#788 25 - 31 December 2015 20 pages Rs 50

rom runway blockage to Indian blockade, it has been a horrible Fyear. In March, the country’s only international airport was closed for DIARY four days by an airliner obstructing the runway. That happened at the beginning of OF spring, dislocating the tourism industry. And at the peak of the trekking season on 25 April central Nepal was shaken by a devastating earthquake that killed nearly A BAD 9,000 people. Then came the political disaster in the aftermath of a fast-track YEAR constitution that set the Tarai on fire. The violence has killed more than 60 people since August, and ended up being a border blockade supported by New Delhi. As 2015 comes to a close there are NOTHING slight stirrings of LEFT TO SAY hope that Nepal, EDITORIAL PAGE 2 India and the agitating parties all need a safe landing. India needs to show that it wasn’t imposing a blockade, the Madhesi parties are under pressure from hardliners in the field and the Nepal government is being blamed for not sorting this out earlier. Nepal is reeling under a humanitarian disaster that is surprisingly being ignored by the rest of the world. Nepal’s 28 million people are affected, but the plight of two million homeless earthquake survivors is much worse. There is hope that 2016 will be better, but the impact of the blockade on Nepal’s economy and development process will take much longer than that to heal.

YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY BY THE WAY BY ANURAG ACHARYA PAGE 14 WORST YEAR EVER ONE TO MANY BY BIDUSHI DHUNGEL PAGE 14 DECIDING TO DE-ESCALATE COMMENT BY KANAK MANI DIXIT PAGE 15

Because of the holiday season this SURVIVORS issue of Nepali Times Nepali Times goes back to does not include the meet some of the people weekly edition of it profiled in 2015 China Daily. PAGE 10-11

EELUM DIXIT 2 EDITORIAL 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 NOTHING LEFT TO SAY Excerpts of selected editorials from 2015

JANUARY In previous Himalmedia Public Opinion Surveys conducted annually for the past 12 years, respondents used to be hopeful about the future. This time, let down once more, they were uncharacteristically apathetic and despondent. Never has there been such a wide gap between what the politicians say they want and what the people are interested in. In fact, more than 40% of the people couldn’t care less DIWAKAR CHETTRI what kind of constitution is passed. More shockingly, an overwhelming 80% reject federalism based on ethnicity. 16-22 January 2015 #741

FEBRUARY There were all kinds of predictions that if the deadline of 22 January for a new constitution was not met the country slogans. It’s plain old vote-bank politics masquerading as Politicians just mess it up with vote-bank politics and short- was doomed. Two weeks later we are still chugging along. ethnic and regional autonomy. term time horizons. For immediate firefighting, top leaders Negotiations have come to a halt, the political discourse has Most Nepalis have seen through this, but there are still from all parties and groups must find a way that doesn’t got more belligerent, and each side is waiting for the other some in the international community who hold on to the involve more bloodshed. to blink first — but no one seems particularly bothered misconception that this is really a struggle for inclusion, 28 Aug - 3 Sep 2015 #773 by it. The people, who didn’t have much faith left in the identity and autonomy. Nothing could be further from the leaders anyway, are struggling to survive amidst much more truth, and we can’t wake up someone who is pretending immediate concerns of shortages of gas, electricity, water, to sleep. However, both our big neighbours seem to be SEPTEMBER petrol. There is almost a sense of relief that a looming perfectly aware of the prospect of Nepal becoming unstable Writing an inclusive, democratic constitution was supposed confrontation over a constitution that will satisfy nobody and affecting their national interest if we adopt the current to be the final chapter in the country’s peace process, which has once more been put off. formula of federalism in the new constitution. has now lasted nearly as long as the conflict. In the past 6-12 February 2015 #744 3-9 April 2015 #752 decade, Nepal has gone from war to peace, from a monarchy to republic, the former guerrillas have been disarmed and demobilised and some integrated into the national army to MARCH MAY serve in UN peacekeeping. Under fire for delayed earthquake Just like it took four days to get an Airbus out of the mud at What undermined our ability to deal promptly and relief, politicians in Kathmandu tried to redeem themselves Kathmandu airport last week, Nepal’s constitution is also adequately with post-earthquake search, rescue and relief by putting constitution-writing on a “fast track” to show proving to be a difficult one to get unstuck. And just as was first and foremost a failure of politics. Earthquakes have voters that they were not completely feckless. However, the the jet averted a bigger disaster, perhaps by holding back a tectonic origins and we call them ‘natural disasters’, but the draft they rushed to the Assembly had major flaws: clauses fatally flawed constitution we may actually have avoided devastation and loss of life they cause are often man-made. treated women as second class citizens, it left loopholes a major upheaval. After nearly two months of not being And the primary reason for such lethal negligence lies in to muzzle the media, and didn’t satisfy the demands for in speaking terms, the various political formations in the politics – too much of it, or too little. When you have too greater autonomy from the leaders of the Madhesi and other country are holding preliminary talks about resuming talks. much politics, it means elected officials spend so much time marginalised ethnicities. All sides have now vented off steam, there has been a lot clawing at each other to get to power and plunder resources. 11-17 September 2015 #775 of chest-thumping, sabre-rattling and name-calling. All have When there is too little politics in a democracy, it erodes the been suitably chastised by public disgust, and our impatient accountability of elected officials. Nepal currently suffers southern neighbour also seems to be twisting some tails. from both: too much politics at the national level, and too OCTOBER 13-19 March 2015 #749 little politics at the grassroots where we haven’t had local It is surprising that the world’s largest democracy and the elections for 18 years. United Nations have been so grudging in accepting this as a 1-7 May 2015 #756 document that, while flawed, ended years of deadlock and APRIL can be the basis of an inclusive and durable constitution. The effort to complete the peace process by passing a new To express its misgivings about the constitution, India constitution and giving the country’s economic development JUNE has obstructed the flow of food, fuel and goods entering new balance and momentum is faltering. Some of the earlier Like Krishna Mandir, Nepal is standing but needs more Nepal, hoping that the hardships the Nepali people are goals of the revolution for a more inclusive democracy support. After speaking to officials and donors, we get the forced to suffer will compel Nepal’s rulers to buckle. through ‘ethnic liberation’ have turned out to be empty feeling money is not a problem as long as the government What is hard to understand is why all the needless lies demonstrates the capacity for equitable, impartial and and deception? How does a thinly veiled border blockade effective disbursement of housing grants and subsidies. help India’s national interest anyway? The move is foolish Unfortunately, the government’s track record on on so many levels that even sections of the international compensation for conflict victims doesn’t bode well for community, which had in recent years sub-contracted their THIS WEEK post-quake reconstruction. Since perception is reality, and Nepal policy to New Delhi, are aghast. since trust in government’s transparency and accountability 2-8 October 2015 #778 is so low, it is all the more urgent and important that the reconstruction agency be headed by a credible team that is apolitical, competent and (above all) honest. NOVEMBER 19-25 June 2015 #763 India expects us to wave the white flag. Our leaders are waving the national flag. Neither is a way out. Sooner or later (the sooner, the better) this blockade will come to an end. It JULY must. It is aberrant, illegal, destabilising and detrimental to This was never a government that could multi-task. Now, the longterm national interests of both India and Nepal. Of three months on after the earthquake and one month after more immediate humanitarian concern is the effect that the the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction, blockade is having on the delivery of relief and construction attention has shifted to getting a constitution over and done material to nearly 2 million survivors of the earthquake so with. The reason for the rush is that the top four parties they can rebuild before a harsh Himalayan winter. This is an are in a hurry to get into government so (we presume) they unfolding and ongoing disaster, and unlike the earthquake can have their hands in the honeypot of the reconstruction is completely human induced. Most shared on Facebook budget. Earthquake relief has dropped off the media radar. 6-12 November 2015 #782 The enemy within, Editorial We don't need India to wreck our country, Nepal's politicians are Hundreds of thousands of people will require emergency doing it just fi ne. food aid, medical attention and cash to rebuild in the coming (28 shares) months. All the government gives them now is assurances. DECEMBER The message seems to be: “Don’t bother us, we have to get One aspect of the 18-week-long Indian blockade of the constitution done.” Nepal that has always baffled us is why New Delhi would Most reached on Facebook Most visited online page want to inflict such harm on a little neighbour, and to a Rough Guide to Nepal, Ass The enemy within, 24-30 July 2015 #768 (9,136 people reached) Editorial (3,940 views) lesser degree, on itself. There are many theories about what ‘India’ really hopes to achieve with this siege, and it is Most popular on Twitter Most commented AUGUST unclear if India itself knows what India wants. Or maybe, as Bordering on helplessness by Dousing the fl ames by The lesson from the Kailali killings on 24 August is never some have suggested, India is unwilling to divulge what it Xiaotong Xu and Siran Liang Anurag Acharya (11 comments) to leave maps in the hands of politicians. Never mix really wants. But we don’t need India to wreck our country, (68 retweets, 66 favourites) politics with boundaries. Demarcation is a technical subject Nepal’s politicians are doing it just fine. with implications for viability that is best left to experts. 18-24 December 2015 #787

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu Nepali Times on Facebook [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Follow @nepalitimes on Instagram Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 3 4 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 From aid to investment n the last 60 years South NEW RELATIONS: Korean and Nepali Nepal joint venture involves Korea has turned from a participants at the 4th Nepal-Korea KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Irecipient of foreign aid Business Night at Shanker Hotel earlier Power) that produces nearly to a donor. Today, bilateral this month. one-third of Korea’s total power cooperation between South supply. However, the project Korea and Nepal involves has been plagued by delays, overseas development allegations of corruption, assistance, growing tourism and Chameliya Hydropower (30MW), mismanagement and lately by the role of its migrant workers in Upper Trisuli I (216MW), and the fuel crisis. Korea becoming a major source Upper Modi project (42MW). In Upper Trishuli 1 is a of remittances for Nepal. an interview with Nepali Times much bigger project and falls KOICA (Korean International South Korean Ambassador Choe under the category of Korean Cooperation Agency) has Yong Jin(below) says, “We need ‘commercial investment’. been extending its activities one successful example to attract Located just 70km north of in Nepal in health, education Korean investment to Nepal.” Kathmandu, the project will and agriculture with an Among the three, Chameliya increase Nepal’s current annual outlay of $13 million, SEULKI LEE hydropower project in Nepal’s electricity capacity by 20 per while trade has grown to $50 far west follows the traditional cent. The Korean partner is million. With little geostrategic Nepal, however, is slowly Nepal’s potential for investment ‘aid credit assistance’ category. KSEP (Korea South East Power) interest in Nepal, Korean changing its image in Korea in hydropower first through aid Chameliya is a tributary of the the largest shareholder with the overseas development assistance as an aid recipient country credit and later with commercial Mahakali River on Nepal’s participation of leading Korean has been more altruistic than to a destination for Korean investment. western border with India and is construction companies and a most other bilateral help to the investment. Korean investors are Three examples of this expected to boost development in local investor. country. literally testing the waters to tap experimental period are the neglected region. The Korea- Seulki Lee “Hope Nepal’s difficulties end soon”

potential Korean investors will be more interested in investment in Nepal.

But Chameliya and Upper Trishuli 1 are delayed. What are the issues? The big amount of electricity to be produced by Upper Trishuli I will benefit many Nepalis in future. The construction of the road leading up to the project will also give Rasuwa district access. It is now necessary to conclude the PDA as well as PPA as soon as possible to start construction. The negotiation between NEA and international consortium including KOSEP (Korea South East-Power Co) has lingered for a couple of years on the PPA rate. Given the urgency of the project and the international standard, it is high time for NEA to give more flexibility to the negotiation. As far as Chameliya is concerned, it was suspended Korean ambassador to due to a corruption scandal and several variations by a Nepal, Choe Yong Jin, Chinese company. It is again being delayed due to the spoke to Nepali Times shortage of fuel and cement from India in Nepal. I hope about the potential that the difficulties will end soon. for post-earthquake Are there plans to increase the number of reconstruction, and the Nepali workers in Korea? potential for tourism, At present, 15 countries including Nepal are sending trade and Korean workers under EPS System. Nepal started to send workers investment in Nepal. based on the MOU signed between government of South GOPEN RAI Korea and Nepal in 2007. In 2015, Nepal received a quota of 5,300 which ranks second. How is the South Korean government obstruction at the Nepal-India border and the delay in Korean employers prefer Nepali workers, and if the Nepali Times: What is the priority in South involved in post-quake reconstruction? setting up the Reconstruction Authority. rate of illegal stay is maintained at a low level more Nepali Korean development assistance to Nepal? The Korean government immediately provided The facilitated transportation in border areas as workers will get jobs in Korea. Choe Yong Jin: The South Korean government emergency relief supplies equivalent to $650,000 dollars well as the early set-up of the Reconstruction Authority has designated 24 overseas development assistance including 640 tents, 2,400 blankets and dispatched is important to expedite rebuilding. I hope the current What potential do you see for tourism growth? countries, and Nepal is one of them. Mainly the 48 members of the Korean Disaster Relief Team and difficulties will end soon with the wisdom of all There are 30,000 Korean tourists visiting Nepal every assistance is through KOICA (Korea International a medical team to Nepal. It also provided emergency stakeholders involved. year, and this is increasing. The attraction for Koreans Cooperation Agency) and the priorities were set financial support worth $500,000 dollars through is not only because of Lumbini but also for trekking. by the two governments in health, education and the International Federation of Red Cross as well as What has been the experience of Korean Moreover, Korean Air offers direct flight between Seoul agriculture. The volume of assistance has been UNOCHA. companies in hydropower projects in Nepal? and Kathmandu twice a week. Koreans come here for increasing continuously since 2010, and currently Furthermore, the Korean government pledged $10 I believe that the participation of the Korean companies pilgrimage and spiritual healing and they are drawn by amounts to $13 million a year. The Korean people million for post-earthquake rehabilitation of Nepal. It will make substantial contribution to coping with Nepal’s natural and pristine beauty . feel more sympathy to the need of assistance to handed over 24 pieces of heavy equipment worth $1.6 the shortage of electricity in Nepal. Currently, Nepal since the ties between Korea and Nepal has million for debris clearance. The remaining money will Korean companies have been engaged in Chameliya nepalitimes.com become stronger with more frequent people-to- be utilised to help rebuild a district hospital and health Hydropower project, Upper Trisuli I and Upper Modi  Video of interview  people exchanges. posts. The construction has been delayed due to the Project. If these projects are completed successfully,

NEPAL WHEREVER YOU ARE.

in your lap or palm. www.nepalitimes.com 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 BUSINESS 5 BIZ BRIEFS The wreckage of 2015 5 more kgs Shivam Cement has launched its new scheme ‘Pachaas kai daam The April earthquake was followed by an even more devastating economic upheaval ma pachpanna kg’ under which buyers of the Cement will now get an additional 5kg cement in each 50kg sack at the initial price. The chambers said consumer company has rolled out the scheme throughout the country for a confidence was at an all-time limited time period. low. In order to ride out this crisis and to just pay salaries, some are taking loans from the Declaring dividends banks which happen to be flush After a recent board meeting, NIC ASIA Bank has decided to with cash. recommend a dividend of Rs 41.05 per share for the year The tourism industry, which 2014/15. The suggestion is subject to the approval of Nepal had taken a direct hit after the Rastra Bank and the Bank’s Annual General Meeting. The earthquake, has been further meeting also decided to issue 4:1 right share after obtaining approval from the affected by the fuel crisis. Benasir Annual General Meeting. Khan Shrestha of Turkish Airlines in Kathmandu said the operator was reducing its Celebrating 21 frequency from daily to four Nabil Bank’s Employees’ Association held its 21st times a week. Other airlines Annual Celebrations recently. The event was make unscheduled refueling organised to honor retired employees and also stops because their planes can’t included a community blood donation program. tank up in Kathmandu. It was attended by chairman of the Directors’ Committee, Shambhu Prasad “With this crisis, we’re not Poudel and chairman of the Employees’ Association, Puran Bahadur Bhaat. able to promote Nepal at all, we GOPEN RAI need this crisis to end,” Shrestha Murray wins trophy told Nepali Times. Andrew Murray won the Surya Nepal SIRAN LIANG informal economy dominated by The tourism slump has Gokarna Monthly Medal at Gokarna Golf smuggling of fuel and essentials hit Pokhara hard with hotels, Club on Saturday. Ten handicap golfer that will have far-reaching restaurants, adventure sports Murray scored fi ve-under 67 nett to win or Nepal the past four consequences for government companies and everyone the trophy. Fourteen handicapper, Bejoy Moktan scored four-under 68 to fi nish months under the border revenue in future, they say. dependent on it affected badly. second in the tournament while Gaurav Shah was third with two-under 70 nett. Fblockade has been an The decrease in consumer However, Biplob Paudel of economic earthquake, leaving sentiment has affected Hotel Barahi sees the signs of most businesses and industries everything from services to hope: “The crisis has at least in ruins, consumers and manufacturing to media. The raised the awareness of the local investors reeling. blockade has put nearly 200,000 people about standing up on our In September, the country people out of work, and the own feet. We have to be better was just beginning to recover shortages of food fuel and prepared for tomorrow.” from the earthquake, and indeed price hikes even when they The economic slump has experts had forecast sharp are available means that the affected the media industry as growth as reconstruction money middle class is spending all its well. Although readership has kick-started the economy, when disposable income on essentials. gone up, advertising revenue the Madhes agitation and the “The mood of most has been wiped out, and media Indian blockade dashed all businesses is very low, many companies are taking a direct hopes. are withholding new investment hit. Joydeb Charkavarty of J “It’s a totally disastrous and are just trying to Walter Thomson Nepal told situation,” says Saurabh Jyoti consolidate,” says industrialist Nepali Times last week: “No whose factories in the Simara- Shekhar Golchha who is also one is buying non-essentials, if Birganj corridor have been shut vice-president of FNCCI. it is so difficult to find fuel for a since August. The Jyoti Group is The blockade hit hardest at motorbike why would you want into steel, oxygen, textiles and a time when auto and consumer to buy a new motorbike?” represents Honda and Phillips electronic companies used to Remittance earnings from in the Nepal market. “The stock do most of their sales during Nepali migrant workers abroad is zero and sales are nil,” Jyoti Dasain-Tihar festivals. Business is keeping the economy afloat summed it up. this year was down by 60 per for now, and there is a belief that Prominent Nepali cent. The blockade has also Nepal can come out stronger industrialists estimate that the seriously eroded the investment if the government learns its blockade did not only ruin climate, which was already not lessons. Nepal’s trade but lowered in good shape because of the Says Shekhar Golchha: “We long-term confidence of both political instability. will probably recover faster from the consumers and investors In a meeting at the Finance this crisis than we think because home and abroad. Even more Ministry last week, Nepal-based of the unbelievable strength of worrying is the rise in an multinationals and business the Nepali people.” The current cold snap has come one month early, and is caused by an enormous high pressure area over northern India that is allowing cold and dry air from central Asia to slide around the Himalaya to western and central KKATHMANDUATHMANDU Nepal. Combined with Indo-Gangetic pollution haze which fi ltered sunlight, this has resulted in maximum and minimum temperatures that are at least 4 Celsius below normal. Temperature will rise to more normal levels by Sunday and into early next week. No sign yet of any westerly disturbance. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 15° 16° 19° #788 25 - 31 December 2015 1° 2° 4°

t is mid-afternoon here at Lakeside in Pokhara, but there Iis no hustle-bustle in the tourist strip that would have been crowded with visitors during this POKHARA holiday season. Tourist arrivals have dropped by more than 60 per cent compared to the previous year, and passenger arrivals at Pokhara airport also LOOKS TO show a 32 per cent decrease. Although it wasn’t affected by the earthquake, the town saw a huge drop in arrivals and it was just beginning to recover when the 2016 blockade hit three months ago. “Those who weren’t scared by XIAOTONG XU and the earthquake have been put off in POKHARA SIRAN LIANG by the current crisis,” says Kiran Tuladhar of Atithi Resort. The sharpest increase in tourist arrivals has been in visitors from China, but they have seen a drop as well. Wenyu Gong who runs the Go to Nepal Travel Agency says even the clients who have come, mainly from South China, are not satisfied with the facilities and service. To mark the winter solstice this week Gong wanted to prepare an elaborate meal for her clients, but was forced to cut down on the celebrations due to a scarcity of supplies. Most of her clients also express their disappointment with the quality of infrastructure, garbage and pollution. Despite this, tourism entrepreneurs are hopeful about Pokhara’s future and say they will ride out the crisis. Biplob Paudel of the Hotel Association of Nepal believes the key to Pokhara’s future development is the new regional international airport. Pokhara’s tourism industry has been lobbying hard for the construction of the new airport, languishing for 30 years, to be revived. But work still hasn’t started on the $215 million project that has been contracted to a Chinese company. “Once China and Nepal sign the final loan agreement, this project will be completed within four years,” says Project Director Pradeep Adhikari. Adhiraki sees a prosperous future not only for Pokhara but Nepal in general, and adds: "Direct air connectivity to Pokhara will definitely foster tourism with increased tourist arrivals to Nepal.” With the opening of the airport, more than 70 per cent of tourists who visit Nepal is expected to come to Pokhara. Mandarin- speaking tour guide Jiwan Giri shares the same expectations saying Pokhara has all the things Chinese tourists love: snow mountain, hills, lake, a pleasant climate, jungle, waterfall and river with dozens of outdoor adventures and recreational activities. “People who love Pokhara will come despite all odds,” says Giri whose company is one of few still receiving visitors from mainland China. Despite the doom and gloom, Pokhara businessmen are optimistic. Proof of that is Biplob Paudel who owns Hotel Barahi and is planning to build another high-end hotel in Pokhara. He says: “I believe in the future of Pokhara.”

25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 7 Keep ‘em coming

XIAOTONG XU

XIAOTONG XU hinese businessman Jiangsong business to stimulate the market,” he Up in the air Zhan (pic) came to Pokhara 14 says, “but our efforts will be futile if Cyears ago, and never left. He customers don’t come at all.” Like wenty four-year-old Shiyu Liu fell best service, have professional pilots, and runs a restaurant in the Lakeside area, him, Zhan’s friends in China are still in love with Pokhara after watching reliable equipment.” and is also the president of Pokhara interested in investing in Pokhara Tthe Chinese film Up in the Wind that To keep their businesses afloat, some Overseas Chinese Association that even after a disastrous year. was largely shot in this lake town. Just as have implemented pay cuts for staff. was set up this year by fellow-Chinese Many here say negative media the lead actress in the movie, Liu dreams Paragliding companies have been forced entrepreneurs. coverage is to be blamed for keeping of soaring above Phewa Lake shoulder-to- to reduce staff salaries by 20 per cent, Along with tourists Pokhara has away investors. “When investors see shoulder with the Annapurnas. but say they will not let the downturn in seen an increasing number of Chinese a place in crisis, it’s unlikely that they However, the Chinese student who was business affect safety. investors. Private investment from would take the risk to invest,” says planning to visit Nepal this winter has “The fuel crisis has definitely made Chinese businesses has crossed over Wenyu Gong of Go to Nepal Travel decided to put her trip on hold deterred by the situation worse,” admits Sabina Rs 240 million, and most are in the Agency, “Businessmen go after high the earthquake and blockade. Bastola of FlyNepal Paragliding as an hospitality business. return on capitals.” Paragliding companies operated more unscheduled power cut shut down “To open a travel agency you Last September, the Nepal than 100 flights daily before the earthquake, her computer while she was preparing require Rs 1.6 million, a restaurant Association of Tour and Travel the number is down to 20. More than 30 video CDs for customers who had just would need Rs 6.4 million, a hotel Agents invited several overseas media companies offer paragliding in Pokhara, completed their jump. She had to make could range from Rs 9.6 million to Rs including Hong Kong-based One TV and competition to attract the fewer number them wait another 15 minutes after 16 million,” explains Zhan breaking Media Global, to visit Nepal and write of customers has resulted in undercutting. turning the generator on. down the capital requirement to start a stories about the country. The TV While the price for a person per tandem Despite the gloom and glitches, for new business in the city. station has already broadcasted its flight used to be fixed at Rs 8,500, some Chinese tourist Winnie Wu (pic, above) Like most Pokhara businesses, special on Nepal, the impact of which companies go down to as much as Rs 5,500, who is visiting with her family, the trip Zhan’s restaurant has suffered huge is yet to be seen. inviting disapproval from colleagues in the has been worth it. She says: “When I saw losses this year. Business is down Xiaotong Xu and Siran Liang profession. Machapucchre up close and the deep blue by 90 per cent, but he is already “You pay less, you play with life,” sky, my trip to Nepal was worth all the planning a new venture with few other nepalitimes.com warns one paragliding pilot, “we haven’t trouble.” interested investors.  Watch Nepal music video by One TV lowered our price because we provide the Xiaotong Xu and Siran Liang “We plan to develop some new 8 EVENTS DINING MUSIC GETAWAYS

North Face Kathmandu Ultra, Shangri-la Pokhara Challenging running events from 12km to 2 nights, 3 days at Shangri-la Village 80km in the Shivapuri National Park. Resort, Pokhara including a Christmas 2 January dinner, breakfast for two days, discounts Registration: North Face store (Sherpa on food and beverages, free shuttle Adventure Outlet), Tridevi Marg, service to Lakeside plus arrival and (01)4445101 departure transfers. Rs. 6,777 net per person, until 26th December, Holiday Dog on the ramp, 2015. Nepal’s fi rst ever dog fashion show. Specials 26 December, 12pm onwards, Lainchaur Table Tennis Hall A selection of the choicest places in Ticket charges from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000. and around Kathmandu to celebrate Registration: 9818279506 your Christmas and New Year’s: Discussing Karnali, Annapurna’s Wonderland A discussion: are NGOs in Karnali a Hotel Annapurna’s carnival includes progenitor of progress or of dependency? face painting, cookie decorations, 29 December, 3 to 4.30 pm bouncy castles and games for Martin Chautari, Thapathali, (01)4238050 Chez Caroline, children. Authentic ambience, exquisite French Metal mania, 24-25 December food, glorious sunshine and more. Metal Mania is back after a 10-year Barahi Jungle Lodge, Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg Babar Mahal Revisited, (01)4263070 hiatus. The fi rst eco-jungle lodge of Chitwan Free entrance 26 December, 12 pm to 6pm, directly overlooks the Chitwan National Avocado Restaurant and Bar, Pani pokhari Park, spa, boutique guest room, Downtown, individual and two-in –one private villas, Besides a not-to-forget biryani, this cafe including a suite with a private swimming off ers excellent hot and sour soup in a pool. pretty lengthy ‘blockade menu’. Andrauli, West Chitwan, (01)4411113, Pulchok Road, Patan, (01)5010751 [email protected], www.barahijunglelodge.com Sekuwa fest, Roadhouse Cafe, Celebrate the new year's with delicious For the best wood-fi red pizzas in town. Hyatt Regency food and live music at Baje Ko Sekuwa Thamel, (01)4260187 Options of New year’s eve set dinner, 31 December to 1 January, 5pm onwards dinner buff et and New year’s day Battisputali, Sorhakhutte and Lajimpat brunch at Rs 6,999, Rs 5,999 and Rs (01)4492130, (01)4354105, (01)4441672 2,999 respectively. Hyatt Regency, Baudha, (01)4491234 Donate a blanket, Sasto Deal is collecting funds to buy Club Himalaya blankets for people in Gorkha, Dhading Celebrate New Year’s eve above and Sindhupalchok. the clouds in Nagarkot’s most www.sastodeal.com/page/donate-a- famous hotel. Package includes blanket Jhule mountain resort, accommodation, appetisers, gala Manny’s, Resting 2050m above sea level, the eco- dinner, mid-night snacks, brunch and Head down for some delicious Corn resort boasts a farmhouse that stretches in-house DJ. Fritters, Pad Thai Noodles, Crispy Crunch Guitar Fest across a hill covered in fresh pine. Enjoy Rs 12,000 nett , 31 December, Tansen Ultra Potatoes and don’t forget their signature an organic homestay experience. Club Himalaya, Nagarkot, (01)4442726 Manny’s Spicy Wings. All served with fi ne 2016, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, 2015, hospitality in an excellent space. A guitar competition for all music Lapsiphedi-3, Jhule, (01)6212399 Don’t miss the downhill, urban cross- Jawalakhel, (01)5536919 lovers. country and trail running races for both Auditions from 18 to 28 January, amateurs and professionals Sushila Arts Academy, 9849040554 Registration: www.gnarlybiking.com/ tansen/register 26 December Music for change, Singing for change in the streets of Basantapur. Hotel Shangri-la 25 December, 1pm onwards, On Christmas Day, enjoy Shangri- Contact: 9803751776 Atithi Resort & Spa, la’s Starry Night BBQ with live A quiet sanctuary that fuses Nepali performance by Ciney Gurung. Newa Lahana, Underside, tradition with modern amenities, 25 December, 7pm onwards Authentic Newari fl avours with killer views Head-bang in this winter tour of the complete with a fancy pool and a cosy Hotel Shangri la, Lajimpat of surrounding Macchegaun and towering Underside. restaurant. Rs 2,000, (01)4412999 Chandragiri hill. Club 25 hours, Tangal, Lakeside, Pokhara, (06)1466760, Kirtipur 2 January, 2pm onwards [email protected] 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 9

with acoustic guitar, flute, and African drums provided good entertainment for its hungry clients. It was clear that the restaurant paid attention to its ambience. Thai Ghar The yellow light in the second floor was dim but pleasant and his week, as minimum revealed the restaurant’s concerns temperature fell to low for privacy and intimacy for its Tsingle digits in Kathmandu, customers. The first floor was we strolled through Jhamsikhel lit deep blue, just as most bars looking for a place that would are. Beside the bar are open spaces serve us some delicious hot food item on the menu. So we started and looked appetising. We with cozy sofas and tables and a menu not limited by the safe with Som Tam Thai (Rs 275), couldn’t wait to take a sip. Its which seem to be ideal for current blockade. the famous Thai-style papaya sour tastes did not cloy, and its OPEN FROM small gatherings of friends. 11AM Tucked away in a dimly-lit salad which is made from unripe, key ingredients, lemon grass, TO The service provided by the backstreet, smack opposite the sliced green papaya mixed with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, dried one: chicken, pork, tofu 10.30AM waiter and waitresses is a plus: popular bar Moksh, Thai Ghar, is fish sauce and lemon juice. The chilies and lime juice, made for and buff. The light, sweet they were keen to help and a two-storey modern restaurant salad here was garnished with dry an excellent winter dish. We curry mixed with bamboo were quick and efficient. offering some of the best Thai shrimp, peanuts and red chillies. loved the fresh shrimps and rice shoot, eggplant and potato gave For those craving for a hot cuisine in town. The hot and sour flavour of the noodles, but the dish would be the dish a delicious flavour. The meal and joyful music to stay We chose to dine on the sauces worked beautifully with the even better if it were spicier. coconut curry was excellent. warm in this biting winter, Thai second floor from where we could crunch of the fresh papaya and the After days of eating Indian What was as impressive (or Ghar is worth a visit. overlook the band performing a nuts provided a nice crispy texture curries, we wanted a different maybe more) as the food was the Xiaotong Xu and Siran Liang floor below as we ate. to the dish. taste and ordered KaengKhiao musical trio, Triples. From Hey Asking the waiter for Next, we ordered Koeyteow Wan (Rs 475), a coconut green Jude to Rolling in the Deep, the How to get there: Thai Ghar is recommendations turned out to Tom Yam seafood soup noodles curry spiced with Thai basil. band with their remix of old and in Jhamsikhel, right opposite the be futile as he began listing every (Rs 575) which came red, steaming, There are four choices for this modern classics and experiments entrance to Moksh. 10 Nepali Times goes back to meet some of the people it SURVIVORS profiled in 2015 spends most of his days queuing up for fuel. “That’s fewer working days and less money,” says Rasmila. Without a steady income, the family is barely scraping by. Even though a benefactor has paid one year of school fees for Sonish’s sister, Sonia, their mother is unsure if she’ll be able to continue sending her daughter to school. To add to the family’s troubles, the land on which their house was built has been mapped out for a road expansion drive. “We are homeless now but once the road widening starts, we will be landless as well,” says Rasmila. Despite the hardship the family has been through, Rasmila repeats what she told us six months ago: “If I think of all the difficulties the family faces, I’ll spend GOPEN RAI #764 26 JUNE - 2 JULY 2015 my days crying. I see my two children and attention hasn’t brought in much help for rented out by a friend. Six months ago when realise how lucky I am that they are alive.” the family of Sonish Awal, the baby who was Nepali Times interviewed them, they were Sahina Shrestha NOT SO LUCKY rescued alive after 22 hours from the rubble staying in the basement of the same house. of his house in Bhaktapur. “Everyday has been a struggle,” says he story of his miraculous survival made Eight months on since the earthquake, Rasmila, the baby’s mother. Due to the nepalitimes.com Theadlines in newspapers and magazines the Awal family is still homeless and living fuel crisis her husband Shyam has also  Watch interview  in Nepal and around the world. But global in a barely furnished one-room apartment been struggling to find work as a driver. He

who were charged with murder trying to track down those who are or abetting murder, 22 are in at large.” REVISITING TIKAPUR police custody while the rest are But the parents of some of at large. Among those on the run those who were arrested claim he images of violence and are Dhaniram Chaudhary and their children were wrongfully “Tkillings from that day still Reshamlal Chaudhary of the Tharu charged. “My son can’t even speak haunt me,” says Bir Bahadur KC Welfare Society who are said to properly, but the police took of Pashuhat Bazar in Tikapur, have masterminded the attack. him in for questioning and filed recalling the deadly clash between However, lawyers representing a case against him,” says Sonia Tharuhat protesters and police those who have been imprisoned Chaudhary. The wife of another on 24 August in which nine question the integrity of the police arrested, Sundar Chaudhary, policemen were lynched and a two- investigation. They claim that the says her husband wasn’t even in year-old child shot dead. police arrested random people Tikapur on the day of the protest. Four months later, things look without any evidence just to give Another accused, a 14-year- much calmer in the surface on the the impression that they had done old boy named Karan, is said dirt lanes and farms of Tikapur, their job quickly. to be mentally disabled. His but there is still simmering “The police rounded up parents admit he was present resentment among the Tharu and innocent people and presented at the scene, but played no part Pahade residents of the area. false charge sheets,” says in the violence. The people here

“We still can’t move freely BACHU BK defence lawyer Nathuram have little trust in the police at night, and fear for our lives,” Mahato. After the incident, investigation. admits a Tharuhat leader. After though they got Rs 1 prosecutors presented affidavits Though a committee headed August, many Tharu families million for each deceased. at the district court, call details of by the former chief of the National fled the area fearing reprisals “What will I do with the those who were arrested, mobile Investigation Department, Deviraj from police and residents. Some money? It’s not going to phone videos and recorded Chaudhary, submitted a report of including those of Resham Lal bring my son back,” says conversations between Dhaniram the incident, it has still not been Chaudhary, Janak Raj Chaudhari Yashoda Saud, the mother Chaudhary and Reshamlal released. and Tilak Chaudhari still haven’t of the two-year-old boy Chaudhary. Says Narendra Bista, brother of returned to their homes. who was shot dead by “We’ve left no stone unturned. slain policeman Balram Bista: “All The families of police killed protesters. “What I need It’s a full and fair investigation,” of the accused haven’t been and the family which lost the is to see the person who says Deputy Sub-Inspector punished, but at least the report child are also not satisfied with killed my son go to jail.” Bishwaraj Khadka. “All 58 of the should be released.” the government’s response even Among the 58 people arrested are guilty and we are Bachu BK in Kailali #773 28 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER 2015

obiya Khatun is just 20 but is eight-month pregnant with her Ssecond child. An uneducated young Muslim woman from DYING Gajwonapur of Bara district has been reminded of the meaning of the word ‘rights’ since her husband Hifajat Ansari was shot dead by police in Kalaiya on 1 September. She was five-month pregnant at FOR RIGHTS the time. “He went out to buy medicines for his mother who had a fever, but there were rallies and tear gas so I told him to go later in the afternoon,” says Khatun, holding on to her one-year-old daughter who is disabled. Her husband repaired bikes and used to talk about the need to struggle for Madhesi rights so their children could have a brighter future. More than 1,000 people attended Ansari’s funeral, but no one from the government or the police came to visit. “He would still be alive if he didn’t have to go to pharmacy that day,” says Khatun who is trying to learn a skill so she can take care of her family. She knows it is dangerous but wants to join protest at least once in memory of her husband and his struggle for rights. Seulki Lee in Bara SEULKI LEE 4 SEPTEMBER 2015 E-SPECIAL 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 11

be a little strict,” Kumar says, laughing. Jamuna says her life has changed since they got married, and she is still getting used to sharing her life. “Before marriage all you had to do was think about yourself. Now I worry about whether or not our business will do well and how to run the household,” she says. Kumar has shifted his handicraft workshop to their current address and employs four others. Both say they don’t regret the decision they made and are happy they found each #761 5 - 11 JUNE 2015 other. Kumar is planning to finally meet his in-laws their wedding procession amidst soon, and hopes they will accept

GOPEN RAI the rubble made it to the front him. page of Nepali Times. The couple feels there is no they found out, the two decided They spent a month in such thing as caste or ethnicity to run away to Kumar’s home in Sindhupalchok and then moved when it comes to love, the main HAPPILY EVER AFTER Sindhupalchok. to a rented apartment in Kapan in thing is to keep each other happy. But the earthquake forced Kathmandu. Eight months after the “Before I met her, I didn’t think I’d ust a day before the earthquake The two fell in love, but kept them to put their plans on hold. earthquake, the two are happily get married so soon,” says Kumar Jon 25 April, Jamuna Neupane and their relationship a secret. Kumar Jamuna returned to Dharan where married. Says Jamuna: “He is very smiling, “but I knew she was the Kumar Rai decided that they would finally told his parents, who were her family found out and locked hardworking and keeps at it even one I’d marry.” elope. The two had met two years happy to hear the news. Jamuna her up in a room. Worried, Kumar when faced with difficulties and Sahina Shrestha ago when Jamuna was visiting her was unsure if her parents would rushed to Dharan and rescued her. that is what I like about him.” sister in Kathmandu. Kumar ran accept an inter-ethnic relationship. The couple headed to Sipaghat of “She takes care of me and the nepalitimes.com a handicraft workshop on the top Afraid that they would get her Sindhupalchok where they hastily house. If I make a mistake she  Watch interview  floor of the same building. married off to someone else if got married, and the photograph of corrects it. But sometimes she can

PICKING UP THE PIECES SEULKI LEE

t took just one minute for Nirmala SEULKI LEE IMaharjan’s life to be turned upside down on 25 April. Her husband, Raju, brother-in-law and his family died when DASHED HOPES their home collapsed in Tuchigale of Patan. inita Devi Shah was widowed at 22 this year when “I will remember that day for as Bpolice shot dead her husband, Sohan Sah Kalawar long as I live,” says Maharjan, eyes on 2 September during the Madhes agitation in Parsa downcast. She and her two sons and district. Kalawar went out to the main street to buy mother-in-law are staying in a flat medicine for his mother when he was caught up in the provided by the local community of protests. Khapinche. Kalawar had opened a tea shop to earn extra income Thanks to donations from overseas, to raise his two sons and take care of his 50-year-old Nirmala is busy these days in building a mother. The plan was for Devi to run the teashop while new house, but she is not sure whether he went to Malaysia to earn money. All those hopes have it will survive a future quake. A heap now been dashed. of bricks from the collapsed building Kalawar’s mother Subira Devi wept as she showed reminds her of the relatives she lost. her son’s passport. “After he died I am out of my mind, I She wishes she had a job so she can cannot stop thinking about him,” she tells a visitor, “we finish her house and take care of her need help, but so many people come, ask questions and sons and the rest of her family. just leave.” “I don’t want to be a burden for the Since her husband died, Binita Devi has become community so I hope we can move into more vocal about Madhesi rights. “My husband died the new house as soon as possible,” for the cause, and that is why I must also know about #786 11 - 17 DECEMBER 2015 says Maharjan who is grateful that a it,” she says. “If the government accepts the 11-point Nepali Times reporter visited her after demand of the Madhesi Front there will be more the earthquake. “I’m grateful that you opportunities for me and my children.” came back to see us again.” Seulki Lee in Parsa Seulki Lee #756 1 - 7 MAY 2015 12 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 Testament of Youth HAPPENINGS also the story of a young woman’s struggle for equal opportunities, a commentary on social class in England, and finally a horrifying reminder of the naïveté that initially accompanied Britain’s entry into the war in 1914 – a war, as pointed out earlier that changed the world as it was at the beginning of the 20th Century. Perhaps some stories need to be retold every so often to remind us of the horrors of war, and also

to acknowledge the fact that even RSS a 100 years after Brittain’s struggle COURTESY CALL: Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae meets Speaker of the era Brittain’s memoir of the weightiness of the subject matter so to go to Oxford University (where Parliament Onsari Gharti Magar at Singha Darbar on Tuesday. First World War became the many years later. women were allowed to read, but Vvoice of a generation – the Perhaps this particular film still not awarded degrees), we still generation that lost so much in is receiving so much attention do not (contrary to mainstream the war that changed the modern because of the presence of one opinion) live in a post-feminist world. Today, all of the truths from of the year’s most exciting young world. Equal rights still need to be Brittain’s epoch-making work are faces, the Swedish Alicia Vikander a part of the dialogue, whether you taken in good faith as part of an (who plays Vera Brittain), a trained are in Nepal or in England, and important history. actor and dancer who has also women still very much struggle So why make a film in 2015 starred in some of the past year’s against an entrenched patriarchy more interesting films (Guy that chooses to nonchalantly Ritchie’s latest highly enjoyable dismiss issues such as equal pay, romp The Man From U.N.C.L.E is sexual harassment, reproductive one of them). Brittain is joined by rights, and abuse – a case in point Kit Harington, Taron Egerton, and is our gender biased citizenship Colin Morgan, a trio of talented provisions. Vera Brittain struggles MUST SEE British actors, who play Brittain’s to express herself, fight for her Sophia Pande fiancé Roland Leighton, her brother rights, and to live with her losses. UNICEF Edward Brittain, and her friend Her story is a timeless, poignant BUILDING BETTER: UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nepal, Rownak Khan about events that took place a Victor Richardson respectively. reminder that life can be both and Mahendra Prasad Shrestha of the Ministry of Health and Population sign century ago? The reason for the Supported by this strong hideously unfair, as well as an MoU to build disaster-resilient prefabricated health facilities in earthquake- affected districts on Wednesday. remaking of Testament of Youth ensemble cast – Testament of Youth transcendentally sublime. (it was made into a five part BBC already bolstered by very high serial in 1979) is still a bit unclear production values (essential in a nepalitimes.com to me, even though I enjoyed period film), is a deeply tragic tale  Trailer the film and continue to feel the of immense, senseless loss. It is

RSS CHINA CALLING: Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa and Law Minister Agni Kharel (second from left) speak to journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport before their departure to China on Wednesday.

BIKRAM RAI TAN TUI: A wushu athlete competes in a selection match for the 12th South Asian Games at Dasrath Stadium on Monday.

RSS

LAUNCH TIME: Author Shiwani Neupane (centre) with guests at the launch of her new book Crossing Shadows at Hotel Annapurna on Wednesday. 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 13 They call me Eve… because they think it is ok to tease The acceptable culture of sexually harassing women in South Asia

participate in these twisted and going to school, or walking down “This is my body and no one sick behaviour ask- would my son the streets- afraid of what await is allowed to touch it without do the same to another woman them. The silence must not be my consent. My body is not and make them cry? Would mistaken for weakness, it shows here to please and entertain my daughter be the victim of their strength and perseverance, others without my permission. someone’s unwanted touch? and it is time women raised their My body is to be respected- my I ask every man before they voice to stop the injustice towards body is to be honored. My body think of calling or touching a them. gave you life- do not dishonor female stranger on the street- I say this as a woman: “This your essence. My body has gone would you want another man is my body and I allow myself to through months and years of to grope your mother or your wear what I want. What I wear, pain to create your existence. girlfriend? Would you want a how I walk, what I say does not Learn to respect the body you smirking guy to touch your sister give you the right to treat me any came from. Respect the body or your daughter inappropriately? way you want, call me any name that gave you life. But first learn Women learn to live in fear or touch me as you please.” to respect yourself so you know of being touched. Women avoid I repeat this as a woman: how to respect women.”

ur country is used to women did not exist, this would the male species making not happen therefore it is women’s Osupposedly innocent fault. These violations are very comments to obscene gestures, hard to prove and are difficult for and whistling at women in most women to vocalise. public. Most women pretend like “When I was 15, my best friend it never happened. and I were on our way to the What may seem like a movies when this well-dressed harmless act marks the beginning middle aged man passed by us of a potentially dangerous series and pinched her chest,” recalls of harassment towards women. 23-year-old Rita. “She looked at my face, then looked down on the ground and shut her eyes as she squeezed my hand. We did not talk.” This is the truth that many ALL IN THE MIND women in South Asia live every Anjana Rajbhandary day. Many cultures and societies believe that eve-teasing happens because of the women who tease There are countless stories and tempt men, because clearly of girls and women who are men have no control over their horrified at the idea of passing desires. by a certain street corner because Bollywood movies show eve of being gawked at by a group of teasing as a harmless beginning men. of a courtship or the moment “When I was younger, I before the woman gets raped. We used to wear the tightest t-shirt all know of ‘India’s Daughter’- underneath my baggy sweaters so one incident that highlighted the people did not stare at my chest,” extremes of sexual harassment says Rima. women have to experience that Eve-teasing (or street may result in death. harassment) is a term commonly This can be the story of any used in South Asia for public young girl or woman in South harassment or molestation of Asia, and perhaps anywhere in the women by men. It is a form of world. sexual aggression that ranges Sheetal, 24, was embarrassed of from catcalls, to suggestive sexual her growing body, “My shoulders remarks to touching and groping started to hunch to hide my chest. in public. My eyes did not have the strength A disturbing aspect of the to look at other people. My term ‘eve-teasing’ is that it puts arms started to press against my the blame on the women who stomach to protect my pride and are called ‘eve’ as the temptress. my shame.” Some men might as well say, if How many men who 14 OPINION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 Years of living dangerously

hen I started this gerrymandering contentious column five years Despite challenges, we are a far better society than we were federal demarcation, clearly Wago, the country was stating that it would create a trapped in a transition between COEXISTENCE: Madhesi, Pahade and problem of legitimacy for the traditional power centres and Muslim Nepalis celebrating the Holi constitution, if and when it is emerging political forces. The festival together in Biratnagar. declared. Both have come to pass. Maoists had won a majority in the But in this last column, I Constituent Assembly elections would like to point out that of 2008 and the Madhesi Front large sections of our media have had emerged as a regional force to overlooked something profound be reckoned with. But there was happening in this country. They real angst and impatience with have failed to understand that the status quo. One indication eight years of transition was of that was the sight of an angry not all about regular political Dalit lawmaker throwing his chair realignments in Singha Darbar. in a constitutional committee The Maoist conflict and the meeting, calling it “250 years of Madhes movement, for all the accumulated rage”. violence it inflicted, has shaken the nation’s conscience to its core and there is a deeper social churning of aspirations that are redefining the power structure from villages to our homes. Kathmandu’s power centre is the final bastion of the old BY THE WAY regime and it still refuses to fully Anurag Acharya accept this epochal change. For ANURAG ACHARYA several years, it turned a blind Growing up in a hill-Brahmin eye to Janajatis’ search for identity family in the Tarai, I am a first- neighbourhood where many of victims of the Maoist insurgency have conceded that as journalists until the political parties tacitly hand witness to the benign racism my classmates lived. or the survivors of the earthquake we can only offer a subjective agreed to their demands, reflected against Madhesis, Muslims, Years later, when I traveled living in tented camps. view of events, and that there are in current federal demarcation. Dalits and Tharus of this country. into remote and rural districts, This column, for the past no universally accepted criteria Today, their insensitivity towards It came as a revelation to me learning about the best and the five years, has been an attempt of truths to which we adhere to Madhesi demands for dignity that Prithvi Narayan Shah’s worst practices of development, to explain what I have seen and while documenting them. The and self-rule has forced Nepali garden of the commons did not the Orwellian tint of our believed growing up in this most we can promise our readers state on a warpath against its own exist beyond classroom walls. democracy revealed itself. From country. The political events is an honest perspective, and people. But, once again it is a It hit home when some of my the fisherfolk of Nawalparasi to offered new contexts, but it is the I would like to believe I have losing battle. friends were served in paper Tharus living in buffer regions of sociology of life in the transitional done that here. In this great tectonic shift the plates in our homes, or when Chitwan and Bardia National Park democracy that has fascinated Two years ago when Lok Tarai towns I grew up in will I saw an old Madhesi being who were regularly tortured by me most, and following it so far Man Singh Karki was appointed never be the same. Those in the humiliated and forced to give security forces, or the victims of has been an exciting journey. I to head the CIAA, we had margins are beginning to find away his seat in a public bus. development in Chisapani along am grateful to Editor Kunda Dixit warned the constitutional their voice. Today, they agitate It took me a while to realise the Karnali River, people outside for convincing me over a cup of body which is tasked to check in the streets, tomorrow they why blacktop roads suddenly Kathmandu silently endured both coffee to write regularly and thank abuse of authority could itself will give their verdict through disappeared and the drainage the oppression and the neglect my readers for both positive and be misused for political witch- the ballot. There is a victory for lines ended when I cycled of the state. Little seems to have critical response. hunting. We had also been democracy in both. into a Madhesi or Muslim changed for the relatives of the On more than one occasion, I critical about political parties @Anurag_Acharya

leadership acumen already so short in supply among the political elite. The ‘communist’ president’s visit Worst year ever to Janaki temple occurred under some seriously tight security as protests erupted 015 is coming to a close and it has against her visit. But perhaps worse is that been, without a doubt, the worst year Possibly a whole lot more of the same to look forward to in 2016 a cleansing ritual upon her departure was 2ever. It all started with a Turkish undertaken, because Bhandari is a widow Airways jet that got stuck on the only forces in Nepal: the NC-UML- and that it is against the Hindu scriptures runway in March at Kathmandu Airport and UCPNM coalition, the Madhesi to allow a widow into the temple. There are caused all flights to be grounded for three Front and India. But indeed matters so many things wrong with the entire event days. worsened when Sushil Koirala’s that one can do nothing but put it on the From there onward, we went on a government came to an end and was year itself, ladled as it has been, with out- downward spiral for the rest of the year. The replaced by Khadka Prasad Sharma of-this-world stupidity. big earthquake hit on 25 April, and then Oli, smooth talker extraordinaire. And here we are in Kathmandu, we had the big temblor on 12 May which After that, when people – Nepali with no gas, lots of induction cookers citizens – were shot at and killed, and no electricity, smuggled petroleum, it was summarised as bad mangoes transformers blowing left, right and centre falling off trees. and the coldest winter in years. Elsewhere, As such, the festive season the situation is worse: seven quake victims ended up being not so festive have already died this year from the cold after all as, by then, the ‘unofficial and the Reconstruction Authority Bill has DIWAKAR CHETTRI ONE TO MANY blockade’ had already begun. The only just passed. A four-point agreement Bidushi Dhungel position of every side in this three- has been signed with India, but the sided showdown had hardened unofficial nature of the blockade has meant doubled the destruction of the first one. so much that one really began to that it is impossible to know when it will That was followed by an unkind monsoon understand that for more than a unofficially be called off. The protests in with its floods and landslides on unstable decade the Nepali people had been the Tarai are still intense and while the slopes. The death toll continued to rise as taken for a ride on the false promise tripartite are all looking to save face, it packed buses were derailed and torrential of a constitution, which would at is becoming increasingly clear that this rains filled the tents of those still homeless least usher in stability. impasse will linger and expose the true face from the quakes. After the festivities, Bidya of each element. In June came the constitution and Bhandari was declared the country’s In the meantime, here is to a bad that big donor conference, both the sum second president and another 2015, the harshest winter in years, and an of empty promises for a better future and security forces and the statute was passed woman, Onsari Gharti – a former impasse which will carry on to the next, a Nepal that would be ‘built back better’ with some districts in the Tarai under gun-carrying Maoist rebel -- the Speaker rendering 2016 as possibly one of the in every sense of the term. Instead, more curfew. of the House. The former has publicly unhappiest yet. Apologies if awful details destruction followed. Protests against As if that wasn’t bad enough there was spoken against women’s rights and stands or events from the year were left out: so the constitution in the plains intensified the massacre at Tikapur, which killed by unequal citizenship provisions, and many that it’s hard to keep count. in August. Even before the constitution 9, and heralded the beginning of what the latter’s appointment works to cement Not to worry, a whole lot more of the promulgation, a handful of people had looks like a seemingly endless and violent and legitimise the violence of the bygone same to look forward to. Cheers! already been killed, both protestors and impasse among the three major political conflict years. Both lack the charisma and @bidush 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 OPINION 15 Deciding to de-escalate A win-win can only happen with a halt to Indian micro- and macro-management

uch recrimination has hence the urgency for New Delhi It does indeed look like New Delhi having flagged its roiled the waters of the to stop adding fuel to the tinder. India has decided to de- step-back, the Kathmandu

MSirsiya stream dividing Perhaps Nepal’s resilience DIWAKAR CHETTRI escalate, but why the blockade establishment must now move Raxaul and Birganj between under the blockade, or some at all is the Mother of All proactively to make amends for September-December 2015, welcome circumspection about Questions. While we work on its own ills and malfeasance. As punctuated by three statements its own immaturity, made that, this should be the start a start, Prime Minister KP Oli from New Delhi’s Ministry of New Delhi come around to of a pushback to the southern must stop spouting invectives External Affairs. The latest note its 21 December statement. interventionism that has against the plains movement and of 21 December indicates that, The note certainly points to dogged Nepal throughout its form a credible commission to at long last, the Ministry may a backtracking by India, even modern era since 1950. investigate the death of Madhesi be coming to its senses on the if the spinmeisters at MEA- New Delhi’s appetite to demonstrators in police firing. senselessness of this economic India try to make it look like intervene increased after 2006, The vital remaining task will blockade imposed on India’s most Kathmandu’s surrender. as sycophantic Kathmandu be the demarcation of federal steadfast neighbour. The statement on politicians allowed the provinces in a way that does Monday points to a geopolitical intelligence apparatchiks to not cheat the citizens of plain, gear-shift by India in welcoming run amok. Micro-management hill and mountain. Federalism the Nepal cabinet’s decision the Constitution on the basis of penetrated the government must be win-win for all – or not of what has been the months- political consensus’. superstructure, going as far as at all. As for the blockade, even old negotiating plank of MEA-India ‘welcomes’ these the makeup of cabinets and as it winds down we must seek the big-three parties. These ‘important decisions’ as ‘positive appointment of officials high accountability and reparation COMMENT include, as stated in the Indian steps that help create the basis for and low, including the head of for the devastation wrought. The Kanak Mani Dixit statement, ‘proportionate a resolution of the current impasse the anti-corruption watchdog. Indian side, meanwhile, must inclusiveness and delineation in Nepal’. Indicatively, the Nepal’s socio-economic internalise the Economic and of electoral constituencies on Ministry also saw fit to upgrade advance under the new Political Weekly editorial of last The statements are themselves the basis of population’ and the title it gave the notes – from Constitution is good for Big week which termed the blockade works of fine penmanship the ‘demarcation of provinces ‘Statement on the Situation in India, the pre-condition for 'unworkable, dangerous and that allow little room for to be addressed through an Nepal’ in September to ‘Statement this being a halt to India’s unethical'. misinterpretation. Thus, the appropriate arrangement in on Nepal’ in December. micro- and macro-management. @KanakManiDixit menacing tone of the 20 September note was lost on no one, released even as President Ram Baran Yadav was releasing the Constitution. It read: ‘We note the promulgation in Nepal today of a Constitution.’ The wordsmiths at MEA-India thought fit merely to ‘note’ after seven years of effort, in the wake of a ten-year conflict, a decade of polarising transition, and an earthquake to boot. The scorn heaped on Nepal’s constitutional process – history will regard it as such – was heightened by the precise employment of the article ‘a’ rather than ‘the’ in referring to the document adopted by an elected, inclusive Constituent Assembly. A day later, on 21 September, came another press note, with suggestion of the blockade to come. The Tarai-Madhes had been in agitation for a month previously without obstruction of the border or highways, but MEA- India provided ample hint of its intentions with the sentence: ‘Our freight companies and transporters have also voiced complaints about the difficulties they are facing in movement within Nepal and their security concerns, due to the prevailing unrest.’ Then came the blockade, with the Madhes-based parties as willing partners. Indian customs, Indian Oil Corporation and the Seema Suraksha Bal implemented an elaborate embargo under orders from New Delhi. For three months, there has been calibrated release of fuel and essential supplies to fulfill no more than 10 per cent of Nepal’s needs, in fits and starts to keep the economy off-keel. Nepalis swung between hope and despair, counting the tankers and ‘bullets’ coming in, hanging on imagined signals of New Delhi’s magnanimity, applauding individual articles in the Indian press and speeches in the Rajya Sabha. While the Kathmandu establishment and the Madhes- based politicians helped set the stage for this dangerous turn of constitutional politics, India’s blockade widened the gap between hill and plain communities. Fortunately, the polarisation has not escalated to conflagration, 16 NATION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 Haku village also feels betrayed by the government and cannot hide her disappointment, but manages to keep her spirits up. “Political leaders did not lose their houses, and they have their warm homes in Kathmandu,” she says, “only the poor like us suffer like this. They cannot feel our pain unless they spend a night in our shelter.” Her home across the Bhote Kosi is deserted, it is now merely a cluster of ruined houses where there was once a bustling village of Tamang farmers. Haku is deserted not just because of the destroyed homes but also because of the continuous danger of rockslides from the mountains above. “We probably cannot go back there, but the government needs to tell us where we can settle down,” she said. “We do not want to live like squatters forever.” Rani Mhendo Tamang cannot go back to her village because the district administration has not assessed if it is now safe. Surya Kumar Tamang cannot OM ASTHA RAI rebuild his house because models of earthquake-resistant houses have not been finalised. The government is giving Rs 10,000 for families to buy warm clothes, but distribution has been slow. The homeless earthquake survivors are desperate, but the government is not. Homeless in winter “We are alive so far,” says Karbo Tamang, also from Haku village. “But I do not know if we will still be alive when it starts snowing after a few weeks.” Earthquake survivors are desperate, but the government is not Like other homeless earthquake survivors, he is also living in a shelter built of bamboo poles, zinc sheets and tarp. His OM ASTHA RAI earthquake and have been living in this National Park was prospering due to the wife is in the corner attending to the kitchen in RASUWA shelter for the past eight months. six new hydropower plants coming up on fire, the inside of the shelter is filled with “I thought I would live here for some the Bhote Kosi, but with construction on choking blue smoke. He says simply: “We weeks, or may be a few months,” Tamang hold due to the Indian blockade Dhunche have a choice to either suffocate in the he sun is dazzlingly bright here in told us, “but I am still not sure when I will has instead become a refuge for those smoke or freeze in the cold.” Dhunche of Rasuwa district but the air go home.” displaced by the quake. Tis crisp and cold. As soon as the sun In November he returned to his village to After months of political bickering over dips behind the mountains to the west, the rebuild his earthquake-damaged house with who should lead the Authority, parliament temperature plunges down to – 5 Celsius. a loan from friends and relatives. But a local finally passed a bill last week to set it up. Surya Kumar Tamang blows into his official warned him he may not be eligible But the CEO has not been appointed yet, hands as he enters the tin hut (pic, above) for the Rs 200,000 grant to be distributed and this means more uncertainty for the where his wife Chuchi is blowing into the by the National Reconstruction Authority Tamang family and hundreds of thousands fire to ready the evening meal. The couple if he did that. So he dropped the idea, and like them all in the 14 affected districts moved down here from their village of decided to brave it out in the shelter. who lost their homes. REBUILDING Yarsa, that was devastated by the April This town at the gateway to Langtang Rani Mhendo Tamang, 29, from OURSELVES School of hard knocks

Motherless Balgoan

ixteen children who lost at least one of their parents from the village of Balgoan Sattend the Yangrima School. Most lost mothers who were preparing lunch when their homes collapsed in the earthquake. Balgoan is home to 140 Tamang families, all of whom lost their homes. Dikshya Shah, 21, warden at Yangrima School’s Hostel and Crisis Centre recalls that when the school restarted, there was a lot of crying: “They were still traumatised from the earthquake and aftershocks.” PICS: WONG SHU YUN Nine-year-old Yudhir Shyangbo was trapped in the rubble of his home after the WONG SHU YUN the power of education to stop quake. “I couldn’t move and it hurt a lot,” he recalls. “I screamed for help. My father Destroyed in the in SINDHUPALCHOK the trafficking of children from rescued me.” Yudhir lost his mother and sister, but now has a safe, temporary home the Helambu region and 25 years at Yangrima. earthquake, a opal Lama wants to ago founded the Yangrima School Sukmaya Tamang, 13, grabbed her six-year-old sister, Budumaya, when the overturn traditional Nepali (pic, right) in Sermathang village, shaking started and ran out. Their mother was in the field and was killed by a village school in Gfatalism to rebuild the 39km northeast of Kathmandu. landslide. Her body was never found. school that was destroyed twice – During the conflict, the Maoists “I want to be a nurse so that I can care for the injured,” says Sukmaya. Yangrima ruins gives hope once during the conflict and again bombed the school, and Lama has started a sponsorship program for support of children like Yudhir and Sukmaya in the April 25 earthquake. finally rebuilt it in 2009 only to who now live in single-parent households. to orphans Lama, 48, firmly believed in have it destroyed again in the 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 NATION 17 Multiple trouble

GOPEN RAI Families who survived the earthquake and the monsoon are now braving winter and the Indian fuel blockade Help wanted

SAHINA SHRESTHA ight months after the earthquake it is hard not to be struck by the magnitude of the losses of people in the Ecommunities that were affected. Their stories are filled fter the earthquake in April severely damaged The Chuchepati Shelter, which was almost with sadness and loss. her rented room, three-month pregnant deserted in September, is now full again with The Jana Jagriti Higher Secondary School in Sangachok ALaxmi Nepali, 27, moved to a tented camp in families like the Nepalis and Shakyas. More than of Sindhupalchok was built in 2004. Nothing of the building Chuchepati near Baudha with her family. 100 new tents have sprung up in the last two months remains, seven students perished during the second But life was hard in the tents and despite and there are nearly 500 families sharing them. earthquake and many more have been bereaved of parents and aftershocks she moved back to her room. But with “Many families who returned to their homes grandparents. The school was closed for a month. When it the fuel crisis caused by the Indian blockade and the have come back in recent months because their reopened, the children were changed: less joyful and playful shortage of gas, the landlord refused to allow them to landlords don’t allow the use of firewood,” said and sometimes confused and angry. cook with firewood. Nepali and her new-born baby Dawa Sherpa of Noble Compassionate Volunteer The school now has eight temporary classrooms made from (pic, above) are back in the Chuchepati shelter. Group that supervises the camp. “Earlier they were corrugated sheets, windowless structures offering no protection “The dew seeps in through the tent and dampens quake victims, today they are blockade victims.” from the elements. Teachers and parents work on supporting the blankets and my baby is frequently sick,” she Besides families who have returned, there are children as best as they can. The school now teaches children tells us, “all my belongings are here because we don’t others who have camped out at the shelter in hopes first aid, and encourages students to express their concerns know how long we will have to live like this.” of getting relief supplies. about their loss and their future through artwork, discussions Kalpana Shakya, 33, also shifted to the shelter in When news of a Taiwanese monk distributing and song. Children also have earthquake drills. April after the earthquake damaged her room. As it blankets in the shelter spread, dozens of new tents Women survivors are struggling financially to rebuild their got colder, the Shakyas moved back to their rented are said to have come up overnight. As elsewhere, it lives. Working the fields is essential if they are to feed their room. However, the landlord refused to let them cook is hard to say how many families in Chuchepati are families, and doing this is not possible if they are also caring using firewood so they are also back in Chuchepati. genuinely needy. for their young children. The school therefore also supports “The landlord told us he will rent out the families by providing much needed care for the children. room to only those who can cook using gas stoves, Despite all these challenges, the school is a positive place, and and we can’t afford it,” says Shakya who is from nepalitimes.com the children are as they are elsewhere -- looking to the bright- Udaypur. The landlord didn’t even reimburse  Watch interview  side of life. the rent. In the district headquarter of Chautara there is little evidence of any significant rebuilding. Many residents feel let down by the government as the promised relief materials and money has not arrived.The better off are able to bring in materials despite ermathang at 2,700m is a scenic village in the the blockade and are reconstructing, but these are mostly SHelambu region of Sindhupalchok of Tamang, commercial properties or apartment blocks. Many families are Helambu and Magar and Yolmo people. Helambu is steeped in living in tents and shacks. the Tibetan Buddhist Yolmo culture and has many The hospital in Chautara was destroyed and it is housed the Yolmo monasteries. The Yolmo may have migrated from in tents supplied by the UN. The sick and injured patients Kerung in Tibet 300 years ago. and their families are spending these cold winter nights under Rasuwa A popular Helambu trekking route begins from canvas. Helambu Shivapuri National Park continuing along Chisapani, The Jana Jagriti Higher Secondary School like many other Kathmandu Kutumsang, Tharepati and Sermathang, and then schools and communities in Sindhupalchok and other districts ending at Melamchi Bazar. still need help to reconstruct and rebuild their lives. A five-hour hike from Tarke Ghyang is Ama Orla Muldoon and Judith Pettigrew in Sindhupalchok Chomu Yangri (3,771m) with stunning views of Langtang and as far as Kanchenjunga in the east.

April earthquake. After the earthquake, many In June she quit her job in “If we don’t educate our older teachers decided not Kathmandu and made her way to village children or put them in a to return to remote schools the Yangrima Hostel and Crisis safe place, I fear that they will be in Sindhupalchok. Schools Centre, where she currently trafficked into brothels,” Lama remained closed, but Yangrima works as a warden, looking after tells us. could reopen thanks to young and children who have lost parents in After the earthquake there committed volunteers from all the earthquake. has been an overwhelming parts of Nepal. “This has been the most outpouring of help from young, Social studies teacher Abin challenging job I’ve had, I have so socially conscious Nepalis. One Rai, 24, is from Sankhuwasabha many kids to look after. But the of them is Prabhat Khadka, 30, an in eastern Nepal. He chose to stay smiles from the children make it IT professional from Kathmandu. and help because he couldn’t bear all worth it,” she says. Khadka and his friends were to see the children’s education The reconstruction of the trekking in Helambu in 2014 and disrupted. His friend, Amrit school has been delayed by the chanced upon Yangrima School. Maharjan, teaches science and Indian blockade and the lack “We saw children studying says: “At our age, we have time of cement. The students attend in a peaceful and natural and energy. We want to give back classes in temporary plastic tents. environment amidst mountains, to society.” But Lama is used to and that really appealed to Kishor Bhatta, 27, left his overcoming challenges, and is us,” Khadka recalls. When the home district of Baitadi in the far upbeat: “My dream is that our earthquake hit, he immediately west to teach Nepali here. “This students will be self-reliant. With contacted Lama to offer his help. area needs help and I feel that I young, innovative and motivated This month, Khadka’s group can make an impact,” he says. volunteers I believe this is rigged up the school with wifi Dikshya Shah, 21, wanted possible.” and trained students in data entry to heal quake-affected children so they can generate income for through her drama and Yangrima School their families. psychosocial therapy skills. [email protected] 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 2015 IN TOONS A collection of cartoons printed in the Nepali press this year

DOOR: Constitution Fast Unto Death FROM BOTH SIDES: “Open up, it’s January 22” EAR PLUG: {Medical} Mafia Help! My life is in danger. Batsayan in Kantipur, 15 January Batsayan in Kantipur, 16 March Rabindra Manandhar on Twitter, 22 February

Just got back from the Bagmati clean-up campaign. How can we sleep in the Constituent Assembly ROAD SIGN: Fast track when people are sleeping in tents? VEHICLE: 16-point agreement Rabin Sayami in Nagarik, 17 May Rabin Sayami in Nagarik, 13 April Batsayan in Kantipur, 22 June

Price of a martyr: Rs 5 million Bhanu Bhattarai in

Himal Khabarpatrika, 30 August-5 September SUITCASE: Foreign Aid Eight! Eight! Bag: Reconstruction Six! Seven! Seven! Rabindra Manandhar in Nepal, 28 June Rabindra Manandhar in Nepal, 23 August

ON VEST: Madhesi Morcha

Rabin Sayami in Nagarik, 29 September Rabindra Manandhar on Twitter, 22 November Rabindra Manandhar in Nepal, 29 November 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 19 20 BACK SIDE 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2015 #788 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

just hold both hands together but Touchy-feely bilateral relationship also intertwine each other’s fingers. 7. Casually Holding Hands During State Banquet: The following Backside Column by Ass is join our two great nations. It would also get away with what could be construed as Avoid. regurgitated and adapted in the national allow Nepal to keep India at arm’s length. high-handed behaviour. interest from Issue #718 of 1-7 August 2014. However, it is a bit impersonal and doesn’t 8. Arm Around the Shoulder: do enough to underline the tight embrace 3. Touching Feet: What should Oliji do if Modiji puts Now that Prime Minister Shri Modiji has with which Indians keep Nepalis so they This is an absolute no-no. No one touches his arm around his shoulder playing decided to do on to Shri KP Oliji what Shri don’t stray. I would suggest that Shri KPji anyone’s feet, but any part of the anatomy the part of Big Brother? Hopefully Rajiv Gandhiji did to Sri Punch Birendraji and wrap both his hands around Shri Modiji’s above the knee is OK. topic of such shameless political osculation this situation won’t arise, but if it does, it brocade Nepal, advisers in both Balu Water namaskar and oscillate it counter-clockwise is that we must make a distinction between should be ok for Nepal’s PM, if he feels up to and 7 Race Course Road are scratching their for a mutually acceptable duration. 4. Bear Hug: lip-service and tongue-lashing. And as long it, to also put his arm around the Indian PM’s heads about what would be the appropriate However, our prime minister shouldn’t get Before 1990, hugging His Majesty the King as kissing is taboo in Bollywood cinema, shoulder to show that they have hard feelings way to extricate themselves from the carried away, and should let go of Modiji’s was out of the question for a visiting Indian the leaders of our two countries should towards each other. cesspool they have landed themselves in. hands after 7.5 seconds, unless he (Namo) PM. But since then, the leaders of secular desist from smooching each other in public. But it is a good sign that the two sides are lets go. Whichever happens first. republican Nepal and India are prone to (Kissing ass in private is allowed on a case- 9. High Five: already thinking ahead to figure out how hugging each other tight at the slightest by-case basis.) This would be my personal recommendation Modiji and Oliji should handle themselves 2. Hand-shake: provocation, probably to locate each others’ because it does not break protocol, it is when they see each other next in 2016 after If Shri KPO wants to show that Nepal would soft spots. Hugging is fine, but keep it within 6. Holding Both Hands: not all touchy-feely, and keeps a certain physical intimacy returns to bilateral ties. Not like to keep its distance from India, then a the bounds of decency. This is the way Bhutan’s leaders greet distance while at the that I have been asked, but the Ass would curt handshake would be the appropriate Indian leaders, and there is no reason we same time show-casing like to offer the PM’s mandarins a menu gesture. The question then arises, what 5. Bear Hug with Kiss: should emulate Jigme the Fifth unless we the informal bonhomie of options: should Nepal’s response be if Modiji uses Ever since Brezhnev of USSR and Honecker have run out of our own ideas, and want between equals that both hands to immediately grab Oliji’s of the GDR indulged in mouth-to- to be in the same category of bilateral has characterised Indo- 1. Namaskar: outstretched right hand and crush it in his mouth resuscitation at the airport in Berlin relations as the Druks. But even here, the Nepalian relations since This, of course, would be hugely symbolic vice-like grip? Our PM should be briefed in 1983, some world leaders of the leftist body language can be carefully calibrated to age immemorial from since the greeting represents the age- that he should then use his left hand to persuasion still French kiss one another reflect the state of relations desired. In their even before India and old bonds of culture and vermiculture that cover both of Modiji’s hands and not let him from time to time. My view on the sensitive next meeting, Modify and Oliji could not Nepal existed. The Ass

CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67