#610 22 - 28 June 2012 16 pages Rs 30

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

EDITORIAL BREAK AWAY Antisocial media page 2 There is more to the CPN, M breaking CYBERSPHERE away from the UCPN-Maoist than a move from a dash to a comma. The ore Nepalis today are getting information online than the cause of the breakup was less ideology number of readers of all dailies combined. This digital and more centralisation of brute power, Mcommunity is making up Nepal’s new public sphere. state power and wealth in the hands of Social media accords its users much more power to participate in the Maoist chairman. the production of information, it is interactive, immediate and has multimedia content. Many of the estimated 3.5 million new voters in BY THE WAY the next election will be Internet users. This crowd to protest a Maoist by ANURAG ACHARYA page 11 five-day strike in Kathmandu in 2010 (above) was mobilised largely by net activists. As with all media content, there are the good, the Digital multiply ANALYSIS bad and the ugly. The Internet is a double-edged sword whose very by Rubeena Mahato by KANAK MANI DIXIT page 12-13 freedom provides a forum for those against freedom. page 4-5 2 EDITORIAL 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 ANTISOCIAL MEDIA

he global digital divide between the ugly. At a time when the mainstream those who are wired and those who press is being co-opted, coerced or bought Tare not is mirrored within Nepal. off by political parties not known for their Affordability and accessibility issues have adherence to democratic and free press kept large sections of the population out values, social media holds out the hope of of reach of the Internet. The digital divide, keeping the democratic space open. in fact, is just an extension of the income The Internet is a double-edged sword. divide and education divide in Asia’s most Just as it can help mobilise pro-democracy unequal country. uprisings, its very freedom also provides a However, things are changing fast. The forum for those against freedom. Not just number of Facebook users in Nepal has in Nepal but across the world, social media crossed 1.4 million and is growing fast, instead the levelling the playing field and there has been a sudden surge in Twitter being a marketplace of ideas, fragments accounts among Nepalis, and more and society into thought ghettos. Instead of more people are reading news online. building bridges, it fosters echo chambers Many of the five million or so Nepalis who for corrosive dialogue. live and work abroad are hooked up to social media so In this dynamic, interactive and in- Nepali language social media, instead of bringing they can keep in touch with home. stantaneous public cyber-sphere, society together has turned increasingly into a carrier The Nepali media has so far not been affected by the of hate speech across ethnic lines. Racism, intolerance, migration of eyeballs to online sites, although print is opinions being made and spread are incitement to violence and open threats characterise many suffering from advertisers moving to tv. But as the number good, bad and sometimes ugly. of the postings on social media sites. They range from of people getting news on PCs, laptops and smart phones absurd biological determinism to support for supposed increases, paper media will shed readers in the coming curve in understanding new media even though it is superiority of certain castes, to vitriolic postings that years. The new media is born, but the old is not dead yet. going to have an increasingly important role in future resemble anti-Semitic rhetoric elsewhere. Into this transition has arrived social media: blogs, elections. This may be a way to let off steam, dissipate anger, email groups, online media, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube For now, social media is a free-for-all. It is still and Nepal’s strong inter-ethnic bonds may be able to and what-have-you. Like it or not, this is going to affect dominated by the personal, but is increasingly being used withstand the onslaught, but it does have the potential politics because the young middle-class is getting wired as a political platform by citizens to air their views. It is to devastate social harmony and take communal ties to in increasing numbers. A roundtable on social media in this dynamic, interactive and instantaneous public breaking point. organised this week by Himalmedia heard that more than cyber-sphere that opinions are increasingly being made Fortunately most Nepalis, wired or otherwise, value half of Nepal’s population is under 21. One way to look at and spread. News of the Maoist split spread right across peace and harmony and want grievances addressed this is as an alarming demographic bulge, but it also has Nepal and to the diaspora through Twitter and Facebook, without violence and conflict. This silent majority must huge political implications and opportunities. However, long before it “broke” on mainstream media sites. speak out and interact more on social media to drown out political parties and most leaders seem to be behind the But, as with all media there are the good, the bad and the voices of hatred and racism.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

THE ASSASSIN CREED people like him to lead Nepal. Gurung’s beautiful songs have they are political pamphlets. And the district come in thousands, poorly A very appropriate editorial about Purba Rai always brought Nepalis together and media house will lose both money dressed, wearing only fl ip-fl ops, and the growing impunity in our country, I appreciate his article’s message. and readers in the long run. completely unprepared for the high however, I disagree with the writer’s I fully agree with the writer’s However, without correcting historical Dinesh altitude cold. There are long queues suggestion that we should “come to views. We need more people like him injustices, the meaning of unity outside the Himalaya Rescue our own conclusions on what [the in place of Dahal, Nepal, Poudel and and nationalism is pointless. For To have a really independent Association aid post in Manang assassinations] portend, and who Ang Kaji Sherpa. Today if anyone centuries, marginalised groups have media, Nepal must switch to digital where people suffering from pre- was responsible” (‘The assassin talks about unity, they are immediately been deprived of their rights in the media. This way, publishing houses existing conditions come in hopes creed’, editorial, #609). This will accused of ‘bahunbad’. But those who name of unity while the privileged will be free from the pressures of of fi nding a quick cure so that they lead to too many fi ngers pointed at want respect and recognition must classes continue living with their false dwindling revenues and journalists can continue their search for the too many directions, and add to the fi rst understand that they too need to sense of entitlement. Our society won’t have to beg or become preys caterpillar fungus. panic. The solution is to demand respect others. cannot thrive on such superfi cial of criminal politicians. All you need is Buddha Basnyat a prompt investigation and the Nagarik foundation. We must fi rst get rid of our a good computer and fast internet. Supreme Court should take the historical baggage and then talk about Srijana Shrestha Dwindling yarsa harvests lead because a member of the legal This is a very well-written and nationalism. point to the failure of the fraternity was murdered. heart-felt piece. It should be translated Abc Politicisation of the media is state’s agricultural policies. If Gyanu Adhikari into Nepali and printed in Himal and not just a Nepal-specifi c problem, the government can devise other dailies. ‘Unity’ and ‘nationalism’ It’s nice to talk about patriotism it happens all around the world. scientifi c and sustainable ways to Our police force is inept and have suddenly become bad words. But and love for one’s country. But Until journalism is perceived as a increase and regulate production, corrupt just like most government who benefi ts from undermining Nepali claiming that ethnicity-based business, and not a social service, yarsagumba has the potential to agencies. So who do ordinary and nationalism and unity? Not us Nepalis. federalism will rob the country of its this trend will exist. More than the massively boost Nepal’s economy defenseless Nepalis turn to for Hem Thapa unity is just baseless and very biased. media houses, we should blame the and help attract foreign investors. security and protection? Saran capitalist system we live in. They could even be sold as value Kiran Rai Amrit Gurung speaks the truth. Naran added products not just to China, Many Nepali “nationalistic” songs are I feel that waving fl ags and but health and pharmaceutical SINGING FOR NEPAL products of the Panchayat era where singing about unity aren’t enough. It’s ironic that Nepali Times is industries around the world. I fi nd a rare voice of compassion patriotism was manufactured in large True nationalism and unity are writing about publications losing their Raju Adhikari and rationality in Amrit Gurung’s scale. Nepal’s true unity lies in the possible only when there is equality political independence, when its writing, something that is lacking cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity and respect among all Nepalis. sister publication Himal has become in the discourse of cynical couch that Gurung is celebrating. SL UML’s mouthpiece. We used to take potatoes in Kathmandu (‘Singing for Rabin Himal seriously when growing up, Nepal’, #609). Gurung is doing the PARADIGM SHRIFT but no longer. Until someone starts a Weekly Internet Poll #610 work of the traditional troubadour, I like how Gurung expresses Kudos to Rubeena Mahato for boldly professional and non-partisan media travelling the country and bringing highlighting the political story behind outlet in Nepal, Rubeena Mahato Q. The number of students passing SLC test has been his love for the motherland consistently low because of: the voice of the silent majorities to and encourages us to remain united the recent change of editors in one and other good journalists should those who want to push the country despite our ethnic differences. Like of the largest media houses in Nepal take a break. Total votes: 1,622 into violent ethnic confl ict. Nepal him, generations of Nepalis worldwide (‘Paradigm shrift’, #609). No wonder Sajin is fortunate to have him. have been inspired by Siddhicharan’s a paper that was known for taking Jan words. However, I disagree when a strong position on democracy, DESPAIR AND HOPE Gurung calls certain nationalistic democratic values and norms, This is an excellent article by Thank you Amrit Gurung for songs “hollow” and derides them for suddenly switched to the left. Selling Dewan Rai on the predicaments being the voice of hope and reason celebrating “insecure nationalism”. It is shares to a politician earned the of yarsa collectors (‘Despair and in a country that seems to have his personal opinion, but many other publishers big bucks in the short-term. hope in Dolpo’ #609). We have lost it. Our Brahmin and Janajati Nepalis like those songs. But newspapers run by politicians and similar stories from Manang where Weekly Internet Poll # 611. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com leaders have failed us; it’s time for Sanjay Shrestha parties are not really newspapers, yarsagumba pickers from Gorkha Q. Do you think the split in UCPN-M will weaken the largest party?

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 OP-ED 3

SIMON ROBINS

s Nepal’s entire system of governance creaks to the Apoint of collapse, it may seem a strange time to go back to the conflict and ask about its victims. But the problem with Nepal’s politics is exactly that the legacy of violence remains unaddressed. Nepal’s politics is the exclusive realm of parties that are top- down and undemocratic, with no accountability to their members, never mind their electors. This political culture allows the interests of ruled and rulers to be so divergent. The history of efforts to address Nepal’s violent past has been a stalemate, with no action taken for victims beyond a series of highly politicised payments NEFAD that appear to be an effort to buy their silence. Victims of the society and the stigma that has conflict who have been most resulted from their sons and impacted by violations have been husbands being missing. passive spectators to this non- Poverty characterises the process, objects of transitional lives of most victims, worsened justice rather than agents of it. by the loss of breadwinners. Civil society, supported Giving conflict How can a woman doing daily by foreign donors, has been labour to feed her children be advocating a judicial process expected to sacrifice a day’s and truth about the past, but wages to attend a meeting or this had been done on behalf of hold a placard outside the CDO victims rather than with them, office? As a result, the leaders emphasising and reinforcing victims a voice of the Family Associations are the marginalisation that both predominantly men, despite facilitated violations and most active members being wives heightened their impact. Those most directly affected by the war and mothers of the disappeared. Human rights activism has Livelihood issues must therefore come largely from the urban can play a role in addressing its legacy be addressed first. elite, while most victims of the The challenge now is for conflict are poor and rural, with donors who constantly talk of marginalised communities solidarity and ways both to can reflect their own hopes and presence. Their aim is to show their commitment to building over-represented. After five cope with the ambiguity of their ambitions. CVC has been joined that dealing with the past is peace in Nepal, but who have years of advocacy a Truth loss and to campaign for an around the country by other not something confined to the to date largely ignored victims Commission or an inquiry into addressing of their needs. district Family Associations, all capital, but must be done in the and their organisations, to show disappearances, never mind a In Bardiya, where more than rooted in their communities and rural communities where conflict their support to ensure that those judicial process, seems as remote 250 are missing, the Conflict seeking to make a difference for was most intense. most affected by Nepal’s conflict as ever. The end of the CA means Victims Committee (CVC) families where they are and on The impact of mobilisation can play a role in addressing its the end for the moment of the has brought families together their terms. The impact they are can be dramatic: Family legacies. struggle for legislative routes to in solidarity, making links having is significant, not just in Associations have seen truth, justice and reparation for to other organisations that addressing the emotional and family members from the Simon Robins has worked victims. can assist, offering financial social challenges families face, most disempowered sections with confl ict victims in Nepal The families of the support, campaigning locally but achieving reconciliation of Nepali society, Janajatis, since he worked with the disappeared are one of the and representing families in across the divides of the conflict Dalits, Madhesis, and above International Committee of the Red Cross in Nepalganj defining legacies of Nepal’s Kathmandu. as victims realise their shared all women, radically changed from 2005-7. conflict and of the failure to This represents an interests. by their participation. One www.simonrobins.com address the violence of the past. alternative modality for the To have a voice in woman described herself as More than 1,400 families still fight for their rights to that of Kathmandu, 25 district Family ‘transformed by action’ through wait for news of loved ones a civil society largely based Associations of the disappeared her engagement with her local missing from the conflict. In in the capital, with victims have come together as the Association. Such activity nepalitimes.com many districts families of the representing themselves as part National Network of Families is socially transformative, The next people’s war, disappeared have come together of a democratically constituted of the Disappeared and Missing challenging the traditional roles by Simon Robins #572 to share their experiences, find membership organisation that (NEFAD) to gain a national that women and others play in 4 NATION 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 Digital multiply The silent majority with moderate views need to counter hate speech on social media

RUBEENA MAHATO all major daily newspapers in to the political,” explained Nepal combined. Santosh Sigdel, a human rights There are also significant lawyer, “many Nepalis are using midst hype about the number of Nepalis who throng Facebook and Twitter to express recent surge in social to blogs, internet fora, online and discuss political opinions, Amedia use in Nepal, news portals, Facebook, not just to post family pictures.” there is legitimate scepticism Youtube and Twitter to keep However, Nepal’s established about its role in a country where tabs on national issues, usually media houses continue to the literacy rate is barely 65 with sharp, no-holds-barred treat online as an after-thought per cent. opinions. because advertisers still prefer Can the Internet ever be the Together, this online hardcopy. This is also reflected panacea that it is made out to be community of social media in the greater importance given the huge digital divide? users makes up Nepal’s new journalists accord to hardcopy After all, it is mainly urban, public sphere which used to deadlines. middle-class Nepalis who are be limited to a small section “My first concern when wired, and most of those live of newspaper readers and uploading exclusive news inside Kathmandu’s Ring Road. writers. Social media accords online is how much to reveal But everything is changing its users much more so that a rival paper so fast that the impact of social power to participate won’t use it in media and the Internet needs to in the production tomorrow’s edition,” be re-addressed. Technology has of information, it is says Binita Dahal, a played a part in boosting the interactive, immediate political reporter with Internet penetration rate to over and has multimedia content. Nagarik. BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: Sunita Rai that comments are determined 15 per cent. The other factor is As participants of a Increasingly, as elsewhere, and Amrita Rai of Deusa, Solu use by the surnames or ethnic the large diaspora population, Himalmedia Social Media Nepalis are first hearing of an internet for work and entertainment. background of the writer especially gulf migrants which Roundtable this week noted, it event on Facebook or Twitter. rather than by the issues being uses it for news as well as to is no longer possible to ignore The Maoist split made it to The run up to the addressed. “There is a clear communicate with families back the power of social media and Twitter long before it was constitution deadline saw clustering of people on the home. its influence on forming and on news portals, or breaking a spike in postings, and the basis of ideological leanings and There are now over shaping public opinion. And news on tv. And by tomorrow Internet became a virtual people are being increasingly 1.45 million Facebook users this influence will only grow in morning’s hardcopy editions, it battleground as netizens intolerant and radicalised.” in Nepal and although this is the years to come. was old hat. Timelines of engaged in debates on Aakar Anil, a blogger less than five per cent of the “Social media rose to tech-savvy reporters routinely federalism based on identity. and tech enthusiast makes country’s population, it is still prominence once it made a carry scoops that do not even Economic researcher and a similar observation. “You greater than the readership of transition from the personal make it to the mainstream press. analyst, Chandan Sapkota, says are not judged on the basis 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 NATION 5

SUNIR PANDEY There are many people who have Even in social media, ultimately Reporters don’t feel motivated to strong opinions on the present content is king. People will follow write for online. After all media identity debate but they won’t speak you as long as you can maintain houses pay us as print reporters not up because it is not compatible with your credibility. online journalists. their professional affi liation.

Chandan Sapkota Prateek Pradhan Binita Dahal

unmoderated feedback sections vituperative and most effective way is for the of the online press. personalised. silent majority of people with There have been calls Kiran moderate views not to be for regulation, but the Nepal, editor of silent anymore, and counter lines between regulation himalkhabar.com the extreme rhetoric. and censorship are blurred. says that things are not as bad as Aakar Anil says leaders RISHEERAM KATTEL Says Sigdel: “There is a fine they look. “I don’t think there should take more control and line between free speech and is a need to be alarmed simply engage with the social media of your arguments but on and drown out hate speech. Who is to make on the basis of things being said instead of complaining about your background,” he says, saner voices. that distinction?” on the Net. People have at least the criticism they receive adding that many Nepalis with What the Arjun Dhakal, coordinator found a way to let off steam.” on Facebook. moderate views therefore prefer Internet has done of the popular, intellectual and Prateek Pradhan, editor of “Gagan Thapa has to remain silent. in Nepal, as academic listserv, NNSD, says the business daily Karobar, more than 50,000 likes on Often it becomes difficult elsewhere, is compartmentalise even there debates often have disagrees and says Internet Facebook,” he says, “he can to deal with targeted attacks views and fragment society. a way of getting boiled down renders geographic boundaries mobilise this mass for great by groups and lobbies with In its ugliest form, this to their lowest denominator. irrelevant, and provocative causes if he tries.” There are political and ideological manifests itself as hate pages He tries to regulate that postings from the Nepali going to be some 3.5 million leanings. The result is that few and racist sites, crude photo- by moderating posts, but diaspora can still incite street newly eligible voters in the people with extreme opinions, shopped images of politicians inevitably as the discourse violence back home. coming election which is also and those who shout the and anonymous incendiary gets more polarised, postings What is the solution? the group that uses social loudest, dominate the discourse incitement to violence in the on NNSD have also become Chandan Sapkota says the media the most. 6 LIFE TIMES 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 WhereWhere isis thethe bathroom?bathroom?

Modern bathrooms are slowing finding a place in Nepali households

STUTI SHARMA

hile families splurge house. But thankfully, things professionally designed living Bajracharya of Nepal Marble spend big bucks.” on furniture and are changing as urban Nepalis room, if your guest can follow Bath House which has been Sanitary ware stores in the Wdecoration for their realise the importance of her nose to the bathroom. in business for the last 15 capital offer a extensive range bedrooms and living rooms, hygienic and airy bathrooms. “Architects and years. He adds, “Urban Nepalis of products in contemporary bathrooms are usually an Bathrooms reflect an owner’s home-owners are slowing are becoming increasingly designs with high safety afterthought, tucked away lifestyle. And it doesn’t make beginning to give priority to conscious about design and use features, catering to the in a dark dingy corner of the sense to have a luxurious, bathrooms,” says Yogendra of space and are even willing to demands of urban homes. While 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 LIFE TIMES 7

Even something as trivial as burn accidents caused by hot water can be avoided. “We offer innovative taps which automatically set the water temperature below 400 C,”says Budhiya. Hygienic and easy-to-clean features are also widely available. “Rust- proof PVC pipes which do not allow bacteria to breed inside their inner surface are very popular these days,” says Bijaya Ray of Mangalam Industries. Nepal's sanitary ware industry relies heavily on imports from China, India, Spain and Italy. While durability is still the most custom duty on bathroom important factor, store owners installations is low, duty on say customers now think about tiles can reach up to 70 aesthetics as well. per cent. “Most of our customers still Prakash Bajracharya of look for mid-range sanitary Bajra and Bajracharya says, products and prefer durability “Construction business over style,” says Sanjay Kedia has slowed down recently of Rajesh Sanitary Ware. “However, there is a gradual rise in the demand for high- end goods like Jacuzzis, steam cabins, and shower enclosures.” With an diverse range of innovative products, clients don’t have to compromise on design and even smaller bathrooms can be cleverly utilised. “Products like shower enclosures have revolutionised bathing and added elegance to bathrooms,” says Rajesh Budhiya of Rukmani International. Slippery tiles and sharp and this has affected our edges make bathrooms business. Political instability accident-prone spaces also increases the risk of our especially for the elderly. investments.” Now new designs can be However, demand is being incorporated to improve kept afloat by apartment and safety. “Coarse bathroom tiles hotel construction. Even made of non-glazed ceramics older houses are looking to can be used to minimise renovate their bathrooms slipperiness of bathroom to match modern lifestyles. tiles,” explains Birbal Dugar of After all, we spend one third Dugar Iron and Steels. of our lives in the bathroom. 8 LIFE TIMES 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610

Football Mania, enjoy the Euro Cup semi World Music Day, celebrate World Black and White Café, a great place EVENTS finals at Le Sherpa with Dj KD and drinks Music Day with Broken Butterfly featuring to spend a quiet afternoon surfing the to last the entire game. Rs 1000 (two Prakriti Deuja and other performances. net with exquisite bakery items like the complimentary drinks), 22 June, 8.30 pm 23 June, 6.30 pm to 10pm, Moksh, Swiss apple pie and chocolate crepe with onwards, Le Sherpa, Pani Pokhari Jhamsikhel homemade icecream. Lakeside, Pokhara

Gazaab Social Ventures, a fi ve-day Fete de la Musique, enjoy a classical Café Du Temple, famous for its delicious competition and workshop where music program to celebrate the festival of food, warm ambience and a beautiful roof participants will get to network with music. 23 June, 3pm, Yala Maya Kendra, top view. Patan Durbar Square, 5527127 prominent Nepali entrepreneurs. The Patan Dhoka winners of the competition will receive Saigon Pho, spacious interior with Rs 500,000 to start their own venture. Nojazz Concert, what better way to authentic Vietnamese dishes. Lazimpat Deadline for applications is 24 June, 2 enjoy fete de la musique than to attend 8 DEGREES, from lemon lassis to spicy July to 6 July, 9am to 6pm a nojazz concert. 28 June, 6pm, Nepal pork stews, 8 degrees is a great place to NOMADS OF WESTERN TIBET: Academy Hall THIRTY YEARS OF CHANGE, a talk try continental dishes. Jhamsikhel and powerpoint presentation by Cynthia MUSIC Beall about Tibetan nomads and their DINING Imago Dei, be it casual hangouts or way of life. 22 June, 7pm, Indigo Gallery, business meetings, Imago Dei is the Nepfest IV, Nepfest is set to return place for you. Nag Pokhari call Rabindra Shakya at 9851072333 or to delight music enthusiasts with Indigo at 4412580 to reserve seats Decapitated this September. Lorry’s, let Italian, Mexican and 8 September, 12.45 pm, Fun Park, continental dishes excite your taste buds Collision, artist Binod Pradhan presents Bhrikuti Mandap in this cosy restaurant. Jhamsikhel a series of paintings which depict nature THE HERITAGE, escape the fused into urban landscapes. 5 June to Letting off Steam, Indian Cultural Centre Boudha Stupa Restaurant & Café, hodgepodge of the tourist hub as you 30 June, 5.30 pm, Siddhartha Art Gallery, presents a live performance by Abhaya enjoy wood-fired pizza, homemade relish delights like paella and panna Baber Mahal Revisited, Babar Mahal & the Steam Injuns. 22 June, 5.30 pm pastas and the one and only Tibetan cotta. Thamel onwards, Russian Cultural Centre, gyakok. Boudha, 012130681, Exhibition on Everest, a photography Kamalpokhari, 4412715, 9841484408 Bronco Billy, a new restaurant in town exhibition by Jeff Botz which showcases [email protected] offering Tex-Mex and Indian dishes. They Mount Everest in its true glory. 6 June to EVEREST STEAK HOUSE, an make their own corn tortillas, which gets 6 July, 9.30 am to 5pm, Image Ark Studio, a big thumbs-up. But make sure to also Kulimha Tole, Patan, 9813186573 old-school joint for everything steak. A sanctuary for meat-lovers. Thamel, near try their margaritas. Pulchowk, opposite Namaste Supermarket Third Pakistan Products Exhibition Chhetrapati Chok, 4260471 2012, from kitchen ware to jewellery, visit this exuberant fair which also features Kaiser Cafe Restaurant & Bar, have a aunthentic Pakistani food. 20 to 26 June, BBQ lunch and a glass of wine or beer JAZZ inside the peaceful Garden of Dreams. 11am to 6pm, DECC, United World Trade Centre, Tripureshwor Thamel, 4425341 In Search of Peace, Bhairaj Maharjan UPSTAIRS Café Soma, enjoy scrumptious brunch depicts various forms of Buddha in his and indulge in crepes with sugar and art exhibition. 5 to 30 June, 5.30 pm, Jazz Upstairs has been a living landmark in Kathmandu’s music scene for over 20 lemon. Jhamsikhel Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal years. Walls coated with paintings and posters, like an old Aunt in eccentric clothes— Revisited, Babar Mahal Jazz Upstairs is a character of its own. Candles light the darkened tables. A single New Tushita Restaurant, relaxing yellow light bulb, hooked up to the generator along with the amps and instruments, ambience and good food. Don’t miss out Maya, M. Art Theatre and Sarvanam hangs above the three musicians, who deliver rollicking performances regardless of if on their penne with creamy bacon and present Maya, a drama written by Hari the place is packed or deserted. The imminent destruction of Jazz Upstairs has been mushroom sauce. Lazimpat, 44432957 Maya Bhetwal. Rs 100 (50 per cent off looming over it for months since it was slated for demolition by the road-widening for students), 15 June to 29 June, 5.30 project. It is diffi cult to imagine these rooms that so many musicians and locals and Salt and Pepper, a resto-lounge with a VESPER CAFÉ, has a quaint outdoor pm, Sarvanam Theatre, 4438947, www. travellers have passed through will soon be reduced to rubble. Old blues songs fl oat wide variety of dishes to choose from like patio good for leisurely weekend brunch. sarwanam.org through Jazz Upstairs. A woman dressed in a raw pink silk gown sways alone. Hakka Noodles, Hong Kong Chicken and Serves good salads, and steak-wraps. Honey Chili Potatoes. Lakeside, Pokhara Jhamsikhel

through everything. His guitar solos are moving and powerful and yet there is always a lightness to Desmond’s playing ANOTHER that infuses even the blackest tune with levity—a sudden guitar riff that sounds insubstantial as The Beach Boys. This balance of deadly seriousness and MONDAY playfulness is at the centre of Desmond’s understanding of the blues. “Inside it,” MOLLY JO GOREVAN he says softly, “there’s this wellspring of joy. People might think the blues are gloomy, but you don’t listen to the blues t’s Monday night in Lazimpat, traffic to sit and weep into your beer.” Over the slows, shop windows darken. Live course of the night, Ramshackle performs Imusic pulls you down an alley to a lit Freddie King’s Hide Away, Buddy Guys’s doorway. Up the narrow stairs, the music Nineteen Years Old, Neil Young’s Hey swells, and then you are inside. People Hey My My, Hendrix’s Little Wing, and are seated at low wooden tables with many others. beers. Fumes from the kitchen below mix Ramshackle’s unpolished style with cigarette smoke. infuses old hits with rawness. One song Steaming plates of alu dum or momos Lights, Big City. and always dynamic. Ramshackle performs is haunting—it has are ferried to customers through the Marcus Dengate plays moody The singer and guitarist Desmond is a bare-boned, gentle melody that repeats, squeeze of people. The wall space is slap-bass solos, referring to his bass as rail thin. He brings his face close to the gathering emotional resonance with each crammed with fading black and white his “wife”. In the middle of a song he’ll microphone with a kind of wonder you’d repetition. Most of the song’s momentum photographs of Billie Holiday, Louis sometimes call out for “fuel” (a refill expect from a man much younger. Long, is provided by the lyrics. “Sirens wail / Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie of whisky.) He is a familiar face on wavy white hair tucked under a straw words all fail / to describe the thunder / Parker, and Duke Ellington. An enormous the Kathmandu music circuit. Rishav fedora, his mouth invisible beneath his of your blood in my head.” Afterwards, poster of Miles Davis’s face, eyes closed in Acharya is a young drummer born and white moustache, Desmond sings every Desmond confesses the song is his own ecstasy, is plastered behind the drummer. raised in Kathmandu, and plays with four song with disarming innocence. His composition, entitled Gone Girl. This is Jazz Upstairs, and Ramshackle, the bands including Silver Wind Quartet, the voice is made for the blues: half-growl, Jazz Upstairs may be demolished soon, blues band which plays every Monday, jazz band that performs at Jazz Upstairs half-sweetness—always on the verge of its days are numbered. Desmond says has just launched into a mournful, every Wednesday and Saturday. Acharya breaking—a twangy ribbon of sound. He before bowing out: “Let’s hope we’ll be swinging rendition of Jerry Reed’s Bright is a versatile player, adaptable to any style has the swagger of a man who has lived back here for another Monday.” 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 LIFE TIMES 9

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G Café, spic and span with a palatable menu, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Bouddha

Comfort Zone, expansive restobar with a host of cocktails and barbeque meals. Thamel CHOPSTIX, savoury Asian food cooked MONSOON MADNESS, a two nights- in true Chinese fashion sure to charm three days package at Shangrila Village and impress. Try their famous drums of Resort. Rs 4999 per person, Pokhara, heaven. Kumaripati, 5551118 4412999 Ext. 7566, 7503, 7524

Caffe Concerto, for the best pizzas and Hotel Barahi, enjoy a great view of the ice-cream in town, their Italian dishes and lake, cultural shows, a big swimming Australian red wine are a must. Lakeside, pool to beat the heat this summer or Pokhara scrumptious pastries from the German Bakery in the hotel premises. Lakeside, Pokhara, 977-61-460617/463526

CAFEREENA, the extensive menu has something for everyone. Try their famous chips chili. Sherpa Mall, Durbar Marg

Dhaba, for an excellent range of North Indian delicacies, try their unbeatable FLAVOUR, this newly opened restaurant Kashmiri Gosht. Thapathali promises to pack a punch with its Chicken Sub and Bratwurst. Pulchowk Bhojan Griha, traditional Nepali restaurant that serves great local food Monsoon Bar, try the monsoon bar with folk music and dance. Dillibajar HOLIDAY AT GRAND NORLING for grilled delights and mouth watering HOTEL, GOKARNA. One night and two pizzas. Lakeside, Pokhara, 9841244704, Chez Caroline, for business lunches and days at Rs 4,500 and two nights and 9804172540 relaxed dinners. Babar Mahal Revisited three days at Rs 7,000. Call 447948

crust served with spicy tomato sauce and mayonnaise. The buff momos (Rs 120) themselves are quite tasty and not saturated with masala, the achar, without the offending hair, is nice, cold and tangy. VOOTOO The pork chop (Rs 390) is tender and well seasoned. The chicken curry with rice (Rs 190) could have been better. The pieces of meat were succulent and delicious, but they were doused in sauce overpowered with cloves that just served to drown all the other flavours. SOMEPLACE ELSE Vootoo is definitely a nice place and I would tell people to give it a try because of its accesibilty and reasonable price. However, a fancy name and fancier premises do not guarantee a fine dining experience. It’s about delivering what

PICS: RUBY TUESDAY is expected and showing commitment towards your guests. Vootoo would do ootoo Food Voutique in Lazimpat through the speakers, But, and this is a well to invest in training its staff to be is owned by DJ Raju along with and the ambience big but, a restaurant is friendlier and more hospitable. VAshutosh Shrestha and Sanjay is inviting and non- ultimately judged by Also, there is a 40 minute wait for Gupta. They claim to be avid foodies intimidating. its food and sometimes yomari, the traditional Newari sweetmeat and this is their endeavour to bring The menu sports more importantly the made of rice dough stuffed with molasses, fine food at affordable prices to fellow items that will shock, service. If I walked so skip the only other option- ice cream Kathmanduites. Vootoo, which is an excite and disgust into a bhatti, I could and head downstairs to Coffee Escape and anglicised version of the Newari bhutu or patrons, depending have ordered the same indulge in some creamy cheese cake with kitchen, is a snazzier and more expensive on how much they are used to Newari dishes, and the surly sauji or sauni would a pot of Earl Gray tea, remedies guaranteed version of the bhattis that dot the streets delicacies. There are stuffed and fried probably plunk the plates in front of me to banish thoughts of the not-so-nice meal of Kathmandu. goat lungs, buffalo tripe filled with said and not say a word. I got pretty much the you just endured upstairs. It boasts a large open terrace and animal's bone marrow, raw minced meat, same treatment at Vootoo albeit slightly Ruby Tuesday comfortable sofas and is a good spot tongue, brain, ears. Think of any organ more hygienic. Having to wait for a glass to kill a few hours with a glass of beer and in all likelihood it’s on the menu. of water, dealing with a brusque waiter At the mouth of while soaking up the sounds of the city. There is also Nepali style BBQ (sekuwa) who would rather be doing something Lazimpat, near the rear end of Narayanhiti It’s clean and spare and the owners have and fried soya beans (bhatmas sadeko) else and to top it all, a strand of hair Museum, inside the big made efforts to give it a Nepali touch and roasted peanuts (badaam sadeko) floating in my momo sauce completely white gates opposite by having lamp shades made out of along with spicy potato pickle (piro alu dampened my experience. Hotel Ambassador. Go iron kadais and aluminum wash bowls- ko achar). And all of this can be washed The rest of the meal was satisfactory. around the back after ubiquitous items in every self-respecting down with a multitude of beverages from I recommend the Vootoo Alu (Rs 120), the parked cars and up a Nepali kitchen. Soothing music streams the very well-stocked bar. thick potato wedges in a crispy, crumbly fl ight of stairs. 10 HAPPENINGS 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610

come to expect from Scott’s aesthetic, the film is a glorious WEEKEND WEATHER visual wonder. It is hard to relate the story without the inevitable ‘spoiling’ of the plot, so let me just say that the fi lm centres around the The monsoon has been a week discovery of a cave painting dating back more than 35,000 years behind schedule and weak. This ago that reveals a large fi gure pointing to a star map also found is not just for Nepal, but right from KATHMANDU in other caves across cultures. The discoverers, a husband- when it made landfall in Kerala wife scientifi c team with Noomi Rapace (of the Swedish version on 1 June, off the Konkan coast of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) as Elizabeth Shaw, and Logan and the Bangladesh delta. But it is Marshall-Green as Charlie Holloway are working in the not picking up steam (literally) as the so distant future of 2089 AD when space travel is already furnace heat of northwest India possible. Convinced that human life was created by these goes through its pumping action to draw the moisture in from the so-called ‘Engineers’ from another planet the scientists, in true sea. Precipitation rates are still FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY scientifi c form, are determined to visit our creators. low, and there are no signs of a Three years later, in 2092 AD they wake up on board the monsoonal trough to bring days Prometheus, a ship funded by the possibly nefarious Weyland of non-stop rain yet. Expect clear Corporation that has reached the said star system. On board mornings with afternoon buildup are the couple, an assortment of other scientifi c weirdo nerds, and night rain. 30-18 30-19 30-19 many of whom are unpleasant and highly forgettable, the captain, Janek, played by Idris Elba, Charlize Theron as the cold cyborg-like Meredith Vickers – an employee of the Corporation bent on making sure things get done the ‘right’ way, and

Prometheus ‘David’ – a highly sophisticated man-made robot played by the ever-exceptional Michael Fassbender. While the premise of the film is wildly promising, things devolve soon enough – mainly due to sloppy dialogue, irritating characters and strange casting decisions. It is a mystery to me why one would choose an incredibly annoying, swaggering, MUST SEE hip-hop type to be the scientist husband of a religiously inclined Sophia Pande Noomi Rapace. Elizabeth Shaw’s character provides the perfect foil to start a clever dialogue about the origin myth that lies at the heart idley Scott, the undeniable genius, who has made of the fi lm, but Scott bungles the opportunity to make a sci-fi fi lms like the fi rst Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), masterpiece underlined with clever philosophical themes by RThelma & Louise (1991), Gladiator (2000), and Black allowing Shaw - a reportedly exceptional scientist - to blindly Hawk Down (2001), is also the author of some unfortunate, ‘believe’ without a modicum of real analytical questioning. downright terrible fi lms like Kingdom of Heaven (2005), and The Internet has already spawned numerous blogs trying to American Gangster (2007). Nonetheless, his place on the list answer some of the more obvious gaping holes in the narrative of groundbreaking, exceptional fi lmmakers is guaranteed due (see www.vulture.com/2012/06/10-open-questions-after- BIKRAM RAI to his astonishing contributions to cinema. Blade Runner is a watching-prometheus.html). But the question that bothered UNITED NO MORE: The dissident faction of UCPN Maoist led by Mohan Baidya science fi ction classic, beautiful to look with a heart-breaking me the most was why do supposedly ‘smart’ people in fi lms do formally announces a new party, Communist Party of Nepal, Maoist, at the examination of what it means to be human. As for Alien, well, really stupid things like pump electricity into an alien head till it Academy Hall on Tuesday. any sci-fi film you’ll see today has been influenced by its explodes? sets, its combination of action and horror, and of course by The fi lm is worth watching, however, mainly for its visual the casting of the iconic Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, the fi rst qualities, and one mind-blowing scene involving Noomi Rapace female action hero that can hold her own. And then we have performing self-surgery. Despite its obvious weaknesses Gladiator, a breath-taking action fi lled epic that is as close to though, the end of Prometheus left me yearning for its sequel. perfect that an action fi lm can get. Especially since the last two people left alive are the two most It’s no surprise, therefore, that Prometheus has been enigmatic and captivating. anticipated for so long and with such bated breath. It’s storyline was held close to the vest by the production team, Prometheus is currently playing at QFX Cinemas. and after Alien spawned three other sequels (none of which were directed by Scott) and acquired an avid cult following, Prometheus – marketed as its prequel was bound to be the nepalitimes.com movie of the summer. The film is stunning to look at. Shot with proper 3D Watch trailer cameras and with the epic and archetypal sets that one has

BIKRAM RAI Worse than cigarettes DANGEROUS TURN: An oil tanker collides with a passenger bus on the Biratnagar- Ithari highway on Sunday morning, blocking the road for over two hours.

of humans. fifties who suffer from chronic But why has there been no lung disease due to wood and DHANVANTARI substantial improvement in cow dung smoke. Buddha Basnyat, MD this area when people have Just replacing old stoves with been aware of this problem newer, cleaner ones or installing for decades and clean stoves efficient chimneys does not are easily available? Even in seem to solve the problem. magine burning a thousand Nepal, researchers including Many national and international cigarettes in a room and senior physician Migrendra organisations are already doing Iinhaling this smoke Raj Pandey published an this. everyday. This is what happens extensive monograph called In Nepal a problem is in many households considered to be across Nepal which significant only if it has burn wood and dried immediate consequences. cow dung to use as Smoke in homes takes cooking fuel in their years to cause permanent BIKRAM RAI kitchens. No wonder physical ailments like many Nepalis especially chronic lung disease. HEADING DOWN: Nepal loses to Yemen 1-0, and crashes out from the qualifying women who do the People do not seem to games for the AFC U-22 Championship at the Dashrath stadium on Monday. cooking are afflicted mind the initial burning with chronic lung or tearing of the eyes. disease as early as 40. Some feel that smoke Many die prematurely keeps rooms warm, while because of heart failure, others believe the roof which is secondary to will cave in with termite chronic lung disease. infestation in the absence Kirk Smith from the Chronic bronchitis and of smoke. University of California in corpulmonale in Nepal. This In addition, most Berkeley who has been working was an epidemiological study researchers barring a few, are on indoor air pollution for conducted in the early 1980s foreigners based outside Nepal decades, estimates that each in four areas of Nepal’s three who are far-removed from year two million people die different geographical regions. this problem. We need young, worldwide from this pollution. Yet medical records from local, medical and engineering This figure is stunning because hospitals around Nepal (and professionals and social workers it rivals the annual deaths across South Asia) still point to solve this unique problem BIKRAM RAI caused by either tuberculosis to a disproportionate number and save the lives of thousands LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR: A Pakistani trader shows off fabrics at Made in Pakistan, or malaria, two age-old scourges of women in their forties and of Nepali women. an exhibition of Pakistani products in Kathmandu on Wednesday. 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 OPINION 11

on within the Maoist party. “The Maoists will increasingly mainstream their programs in order to appease wider sections of the population,” he told me, “they will look to form a long term coalition with the Madhesi parties and Janajatis based on their shared agenda on federalism.” The new Maoist party, BY THE WAY although relatively small, Anurag Acharya include ideologues, wartime strategists and a substantial cadre base. It is ironic that even after pushing for the line of ‘people’s few days after the revolt’ for all these years, when dissolution of the CA just he got a new party for himself Abefore midnight on 27 Baidya said armed struggle is not May, Prime Minister Baburam on his priority list for now.

Bhattarai had said, “This has BIKASH DWARE The large number of weapons hurt everybody and fingers will suddenly recovered from various be pointed at each other, but places in the last few months once things cool down there will suggests the parent party has be no alternative but to come made sure the comrades don’t go back to the table and forge a Split ends of a revolution back to the jungles. consensus.” In the coming days, there will One indication that things What was surprising about the great be a unity of two diametrically were cooling down and the opposing forces on the streets: leaders were ready to re-engage Maoist breakup this week was the lack of fuss the non-secular, anti-republican was the big parties meeting force led by Kamal Thapa and at the NC office in Sanepa on sections. the rump of the Maoist party growing international stature the anti-parliamentary party led Wednesday. But the Maoist Had the Maoists insisted on and the others into action. and Indian support, Dahal by Mohan Baidya. Both will try split, though expected, may overthrowing the state through The interesting thing now realises he must do what to bring down the government. complicate the work of a future violent means and Girija Prasad about the Maoist split is he must do. The question is will the NC unity government. Koirala and Co refused to engage how disinterested everyone There was some jubilation and UML join forces against The 2006 Jana Andolan with them back then, more is. Prime Minister Bhattarai in the NC and UML ranks after secularism, federalism and succeeded for two reasons: first, people would have been killed seemed to say he doesn’t give the Maoist breakup, but their republicanism? because the Maoists came out and the nation may have still a damn, by flying off to Brazil. hopes that the parent party For their own sake, and the of the jungles to wage peaceful been under royal-military rule. There was a singular lack of will now be weaker may be country’s sake, let us hope they street protests alongside those After the CA dissolution drama and almost no reaction premature. With the hardline continue to engage the Madhesis opposed to an autocratic last month, the NC and UML from the parent party. wing having broken off, the and the Maoists and find a monarchy. Second, the NC, UML had retreated from agreements It appeared by last week, NC and UML may have little consensus on having closure and other democratic forces with the Maoists and this threw Pushpa Kamal Dahal had come to criticise the Maoists for. on the constitution. The prospect were willing to engage with everything that followed the to accept what seemed to be After the formal split was of getting to power only makes the Maoists in reimagining the 12-point agreement of November inevitable and realised he can’t announced, I spoke to leftist sense when there is structure of the Nepali state to 2005 into doubt. But the Maoist have his feet on two boats analyst Shyam Shrestha, who constitutional legitimacy to include hitherto marginalised split seems to have galvanised anymore. With Bhattarai’s keeps a keen eye on goings- rule. 12 NATION 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 The revenge of the radicals Mohan Baidya spinning off from UCPN-Maoist represents more than an interchange of punctuation marks

exchequer, economy and wartime blunders and the ex-combatants. stashing of plunder. ANALYSIS In autumn 2005, while While underground, the Kanak Mani Dixit Baidya stewed in an Indian party had the ability to limit gaol, Dahal decided to abandon factionalism through selective his underground royalist line violence, ‘self-criticism’ and make common cause and non-transparency. The he split that had Mohan with Baburam Bhattarai’s dynamics changed with the Baidya jumping off the India tilt. Baidya was left emergence into above-ground TUCPN-Maoist wagon and fuming at the betrayal of his politics, with journalists at opening the rival CPN, Maoist line of ‘revolution’, and as the gate, which could not but was not just a move from a dash the party came above ground widen the rift between the to a comma. Most significantly, he pushed for reinstatement former mentor (Baidya) and it has weakened the rump party of the radical agenda through pupil (Dahal). and constricted the ability of the Kami Danda, Kharipati The split would have been Pushpa Kamal Dahal to run and Palungtar conclaves. He less disastrous for Dahal had roughshod over the polity as he seemed not to understand he stayed true to the spirit has since 2006. that what Bhattarai and of the 12-point agreement of Till the last, many thought Dahal sought now was not November 2005 by formally talk of a split was one more revolution, but capture of state abandoning political violence ploy by the wily Dahal to get his power by whichever means. and democratising the Maoist way with the peace process and Dahal was willing to use party. Instead, he balked on Now it's Chairman Dahal constitution-drafting. Certainly, Baidya line as long as it served his promises, intimidated the and Chairman Baidya the cause of the breakup was his career track, and he would populace during the 2008 BIKRAM RAI less ideology and more the have enjoyed building a elections, bamboozled the centralisation of brute power, one-party state if that became gullible leadership of UNMIN, toast of overseas internationals But Dahal lacked personal state power and wealth in the a possibility. For this, he worked assiduously to weaken and the New Delhi intelligentsia. guts and democratic vision. hands of the UCPN-Maoist made the people suffer what every institution of the state, With such backing, he could Unwilling to ensure a democratic chairman. in retrospect was a six-year and sought to buy back the have led the Maoists into a future for his party, he sought The Baidya faction, today charade of election, peace- prime ministership in 2010 democratic makeover and forced instead to be its the Baidya party, suffered as the process and constitution- with a Rs 500 million injection. Baidya and his cohort of radicals chairman-for-life. Whether UCPN-Maoist ‘establishment’ writing. Dahal also sought When he became the to join up or depart. He would it was due to insecurity or took plum posts and Dahal to avoid a split in the party elected prime minister in April have emerged a statesman and megalomania, he tried to use became personally powerful because of the ability of the 2008, Dahal’s position was won the right to long-term the Constituent Assembly for and prosperous on account of splinter group to expose his unassailable as the uncontested stewardship of the country over his personal project of being years of extortion and loot of the cross-border shenanigans, leader of the Maoist party, the successive elections. crowned directly-elected Moving beyond buzzwords SIDDHANT RAJ PANDEY Nepal shows that climate limate financing’ has micro- been a buzzword ever financing can ‘C since the international community decided on a shift in be endemic investment towards low carbon, climate resilient options to limit and deep- global warming to 2˚C in the coming century. rooted Developed countries have committed to mobilise $100 a green economy will fulfill billion per year by 2020 to its development goals. As an enable poor countries for two agrarian economy, our concern new buzzwords: mitigation and should be to leverage Nepal’s adaptation. Mitigation is any position as a least-polluting action taken to permanently nation to mitigate potential eliminate or reduce the long future environment degradation. term effects of climate change, Nepal’s focus will be more while adaptation is the ability of towards sustainability and a system to adjust and cope with adaptation of mountainous climate change. countries to climate variability, needed to address climate of Renewable Energy Program the IFC (International Finance The Rio+20 Summit this and how to increase change, and promote Nepal as (SREP) and Pilot Program for Corporation) as well as aid week in Brazil is deliberating international competitiveness an environmentally-friendly Climate Resilience (PPCR). agencies from the UK, Denmark, on the renewal of political to access available financial economy. Both involve joint design and the United States. commitment and promotion resources. We need to ensure Nepal is the only country and implementation by the The PPCR was approved in of a global green economy. that climate finance is used to selected to participate in two ADB (Asian Development 2008 with a grant of $50 million A country like Nepal will catalyse and scale up public Climate Investment Fund (CIF) Bank), IDA (International and loan of $40 million towards need to clearly define how and private sector investment Pilot Programs: the scaling up Development Association) and sharing the experience and 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 NATION 13

himself using every means including the machinery of state. Meanwhile, the blood-letting continued within the party as the politically motivated cadre and committed ex-fighters gravitated towards Baidya. Many late-comer opportunists and conflict era perpetrators (think ‘Bal Krishna Dhungel’) sought shade under the Dahal-Bhattarai tent. When the Maoists came above ground in 2006, there was general belief that the party should remain united, in the hope that the leadership would ready the rank-and-file for peace and democracy. Six wasted years later, one would be forgiven for being indifferent to the breakup that has occurred. Chairman Dahal and Vice Chairman Bhattarai of the UCPN-M and Chairman Baidya of the CPN, M are the threesome who crafted and implemented the ‘people’s war’ against parliamentary democracy in 1996. They led the country down the continuous path of political instability and economic decline. The first two are in the process of president. opportunistic accommodation, Dahal sought once more while Baidya now plans to re- to cultivate New Delhi after ignite revolt and revolution (“if getting over his 2008-2010 bout required”). of severe anti-Indianitis. His Chairman Baidya should most significant peace prasad to be informed that ten years of New Delhi was the anointment war and six years of deception of Baburam Bhattarai as prime have led to the further minister in August 2011, only impoverishment of Nepal’s to watch aghast as the latter already poor. He carries at least sought furiously to entrench a third of the blame.

knowledge useful to designing saved 11,000 litres of kerosene scaled-up adaptation measures monthly, with savings of that are strategically aligned $11,000 for households every with other donor funded month. It has also indirectly projects. benefited health and the In Nepal, donor agencies environment. are directly working with the This is a small step in government, but the private finding alternatives to the sector does not have direct 115 million litres of kerosene access to global climate that is used every year by a funds even though it has quarter of Nepal’s population been involved in renewable for lighting and stoves. It is a energy projects such as unique example of scaling-up microhydro, biogas, solar that cooperatives are now able home systems, improved to advance loans for income- water mills, energy efficiency generation or small and medium projects and other clean and enterprises with available funds low carbon technologies. at a negligible default rate. Some private sector banks and The process is painstakingly financial institutions have slow, but the results are even supported and financed encouraging. If the private sector renewable energy project in can tap into the Green Climate rural areas. Fund, the multiplier effects can One example is the solar be replicated in many more home system financing for rural projects involving solar or households in Nepal in which biogas. Nepal has already shown the Ace Development Bank that climate micro-financing partnered with United Nations can be made endemic and deep Environment Programme rooted in rural areas. (UNEP), the Frankfurt School of Management and Winrock Siddhant Raj Pandey is CEO of Ace International to work with the Development Bank Alternative Energy Promotion and this is an excerpt Centre (AEPC). The target is to from his paper at a install 3,500 household solar conference on Climate systems by the end of 2012 with Financing hosted by the Inter-American the help of local cooperatives. Development Bank and UNEP in Already, the program has Washington recently. 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610

“Parliamentary elections more appropriate”

12 June Mahesh Acharya of Kantipur interviewed former Indian ambassador to Nepal, Shiv Shanker Mukherjee in New Delhi.

Kantipur: The dissolution of the Constituent Assembly without a new constitution marks the end of the road Nepal took after the 12-point agreement signed in New Delhi in November 2006. Do you see that as a failure of New Delhi’s role in crafting that agreement? Shiv Shanker Mukherjee: India never interfered in the talks between the political parties and the Maoists. That was their business. We provided the security and the locale for the talks, we had no role in the content of the talks. I am not associated with the government of India anymore, but I have seen that the policy remains the same. It was the Nepali people who brought about the changes with the 19-day democracy movement. Nepalis turned their absolute monarchy into “Nepal’s present state is like labour a secular, democratic republic. Even rich countries take decades to achieve such change.

Still, isn’t the dissolution of the CA a failure of Indian policy pain a mother goes through towards Nepal? In a way, Kathmadu has become a hotbed of conspiracy theories. The historic transformation in Nepal is the work of Nepalis themselves, we during childbirth” supported democracy and were ready to help the political parties. But this was mostly logistical support. Frankly, there are no major foreign Excerpts from Prime Minister Baburam issues. Further, we were unable to responsive governance. Nonetheless, policy problems with Nepal. I have said elsewhere that a prosperous Bhattarai’s speech to the heads of extend the CA due to the stricture these instruments alone hardly Nepal is in India’s interest. Whatever is good for Nepal is good for India. diplomatic missions in Kathmandu issued by the Supreme Court. mean anything if life is not blown on 11 June Peace and democracy are into them by the very human beings not sustainable without economic who have to work for and through It is a matter of great dismay for us that development and prosperity. While these instruments. Needless to say, when the Maoist Army and weapons talking of the economic agenda, instruments, environment and human were handed over to the Nepal Army the recently established Board of resources should go in tandem. for integration, the same political forces Investment is one of the initiatives Moreover, the government started creating hurdles in making the taken by the present government to believes that bilateral investment constitution. Despite the utmost and augment investment and to provide promotion measures and instruments honest effort put on and maximum one window service to domestic adopted to ensure the smooth fl ow of fl exibility shown from our side, some and foreign investors. Declaration investment into the country in priority political forces remained adamant of Investment Year 2012-2013, sectors like hydropower, tourism, not to accommodate the issues and designation of the Visit Lumbini Year physical and social infrastructure etc aspirations of Janajatis, Madhesis, 2012, identifi cation of projects of are very crucial for rapid economic Dalits, and the oppressed classes. national pride and recent decision to transformation. My government is A constitution that did not address bring in certain high priority projects determined to do what it takes to the issues and concerns of the under the ambit of BOI are among the bring about economic prosperity in backward communities was simply few initiatives that the government has Nepal that could be enjoyed by all MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA not possible. Major contentious issues undertaken for Nepal’s rapid economic Nepalis with dignity and national pride. remained unresolved until the last growth. Protection and promotion of human Nepal’s politics has been complicated by the CA dissolution. What day of the extended tenure of the Unless we have fast rate of rights have, of course, always been at is your assessment? Constituent Assembly. The talks fi nally economic growth we would just the core of this determination. There are two things to keep in mind. Firstly, although there is some collapsed on the vexed issue of distribute poverty and prosperity. The international community disappointment that the constitution wasn’t written, the political parties identity-based federalism which the Present government is also planning is fully aware of the tremendous were able to make a lot of progress in a short period of time. There are traditional parliamentarians were not to convene an Economic Summit in diffi culties we have had to surmount only a handful of countries that have made such dramatic progress as prepared to accept. The ruling coalition the near future. Implementation of in the present juncture of history. I Nepal has. The constitution was nearly 90 per cent complete. There is partners were even ready to go for the ‘Hello Government’ mechanism believe most countries in the west no need for everything to happen at once. Secondly, it may be more formal democratic process in the CA, for readdressing grievances and live and east had to pass through such appropriate now to have elections for a new parliament instead of a but the political parties outside the radio interaction between the Prime challenging phases in their history. It’s new constituent assembly. Another CA election is like extending the CA government did not allow such formal Minister and common Nepalis every like labour pain that a mother goes again and again. When a new parliament is elected, it can also play the process to resolve the outstanding month are a few more examples of through during childbirth. needed role of a constituent assembly.

There is also a proposal to revive the CA? I don’t think it is a good idea. It may be better to elect a new parliament. But the political parties know what needs to be done. Just look at India. Here parliament is the guardian of the constitution, and 60 years after independence there are still demands for new states like in Telengana. But we have a parliament to look at these demands, and there is a commission and the courts look at the legal aspects. This is how democracies and nations progress, not everything has to happen at once.

What are your views on the federalism debate in Nepal? This is a very sensitive topic, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment. Even in rich countries, the issues of race and identity are serious issues, so it’s not just in poor countries that we have this debate. And the only solution is democracy. Democracy provides the cushion and offers legal remedies. Nepal is a country with institutions of open society, and remaining under that umbrella, solutions can be found. It is understandable that exploited classes, Madhesis and Janajatis want their rights.

How do you see the role of the international community in Nepal? It ranges from not helpful to stupid. Some have foolishly tried to extend their political infl uence through aid.

Like which country? The western embassies, and especially the Nordics. They don’t Robin Sayami in Nagarik, 19 June understand the ground reality in Nepal, and although it may not look like interference, I have noticed they work with the intention of infl uencing

policy. India also has aid projects, similar to the ones it has in QUOTE OF THE WEEK Afghanistan, and they are implemented with 100 per cent coordination of the Nepal government and with its agreement. “ It is Prachanda and Baburam who abandoned the party line And China’s role? China is a big economic power. Chinese businesses and contractors “ and principles, not us. We are still Maoists, they are not. are all over the place. So it is normal for them to be in Nepal as well. We don’t think China is using Nepal to undermine India’s security. Nepal Mohan Baidya speaking at a press conference organised in Pragya can use the huge markets in India and China for its own development. Bhawan on Tuesday 22 - 28 JUNE 2012 #610 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 Parting ways

The document submitted by the new CPN, M at its national conference on Tuesday Annapurna Post, 20 June

1. Unmask the conspiracy of the UCPN-M leadership. 2. Call on stakeholders to forge consensus on a national unity government and constitution writing. 3. Appeal to democratic forces to stand united against totalitarianism. 4. Disagree with rumours that the UML is against federalism and identity, stand fi rm on social harmony and national unity. 5. Safeguard democracy, complete the peace process and ensure social justice. 6. Condemn the government’s overt violations of the electoral code-of-conduct , and unlawful transfer of police personnel and other employees. 7. Condemn untimely foreign junket by a caretaker prime minister and police brutality on peaceful protestors. 8. Oppose the abuse of Article 43 and malignance shown towards seeking an agreement with other political parties before the ordinance was tabled. 10. Reject foreign interferences and back channel diplomacy leading to instability in the country and appeal to the government to take urgent note of it. 11. Express grave concern about violence against people of Nepali origin living in the north-eastern states of India and oppose their displacement from the land. Unsettled accounts

Sagar Pandit, Naya Patrika, 17 June

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar has requested exemption from paying back medical loans worth Rs 848,000 that he took 15 years ago when he was Minister of Physical Planning and Works. Gachhadar also owes the government Rs 19,000 which he took unlawfully as festival allowance when he was Home Minister. Since his appeal was rejected, Gachhadar is trying to arm twist the state into changing its decision. Along with the deputy PM, 123 ex-ministers have received notices ordering them to repay Rs 8.5 million out of which Rs 3.8 million was borrowed for medical expenses and more than one million as festival allowance. So far only 16 have paid back. President Ram Baran Yadav recently paid off Rs 25,000 he took as festival allowance 11 years ago when he was Health Minister. But several ex-ministers including Ram Chandra Poudel, Ram Sharan Mahat, Arjun Narsingh KC, Khum Bahadur Khadka, Bamdev Gautam, Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Kamal Thapa, Mohammad Aftab Alam, Sharat Singh Bhandari and Sarbendra Shukla still owe the state. Politicians are known to dole out millions to party loyalists from the state coffers in the name of ‘medical benefits’. 15 years ago Sher Bahadur Deuba sanctioned medical allowance worth millions for his 13 ministers.

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Prime Minister Stoned

he headline that went have is whether the BRB-PKD MBK and BRB factions. around the world was establishment faction now has FG Tnot flattering to Nepal’s the right to call itself ‘Unified’, international prestige: ‘Nepal or should it also There is one good thing that Prime Minister Stoned’. Nepal rename itself Disintegrated has come out of the Baddie does have a reputation for Communist Party of Nepal as split: vacancies have opened being a bit lax when it comes opposed to the Freshly Split up in the central committee. to enforcing drug laws, and Communist Party of Nepal. But, as usual, there is stiff we do smoke pot, but this Or to make it simple, maybe competition from the PKD one went too far. In actual we should just call them and BRB factions to fill those fact, BRB was not stoned, Hyphen Communists, Bracket positions. All indications are the German ambassador was. Communists and Comma that the interim camaraderie The Prime Minister decided Communists. between Comrades PKD and to go to Rio anyway despite FG BRB will be short-lived. protests, and despite his own party advising him that The question now arises FG the time was not right. Why what the election symbol Trust the current Kangresi then was Comrade Laldhoj of the Comma Communists netas not to realise just so desperate to get the hell should be. Well, since the how absurd it sounds for out of here just as his party handouts to immigration resisted by our prime minister Bracket Maoists have hammer a democratic party to say was about to split and the officials) as well as fork out $$ who should make it clear that and sickle already and the that the prime minister’s opposition was on warpath? every time he enters Bhaktapur Nepal will not tolerate this Hyphens have the Sun, how announcement of elections It definitely wasn’t to save the and Patan Dabar Squares. kind of behaviour from a fellow about the Baidya Baddies is “unconstitutional and global environment, since his FG non-aligned nation. If Correa register hammer and tongs as dictatorial”. declared policy is economic refuses to back down, we their symbol with the Erection FG growth at whatever cost to the The Ass, for one, is glad should threaten to declare war Commission? After all, they ecology. Bhattarai is meeting Correa on Ecuador. are always going at each other And here is a new one: FG because he can lodge Nepal’s FG with hammers and tongs. Kathmandu-based embassies official protest at the canard FG apparently have to seek the BRB wants to shake hands being perpetrated by the The talk of the town this week government’s permission with Raul Castro and govt of Ecuador that Mt is the split in the Maoist party No sooner had the Baddies before they do any Manmohan Singh, in that Chimborazo is actually the between the UCPN-M and split than the two sides started clean-up activities to mark order. And there is the highest mountain in the world. the CPN,M. This brings the throwing blame for the break. World Environment Day or one-on-one with Ecuador’s Measured from the centre total number of communist Interesting thing is that both such. An Israeli diplomat leftwing president, Rafael of the earth, Chimborazo is parties to 18, which must sides blame the same three seems to have been told in Correa, who hit the headline apparently 2,000 m further make Nepal the country with entities whose names begin no uncertain terms by the this week for his offer of away from the centre of the the highest per capita number with ‘R’: Raja Baddies, RIM vigilant rangers up at Nagarjun political asylum to Julian earth than Mt Everest because of communist parties on earth. and RAW. Meanwhile, the National Park that he couldn’t Assange. Maybe if Ecuador of the slight bulge our planet We should be in the Guinness bifurcation of the Baddie pick up garbage doesn’t work out, Nepal has at the equator. Be that as Book. There is already a CPN party is already having major strewn along the could offer Assange asylum it may, Ecuador’s attempt to (Matrika), a CPN-ML, CPN- repercussions right down the trail without a provided he pays his visa rewrite history (and geography) UML, CPN-U, CPN (Mashal), line. Cranti Curry Journalists Foreign Ministry extension fees (with necessary must be swiftly and sternly CPN (Masal). The question we are now split into the PKD, clearance. ISSN 1814-2613

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