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Kathmandu l 19-25 Nov, 2007 l # 41 l Price Rs. 25 Inside Martin locks horn with PM page 2 UML comrades up in arms against Secy Gen Nepal page 3

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ä nf correspondent more on the subject except for the comment, “an army chief’s visit if and In what might be a clear indicator of when it takes place will be a matter of revival of traditional relationship public knowledge.” between the Indian and Nepal army “Yes, we are hoping that the after nearly 34 months of ‘chill’, suspended tradition and the age-old government of India is considering ties of the two armies will be restored,” inviting Chief of Army Staff, Gen a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Rukmangad Katawal to Delhi very soon. office in Kathmandu said. According to information available There are no official words from Delhi, Gen Katawal would be available yet on Gen Katawal from invited for the platinum jubilee Delhi, but the government of India is celebration of the National Defense under pressure from its army to Academy (NDA) at Dehradun next restore traditional relationship with month. The government of India is the Nepal Army in the wake of its however, yet to decide on holding repeated commitment to democracy investiture ceremony to confer the and rule of law. Delhi had suspended honorary title of the General of the supply of all arms and ammunitions to Indian army to COAS Katawal. The Nepal army it had been supplying practice of the two countries army throughout, following the royal chiefs being conferred the title of takeover. honorary general on reciprocal basis Despite Nepal Army’s silence on was suspended after the royal the matter, there are clear indications takeover on February 1, 2005. that it values its traditional ties with Gen Katawal’s visit will follow that the Indian Army a lot. Sources in the of his Indian counterpart to Defense Ministry say there are some Kathmandu in which he will be invitations already extended to the conferred the title of the honorary army chief from other friendly general of Nepal Army. Indian countries of the Asian region including authorities were said to be divided China; but the army headquarters on whether to invite Gen Katawal believe that, “India as the first country only for the NDA celebrations or also for the chief’s visit will be ideal.” for the investiture. But Nepali side is However, PM Koirala as well as the said to be insisting for both. defense establishment is also keen The army headquarters in that the investiture ceremony should Kathmandu refused to say anything resume soon. ä 2 19-25 Nov, 2007 News Tussle Ian Martin Martin locks horn with PM

ä nf correspondent for polls to the CA.’ The government also turned down the UNMIN’s request for In what appears like a simmering tussle enlargement of its role beyond the mandate coming to the fore, United Mission to Nepal given by the two sides earlier. “The govern- (UNMIN) chief, Ian Martin has asserted his ment is simply going to extend the tenure of right to interact with various ethnic groups and the UNMIN but in no way will it enlarge the Terai leaders including some who have been scope of its operation,” a senior official in the indulging in violence and killing of civilians. Foreign Affairs Ministry said, adding, “our Martin’s latest public statement came on permanent mission in the United Nations has November 16 with a new interpretation of the been instructed accordingly.” mandate he had received from the govern- “UNMIN cannot go or act beyond the ment and the Maoists, soliciting UN assistance mandate we have given,” asserted Ramesh in the peace process implying it does not have Lekhak, Minister of State for Labour and to be literally confined to the management of Transport. “Of course, the government of Nepal arms and armies of the Maoists and the has to address the grievances of the Janajatis government, besides observing the polls to the and Terai groups and we are doing that. But it Constituent Assembly. Meeting with the is not at all connected with the UNMIN mandate Janajati and Terai leaders, he asserted, was and the PM has clearly asked Martin to keep done in that spirit. away from these issues,” a senior minister from However, there are clear indications that the the Congress party told newsfront. “Moreover, government does not buy Martin’s assertions, there are many experts in Nepal who are and there are fears that in the worst case, any capable of deciding what reforms the security further embitterment in the relation between sector in Nepal are needed,” he added. UNMIN chief and the government, might have Martin’s mission that hopes to conclude the

a negative impact on the mission’s future. verification of combatants in cantonments also Pix by newsfront Martin’s assertion comes clearly in the wake believes that the unity among the seven “Of course, the Secretary-General and is why I have been frank in my meetings and in of Prime Minister GP Koirala objecting to his parties is crucial for the success of the peace Member States which have made a major my public statements, when I say that I believe meeting with the Janajati and Terai leaders as process. But a positive review of the CPA as investment by mandating UNMIN out of their that UNMIN is able to offer further support to well his flatly turning down any role for the well as enlargement of the UNMIN’s jurisdic- concern to see sustained peace in Nepal want some key aspects of the peace process UNMIN in Security Sector Reforms (SSR) tion was equally necessary as far as Martin to make sure that UNMIN is as effective as without in any way compromising the Nepali immediately, ‘to create a proper atmosphere was concerned. possible in supporting the peace process. This ownership of the process,” Martin said. Prachanda’s demands Maoists involved Maoists wish to move from back seat Journalist Thakuri abduction case to driving seat Prakash's wife Janaki Thakuri ä nf correspondent CPN-UML parties that together will have 167 members against 135 odd It is clearly an added headache for members of the Congress which heads PM Koirala’s since the Communist the ruling coalition. party of Nepal -Maoists (CPN-M) Prachanda’s concept paper also categorically demanded his ouster as demands initiation of the Security leader, if he failed to fulfill all their Sector Reforms (SSR) process demands ‘now’. The demands, put immediately so that the Maoist forward by Maoist Chief Prachanda, guerrillas could be introduced in the barely 72 hours before the session National Army, something that the was to begin on November 18, latter has been resisting firmly. included declaration Nepal as a Maoists are clear that the election republic state, adoption of propor- in itself without their demands fulfilled tional representation system of would be meaningless and they The Communist Party of Nepal- confirming that the abduction was election, review of implementation would not be part of it. They were Maoist (CPN-M) was involved in carried out by the Maoists. of the comprehensive peace clearly opposed to the Congress the abduction of journalist Thakuri’s whereabouts are still accord and re-allocation of major party cornering major portfolios and Prakash Singh Thakuri, a human unknown but going by the pattern portfolios to different coalition would now want a larger share in the rights group claimed. Journalist in such cases, there are fears that groups. government if they are to join it. The Thakuri was abducted by the he might have been killed by the The price fixed by the message was clear - from a position Maoists on July 5 from his abductors during captivity. Maoists for non-compliance is of back-seat driving, they would now residence at Mahendra Nagar in HRTMCC also demanded that not too difficult to guess. A want to occupy the driving seat using western Nepal by a group of the government form a high level peaceful protest from the the UML strength to dislodge the Maoists, led by their leader, judicial commission to go into the streets with the help of civil society is Congress leadership. Pomlal Sharma. circumstances of Thakuri’s aimed to push for the formation of a Maoists are also preparing to create Although the Maoist central kidnapping and find his where- new interim government and a ruckus in the House asking the chair leadership has been denying its abouts. parliament with an enlarged share to issue directives to the government hand in the incident, it chose to The Federation of Nepalis to the Maoists. That also means to go for PR system and republican on reward Sharma after the Journalists (FNJ) which has Maoists are no longer keen to extend the basis of passage of two resolutions kidnapping of the journalist. intensified its campaign for tracing support to Koirala’s leadership. of public importance by the House Sharma is a member of the Thakuri in the wake of confirma- In a concept paper that Prachanda during the special session earlier this Mahendra Nagar municipal tion of Journalist Birendra Saha’s circulated on behalf of his party on month. “But that would be a mockery development committee as a case has also asked the November 15 among leaders of the of parliamentary practices and rules as nominee of the Maoist party. government to act firmly and other political parties, he categorically the simple majority for passing The Human Rights Treaty punish the guilty in Thakuri’s demanded that Koirala must fulfill these resolutions of public importance cannot Monitoring Committee (HRTMCC) case. Journalist Thakuri had been demands immediately or face the risk of be used to go for a constitutional which sent an investigation team kidnapped by the Maoists, losing their party’s support. The threat amendment,” said Kumar Regmi, to Kanchanpur recently made its allegedly for supporting the royal comes in the wake of a new built President of the Constitutional findings public on Saturday regime. Prachanda alliance between the Maoists and the Lawyers Forum (CLAF). News 19-25 Nov, 2007 3

Newsbrief Minister Moriarty In the dock In what appears like a clear indication that the Bush administration is going to give continuity to its Nepal policy, James F Moriarty, former Party comrades up in arms against UML Secy Gen ambassador to Nepal, is being tipped as Deputy Assistant Secretary in charge of Nepal affairs. ä nf correspondent stage. Madhav Kumar Nepal Moriarty who left Nepal in July on completion of his tenure was to go Oli told Nepal on his face to Dhaka as its ambassador, but a last minute change saw him cata- Madhav Kumar Nepal, Gen that he had no right to build pulted to a Deputy Assistant Secretary in charge of some South Asian Secretary of the Communist equations with the Commu- countries including Nepal. This only indicates no US policy shift on Nepal Party of Nepal - United nist Party of Nepal-Maoists as well as regarding the Maoists. Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), (CPN-M) with a view to There have been no official words yet on Moriarty’s new assignment has come in for sharp replace GP Koirala as the but reports indicate a new replacement will be found for Dhaka. Moriarty criticism of his senior party prime minister without the was the most hated diplomat as far as Maoists are concerned in Nepal, colleagues for his inconsis- matter being discussed in the since he consistently raised the issue of atrocities and unlawful activities tent political line and shifting party forum. Oli was also carried out by them in violation of the code of conduct. stance in the current politics. critical of the way the party Nepal has been asked to voted along with the Maoists US visa for comrades behave like a leader by his in parliament seeking In what came as a surprising flexibility in its earlier approach, the US own comrades including KP immediate declaration of embassy in Kathmandu has granted visa to three Maoist parliamentar- Sharma Oli and Pradeep republic and adoption of the ians to visit the US as part of the Nepal delegates in the United Nations Nepal; and accused of proportional representation general assembly. shifting political standing and system of election. Parliamentarian, Nandkrishna Prasai is already in New York while equation too often. Some In an angry outburst in the Prabhakar Sharma aka Janardan Sharma, party’s deputy leader in leaders have even asked for party, Oli chastised both parliament, and another parliamentarian Suresh Ale Magar have also his resignation from the Madhav Nepal and the been granted visa for the same purpose. Suresh Ale Magar had been leadership as his ‘inconsis- Speaker for having sought denied visa to the US just two months ago by the embassy here. tent stance’ has cost the government directives to However, Rishi Adhikary, ambassador designate for Malaysia against the party its image. implement these two Maoist quota was denied visa by the US embassy here. The UML leadershipl has demands on the basis of the The communist party of Nepal Maoists and its top leaders are on the not only been accused of passage of two resolutions of US terrorist list, and that was cited as the reason for their earlier being embarrassing the party on public interest in the refused the visa. But there are no words if the relative generosity in crucial political issues, it has parliament. granting visa this time around to the Maoists is any indication that the US also been charged by some “These are issues which is hopeful that Maoists will change. of having committed warrant constitutional diplomatic impropriety by leaking certain informal advice he amendment through due parliamentary process and any got from a friendly country to another. “We have taken a short cut to that will be illegal and unacceptable,” Oli said. Prachanda, Bhattarai very serious note of what our leadership did. Our leader Known for his straight-forward nature, Minister for should not be seen as breaching the trust of any friendly Education, Pradeep Nepal also endorsed Oli’s line accusing keen to visit US country,” a senior UML leader who did not want to be that what the UML did in the parliament only amounted to Top Maoist leaders, Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai are very keen quoted told newsfront, refusing to divulge details at this surrender to the Maoists. to visit the US. That they longed for a trip to the country they hate the most became obvious when they accepted an invitation from the World Bank to attend a programme in their headquarters in Washington DC. Bhattarai who spoke on behalf of the party as well as its chief Prachanda about the Maoist party’s vision of economy in new Nepal so captivated the top World Bank (WB) officials that the duo were extended an invitation to its Disorder headquarters. “We will love to be there if the US government gives us visa,” Bhattarai is said to have told a senior WB official. Now that there is an assurance from the WB to do their best to facilitate their trip to the US, the Security chiefs raise hands comrades’ visit there in near future appears almost certain. To the utter disbelief of the WB officials, Bhattarai told a top level ä nf correspondent agitation plans by certain Terai after the cabinet meeting was meeting of the WB recently here that Maoists believed in creating job groups in those areas from this informed about the increasing opportunities and expanding infra-structures in the country for which they Security Chiefs have admitted that week. Moreover, the Madheshi number of cases of land grabbing by would expect a role for the WB. Bhattarai also promised that his party the law and order situation in the Janadhikar Forum (MJF) leader, Maoists as well as by some Terai would not put any hindrance to the WB activities and projects in Nepal. country is in a very bad shape; but Upendra Yadav has set a fresh groups in various parts of the The WB has promised to give 16 billion dollar assistance to Nepal blamed the political parties, their deadline for the government to country. provided all stake holders including the Maoists agreed to a labour ‘interference’ in functioning of the implement provisions of the accord “While we have to deal with the sector reform which, among other things means, sweeping rights to the security agencies besides various signed between him and the situation firmly on our own, the management to hire and fire labourers. That also means a reduced role criminal groups using Indian territory government earlier. government has agreed to take up for trade unions, something that the Maoists and other political parties as the base, as the key reasons for The security chiefs were the matter with Indian authorities, a may not be agreeable to. the situation. instructed to deal with the law and senior official of the Home Ministry The chiefs of Nepal Police, Armed order situation firmly with the said. He also quoted PM as having No agreemo Police Force (APF) and the National warning from the PM that they will said that he had already taken up Investigation Department (NID) be made fully accountable for any the matter with India at the highest Despite their joining the political mainstream, the world community still gave vent to their frustration and further deterioration. “You are free level.” seems reluctant to accept Maoist nominees as Nepal’s ambassador in anger before the cabinet on to deal with the situation, but there Security chiefs also advised the some countries. None of the four Maoist ambassador designates has November 15 where they had been will be no excuse for any lapses” the members of the council of ministers received the agreemo, a formal acceptance of their appointment by the called to give their assessment of PM told the chiefs. PM Koirala also that absence of any political activities in countries concerned. the law and order situation in the asked the security chiefs not to Terai areas had demoralised the Bijay Karna (Denmark) and Pampha Bhushal (France) are among the country in general and Terai in spare anyone from the Maoist party government apparatus, and in the prominent Maoist nominees for ambassadors. Along with four Maoist particular. including the Young Communist same proportion it was also encourag- nominees, Shailaja Acharya, ambassador designate for Delhi is also The meeting was called in the League (YCL) if found indulging in ing the criminal groups to carry on waiting for the agreemo. wake of Bandh calls given by fresh crimes. Koirala’s response came their activities without any fear. New KUKL Chief Janak Raj Shah has been appointed as the chairman of the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) with immediate effect. Shah replaces Birendra Man Shrestha. The decision to appoint Shah was taken by the steering committee of the KUKL on November 18. The meeting also appointed Mr. Dhruba Bahadur Shrestha as the coordinator for a committee that will oversee the transition management of the company including the transition management. Those in the board of directors of the KUKL include Suresh Basnet, Indra Man Singh Suwal, Rudra Prasad Gautam, Sashin Joshi, Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, Dhurba Bahadur Shrestha besides the chairman. Himeshananda Vaidya will be secretary of the company. 4 19-25 Nov, 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: [email protected], [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder Dare to be honest and fear no labour. - Robert Burns Criminal, who? The worst that was feared has happened. Journalist Birendra Saha’s death in the hands of the Maoists has been confirmed. But that has neither made the Maoist leadership remorseful nor less arrogant. The crime was committed in the most gruesome manner by the top functionaries of what the Maoists call, ‘people’s government’ of Bara. Saha was first invited by the local represen- tatives of the ‘people’s government’ for a news coverage, detained Letters illegally, murdered and buried. This was a brazen example of committing crime and enjoying immunity by a political party that is AIDS. This too is another picture of the part of the ruling coalition for the past 18 months. Great artist flesh trade that takes place in our Saha’s murder comes in the wake of kidnapping of another I and my friends have been following country. journalist, Prakash Singh Thakuri by the Young Communist up on Sanchita Sinha Roy’s works of It is indeed high time that the League cadres from western Nepal months ago. His whereabouts art and her eloquent write ups government take a positive step to give are still not known and the worst is being feared. In both cases, published in newsfront right from the a green signal to open a red light area the state has miserably failed to act against the guilty. very beginning. Your paper deserves in Nepal, before it goes out of control. Prachanda, chief of the Communist party of Nepal-Maoists who all the credit for highlighting her ä Rajendra Gurbacharya is also in direct command of the YCL needs to be made personally amazing works of art that transcends Naya Baneshwor answerable. He failed to fulfill his commitment made in presence all boundaries and barriers. of Saha’s wife and representatives of the Federation of Nepali Her paintings have a soulful quality Journalists (FNJ) that his whereabouts would be made known in them that is rarely seen these days. Disappointing leaders within four days. This was sometimes in the third week of October. And the way she writes speaks out The cover story in Newsfront # 40 Now circumstances prove that Prachanda was in the know of the aloud her struggle, sorrows and joys has reflected the present situation of fate of Saha. This attitude on the part Prachanda is reprehensible. so starkly and honestly. We really Nepali politics. The seven party In fact, some journalist groups in different parts of the country admire her creative outpourings that coalition has been divided in such a have now decided that no journalist should visit Maoist leaders, at are really divine gifts. way that there isn’t any possibility of the national or local level, if called for press coverage, since Saha We sincerely wish her all the consensus. The people are highly episode has proved that they cannot be trusted. This loss of success, recognition that an artist of disappointed watching their leaders credibility will have much wider ramifications in the approach that her caliber truly deserves; and well in behaving so foolishly and not moving the international community might adopt vis a vis Maoists. Already, time. I personally find it tragic that forward with the elections. For the past countries like Denmark, France, Australia and Malaysia despite great artists are only discovered after they are no longer year and half, the leaders have been engrossed with their their having welcomed the peace process, have not yet accepted around. We need to learn from history and start recognising own self interests that proved that their coalition and consen- nominations of the Maoists as Nepal ambassadors to their works of new masters while they are still alive to bask in their sus was only a facade. countries. This only means that not only the United States, but well earned, highly deserved glory. What do Nepali people want now? Conflict among parties, many other countries in the world are yet to be convinced about ä Tim Ricard unrest and selfish leaders? The answer is a big no. Nepali Maoist sincerity in democracy and peace process. Frankfurt, Germany people want the politics of consensus and a favourable environ- Maoists’ involvement in the kidnapping of Thakuri and Saha, ment for CA polls. They want long term peace in the country. If and latter’s murder on one hand and Maoist leadership’s refusal to Managing flesh trade politics in Nepal keeps regressing in this manner, it may lead our apologise for this will only harden the attitude of the media as well It is good that YCL are trying to stop the flesh trade going country again to feudalism, autocracy and civil war. as the world community against the Maoists. By not apologising on around Bir Hospital. I agree with Rajib Tamrakar’s views ä Krishna Chandra Dahal and still protecting those involved in the Saha murder case, the that we should take this seriously and think about alternate Kathmandu Maoist leadership is further encouraging their cadres at the local ways to address this issue. level to carry on the crime of annihilation of the class enemy, in the Bangkok has been capitalising on flesh trade since decades Readers, your reactions, criticisms, com- name of politics and without fear of any action. Prachanda, on but strictly under laws and medical supervision. It earns more ments, suggestions are most welcome. behalf of his party, must apologise and handover criminals to the than 20 percent of national income through this business. government, as a proof that his party’s leadership was not Thousands of Nepali women are sold in other countries Please address it to: involved in the two cases. yearly, and many of them are sent back, once they get HIV/ [email protected]

Spiritual Corner My creed is love Fusûs al-Hikam, an god. He believed in the unity My creed is love; Muhammad Ibn ‘Arabi was a mystic, exposition of the inner of all religions and taught Wherever its caravan turns along the way, philosopher, poet and a spiritual teacher. meaning of the wisdom different prophets all came That is my belief, Known as Muhyiddin (the revivifier of religion) of the prophets in the with the same essential truth. My faith. and the Shaykh al-Akbar (the great master), Judaic/ Christian/ Islamic Ibn Arabi’s poems: he was born in 1165 AD into the Moorish line, and the Futûhât al- culture of Andalusian Spain, the center of an Makkiyya, a vast Wonder Turmoil in your hearts extraordinary flourishing and cross-fertilisation encyclopaedia of spiritual Were it not for of Jewish, Christian and Islamic thought, knowledge which unites Wonder, the excess of your talking through which the major scientific and and distinguishes the A garden among the and the turmoil in your hearts, philosophical works of antiquity were transmit- three strands of tradition, flames! you would see what I see ted to Northern Europe. reason and mystical My heart can take on any and hear what I hear! Ibn Arabi’s spiritual attainments were insight. In his Diwân and form: evident from an early age, and he was Tarjumân al-Ashwâq he A meadow for gazelles, renowned for his great visionary capacity and also wrote some of the A cloister for monks, When my beloved appears for being a superlative teacher. He travelled finest poetry in Arabic language. For the idols, sacred ground, When my beloved appears, extensively in the Islamic world and died in Ibn Arabi showed how man, in perfection, is Ka’ba for the circling pilgrim, With what eye do I see him? Damascus in 1240 AD. the complete image of this reality and how The tables of the Torah, With his eye, not with mine, He wrote over 350 works including the those who truly know their essential self, know The scrolls of the Quran. For none sees him except himself. Debating Development 19-25 Nov, 2007 5

parties engaged in revolutionary practice know that the international situation is quite unfavorable to accomplish new democratic revolution The Left threat to sustain it.” Like radical Islam, communism is a dogmatic ideology that supersedes geographical boundaries. However, Prachanda’s conclusion in his report to COMPOSA is the most important part of his report, a close read will magnify the eventual plan and aim of the Maoist movement in Nepal – “The enemy who is attacking our party especially its youth wing “YCL”, with whatever they find in their ä Siddhartha Thapa hands, has generated mass resentment against the enemies. And our mass line, discipline of our PLA Nearing his fourth year in office, there and political line has gathered are very little achievements that the momentum to prepare the ground for Indian prime minister can boast the final insurrection. We are utilising about. The recent fiasco surrounding this transitional phase to spread our the civilian nuclear agreement with base and consolidate it, to get rid of America is an elaborate example of our own short comings and bring the failure of the Congress led UPA disintegration in the enemy’s camp government to impact political (Nepali Congress, RJP, RPP, MJF, changes in a progressive direction. Nepal Army and the monarchy) so Clearly, the alliance with the Left that we can give a final blow and parties has yielded in diminished usher into the country a new returns for the Congress at both, the democracy.” domestic and the international stage. India’s stature in global politics will But if the Congress wishes to move be defined by its ability to democratise ahead in a progressive direction, it its neighborhood and in conjunction must like Indira Gandhi; sever its ties with development of its economy. with the communists. It is imperative However, there are serious hurdles that the Congress ceases coopera- on both fronts to the Indian govern- tion with the Left, so that; it enables ment. Nicolas Burns, the US under Congress to chart independent Secretary of State for political affairs, economic and foreign policies that in his article, ‘America’s Strategic aims to take India to the forefront of Opportunity with India’, in the latest global politics. edition of the journal Foreign Affairs CPI –M, have been maintaining has identified India as one America’s that India should import gas from most important strategic partners in Central Asia as an alternative to the global affairs. To live up to such 123 Agreement with the United expectations, first, India has to curtail States. However; the trade route for and confront the growth of commu- the central Asian gas project cannot nism and radical Islam in India and in materialise without political stability its neighboring countries. prevailing in both Afghanistan and As the leftist’s continue to espouse Pakistan. The latest edition of the sentiments of self determination, the Newsweek described Pakistan as the likelihood of further ethnic confronta- world's most dangerous nation. It tion and possible disentrancement further reports that the ISI continues with the center evolving into seces- to maintain clandestine relations with sion movements cannot be ruled out.

Taliban and other Islamist fugitives in Source: www.naxalwatch.blogspot.com Already, Nagaland, Mizoram, Andhra the hope of using them to wage Jihad Pradesh (Telganga) and more in Kashmir in the future. evidently Punjab in the past have all Bhutto now under the threat of posed threats to India’s national unity Islamists and the Taliban, was a and integrity. Therefore, should Nepal pivotal figure in aiding the Taliban fall into the hands of the communist, storm to power in Kabul. Bhutto had Nepal will serve as a core state for envisioned a secure neighbour under further communists movements in the Taliban so that she could use South Asia directly threatening India’s southern Afghanistan as a strategic Maoists under the influence of the radical communist parties operate not Prachanda might have wept in Delhi national security. trade route to build pipelines to import CPI –M suggests India has perhaps just in Nepal, but in India, declaring the Nepali Maoists have no As India strives to make gargan- gas from central Asia to help the deviated from the liberal Nehruvian Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even in nexus with the Naxal's and tuan economic leaps, it is crucial that ailing economy of Pakistan. Unfortu- doctrine that helped shaped Indian Bhutan. As identified by Indian PM COMPOSA, recent intelligence India generates necessary energy nately, Bhutto's strategy backfired foreign policy. Like radical Islam, Man Mohan Singh, the Naxalite reports indicate otherwise. In a report fuel to meet the demands of its who was heavily influenced by the ISI. communism is a dogmatic ideology movement in India remains the submitted to COMPOSA by the growing industries. The 123 But more significantly, both New Delhi that supersedes geographical largest security menace to the Indian Maoist Chief Prachanda, he reaffirms Agreement can therefore provide and Islamabad have failed to take the boundaries. The continued failure of establishment. The compact political his party's commitment in preserving India with a strategic advantage in peace talks forward. Therefore, how the Indian government to understand corridor that the Naxal's and the and further bolstering their ties with Asia. However, as the Left continue to the establishment in New Delhi the nefarious schemes of their Left Maoists want to erect is gaining regional communist parties. question the rationale of this deal; its envisions importing oil from Central coalition partners to help the Maoist momentum due to the lack of policy in In a candid revelation the report feasibility and eventual implementa- Asia that has to pass though rise to power continues to remain New Delhi. submitted to COMPOSA by tion of the 123 Agreement remains Afghanistan and Pakistan still remains ignored. The net result of this Even though Maoists Chairman Prachanda this summer declares: " questionable. a matter of speculation. lackluster policy On several However; India will have to seek Another component vital to India's vis-à-vis Nepal will occasions we other alternatives to meet the soaring national security and industrialisation only complicate have brought demands of its economy for more of the Gangetic plains is the urgency security issues out our energy. Some of these alternatives to restore political normalcy in Nepal. and undermine assessment can be found in the rivers of Nepal. Nehru, India's first prime minister economic that the However, for the development of any once stated, “our border lies up until development in domestic realistic hydro power projects in the northern Himalaya's". Following northern India. situation in Nepal, it is essential that peace and Nehru's statement, Kathmandu Although Nepal is the democratic forces prevail in debated the context of Nehru's largely ignored in favorable and Nepal’s political uncertainty. For this, it speech at length. But the Nepali India, the Maoist ripe to capture is sacrosanct that the Maoists in political circle tacitly approved this movement in central state Nepal and other members of remark by identifying the common Nepal should be power in the COMPOSA are confronted and threats that endangered both Nepal's viewed as a near future but viewed at a similar level of policy and India's national security. symbolic political as all the analysis by all agencies that help However, the latest Indian policy to movement in genuine shape India’s strategic policy at home aide a former rebel outfit like the South Asia. Today communist and abroad. ä 6 19-25 Nov, 2007 Opinion MY BELOVED KATHMANDU It can be considered as the epitome of contrasts as well as a citadel of learning.

Then a noble soul from Tanahu, the prepared to face the present day the illegal blockade by the protestors, executed, even the average protestors great poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, challenges by pursuing education and who might be directly or indirectly find solace in local brew and edibles was mesmerised by the splendour of maintaining good health for future linked to the powerful parties ruling made available by the organisers (and Kantipur. He was also appalled by progress and prosperity. Others are the country today. There is no dearth perhaps paid by INGOs). the delays that occurred in acting on committed to the rule of law and of protestors as most are unem- After nine, most places go to sleep, a simple matter by the then ä Binod P. Bista believe that they will enjoy their full ployed or under employed. Neverthe- the cycle for the day completed. Most government agency under the Rana rights one day. First lesson learned: less, at the end of the day an average families are happy that they are still regime. Being a famous poet of the keep healthy and pursue your duties, person manages to get to work and safe, have something to eat and can time, who was also clever with his seem to be waiting in eternity for and do not lose hope no matter what. comes home safely for dinner. sleep in peace. Tomorrow is as words, he could express his feelings petrol. This is no small matter Come office time, the streets of The second lesson of the day: uncertain as can be. Lesson learned - so brilliantly that it touched the considering the fact that the petrol Kathmandu depict a totally different Today’s world, especially poor uncertainty is the name of the game. hearts of many people including the shortage has been continuing for picture, that of arrogance and developing countries, is a dangerous Where else on earth does one get rulers and got his work done. several months now without any impatience. Most streets are choked place to live in but one must engage such a complete education every Coming from a village, he imagined foreseeable respite. Many vehicle with vehicles of all sorts making it in daily productive life. single day? The city of gods and the beauty of Kantipur, the place as owners return empty handed after almost impossible to estimate the time Late afternoon, suddenly a strike is goddesses, accepts the disruptive well as the people, to be equal to lining up for many hours and without required to keep an appointment. called at a slightest provocation, behaviors of its inhabitants as heaven. His love for Kantipur was tending to the call of nature. Yet, Frequently, one witnesses flashing causing serious problems to public gracefully as meaningful actions of profound and sincere. except for one-day protest organised motorbikes, speeding micro/mini commuters. Instead of restraining others. Residents of Kathmandu are The Kantipur of yesteryears has by the taxi drivers recently, the people buses that can come from any angle such activities that are bound to flexible, accommodating and taken the name of Kathmandu today. have remained extremely patient and on narrow two lane streets. If not deprive the common man of his right committed, as reflected during the Having been born and brought up in accommodating. careful, an average pedestrian is to honest work, the civil societies keep yoga lessons imparted by the Indian this city, my love for it has not waned One cannot help but appreciate bound to get hurt if not land at a on encouraging the protestors and Swami Ramdev recently. despite everyday confusion and Nepalis’ commitment to law and order nearby hospital with broken bones, if even join such protests as they have Despite being pockmarked with disruption of public life on one pretext and their enormous faith in their not life lost. all the time in the world. I receive the potholes, smelling of garbage, or the other. There are several government; a government that is One small accident anywhere on third lesson of the day: sacrifice your marred by ugly structures, reasons why one loves this city. It can virtually non-existent. One can also the road can deprive you of a day’s present for future, which in the Nepali Kathmandu charms its inhabitants as be considered as the epitome of see scores of people taking their work as that spot could attract a well- context remains as dark as ever. much as it does the tourists. Despite it contrasts as well as a citadel of morning walk or jogging. Children organised demonstration blocking the Evening time in Kathmandu appears being grossly neglected by its learning. and teenagers going to schools entire street in no time. The police beautiful with some streets well lit and caretakers at different times, the city For early risers, the study can start appear quite energetic and happy. force of Kathmandu is as helpless as busy with moneyed people frequenting seems forgiving and keeps smiling from a well-disciplined queue of This certainly reflects that the it has to wait for instructions from restaurants, pubs and hotels of the mysteriously like the famous vehicles and motor- bikes, which Nepalis, especially the young, are fully above for taking any action against city. With the day’s work successfully Monalisa. ä

ä Manish Gautam outbursts of glacier lakes which eventually will Flooded Nepalgunj make impacts on mountainous human life and While the world leaders prepare for the next their livelihoods. Similarly, it has now been United Nations Framework Convention on proven that the flash floods and erratic Climate Change (UNFCC) conference to weather patterns that Nepal is experiencing determine the international response to are the consequences of climate change. climate change in Bali, Indonesia, beginning According to Dr. Pachauri social implication of December 2007, the prominent climate of climate changes varies from context to change advocate Dr. R.K Pachauri - context and he strongly points on social Chairman of this year Noble Prize winning science research on climate change to bring Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change out the human dimension. “We are likely to (IPCC), Director General and the Energy witness heat waves, floods, droughts and so and Resources Institute (TERI) - has said many other repercussions and climate that without immediate action, global change adds one more layer to this problem,” warming is set to reverse decades of social he said. He added, “bottom line is that poor and economic progress across Asia, home will become even poorer. So we need to to over 60 percent of the world’s population. develop institutional network and occupational “Asia is at a critical juncture as the home innovation which can provide a safety net for to the majority of humanity. It has made real these people.” advances in reducing poverty but lies on the Time to act now Historically, developed countries have frontline of impacts from climate change,” he released the vast amount of green-house said, addressing the regional workshop with gases, but they are also the best positioned media in the Asia pacific Region on Climate more.” and more extreme patterns of financially to reduce those emissions. Change jointly organised by UNDP and For over a decade, scientists rainfall while monsoons around Developing and countries in transition will Swiss Development Cooperation in New from around the world working which farming systems are bear the burnt of any change in climate Delhi, India. He added that Asia has already with the IPCC have reached the designed, are expected to become patterns and these are the people who will witnessed the impacts of climate change and conclusion that world’s climate is more unpredictable in their strength suffer the most. In an effort to address the we would further see its effects which will changing and human beings are and time of onset. threats posed by climate change, 178 pose a threat to human development. largely responsible for it. The The 28 million people of South nations including Nepal came together at the According to a very recent study report, expected repercussions of climate Asia affected by flooding have Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to adopt the ‘Up in Smoke: Asia and the Pacific’ - Asia is change, including droughts and Dr. R.K Pachauri direct relation to climate change. UNFCC. home to 87 per cent of the world’s known floods, snow retreating in the Drought in north China has Rich countries, both historically and today, 400 million small farms, all especially Himalayas, crop failures, extinction of species increased ruining the livelihoods of the region’s are disproportionately responsible for the vulnerable to climate change as they rely on and emerging or re-emerging of infectious farmers; and around 8 out of 10 glaciers in emissions that have caused and still fuel regular and reliable rainfall. To address the diseases will affect every nation of the earth. western China are reportedly in retreat due to climate change. As such, they need to meet impacts of climate change, Dr. Pachauri The most vulnerable people are in general the climate change. and exceed their targets for reducing suggests integrating the adaptation to poorest, since they have less capacity to adapt Nepal is no exception to the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions set under the climate change with development policies and their livelihoods often depend on resources climate change. Nepal is home to the Kyoto Protocol. Countries like USA, Australia into practices. He said, “Climate change that are linked to climate. Himalayas, where due to climate change snow and some of other industrialised countries affects the human development of this earth Asia is set to warm during this century, and is retreating; and international organisations like which are the biggest polluters have not but poorest section of the society will suffer that this will be accompanied by less predictable UNEP and ICIMOD have already warned the ratified the Kyoto Protocol yet. ä Interview 19-25 Nov, 2007 7 Symbols of MIND Thangkas are the expressions of enlightened minds…

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Vijay Sarga Maharjan, 34, is an through deities such as Hevajra, Unfortunately, due to lack of When I have time I work 12 hours To preserve, we have to create avid Phaubha/Thangka painter. Vajrasattva, Chakrasambhava, education, interest and exposure, a day at home and teach once a awareness. We have to know the Newsfront talked with him recently Samantabhadra and many others. Nepalis have not learned to appreci- week. Apart from that I work three value of our art and publicise it. I think about his passion which he says has Carl Jung also held Thangkas and ate our own traditional unique art days a week at the office of the artist, that through Thangkas, we can changed his life. especially Mandalas in high esteem. forms. I’m sorry to say but modern art Karsang Lama at Swoyambhu. My develop wisdom inside us and that He said it was the best technique to by popular names are held in high job is to add final touches to helps everybody. It would also be a What attracted you to free mind of its neurosis. esteem by the so called intellectual Thangkas. good source of employment and Thangkas? Samantabhadra has a special circles here; but they have missed out income generation. I was always interested in painting. significance with its two forms in unity. on or completely ignore our precious How has spending so much We need to find ways to encourage I started painting when I was 14. I The blue male figure depicts heritage. time with deities changed you? more young people to take up this used to paint birds in which I emptiness and the white female Apart from increased, sharpened form of art that has so much demand specialised for three years. Then I symbolises clarity. An enlightened Your recent painting of the concentration, my perspectives have worldwide. Personally, I think by moved on to Thangka. I learned mind is basically a unity of emptiness Buddha shows your style has opened up. It has added new investing in creating more Thangka Thangka from my Tamang gurus at and clarity. changed now. What caused the dimensions to my way of thinking and artists in our country, we’d be creating Swoyambhu; and Prem Man change? that has made it easier for me to a pool of precious resource that the Chitrakar and K.K. Karmacharya. Tell us about your favorite It looks different but the essence survive in this world. I’d like to add world would look up to. Being a Although monetary return was the pieces of work. remains the same. With full aware- that I owe a lot of my spiritual guru, Thangka artist is a matter of great motivating factor behind my decision Picture no. 1, the Phauba was ness of what a particular deity Sridhar Rana Rinpoche who taught honour, and creates a lot of self to become a Thangka painter, now I done by me and by other students represents, I just play around with me how to look and go deep down respect in yourself. can interpret it in a different way. I around 15 years ago. It depicts how it is expressed. I do not impose inside and to channelise my potential. think I was attracted to the mind Aryavaloketeswara – the deity of other irrelevant elements on it. That The art form that I’m doing now, Final word? aspect of it. I don’t think there is any compassion. In picture 2, the Buddha would be stupid. I only try and simplify where I translate Buddhist philosophy I owe a lot to my wife and child for other art that expresses the functions is depicted as radiating compassion; the qualities of a deity and express its into art form was inspired by him. being so undemanding. That has of mind so vividly. and lastly, the Kumari which I painted core meaning. made my life a lot easier. around five years ago. It is painted on How can this art form be (Artist phone: 2312769, email: What difference do you see plywood with water colours. Your working hours? preserved in Nepal? [email protected])

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between Thangkas and other forms of painting? Do you think Thangkas are I’d like to cite examples of Dali’s appreciated as much in Nepal works. Dali’s works are mostly based as it is abroad? on Freudian analysis that expressed No, we don’t understand the depth the knots, neurosis of the mind; but in of Thangkas. Art critics here do not Thangkas, the different manifesta- value it so much. They call it copy art. tions of mind are presented. Freudian But there are people from other analysed only the ‘sick’ people, so in countries who really hold it in high his own words, he could not find a esteem. I recall reading about a completely healthy person. Modern Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, who arts depicting negative aspects of was here and was reported to have mind do not give you a good feeling. I said that he spent all his money personally would not want a painting, buying Thangkas. It has a huge however famous or expensive, that market abroad and vast quantities depicts a confused or tortured mind are exported worldwide every year. hung on my walls! But Thangkas definitely generate a positive feeling no matter how ferocious the deity may look. Unfortunately, due

Why is it so? to lack of educa- Thangkas are the expressions of tion, interest and enlightened minds that could see the exposure, Nepalis pictures of the deep layers of sub- consciousness. These pictures help have not learned to cleanse, purify sub-consciousness appreciate our own and it assists in opening up your super consciousness. The enlight- traditional unique ened forms of mind are depicted art forms. 8 19-25 Nov, 2007 Opinion Lacking Disturbing picture for a nascent democracy Leadership democratic has to be flexible The number of orphans and widows across Nepal increases with every passing day. and understand leadership the context. abouts of the journalist. They both woke up only when the helpless wife along with her two little kids was paraded in front of them by the FNJ. Worse still, it took the poor lady and ä Chandrakishore Jha the persistent media, 35 long days to ascertain the ultimate fate of the There were lots of expectations journalist; the shocking revelation from the Nepali people when coming in the form of Maoists democracy ultimately came in Nepal declaring that he was killed. in April 2006. In addition to the For Umravati, there can’t be a disappointments Nepalis experi- bigger tragedy in her life than this enced on the political front, the one. But she is not an exception. months that followed have been This is a reality that confronts many disappointing on many other counts other women in Nepal even after as well. Many people have died even the conflict had seemingly ended. after the conflict ended. Hence the Across regions in Nepal, there are number of orphans and widows many Umravatis, whose husbands across Nepal increases with every are killed, missing, disabled or newsfront passing day. In the name of people’s maimed. Umravati was at least a welfare, political parties are indulging shade fortunate that her late ä Ram Thapaliya rely on fate instead of personal will not practice its vision cannot in all kinds of destructive activities. husband was a journalist. This and capabilities. convince people to follow its vision. Most disappointingly, people in power enabled her to reach the corridors In Nepal the context for leadership Nepali Congress party won the Leaders have to encourage new are in their insensitive best towards of power to knock on doors for help, has changed many times but the majority in the general elections in thinking, perspectives and even take peoples’ grievances. though unsuccessfully. There are style of leaders and reaction of 1991 with the so called popular on the challenges to leadership as One striking example of this host of others whose husbands are people and constituents to it is not mandate for the democracy; but the one way possible to test their own attitude from people in power was petty government officials, village changing. In Nepal, there is a long new leaders did not have the vision vision. There can be no substitute seen by all through the case of level political workers, labourers, history of feudalism. The very how to translate their vision into for transparency and accountability Umravati Saha, who recently had to ordinary villagers and so on whose complicated geography in Nepal reality. Leaders were mostly focused in leadership. cry in front of two most powerful men cries the authorities conveniently made it very difficult, until modern on leading own party and did not Leadership is earned and in Nepal, just to know the where- ignore and go unheard. times with improved communication, communicate with the people to get maintained by dedication. It cannot abouts of her husband who was It was a shame for the govern- to govern the territories of the their support for the new system. be just awarded, inherited or kidnapped. This was on October 30, ment as well as the Maoists to have country under a single ruler. Besides the lack of experience in appointed on a whim. In this way, 2007, 25 days after late Birendra necessitated the tour that Umravati Over hundreds of years Nepal was democratic leadership, one biggest vision cannot be well translated and Sah was kidnapped. That heart undertook to Kathmandu. All these governed by many small rulers of problem and challenge for leaders in transferred. Only power and power rendering image of Umravati and years, the Maoists have been principalities, landlords who owed a new democratic context was the benefits can be transferred. her two little kids crying in front of shouting at the top of their voices allegiance to the kings and Hindu lack of governance inside their own Leadership has to be flexible and Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoists vouching for what they called the religious leaders, who maintained party. Party leaders were understand the context. Leaders Chairman Prachanda, shown on right brand of democracy, which their power mostly by staying in favor recognised leaders because they have to do some homework in the various television channels and print include respect for lives of citizens of kings or other leaders they served. had many years of experience advance so they can have more media is still fresh in our memory. and adherence to all aspects of This describes a context repeated leading the party, but only very few than one vision and strategy. The picture was disturbing to say the human rights. In neglecting an many times in Nepal’s history where of them had any type of formal The main complication in the least, because it looked more like a incident as serious as killing of a the power of leaders is gained and education and diverse skills to qualify dealing with political leadership is that helpless bonded laborer paraded person, and for so long, the Maoists maintained according to the leaders’ them for leadership in a different unlike in a business situation everyone before a feudal lord, rather than an have only demonstrated that the position and not due to their qualities environment. The leaders did not in political party sees themselves as audience granted to an aggrieved avowed promise to ensure their and qualifications for the position. have the vision, strategies and the potential leaders. For political individual by people’s leaders. brand of democracy was only loose The right to leadership authority in experience for leading the new type leadership development, there needs This was one example of many talks spoken from a high morale Nepali history came to the leaders of system. They were using to be new research on Nepal political dashed hopes that Nepalis go ground. It is time the government and was passed on to other leaders knowledge and experience from the leadership and the type of qualities in through presently. Though both PM and the Maoists realise that the by inheriting positions. The right to feudal and traditional system that leaders that are best suited to leading Koirala and Maoist Chairman more Umravatis shed their tears, stay in leadership position came depended on relying on leaders. the party and the nation. Prachanda were fully aware of the faster the public would dump from the ability of the leader to keep From my study of the Nepali (Writer is PhD, Crisis Manage- Saha’s kidnapping, the duo preferred them into dust bins. ä allegiance to a higher leader and Congress party and its struggles I ment, a visiting professor at Tufts to prioritise celebration of Dashain (Chandrakishore Jha is a Birgunj authority. The caste system and can find some lessons learned about University, and TU, Conflict Peace ahead of ascertaining the where- based journalist) feudalism made people believe and the leadership: Leadership that does and Development in Global Context) From the region 19-25 Nov, 2007 9 Bangladesh cyclone toll nears 1,900

Grieving survivors and rescuers tens of thousands affected by the management, described the cyclone picked through the rubble left in the storm, the worst to hit disaster- as a "national calamity" and urged wake of a super cyclone that battered prone Bangladesh since 1991 when all to come forward to help the Bangladesh as the death toll neared nearly 143,000 people died. Cyclone victims. 1,900 on Sunday and a government Sidr smashed into the country's "Everybody, including all political official declared the disaster "a southern coastline late on Thursday parties, should join the relief efforts," national calamity". Military ships and night with 250 kph (155 mph) winds he said, adding that "aid pledges from helicopters were trying to reach that whipped up a five metre tidal the international community have so thousands of people believed surge. Most of the deaths came from far been good", stranded on islands in the Bay of the surge washing away homes and Relief operators on the ground said Bengal and in coastal areas still cut strong winds blowing down dwell- supplies were still inadequate and off by the devastating storm. ings. Many others drowned or were that the government should make an Officials expected the death toll to lost at sea. immediate plea for more international rise further as the search for In Barisal, one of the worst hit aid to avert a "human disaster." hundreds of people missing after districts, authorities used elephants to In many areas there is still no Thursday night's storm intensified. clear uprooted trees blocking electricity, and officials have warned it The disaster ministry in Dhaka had highways. Helicopters flew sorties to could take weeks to restore. recorded 1,861 deaths by Sunday devastated areas, dropping food, Aid officials said damage from the noon, but local media put the figure at drinking water and medicine for the storm was very severe. more than 3,000. survivors. "Our relief teams have started A much improved disaster "There are not many places where emergency distribution, with an initial preparedness plan has been credited we can land," said one pilot, as large coverage of 100,000 people," Vince with saving scores of lives. "It will take areas were still under water. Edwards, national director of World several days to complete the search Several fishermen picked by a Vision Bangladesh. and know the actual casualty figure trawler from sea said they saw They also saw scores of dead deer Crescent officials said some 1,000 In many areas, 95 percent of rice and extent of damage to property," dozens of bodies floating in the and other wildlife floating in the fishermen and about 150 boats were crops due to be harvested in a few said food and disaster ministry official waters near the Sundarban man- Pashur river, near the forest. still unaccounted for in the Bay of weeks have been badly damaged, Ayub Miah. grove forest, a world heritage site Navy ships scoured coastal areas Bengal. officials said. Hundreds of shrimp A huge effort was underway to get and home to the endangered Royal and sought to clear river channels Tapan Chowdhury, a government farms have also been washed food, drinking water and shelter to Bengal tiger. clogged with sunken vessels. Red adviser for food and disaster away. ä Emergency to stay, US told Asean leaders ready to orderly elections. He said the step was also aimed at sign landmark charter arresting the deteriorating law and order situation as well as containing Leaders of the Association of emphasis on developing a culture the influence of terrorists who were Southeast Asian Nations gathered of taking our obligations seri- now heading towards the settled in Singapore on Sunday ready to ously," he added. areas of Pakistan. sign a landmark charter giving The secretary-general will be One of the major objectives of legal status to the 40-year-old empowered to monitor compliance imposing the emergency was to avoid body and making strides in human with Asean agreements and report violence and bombings during rights. breaches to the summit, he said. general elections, he said. With Burmese Prime Minister Referring to critics who maintain During the meeting, he said, Thein Sein and Foreign Minister that Asean is little more than a "talk Pakistan-US relations also came up U Nyan Win attending and the shop, Koh said the charter will for discussion and that both have delegates from the 10-member enable the grouping to play a similarities of views on various bodies staying in 11 different bigger role in regional and global national and international issues. hotels, police designated affairs. The president also told the US "protected areas" giving authori- Asean includes Singapore, deputy secretary of state that ties greater leeway to deal with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Pakistan government has decided to possible security threats, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, raise additional 125 platoons of demonstrations or other incidents. Laos, Vietnam and Burma. Frontier Constabulary, 7,000 levies Among the affected venues and The UN Secretary General's and 1,500 policemen to further a 500-metre perimetre around special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari is ä By Ihtasham ul Haque official that the third phase of strengthen war on terror in the each are The Shangri-La Hotel scheduled to brief the East Asia transition to complete civilian set-up NWFP. where the 40th anniversary Summit which includes the Asean President Gen Pervez Musharraf told will be achieved by holding free and He said that Pakistan’s security summit is taking place, The countries in addition to China, US Deputy Secretary of State John fair elections,” he said. forces were fully capable of carrying Raffles City Convention Centre India, Japan, South Korea, Negroponte on Saturday that The sources said Gen Musharraf out operation in the troubled region. site of a gala dinner and the Asian Australia and New Zealand. emergency rule was needed for a told Mr Negroponte that former prime Pakistan, he said, did not need any Civilizations Museum where a Police have warned against peaceful conduct of elections, minister Benazir Bhutto was ‘too foreign military support in this reception will be held. staging any outdoor protests after refusing to set a date for lifting it. confrontationist’ and ruled out any behalf. Nearly 1,000 delegates from 43 learning of plans by foreign Informed sources said that during a further discussions with her over a In the context of fight against countries are attending. students to do so on Monday. one-hour meeting with the visiting US proposed ‘power-sharing agreement’. terrorism, President Musharraf While the charter, a blueprint A petition was released however official, the president also said no It is not known that what was the termed unfair and untrue the for an Asean economic commu- calling on the UN Security Council political party would be barred from response of the US official on this allegation that political developments nity by 2015, and a document to bring "tangible results" in the contesting elections and that a level comment. had distracted government in its on climate change and the national reconciliation and political playing field would be provided to There were speculations that Mr counter-terrorism efforts. He said environment are highlights, reform process. everyone. Negroponte would meet Ms Bhutto Pakistan was fully committed to the diplomats said Burma is The document was signed by The president assured Mr on Saturday. However, she left war on terror. overshadowing the other issues 3,626 people or 10 per cent of the Negroponte that free, fair and Lahore for Karachi in the evening The president also briefed his after its bloody crackdown on Burmese nationals in Singapore. transparent elections would be held in instead of coming to Islamabad. guest about the current situation in pro-democracy protesters in A group calling themselves the the first week of January. The president told him that the tribal areas and Swat. Septemer. "Overseas Burma Patriots" said The president’s spokesman, Maj- proclamation of emergency had Mr Negroponte lauded the role of Asean countries have made they want Singapore to give the Gen (retd) Rashid Qureshi, told Dawn become ‘necessary’ to fight effectively President Musharraf in the war many commitments over the petition to the council. after the meeting that Mr Negroponte against terrorists and religious against terror and said that the years, but have only implemented Public demonstrations against had come to Pakistan to understand extremists in the country. United States would continue its a third of them, said Professor the Burmese junta have flared the fast developing political situation The sources said Mr Negroponte support to Pakistan in this behalf. He Tommy Koh, Singapore's elsewhere, but police said and the president briefed him sought a date for the lifting of appreciated the announcement of the representative on the task force Singapore's prohibition against particularly about the elections, war emergency, but the president refused president about the holding of which drafted the charter. outdoor gatherings of more than on terror and the circumstances in to do so. elections in January. Senior US and "This is not an acceptable four people without official approval which he was ‘constrained’ to President Musharraf insisted that Pakistani officials were present in the record," Koh said. "A key is in full force. promulgate emergency on Nov 3. emergency would ensure a smooth meeting. feature in the charter is the (Bangkok post) “The president told the visiting US political atmosphere, leading to (Dawn) 10 19-25 Nov, 2007 Perspective Altered states of mind Einstein said that whenever he came up with a new theory, he used to go into a dream like state.

ä Mahayogi Acharya Sridhar Rana Rinpoche etc. In this state, the mind tends to be positive and all negative thinking Similarly at 82% trance, recall of scientifically correct to say that the disappears. lost memories is easily accessible waking state is the normal state and all Below 7.9 hertz to 4 hertz is theta which is so useful to psychotherapy. other states of mind are the altered wave state. This is a state of deep This is called hyper amnesia while states. Calling the waking state as relaxation, deep meditation, in- above 84% regression into normal and measuring all other states creased memory and focus. This is a childhood or past life is possible. of the mind against it as altered state is dream like state. When we are seeing These properties are not available based on conditioned ideas of what is dreams, the brain emits theta waves. to the common waking mind no normal and is thus scientifically This is also the state where creativity matter how sharp or intelligent the unwarranted. occurs. Einstein said that whenever person is. At around 80% the mind In another neuro-scientific language he came up with a new theory, he can control organic body functions what is called waking state (what most used to go into a dream like state. like heart-beat, blood pressure, people consider as the normal state) the Thomas Alva Edison also realised digestion etc. In brain emits beta that he had in hand a new invention, all these are waves. Beta waves just after waking up from a deep various levels of Marshland Flowers are rays ranging from sleep. This is the theta state. altered states of 13 hertz upwards. Transformation or change can take mind, many things are accessible The normal waking state ranges from place easily in the theta state. This is which are not accessible to the mind 13 hertz to 25 hertz. This is the waking also the state of deep hypnosis when in its humdrum waking state. When state of normal alertness. Once the suggestions given by the hypno- we go off in a tangent into a day- hertz increases towards 25 hertz and therapist are easily absorbed into the dream we are again going into above, states of anxiety and stress subconscious and thus changes in another altered state of mind. begin. The higher the hertz go the more mental attitudes and behaviour are As we said earlier, there are stressed out and anxiety laden the mind brought about. many types of altered states of mind becomes. It becomes more distraught, Creative visualisation as used in which are different from each other. tensed up and is unable to focus. Vajrayana produce theta wave states For example, when we go off into From 8 hertz to 12.9 hertz is the quickly with a little amount of practice sleep, we go through various levels alpha wave range. When the mind is provided there is concentration. It is in of altered state. The first stage of calmly focused and relaxed, it begins to such a state that the mind is receptive to sleep onslaught called the hypna- dip between 8 and13 hertz. This is a easily and quickly. Memory capacity is means from 8 to 10 hertz. When a creative intuition and insights and to gogic state is an altered state of relaxed but alert state. The state when heightened. This is also the first stage person is in this level of altered state, transformation. The elaborate Mandala mind which is different from the the brain is emitting alpha waves is also of meditation and also the first stage the mind is relaxed. This is a very meditation of Vajrayana is based on this waking state. Actually the waking called the super learning state because of sleep onslaught. good altered state for lowering blood principle. (To be continued) state itself is one state of the mind the mind is in a state where it can Most meditators are normally at the pressure and relaxing the mind, (Sridhar Rinpoche is a Vajrayana and is itself an altered state. It is not absorb vast amounts of information lower levels of this frequency which making it free from all tension, anxiety Master) Art & society 19-25 Nov, 2007 11 In the FOR LOVE OF NATURE Himalayas Walt Whitman would have had a hard time here. ä Sanchita Sinha Roy

ä Yuyutsu RD Sharma sor who propounded the idea of self as a defining principle in interpretation on paper or canvas I celebrate myself, and sing arts and literature and even gives me that unparalleled deep myself, modern medicine. No wonder sense of joy. And what I assume you shall shamanism, trance, and I draw warmth, healing power assume, initiation have come as great news in from the sun. Jungle vibrates with For every atom belonging to me the western medicine in the new that sense of wild abandon, an as good belongs to you century. unbridled sense of freedom and --Walt Whitman, Song of Myself The very essence of creative writing profound mystery. I can lose is an enlargement of the self. That's myself in it and be the way I want The idea of 'self' appears repugnant what matters in the new world of the Springscape to be. Spring-scape signifies life’s Autumn leaves in the himalayas. Much before the new millennium. In a nation where opening up of the nation to the outside radical insurgencies are flourishing in beginning with its green young world, long before the roads snaked in profusion, where the ethnic conflicts leaves, full of potential. Autumn to shatter the charm of this collective and communal strife grow like ferns in leaves represent life’s transitory self, self was a dreadful abuse. The the himalayan wilderness, a writer's nature. The vibrant colours of the whole population seemed to be living myths of his self might appear leaves delight and soon wither away in an exquisite pastoral; a network of deceitful and subversive. to be one with the soil, just like we all rural worlds defining the entire world In Nepali literature, self had its full do. Nature is us, we are nature. as one big nation village. You sway in the essays of Laxmi Prasad (Sanchita’ paintings are on sale. belonged to a specific outer world that Devkota and Shankar Lamechani. You For details, contact the artist at: was all that mattered. What happens see it finding its actual force in the love Phone: 00- 91-9818803916 and inside belonged to shamans and poems of Gopal Prasad Rimal. His [email protected]) poets. enlargement of the self to encompass In such a world, the self becomes the history of Nepalese polity is an elusive notion and the idea of unparalleled. exploring the infinite possibilities of the But sadly enough, with the rise of self are seen as shallow and self- mass media, the self still remains on jungle indulgence. With the advent of the edge. It is not in demand as it modernism, the ideals of an objective refuses to glorify senseless chauvinism Sun, jungle, spring-scape and scientific worldview seem to hold its and tribalism. It has no axes to grind as autumn leaves are my abstract sway in science, literature and it celebrates a self that can, to quote creations where I’ve used rubber journalism until today. You need the Whitman, contain multitudes. Nepali cement solution in place of wax to truth as seen through Galileo's journalism too has failed to paint self’s get that contemporary Batik effect. binoculars and anything beyond myriad colors and dimensions. Much of I am greatly attracted to the western scientific learning became the contemporary journalism refuses to natural elements that no man hoax. rise above the rigors of objectivity and made things can ever come close Walt Whitman would have had a mundane realism. to. Attempting to give it my own hard time here and also his predeces- ([email protected])

sun

Spectrum of life

Children at play, Ilam, Nepal. ä By Sushma Amatya 12 19-25 Nov, 2007 Makers

If you're having a birthday bash or a Margot, and she snorts with laughter. It's a good life, though, and I'm really holiday party, make sure to invite "I would hope not. For me, it was blessed in terms of the road that it Nicole Kidman. The Australian actually quite difficult. She's an has taken." actress, as it happens, gives the most intellectual New Yorker. I didn't have a This winter, Kidman has two spot-on gifts imaginable. reference for her," she says. "I don't potential hits on the horizon. After Jennifer Jason Leigh, who plays have a temper. I didn't grow up in a "Margot" comes "The Golden Kidman's sparring sister in "Margot at family where that was prevalent, that Compass," Weitz's lavish adaptation the Wedding," admired a pair of jeans sort of loudness. My feelings get hurt. of the first book in Philip Pullman's in a magazine, and presto, one day I probably tend more to crying and "His Dark Materials" trilogy, starring the precise pair was in her hotel being hurt. The grief is easier than Kidman as the mesmerizing scientist room. Her husband (and the film's the anger." Mrs. Coulter. director), Noah Baumbach, got a In person, Kidman is every bit as tall "great" silver pen he uses all the time, and willowy as you might imagine, with Her year-old marriage to country singer Keith Urban has brought out Kidman inhales her lighter side, and Kidman, giggling, breaks into a Southern her roles deeply drawl whenever she talks about her husband. and "a great bottle of wine." And porcelain skin so light and flawless, it's Kidman, Weitz says, "is very clever Chris Weitz, who directed Kidman's almost translucent. She's ravenous, so and intelligent, as Mrs. Coulter is. She Dec. 7 fantasy saga "The Golden Kidman, in contrast to her dainty and has an allure, a power over people. But Compass," scored "lovely Frette delicate image, digs right into a turkey Mrs. Coulter, in our movie, is at heart a sheets and, let me see, caviar. She sandwich, ripping off chunks and very damaged and borderline evil gave me some very nice things, to me stuffing them in her mouth. person, and that's not true of Nicole. and my wife." What comes as even more of a She's very thoughtful and probably the No wonder Leigh admires surprise, though, is her wit and most committed actress I've met." Kidman's "tremendous memory" and warmth. Her year-old marriage to That commitment hasn't always calls her "really generous. She's really country singer Keith Urban has translated into big-screen success. thoughtful. Very sweet in that way." brought out her lighter side, and She has had a series of misses since Especially given her turn in "Margot," Kidman, giggling, breaks into a winning an Oscar as Virginia Woolf in which opened yesterday, as Leigh's Southern drawl whenever she talks 2002's "The Hours". Asked about her controlling, domineering and about her husband. She preens with rather offbeat choices, Kidman manipulative sister. Kidman's Margot pride when discussing his Grammy- her to an Oscar nomination in 2001's says Kidman, who's still operating on breaks into rueful laughter. Despite arrives from New York to attend her winning career. The two are in "Moulin Rouge". Down Under time but looks perfectly starring in such flops as this summer's pregnant sister's country wedding - Manhattan for only a few days before "I was up at 2 o'clock in the neat in a snug, dark blue and green "The Invasion" and 2004's "Birth," and promptly casts aspersions on the they must fly back to Oz, where morning. Brutal. I've been roaming patterned frock. "I'm a boring Kidman says she doesn't dwell on her nuptials. Ask Kidman, 40, if she's Kidman is shooting the epic "Austra- around the hotel room. I'm just a interview now, an old married decisions or agonize over films that anything like the mercurial and mean lia" for Baz Luhrmann, who directed mess right now - I'm a little ragged," woman! Not a lot of controversy here. didn't work. ä