limit years has drawn international at- and Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh : Cementing tics Nepal's sovereignty Ki tcntion. Considered as a butTer state be- BUl the situation in 1950 changed com- Birendra proposed that Nepal be declare twcen two Asian giants (India and China) pletely with the Chinese considering the a l.one of peace. More than 100 countries Nepal has been adopting a principle of Himalayas as their outer line of defense of the world. including China. supported equi-distance with bOlll orits great neigh- and Tibet as falling under their sovereign Nepal's proposal, not India. bors for the last several hundred years. jurisdiction. Nepal's relation with China was fur­ But due to its geographical compulsion In 1959. the entire scenari o changed ther strengthened but its relation with In­ and soc io-cultural reasons. Nepal has to with theescapeofthe Dalai Lama to India. dia became strained as a result of the maintain close relations with lndia. India's ofFcr of political asylum to the Peace Zone proposal. The Indian govern­ As more than 16 percent of Nepal's Dalai Lama added fuel to the fire and ment considered that this proposal was territory lies north of the Himalayas. Nepal resulted into the border conflict of 1962. virtually an aUempt to nullify the 1950 not only belongs to South Asia. it also Within Olle year of the escape of Dalai Treaty. Although the proposal was en­ shares geographical features of China's Lama to India. then King Mahendra de- dorsed by Chi na within one year of its Tibet, which touches Central Asia. Nepal vised a panyless Panchayat polity for announccment. India continuously said has hence always possessed strategi c im- Nepal, independent of political systems in that it was stud ying the proposal. ponance. The British considered Nepal, India or China. To show its friendship with China, Bhutan and Sikkim as bufferstaLes. Nepali The 1950Treaty of Peace and Friend- Nepal completely routed the Khampa rebels peoplc continued to preserve Nepal's in- ship between Nepal and India has estab- who were active in Nepal in the early dependence and sovereignty by pursuing lished the primacy of India in Nepal in seventies, As an appreciation. top-ranking a policy of balance and equidistancc with exclusion of any other country calling for Chinese leaders including supreme leader both China and India. The concept of consultations in the event of either coun- Deng Xiaoping visited Nepal.

14 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 NATIONAL

INDUSTRY Security Concerns Industrialists ask the gov­ ernment to provide secu~ rity to businesses

Nepalese business leaders drew the attention of the authorities last week toward the deteriorating law and order situation in the country and its adverse impact upon the economy. During the Industry-Commerce Day organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) last Except for the secret military agree­ flight of Karmapa Lama into India in the Tuesday and the 48th AGM of Nepal ment of 1965 between Nepal and India, winter of 2000 through the territory of Chamber of Commerce two days later, the two countries had developed slightly Nepal has made Beijing unhappy with they expressed their dissatisfaction over divergent views on the patterns of their Kathmandu." the present industrial and trade policies relation. Nepal's national interest could Nepal procured weapons from China of the government and demanded that be equated with its interest of survival. in 1988 to which India objected heavily. the government introduce investment­ friendly policies. During the cold war, india was too India unilaterally imposed trade blockage Addressing the meeting. Minister sensitive to China's activities of develop­ against Nepal in 1989-90, during which a of State for Industry, Commerce and ing even nannal relations with its South pro-democracy movement flared up re­ Supplies Krishna Prasad Sitaula said the Asian neighbors. Now. with the increas- sulting into the restoration of multi-party government was ready to extend every improvement arSino-Indian relations. democracy in the country. possible cooperation to boost up eco­ is kind of sensitivity should have been "Nepal has been trying to expedite nomic activities in the country. He said reduced day by day. development of its northern areas by open­ the government was working hard to On its part Nepal has never encour­ ing more passes across Nepal-China bor­ provide security tothe industry and busi­ aged nearly 30.000 Tibetan refugees re­ der. But external powers have been apply­ nesses. A few days back, a delegation siding in Nepal. 1he refugee community, ing pressure against opening any such led by FNCCI President Pradip Kumar actively engaged in commercial activities routes." said Hiranya Lal Shrestha. a Shrcstha met Deputy Prime Minister including carpet business, is considered former MP and leader of the CPN (ML). and strongly de­ one of the afnuent refugee conununities "After 1949, China has adopted a new manded improvement in the law and in the world. foreign and security policy, whereas order situation. The delegation also Thanks to the hospitality offered by Nepal's southern neighbor has given con­ demanded that the government make the Nepalese people over the last four tinuity to the same British-India's foreign public actions taken against those ar­ decades, they arc on the verge of assimi­ policy characterized by hegemonistic be­ rested in connection with involvement lation. say experts. havior against small neighbors." in incidents such as theft and robbery. But there still are grey areas .., The As long as security interests of big During the meeting, DPM Poudel as­ , despite the request neighbors -"continue to clash in this sured the business leaders that the gov­ of Chinese government authorities not to Himalayan kingdom, foreign diplomats ernment will take necessary steps to allow anti-China activities from Nepali would continue to be found with huge cache improve the situation. But with the streets soil. has failed to StOP Free Tibet Move­ of explosives a day before lheir departure of the capital itself turning violent. whether the government will be able to men~ said Dr. C. K. Tiwari, a political and streelS of the Nepali capital would con­ scientist based in Washington D. C. "The tinue to look ugly .• keep its promise remains to be seen, •

SPOTLIGHT/APR IL 20, 2001 15 COVER STORY POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Conflict Of Cultural Values

The past decade of Nepal's rough journey to democracy has seen every kind of alliance and action - opportunistic, unholy and unnatural- as a short cut to power. It seems that means and manner do not matter to our political actors. Agitations, street demonstrations, violations of the rule of law appear to be well-accepted features of politics. After more than fiv decades of democratic experiments, Nepalese politicians are yet to culti­ vate the core of the culture and character of democracy: tolerance, patience and respect for the rules of the game

By KESHAB POUDEL intimidation to oust a prime minister for the resignation of the prime minister, chosen through elections - if they were it reflects the depths to which Nepalese II all effort to force Prime Minister used at all - would have been held in politics and politicians have degener­ Cirija Prasad Koirala to resign, the abeyance unlil he was proved guilty of ated. maill opposition CPN-UMLandfive something. For communist opposition Nobody knows what Koirala might other opposition parties stall par­ parties, who are schooled in authoritar­ have done to Bhattarai if their roles were liament for more than 45 days. ian methods of governing, stalling the reversed. What is clear. however, is that I Former prime minister Krishna house, paralyzing the streets and creat­ all Nepalese politicians - be they Prasad Bhattarai. a founding leader of ing a national sense of anarchy could be Benaras-educated Bhanarai, Thakur Ram the ruling Nepali Congress, demands the seen as a natural extension of their be­ Campus graduate main Opposilion party resignation ofhis party colleague during liefs. leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Allahabad­ an all-party meetillg convened at his resi­ However, when a politician like educaled RPP leader Surya Bahadur dence. Bhattarai, who has sacrificed his entire Thapa or Oxford graduale RPP leader If democratic values were still alive life to uphold democracy, chooses 10 Pashupati Sumsher in Nepalese politics, the use of force and deviate from democratic ideals in asking - have shown their adeptness in espous-

16 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 COVER STORY

dictions ha ve come true in other coun­ tries , they have turned into living reality in the Nepalese context. where democ­ racy is not functioning properly because of the actions of the participants and practitioners of the political process them­ se lves. Be it the ruling Nepali Congress or the main opposition CPN-UML, Ras­ triya Prajatatra Party (RPP), Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) or the CPN­ ML, all have proved that they come from same caste and creed when it comes to the question of playing petty politics. Each party and leader remains will­ ing to adhere to ru les and regulations as long as it s su it s their interests. Once the party or leader feels that the rule of law cannot fulfil their aspirations, they im­ mediately adopt such undemocratic mean s as general strikes and stree t pro­ tests. Political leaders: Shifting alliances Leaders of smaller political parties h ~ve been leading an undemocratic po­ ing the same political culture. and then manipulate the mechanisms of litical process by organizing periodic agi­ The culture ofJung Bahadur and the democracy to curtail or destroy democ­ lalions that disrupting normal life. When values of lhe Rana regime arc still Hctivc racy. With third-wave democracies, the the mai n opposition party, theCPN-UML, in the bloodstream of Nepalese politi­ problem is not overthrow but erosion: joins hands with four other opposition cians. The only difference is that while the intermittent or gradual weakening of groups in stalling parliamentary proceed­ lung Bahadur physically liquidated his democracy by th ose elected to lead it." ings, a sense of bewilderment is bound to rivals while today 's politicians arc trying If one evaluates the decade-long po­ set in the public mind. In a situation to innict the same damage through a liti cal development ill Nepal, one can where the main political players of the sustained process of character assassina­ understand how political leaders them­ day themselves do not believe in the tion. selves arc posing a serious threat to the political process. how can they be ex­ Although all leaders claim that their democratic process. Whether in the name pected to strengthen it? rent behavior and character is demo­ of street agitation or unholy alliances "Democrati c development occurs cratic, the common people seem to be with rivals, political lead ers are making when political leaders believe they have frustrated at the emerging undemocratic every effort to deSlabilize a political sys­ interest in promoting it oradut y toaehievc tendencies at the po litica l level. The tcI111hat pUIS hi gh premium on the adher­ it. Sueh eli te are missing from many people are gradually losing faith in the ence to core va lues and ideals. parts of the world :' wrOte HuminglOn in political leaders who they revered and The history. culture and religion ofa anOlher article, "After Twenty Years: supported to the hilt during the people's particular society, experts argue, deter­ The Future of the Third Wave", lournal movement that brought about the politi­ mine the behavior of political leaders of Democracy (Vol. 8, Number 4, Octo­ cal change of 1990. and panies. Democratic culture and va l­ ber 1997). 'Threats to third-wave democracies ues need tol erance, pat icnce and respect "Democratization as primarily the are likely to come not from generals and for the rules of the game. It is impossible product of political leaders who have the revolut ionari es who have nothing but 10 achieve democratic objective s by un­ will and the skill to bring it about. Clearly, con tempt forucmocracy, but rather from dermining its basic values. If the mob is however, both preconditions and craft· participants in the democratic process," allowed to rule, democracy gives way to ing have roles to play. and certain pre· wrote Samuel P. Huntinglon. renowned mobocracy. If the street mob is all owed cond itionscan faei Iitalc democratic craft­ political scientist, in his article "Dcmoc~ to play the determining role in changing ing. These include a relatively high level racy forthe Long Haul", published in the the government , no succeed ing govern­ ofeeonomicdevelopment and prevalence lournal of Democracy (Volume 7, Num­ ment would be able to gain stability . One of what can be termed Western culture, ber 2 April 1996). cannot justify the use of mob politics to and values, including Western Christian­ "These are political leaders and change the political order. ity ." groups who win theelcctions, take power, Whether or not Huntington's pre- In countries like Nepal, the condi-

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 17 COVER STORY lions favoring democratization are either non-existent or very weak. Institutions are yet to develop and political leaders ignore the practices and values they arc sworn to upholding. "Personal behaviour is very important in determining any po­ litical process. Tradition and culture al­ ways determines the personal behaviour." said Pro. Dr. Sushi I Raj Pandey. Democratization is not impossible in such countries, political scientists say, but it is likely to be more difficult. In addition, many non-Western societies are going through a pervasive process of cultural indigenization. They increasingly resist Western industrialized values and institutions and are searching for an iden­ tity and meaning in their own cultural traditions. The Constitution of 1990 visualizes all kinds of mod­ RPP and Congress leaders: Marriage of convinence ern institutions such as the executive, judiciary, legislature and political par­ however, onc cannot guarantee a suc­ Amid the weakening of state authority, ties that are required to run a democracy, cessful transition to full-nedged democ­ the panies are encouraging an "anything However. the behavior and values of the racy. goes", atmosphere. actors assigned to run these institutions The difficulties Nepal faces on its "We overthrew the Panchayat sys- have hardly demonstrated the reqllisite journey to democracy include problems tcm by our own strength and this time, minimum character. related to political cu lture. a legacy of the too. we will take similar action," thun­ Economic development can alter a undemocratic systems of the past. Fol­ dered K.P. Sharma Oli. leader of CPN­ country's culture and make it more sup­ lowing the restoration of democracy ,state UML at a recent political meeting. "Agi­ portive of democracy. If it occurs. eco­ constraints on individual behavior were tation always bring change and better­ nomic development will presumably have removed. Accompanying this was a loos­ ment of life." impacts on a society like Nepal. Even ening of the state's inhibitions and un­ Although the political parties are after achieving economic development, certainty about the standards of morality. calling for mass demonstrations, the r - span se of the people is so poor that 0 school children are coming out on the streets. "The opposition parties are sell­ ing their remaining goodwill. After this agitation. they will not have anything left to sell," said a political analyst. People from virtually all walks of life took part in the political agitations of 1990. hopi ng that the new system would help bring much-needed prosper­ ity to the country. What the people wanted then was a democratic order that would ensure good governance. They believed such a system would encourage economic well being, political stability. social order, communal harmony and an efficient and honest administration. All these hopes have been shattered. The people, who had a choice in 1990, don't see a better alternative today. RPP and UML leaders: New found friendship Merely conducting regular elections does nOl necessarily lead to a democratic

18 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 COVER STORY

government. Theexpression of the popu­ has experi enced majority. minority and CPN-UML has always remained suspi­ lar wi ll has to be supported by restric­ several coaliti on governments. but with­ cious. At the same lim e. its critical sup­ ti ons on absolute power of the executive, out any di scernibl e democratic cult ure port to the parliamentary democracy has by an independent judiciary to uphold over the last decade. 'Though there is crated suspicion whcther the CPN-UML the rule of law, by protecti on of indi­ democracy in Nepal now. It seems that is adopting a strategy to disrupt the par­ vidual rights and liberties of expression, thcconnection between the vested-i nter­ liamentary system from within."' Poudyal of association, of belief and of parties, by est groups and politica l and economic said. effective guarantees against arbitrary ar­ elite are so strong and the policy of gov­ Democracy is more than the sum of rest and police brutality, by the absence ernme nt does not seem to be effective to in stituti ons. A healthy democracy de­ of ce nsors hip and minimal governm en t change the s ituation," said Prof. Dc. pends in large part on the development of con trol of the media. Ananta Raj Poudyal, in hi s article "Gov­ a democratic civic culture. Accordin g to The new cons titUlion has guaran­ ernance in Nepal" in "Essays on Consti­ political scienti sts. culture means the be­ teed everythin g in writing. When the tutional Law", published by Nepal Law haviors, practices and norms that define constitution starts funct ioning in the ab­ Society. "Moreover, the vita l form of the ability of a people 10 govern them­ ~c nc e of minimum requisite culture. the them are the concomitant democratic cul- selves. Education plays a singular il1l- racter and behavior ofthe actors resembles those of au­ tocra ts. Mode!."n democracy is a product of western civi li · zation. IL s fQOls lie in social pluralism, c la ss system, civil society, belief. commitme nt and pracllcc of the rulc law, and experiences with reprc!o.cnlalive bodies. Economic development has a strong positive effect on democratization, Seymour Martin Li sped pointed out de­ cades ago. The evidence has shown that the economi c de­ velopment has a strong posi­ ti ve effect on dcmocrmiza­ " n. Economic growth in- ves higher levels of ur­ banizati on, li teracy and edu­ ca ti on. It also involves a sh ift in occupational s tructure, Ch d (I f) d NI' Cl II . h d I' . I· d an et an cpa. ose a ey w it a ec Ine In t le size an importance of the peasantry and the development of a middle class ture of the political parties and leader­ portant role in free societies. In a demo­ and urban working cla ss. ship. Introducti on of democracy is acorn­ crati c system, the regime is the servant of The laHer groups increasingly have plex process which involves more than a the people - people whose capacity to a voice in and influence the poli cies th at political tran sformation. " create, sustain and improve that regime affect them. With a hi gher level of edu­ The tran si ti on to democracy con­ depends in large measure on the quality ca ted ci ti zenry, political compromise and cerns the whole body politic - that is. all and effectiveness of the educational ar­ to lerance increase. The easing of state the individuals that const itute it and their rangements through which they pass. co nt rol of the economy leads to the cre­ soc ial relationships. Changes in human Nepal is yet to develop a level of educa­ ati on and growth of independent centers attitudes are less easi ly accomplished tion that a multipany political system of power. based on thl.! privately con­ than remolding the political system. presupposes. trolled capital, technology. and commu­ "No doubt, the CPN-UML is the "Social structures arc feuda l. domi­ nication. This will change the status or largest opposition party in parliament, nated by a system of patronage and tradi ­ the o ld feudal order that controlled the but its f\mbivalent role, sometimes in ti onal va lues whi ch pem1it;] special role country 's economy. parliament and sometime in the street, for influenti al persons and which make Within the multiparty system. Nepal has created confusion. The role of the open public dialogue difficult. On the

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 19 COVER STORY

cratic, the characters of Nepalese politics have grown up in the same traditions and have been influenced by the same ele­ ments. Human as well as material factors play an important role in bringing demo­ cratic results. Level of education. nature of institutions, quality of disciplines and the independence of the media are vital to running democracy smoothly . The ability of democracy to function depends on the nation's collective state of mind . In the present circum stances, whatever the system introduced, the re­ sult might not be very different. T • results of the Panchayat and democr' systems are nOI sO strikingly different. It is not only the political system but also the supporting factors and character of actors that need to be taken into account Ranabhat and Mohasin : House keepers before evaluating the results. When society passes through phases whole, however, Nepal is an agrarian takeover in 1961, the Panchayat system of oPPoTlunism. how can one find actors society. with limited accessibility in tenns was run by opportunist politicians like with unique characters'! "We can change oftransponalion and communication, and and BishwabandhuThapa. who the base of technology but wc cannot with a very low standard of education," deserted B.P. Koirala to join the Pan­ change the base of culture and knowl­ states a report on consolidating Democ­ cbayat. Communist leaders, too, had edge. One has to pass several round of racy in Nepal, prepared by the Interna­ shown similar a charac­ tionallnstitutc for Democracy and Elec­ ter. Now the CPN­ toral Assistance. UML, RPP and the We are undermining the authority of Bhattarai faction of the state by hurling abuses at the prime min­ governing Nepali Con­ ister. Political parties and leaders seem gress have entered a new to have lost the patience to go to their political aliiance, but no destiny. We are influenced by western onc knows what com­ model of political process, particularly mon ground they find the British model of parliamentary gov­ them selves on. ernment. But the nature of its implemen­ This shows that ev­ tation shows that it is running through ery nation has its own Nepalese political culture. heritage, which influ­ Opportunistic Alliance: Nepalese ences the country's po­ politicians have not shown the political litical character. The culture needed to run a western demo­ same political model cralic system. In the last decade of de­ brings different results mocratization, Nepalese have seen dif­ in different social con­ ferent types of opportunistic alliances text s. Because of cul­ between various political forces. Vari­ tural factors, Nepal's ous aliiances - RPP-NC-NSP, RPP­ democratic process has UML, RPP-NC-NSP, NC-ML and NC­ always suffered. UML-NSP-have formed governments. Whether it was Pan­ This shows that the political system in chayat or multiparty Nepal is influenced by the West but is its polity, both systems infrastructures are indigenous. have had similar phases Opportunism is not a new phenom­ and results. Whetherau-...... Bhattara. and Nepal: Every alliance IS possIble enon in Nepalesepolitics. AftertheRoyal thofltanan or demo------_--=.___ ...:...- ____~ ______

20 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 COVER STORY social transformation before achi eving A liberal political system functions racy. Indeed, the faster the economy perfection," said Dr. Rishikeshab Raj successfully where individual behavior grows, the more likely democracy is to Regmi. is based on western values. Democracy survive. What Nepal has With a hjgh level of is the best mode of organized politics. Democratic development occurs illiteracy, rampant poveny, difficult geo­ but only if the actors are faithful to its when political leaders believe they have graphical terrain, absence of local com­ ends. an interest in promoting it or a duty to munication system, and the majority of "Democracy in Nepal has been apain­ achieve it. as Prof. Huntinglon says. Such people living in isolated villages within ful process because of the contradiction elite are missing from Nepal. When poli­ small communities, Nepal's transition to between alien democratic values and na­ ticians themselves are stalling parliamen­ democracy is not easy. Nepal's situation tivecultureofdespotism, while the people tary proceedings for such a long lime, are stands in marked contrast to industrial­ at large are yet to experience a transition they not extending an open invitation to iled democracies. which consist of fully from raiti (serf) and praja (subject) to anarchy? urbanized societies, almost universal lit­ nagrik (citizen). Contest among elite fac­ "It was the best of times, it was the cracy. no poverty and strong institutions. ti ons is for self-aggrandizement instead of worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, Countries like Malaysia. South Ko­ ideology. Even if one were to allude to and it was the age of foolishness .... It and Singapore, too, have seen vary­ mainstream party ideologies, those to the was the spring of hope, it was the winter ing phases of authoritarian and liberal government. HGwever. they did not have to contend the kind of problems Nepal grappling wi th because of developed in­ frastructure and improved literacy rates. In such circumstances, how long can Nepal wait to emerge out o f this sordid state? Nobody can provide a precise an­ swer. Nepal's situati o n is so fluid that it might plummet even below Afghanistan or it might improve its situatio n amaz­ ingly. What is also important to nOle is that Nepal has distinct advantages. There are fcw countries like Nepal which have not gone to direct war with another country in more than a century. There is no inter- breakdown of law and order. no civil si tuation. no faminc and major natu­ ral calamities. A nalyzing all the factors re lated to the political process. it is strange that Nepal has been losing its stability UML leader OH (left) with Deuba : Comrades in ann and peace. Governance has become a dreadful task. left of the center are tending to the ri ght of despair, we had everything before us. As there is no convincing reason while accumulated problems call forradi­ we had nothing before us, and we were internally for thi s to have happened, o nc cal measures. Formali stic change in pol­ all going direct to heaven and we were all has to see the role of external factors ity does nol necessaril y mean change in going direcl the o ther way .. ," while going to the roots of political insta­ societal values that shape political cul­ These few first lines written by bi lity. After all, it is not easy for a coun­ ture," said Dr. Harka Gurung, aprominent Charles Dickens in "A Tale of Two Cit­ try like Nepal, which lies between the big intellectual and former minister. The ies" in 1861 mirrors the present si tuation powers of Asia that are also the world's democrati c exercise in Nepal is beset with of Nepalese society. Because of the un­ two most populous countries, to remain the incongruity of the new political sys­ predictable behavior of political leaders, free from external influence. tem. Formalistic change in polity does not nobody knows where the democratic and Culture always plays determining necessarily mean a change in societal val­ liberal po litical process followed by role in shaping the behaviorofindividual ues that shape political culture." Nepal wi ll lead the people. Following the ac tors. As individual behaviordetemlines Economic cri sis represents one of lestoralion of a liberal democratic :iy.s­ the fun ctioning of the political process, the most common threats to democratic tem in 1990, Nepalese people are indeed the mere introducti on of a new system stability. Conversely, economic growth confronted with the best of the times and' cannot bring the desired results. is conducive to the survival of democ- worst of the times. •

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 21 INTERVIEW 'We Can't BackAny Move That Could Threaten Multiparty System' - RABINDRA NATH SHARMA

RPP {eader RABINDRA NATH SHARMA was We want the resignation of Prime Minister olle Dj fhe key architects of opposition alliance in Koirala and we have not made any kind of compro­ the recelllly proroglled winter session of parlia~ mise on that demand. As long as constitutional

ment. A memberofthe upperhousel SharmQ- who provisions for doing so exist, we don 't want to has had Cl long innings in politics - was also the follow unconstitutional methods. It is the privilege architect ofthe RPP-UML-NSP alld RPP-NC-NSP of the opposition to seck the resignation of alliances Ihal formed lhe government in 1997. prime minister. SharlllG spoke to KESHAB POUDEL all MOllda.'" But what specifically led you to pull out of all varioIls aspects a/the ongoing political the street protests? stalemate. Excerpts: Look. We had frankly told the main opposition CPN-UML in the early days of the anti-govern­ As your party was one of the key allies ofthe ment alliance pressing for the resignation of Prime communist opposition in the winter session of Minister Koirala over the Lauda Air deal that we parliament, why have you decided not to join woul d not take part in any kind of street agitation their street agitation? and unconstitutional activities. We understand well First of all , we don' t want to take part in any that one cannot fully control the street agitation one agi tation that will worsen the law-and-order situa­ launches. The violent events of Monday [that ac­ tion and create a sense of panic among the common companied the UML's bid to block Koirala from people. Wedo not want to beadirect or indirect part entering Singh Durbar] proved our suspicions. of any kind of violence. This is against the basic What do you mean? That the organizers of spirit of the RPP. Secondly. we don't want to the street agitation will lose control of the situa­ disturb theexisling multiparty polity. Weare aware tion? that anti-multiparty elements are active and they We cannot control and guide street agitations should not get any opportunity to overthrow the because different forces will play against us when current system. Our party cann ot agree with any the agitators turn violent. We have clearly said t move- whether it is from street or any other place to the UML leaders. - that would damage the multiparty system. If violent agitation would only benefit re· It is a very How do you evaluate the ongoing street gressive and anarchist forces, why do you think unfortunate agitation launched by the CPN-UML and other the CPN·UML is leading it?' communist parties? Look at what happened Monday morning. The event. As a It is a very un fortunate event. As a responsible unfortunate events during Monday's demonstra­ responsible main opposition party, the CPN-UML must real­ tion will have a great impact in the Nepali Congress main opposi­ ize, its limitations and acknowledge its responsi­ and the CPN-UML Such violence and anarchy bility toward the people. Prime Minister Girija could even lead to a reversal of the democratic tion party, the Prasad Koirala also should try to avoid any kind of process in the country. U we continue to follow CPN-UML confrontation with the opposition. undemocratic acts, it would only benefit undemo­ Is it not opportunistic on the part ofthe RPP cratic forces. must realize to have left the alliance with the UML? Do you see any possibility of ending the its limitations There is no question of political opportunism. violent agitation soon? and acknowl­ As an alternati ve democratic party, we cannot go Everything is possible in politics. The RPP for undemocratic methods.It is important to under­ believes that a solution to the current political edge its re­ stand that we are ready to support any constitu­ stalemate can be found only through honest dia­ sponsibility tional method to oppose the government. logue and compromise between the ruling and What about the opposition demand that main opposition parties. toward. ' the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala should What role can the RPP play at this junc­ people. resign? ture?

22 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 INTERVIEW

Our efforts will be fo­ cused on slafting the process of dialogue between the rul ­ in g and main opposition par­ ti cs. As you kn ow. the coun­ try is now pass; ng th rough violcm:e and un certainly. The governmenL is unable 10 instil a ~e n se of security in the people. Political cla,hcs he­ tween the ruling and opposi­ lion parties would benerir Ilci­ Iha the country nor democ­ racy. To bring normalcy in the country. Prime Minister ija Prasad Koirala has 10 c prepared 10 make sacri ­ lices. Did you sec any politi­ CHI points in the prime minister~s address to the nation on radio and TV'! [could not sce any politi­ cal points in the Slalclllcnt. It was a rit unl islic :-.latcrnent any prime minister would deliver in normal circumstances. Prime -MiniSlef Koirala Even in such circumstances. you cannot dis­ could have given clear hints to th e Maoist rebe ls on COUJl{ the strong secti on in the country which al­ slaning negotiatio ns. ways ravors a c10scd system. If we give such After it emerged that Royal nominee opportunity to thcm, they will destroy democracy. Ramesh Nath Pandey met with two top Maoist Many political leaders have been talking leaders, there has been much speculation in the about the need to evolve all-party consensus. press. How do you look atlhe implications orthe What is the rationale for this? n ecling in the context or the role of the King? We arc not t.lking about an all-party govern­ First of all. i.l constitutional monarch can do no ment. You must understand that all-party consen­ wrong. and he is abovecrilicism. lfsomeoneclaims sus does not mean the establishment of an all-party he met wi th Maoist leaders as th e representative of government. Our point of view is that Nepali Con­ the monarch. it is nothing bUla hoax. Such publicity gress cannot alone meet the challenge posed by the In ay he beneficial for the indi vidual concerned, but Maoists. it is not in the interest of the monarchy. Such What do you want the government to do? incident wi ll crcate morc suspicion over the institu­ As you know, the people have given their Congress has ti on. mandate to the NepaJi Congress. The ruling party At a time when everybody is expressing has to take an initiative to settle the issue. Congress to be prepared concern over the democratic process, how do needs to approach all major political parties to to take any you see the future of democracy in Nepal'! develop national consensus. No single government Democracy is stili under threat in Nepal. Di ITer­ can settle the existing problems irrespecti ve of the decision ' in enl forces are trying to subven the democratic pro­ siLcofthe majority it hold s in parliament. Congress this regard. If cess. 1d on' t think it would be easy today to di smantle has to be prepared to take any decision in this this requires a the syMe m because the people are morc aware about regard. If this requires .change of leadership in the thei r right and duties. No citi zen is ready to give up party, it must be prepared for that. The first and change of the freedom he or she has been e nj oying ever sin ce foremost task in ending the present situation is to leadership in the re storatiun of democracy in 1990. stm1 negotiations with the Maoists. If you say people are aware about their Will the Maoists agree to negotiations? the party, it rights and the value of democratic institutions, The Maoists have already made clear that they must be pre­ why do you perceive a threat to democracy? are in favor of talks. • paredfor that.

SPOTLIGHT/A PRIL 20. 2001 23 ART

creativity as well as painting skills. as the EXPOSITION artist has to make ske tches first. For Chainwala, who has been interested in this field since childhood. the job has become All That Glitter easier because she is a painter, too. Already, she has organized four exhi­ A young Indian woman organizes an exhibition of bitions including the one at the Australian Spring Fair, 2001 held at the Australian fascinating gold and diamond ornaments High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi. By SANJAYA DHAKAL Designer wear is thought by many to The latest exhibition of Chaiowala be expensive and considered 100 classy to includes gold and diamond jewelry. "Al­ alking down the corridor of be worn in daily life. Be it clothes or though I love to work in different metals, I W Sarosh Art Gallery is quite a mes­ ornaments, ordinary people in this part of chose gold this time as it is currently the in­ merizing experience. Beautifully decorated, the world are yet to accept designer things thing ." the compilation of sparkling jewelry de­ in a big way. "I feel that designer wear Scores of people, especially wo signed by a young Indian woman, Purnima should be accepted by the public. I believe thronged the gallery to have a look at the Chainwala, provides for a glittering exhi­ in simplicity and that designer wear should jewelry collection. The exhibition had a bition. be worn for comfort," says Chainwala. special meaning as it was organized just on Titled "Eternal Motifs" the exhibition She says that the designer wear is the eve of a marriage season. Gold jewelry, includes a wide array of designer jewelry, meant for everybody and that the people traditionall y have had a special signifi­ including necklaces, anklets, earrings and need to learn to value such stuff. "I am cance dun ng marriage ceremonies and other soon. Theexhihition-cum-saJe was opened inspired by various shapes and beautiful festivals in the country. • at the gallery in Chhauni last week. motifs in natural surroundings like flow­ Intricately designed and masterfully ers, sky , or even something abstract like thunder, which I have incor­ BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL porated in my designs." Chainwala has under­ taken professional training in Time To Enjoy maiOng at the Jew­ elry Product Development A week-long opportunity to Center, New Delhi, India. A cherish classic English films skilled artist, Chainwala has also founded a jewelry de­ sign studio called Nima-C, To mark and coincide with th e laun ch of British Pavilionat the Himalayan Expo which IS based in Kathmandu. 2002. the British Film Festival is being "Tt requires persever­ organized jointly by the British Embassy ance and thought for making and the British Council in the Nepalese a new piece of jewelry. The capital. effort is to arrive at a design, During the week-long event (April which can be worn, is not too 19-25) three films will be screened at the loud and can be technically Gopi Krishna Theater at C habahil. Ac­ made by the artisans. As each cording to organizers. films featured in L.._,..,._.....,,,...-, __-.,. ______...;I of my pieces is handcrafted, the festival include Oscarnomtnated film An object: Creative work great care has to be taken "Billy Elliot" starring Julie Waiters of regarding the finish and du­ "Educating Rit'" fame. All the films will crafted, the jewels in the exhibition speak rability," she says. be screened at the Krishna Hall of the for themselves. Besides, the jewels are not Exhibition of jewelry is rare in Gopi Krishna Cinema Hall at Chabhil, offensi vely priced. They are in the range of Kathmandu. Moreover, anexhibition from Kathmandu from 5.30 PM. Entrance is Rs 35,000 to Rs 150,000. an artist who hails from the country that is free (no tickets required) and seats will be Chainwala, 23, has a special interest in world renowned for its traclition in making allocated on first come first served basis. jewelry and her focus is on "easy-wear. and wearing jewelry is a unique opportu­ The festival will provide a rare opportu­ everywhere". She hopes that the public nity for the Nepalese audience. nity at making quality British films avail­ accepts her designs. Thedesigning ofjewelry requires both able to the movie-lovers of Nepal. •

24 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 MEDIA

"I don't usuall y buy newspapers," YOUTH says 23-year-old Kalpana Rai of Bhaisepati.Lalitpur. "But I manage to gel a look at some of the stale news. [ really Views On News prefer to read Hindi film magazines and watch Hindi movies on ." International events draw a larger audience in Nepal, a In Nepal, Hindi movies are more popular than local productions. Some survey finds people just seem to drool over Hindi mov­ Ies. BY AKSHAY SHARMA Kathmandu belonging 10 Bijen's genera- But the youth are changing by the lion share hi s views. They seem interested day. They seem (0 survi ve in a world of "D 0 people in Kathmandu watch in what the Internet has to offer. As one their own. And, as Padma Lal Devkota Nepal Television?" asked expert puts it . "It's the MTV generation said, "Knowin gly or unknowingly, soci- Poudel from Bara, southeast of attitude that IS causing this feeling in this ety is transforming in a way nobody had IJlIloarldu. Indeed! In a survey conducted age group." been expecting. Nepal's society is in a by BA Public.ti ons in Kathmandu that 111e Civil Code of Nepal defines a transition period due to illiteracy." interviewed 1,248 people last year, most youth to be an adult at the age of 16 and "This is due to the lack of communi- were more interested and familiar with allows to vote at 18. The Public Service cation between the movers and shakers of news happening outside Nepal. Commissionallowscandidates from the 16- the country compared to the population of When we asked Bhes h Raj 35 age group to apply for a govemment post. the country," the BA Publication!s report Bajracharya, 27, how up-to-the- .------,suggests. minute he kept himselfabouthap- "Most of the big attractive peningsinsidcthecountry,hcsaid, newspaper headlines seem to- "We 11, the first priority I give is to tally irrelevant 10 the context of the wellbeing of myself. I man- their contents. I even spotted age to skip through the headlines some headlines that didn't match of newspapers as 1 have to rush the art icles," Rashmi Shakya, every morning to work. And when who works at Sipradi Trading 1 come back, I mostly watch for- House. "Some seem so confus- eign TV channels." ing that it makes yourheadspin," "TIlis may be because they T he confusion image grip- every the ir friends who have ping the youth in urban and to some height that they rural areas raises a big question have," explains Surendra for the nation. "Are they to be Shahi arBA Publications. "Some exploited as anarchi sts, political of this generation have been un- activists and other organization motivated because they get frus- which pose a threallO the future trated," explains Surendra Shahi of th e count ry?" asks Asim o r BA Publications. "Some were Pradhan. Hesaid political issucs sent abroad for higher education seem mcager compared to so- becausetheirparentswantedlhern cial issues in Nepal. to pursue the goals of their own, "I do read newspapers," The middle class seem truly mo- says Rajan Sakya, 22, who lives livaled but they are entangled in in Nardevi, Kathmandu. "I pre- their own problems." fer 111e Kathmandu Post for my "[ do not know what my fu- daily news. but unfortunately I ture holds for me," 19-year-old onl y go through very few sto- Dij cn Shrestha worries. "I donft ries. Perhaps ilis something deep know where my life is headed - inside that commands me skip to Annageddon or Paradise. r others, Or maybe it is a habit of would rather watch MTV than an uneducated person. But it watch some boring Nepal TV pro- seems to mete beacleverchoice grams or Hindi movies." Youth: Search for an identity because the newspapers seem Most of the people in biased." .

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20,2001 25 REVIEW

change, of our socio-cullural being pro­ BOOK vides a dynamic perspecti ve of self-evalua­ lion as well as Ihe meaningfulness of Ihe direclions of our growlh and developmenl," Value Orientation said Or. Upadhyaya. In Ihe lasldecade, Nepal and India have A psychologist takes a close look at the changing seen a tremendous changes in human be­ havior because of the change in the value values of Nepalese and Indian youth syslem, A delail ed sludy of Ihe panem of changes in culture and values in one country The growing invasion of western culture, on has particular relevance to the other since By A CORRESPONDENT Ihe olher hand, is responsible for much of they share a common social and cultural ~ e changing behavior of Nepalese Ihe trouble an extremely vilal segmenl of herilage, The book presents a broad canvas .I. youlh has prom pled a delu ge of con­ their population is facing loday, of the multi-variety impact of moderniza­ cern from di verse quarters. Although soci­ As communisl ideology is gradually tion, durati on and culture and points to t .,. ologists and anthropologists have done some replacin g Hind u tradilions among the youth, importance of mobilization of human studies on the issues and impli cations in­ one can see a ri se in aggressive and militant cultural resources in the region. volved in the area. a psychologist has forthe behavior among them. For its part, the state Or. Upadhyaya has hi ghli ghled his find­ first time cl osely monitored the reasons has imposed certain restri ct.i ons to contain in gs that modernizati on pro m o te s behind Ihe change in Ihe values of the YOUUl the growin g influence of modernization, scientifici sll1 in lowl y educated peopl e in in India and Nepal. such as making Sanskrit educati on compul­ [ndia and promotes the same in hi ghly edu­ Or. Niranjan Prasad Upadhyayas sory in the hi gh-school curriculum. How­ cated ones in Nepal. According 10 the au­ "Some Aspects of Value-Orientali on: A ever. these moves have come under heavy thor. both modern ization and education are Sludy of Adulls in Nepal and India"' sheds cri ticism from radical communist outfits expecled 10 go logelher in Ihe promotion of li ght on the vario us connotations and con­ and non-Hindu groups. Some radical left the value ori entation of the people. nec ti ons social and cultural changes have groups are demanding an end la compul­ The book, based on Ihe PhD. thesis of on Ihe behavior of Ihe youlh. so ry Sanskril educali on, Or. Upadhyaya, elaborales on the behavior Nepal and India share many common While Ihecountry is grappling with Ihe and characlers oflhe youlh in Iheir changing values drawn from their Hindu traditions. Ihreals posed 10 ils youlh by changing val­ society. In terms of analysis and observa­ ues, Or Upadhyaya offers some deep in­ tion, the volume draws useful conclusions sights into the issue and suggests solutions. on the scope and impacl of this process of Although Ihe di scussions and analyses lum lransfonnal ion. • hi ghl y academi c at times. the r:::-::-:-:=:;;-:--=::-::-:::-::-:-,:",:::-:---:=---:~~=----" book has come as a helpful MANAKAM.ANA CABLE CAR resource at a time when soci­ ely is seeking a prompI re­ sponse la Ihechal lenges posed by new panem s of youth be­ hav ior. Culture and values play a very im portant role in shap- Since the 17th Century.. in g the bcha vior of the youth. ManakaJDana tem.ple has parti cularl y in countries like been widely venerated . . becaue of the belief that Nepal. where the transtlion to ManakaJDana Dcvi Fulfills modernity is painful. Dr. Up- all "Wishes. adhyaya has made an effol1 lo Today. instead of the study the value orientati ons 4 to 5 hour arduous trek.,. . . . Manakaxnana is no"W of people 10 an mteractmg accessible in just 10 frame of culture on the one TDinutes by hand, and modernization and Manaksxnsna Cable Car_ educati on as by-products of the techno-scientiftc strides Some Aspects of Va lue-Orientation: on Ihe Olher. EvCty ~asseng.... 1nsured Upto A Stl/dy of Adults ill Nepal olld India ''The multi-varielYfra me Written by Nimnjall PraslId Upadhyaya Published by Adroit Publishers. Delhi of Ihe sludy, on Ihe dimen­ ~1-600<104

26 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 THE BOTTOM LINE

By M.S.KHOKNA

UML's Version of peaceful protest.

TRANSITION tion of the Kingdom of Nepal Foreign Ministry. Rabin Nepali, with Parijat 1990. Pandulipi Award, for hi s con­ RE-PROMULGATED: The SEPARATED: Ganga and tribution lo children literature. Anned Police Ordinance 2057, RETURNED: Chakra Jamuna, Siamese twins from CELEBRATED: Nepal Week Local Administration (fourth Prasad Bastola, for~ign min­ rural Nepal, who were joined at in Istanbul, Turkey, organized amendment) Ordinance 2057 ister. after completin g a visit to the head, by doctors at the by Events Nepal and Royal and Ordinance Designed la India, Denmark and Finland. Si ngapore General Hospital Nepalese Consulate. A!llend Some Nepal Acts Con­ after a complicated marathon cerning Health 2057, by His ORDERED: Mohammed operarion. FORMED: Nepal Business Majesty the King. with the Arshad Cheema, first secre­ and Profess ional Women ex­ advice and consent of the tary at the Pakistan Embassy. AWARDED: Satya Mohan ecutive comm ittee, under the Council of Ministers and in Kathmandu, to leave Nepal Joshi, academician, with the leadership of Laxmi Keshari accordance with the Constitu- within 24 hours, by the Tribhuvan Pragya Puraskar. Manandhar. •

SPOTLIGHT/APR IL 20, 2001 27 EDUCATION

says. 'The calamity affected studies and the DHARAN plight of students was pitiable," remembers Pratima Panday, the curren t principal. Finding qualified people to teach was a School Skills major challenge. "I finished my bachelor's in education and became head mistress of One of the oldest schools in eastern Nepal, Dharan's Sharda Balika the school attheageof2l,"NinnalaSharma recalls. "Many students used to teach in the Namuna High School isstill a torch-bearer school as well." She adds: ''There were four teac hers BY AKSHAY SHARMA in Dh.ran challenge lhe West even after the devasta- who were coll ege gradualcs. There was a tion they suffered during the Second World librarian who had finished his intermediate War." studies. I remember that we had a Nepali harda Balika Namuna High School at The prime minister said, ''The world is teacher on the faculty. The salary I got was S Dharan, 500 km east of Kathmandu, getting small er and we need to focus on the 200 rupees a month. Although that amount celebrated its golden jubilee on the last day educalion of the new generation. Studies sou nds ridiculous today. I was of the Nepali year 2057. The celebrations have shown that the average girl child in then. The librarian was paid 200 were accompanied by, among other things, Nepal leaves school when she is in Class 5 while the clerks were provided 156 rupees. the inauguration of hostel facilities. or 6, and this is a key area we have to pay The sa lari es were slighlly increased laler," The school has come a long way in attention 10," The expenses set aside forcxlra-circu- these 50 years and provides a testament to The school has crossed many hurdles. lar activities were insuflicient. she said. the nature of the challenges Nepal "Girls were only allowed skipping has had to confront in'seek ing to ropes and c3rom boards. I bought educate the girl child. "We had to some badminton racke ts for them. travel to India 10 find teachers ThercuscdlObeatwQ-slOrcybuild- because the country didn't have ing and 18 roOIllS were added later. enoughqualificd people." Kusum In 1961. four morc rooms were Shrestha and her son Prabhu told added." SPOTLIGHT. "Classes were held from 'The general public, espe- Grade I to 10." remembers cially those fed upwith theRanas' Nirmala. The school now runs on autocratic policies, who believed the ten-plus-two system. "There in the importance of educating were 150 students when 1 was the the girl child helped found Shree principal." Sharda Madyamik Vidyala," Donor agencies were i wrote Akhbar. a weekly newspa-I-:==-:--:-_ -'_.,....""' __..... ested in funding educat per in Dharan. PM Koirala at Dharan : 'Educating girls is Lhe key' programmes. "The school manage- The golden jubilee celebra------~------ment went looking for people will- lions also provided a special opportunity to "Once wc had organized a cultural event ing to help the school and the people of look il1lo the fUlure. "We should focus on and the girls were supposed to dance. Many Dharan," recalls Narayan Devi Shrestha. the stressing technological knowledge and parents said we were doing something another former principal. skills and build a better and a well-educated wrong. They refused to send their daughters Experts brought in by donor agencies society," sa id Prime Minister Girija Prasad to school." reminisces Kusum. "I still re- concl ud ed that rebuilding the school on the Koirala, who lOok lime out of his busy member how we had la convince parents same spot was not feasible. The manage- schedule in the capital to altend Ihecelebra- and guardians to let their daughters come menl planned to go 10 new premises. tions. "I have an emergency cabinet meet· back to school." ''The principal met well-wishers and in g to altend, but the beauty of Dharan - Initially, the sc hool operated Qut of a donon;andgot the new lanc.J." says Prabhu. the junction between the Terai and the hills pati near the Sinha Devi Mandir. ''The resi· Theschool got four bighas of land frollllhe - was loo irresistible." dentsofDharan are proud to see the way thc government. The new and wcll-equipped ReferringtothechallengesNepal would school has changed," says Prabhu. Many premises at Dharan 16 were bui lt with the face in the days ahead. Koiralasaid: "I asked people have helped the school in different help of the Swiss Red Cross. the Japanese prime minister what a coun try ways. Pratima'seffons loorganil.cthcgolden like ou rs should stress in order to achieve The massive earthquake that struck jubilee celebrations show her energy and our development goals. He suggested that eastern and central Nepal in 2045 severely determination - qualities that have driven we focus on education and technological damaged the school. "The buildings and the countless people to build the school into things first. The Japanese have managed to school ground were devastated," Prabhu what it is today. •

28 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20, 2001 PASTIME

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SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 29 LEISURE

J .9\FTER U A LATE DINNER, D SAM AND G MELANIE E SIT AND DISCUSS HOW TO PROTECT P THE A PARKERS / R K E R

THE LWt MUST OWN 510CK IN n-iE U.S,MINT! M A R y Wo R T H

I HAVEN'T 'COUR,5E YOU HAVEN'T. 11'. YlNG TO :;COP!: Ol1T DONE ANY JU5T PlAY ALONG ... THATTA~TY • limE NUR,~ \oII\mN G5 ... ACTUALLy I'M JU5T S PR.OGR,AM \ YOU GOT T GOIN'_ I T C H E S

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)0 SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 LEISURE

CROSSWORD BRIDGE

NORTH l-U 4 K Q 63 • K J 10 8 3

•• A5 to 7 WEST EAST 4 10874 2 • A95 • A 9 7 5 • Q 6 4 2 • A 3 2 .94 .3 .9642 SOUTH 4J

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Opening lead: Club trey ACROSS DOWN I. Jellyfish in sea to west of America (6) 2. Girl endlessly keen to captivate (7) "I wonder men dare trust 5. Run-down theatre company launches 3. Not curved, like violin parts needing appeal after a month (8) attention? (7) themselves with men." 10. Gibe made by Figaro, say, with out hesi- 4. A conspirator right up a tree! (7) tat ion (4) 6. Small caft owned by yours truly in (er- - Shakespeare 11. Yes man offered la kick alcohol, it's said rible state (9) (10) 7. Constantly repeat ceremony, taking ec- "Sorry. partner. I should have given you 12. Setter possi bly rejected humorist's clue "asy and speed (9) a ruff," apologized East. "However, whether for wading bird (6) 8. Asian captain is shaken, about to be to lead a heart or a club was a pure guess." 13. Dips initially I not medieval manuscript replaced by king (9) "Had you trusted me, lhere would have containing Iri sh Gaelic (8) 9. Hiding article about evidence of disease been no guess," replied West. "Had you 14. He may have a craft and master at sea (9) (9) analyzed the problem more deeply, you would 18. Italian who made violins in the morning. 14. Can work upset Frenchman? It makes have found the setting trick," very early (5) eating possible (3-6) With 12 cards in the minor suits, South Books about a certain music group (5) 15 . Added commentary to books held by girl blasted to five diamonds at this first turn. Understanding an assembly (9) and boy (9) Against vulnerable opponents, his huge pre­ 24. Way one is taken in and so on, arousing 16. Boned steak from croft, oddly served in empt could lose little and might create a • pity (8) dish (9) substantial swing for his side, 25. Opinion aboul island is unacceptable (6) 17 . Size of attraclive bar, say, due lO be West led his singleton club to dummy's 26. Fairly good daily leaves room in lhis developed (9) ace, and South led a [rump (0 his 10 and "ate? (3.2.5) 21. Flauering husband closely observed on West's ace, West shifted to his spade four, 27. Bring down fastening device (4) entering (7) East's ace winning as South dropped hisjack, 28. One who recovers and judges again? (8) 22. Rubbish a French anomey noticed round With no future in spades, East was at the 29. In Athens. almost ready for a little liquid bui Idi ng (7) crossroads, He elected to lead a heart, play­ (6) 23. Old stone implement misplaced in hotel ing partner for the heart ace because of South 's (7) pre-empt. Unfortunately for the defense, South ruffed and then claimed the rest. Should East have led a club instead of a heart? West argued that he should have, and we side with West. There are two good rea­ 41!(o:)N '£ l upul1loM 'U; P:)A:)UOH ' Il :)pm!ui3:cj.r\J 'L I :)IO:JOllU3 '91 P:))ElOUUV '!;ll:)Uddo-u!~ 'PI sons for leading a club, '3U!4SEl4.L '6 !UEISPIP.d '8 :)IEl:)I!:)}! 'L )aU!WEls3'9 smnqly 'v paMoqun "£ lnoweu3'l : UM-0a After West won his trump ace, if he didn't want a club ruff, he should have tried W4:JEla '6l l;)WJ:) P:)'M '8l l!EN 'Ll A)SnpOS ION '9l UO!ION '!;Z O!1;)41Ed 'Pl '3U!-lJ41Ea 'Ol l:)uON '6' pEWy '81 to cash the heart ace before leading a spade. tluwsoPCl.L 'PI SdSldluwl "£ I l!MpOa 'lll:){O!Jlooa ' 11 qlEa '0 I l!dolOaa '!; 13snp:}W'1 : SSOJJV More convincing. with a singleton spade in South's hand, South's side suit rated to be clubs, marking West's opening lead as a NOIlJl'IOS certain singleton.

SPOTLIGHT/APRIL 20. 2001 31 OBITUARY

[ndian who appli ed. During the interview, DEWANG MEHTA the American was asked what two plus two would be. He promptly took OUI his laplop, punched in a few keys and then answered, Adieu Forever four. There was a good display of lechnol­ ogy as wel las the correct answer. Butduring India loses an IT wizard -and Nepal a good the interview with the Indian, the applicant for the job went up to the interviewer and friend replied, what would you want the answer to be." I remember Dewang saying that lndi· By ALLEN B. TULADHAR into the field of computers but later went into ans cannot only give the correct answer but it by choi ce. Dewang is a chanered accoun­ also tailor the answer to anything that the hen J first heard the news, my tant by education. His insights into the com­ customer wants, hence Indians were morc W instant reaction was that it was the puter industry with lheSouthAsian perspec­ successful in software and IT sector. Friday the Thirteenth virus or prank that li ve, hi s fight against piracy, his eromance' 1 wish the same was true in the acts of some sick people were starting. But alas. it wilh Ihe media, Promoting [Tes (IT enabled God and thal Ihc answer loday could was true and hard to believe. Even harder to services) in thi s region, extensive work in changed to what we want it to be- to bc li eveaftcrreading the stories on Dcwang's the areas of office bearers of an association Dcwang amOJlg us to tell us more of these death was thal he was only 38. wilh him in NASSCOM and me al Corn­ jokes, Wherever you are, Dewang, Rest In My interactions with Dewang Mehta pUler Associalion of Nepal (CAN) are all Peace! • have been on various occasions, and always areas thal both Dewang and I share the same rorvery short period. [always found Dewang level of fervor and dedication, to be fleeting rrom onemeeting in one city to One of the many cUliosities I always (Alien is CEO of Unlimitul SoftlVare another. It was in K'athmandu that we fLfSl had was to find out whelher Dewang's hair Network p\!{. Ltd" a leading IT company in was for real or it was a wig he was wearing ... Kathmandu.) I guess I will never find out. l was always vo­ cal that we need to eclone' and create an­ other Dewang Mehta for Ihe Nepalese soft­ ware industry as well to do the magic of pro­ POTLIGHT motingNepalese sofl­ NA TlONAL NE WS,\/A CA ZINE ware overseas. Now with Dewang no- Color where at sight, even that seems 10 be im­ Front Cover In si de R,. 10.00000 possible. even though Back Cover. R, 20.000.00 cloning techno logy Cover Inside R,. 16.000.00 Mehta: Inspiring a generation seems to be possible now. Any Page Inside mel. Ihen in Delhi in Ihe small NASSCOM I clearly remem­ (National Association of Software and Ser­ ber Ihat Dewang used Full Page R, vice Companies) office al Ashoka HOlel in to slan his presenta­ 12. 000.00 R, . ~.OOO . OO Half Page R, Ihe early days of NASSCOM and laler in lions with a pholo of 7.000 DO R, 5.000.00 Quarler Page Hannover, Gcmlany. Ganesh and start off Rs. 4.00000 R, . .1.000.00 Special Pull -ouI With the assistance of Microsoft, Un­ by stati ng Ihat in In­ limiled had sponsored a trip of Dewang dia, Ihey pray 10 their Mintmum Four-page R~ . ~5. 000.00 Rs. 30.000.00 Mehta 10 Nepal. This was when he ad­ compulers as if they dressed an inaugural dinner of CAN Info were gods. Tech and also the seminar for South East I also remember For details, contact: Asian Regional Computer Confederation a joke thal Dewang (SEARCC) in Kathmandu. used 10 say: "For the SPOTLIGHT J find that I have a lot in common with vacancy of ajob for an THE NATIONAL NEWSMAGAZINE Dewang. He also started his career as a accountant, there was journalist, as I did. He is also not educated an American and an GPO Box: 7256, Baluwatar Ph: 977-1 423127, Kalhmandu 32 SPOTLlGHTI APRIL 20, 200 I

Casino Nepal i Soaltee Compound Hotel de L' Annapuma Hotel Yak & Yeti Tahachal . Kathmandu New Baneshwor Durbar Marg, Kathmandu Ourbar Marg Tol: 270244, 271011 Tol488100 Tol: 223479 Tol: 228481 Fax. 977-1-271244 Fax 977-1-490284 Fax: 977-1-225228 Fax: 977-1-223933 [email protected] .np E-milll everest@moscom np E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]