WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 326 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in , , Bharatpur and 23.0 C -3.4 C Saturday, January 23, 2021 | 10-10-2077 Jumla A scrambling Oli government produces gazette before court, but it’s backdated Hiding information and distorting it have been the hallmark of the Oli government and not publishing the House dissolution notice is a major procedural lapse, experts say.

TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, JAN 22

Hide information, distort it, and con- fuse and mislead all. That’s how the KP Sharma Oli administration seems to have been functioning. After questions were raised during Thursday’s hearing about why the government had not published the notice regarding the government’s December 20 decision to dissolve the House, Attorney General Agni Kharel on Friday presented before the court the copy of the gazette with the notice. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF PRINTING The Department of Printing, which The notice was published in Gazette until Thursday night had not upload- on Friday but with December 20 date. ed the Nepal Gazette with the notice, had it up on its website on Friday Oli government had committed a for- morning. gery, by publishing a backdated notice December 20, however, has been after it was caught on the back foot. POST PHOTO: KABIN ADHIKARI mentioned as the publication date of “The government has been involved A woman carrying her baby joins a protest organised by the - faction of the in the Capital on Friday against the dissolution of the notice in the Nepal Gazette. in such activities and what has hap- the House of Representatives by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. At least two officials at the pened now is tantamount to forging Department of Printing confirmed documents,” said Shalikram Sapkota, that the gazette was printed on an advocate who is pleading on behalf Thursday evening and was uploaded of the petitioners challenging Oli’s on its website on Friday morning. House dissolution move. “The gazette was printed yesterday “The government took the decision Confusion and dilemma in continues, at around 7:30pm,” said Bimala to dissolve the House on December 20, Koirala, assistant spokesperson for but a notice in this regard has been the Department of Printing. “That published in Nepal Gazette almost a was uploaded on our website on month later with a backdate. This is now with eyes on leading government in provinces Friday morning.” out and out a wrong practice.” Many were quick to point that the >> Continued on page 2 Views differed in the party over House dissolution. Now there are questions whether it should join hands with Oli or Dahal-Nepal faction in Bagmati and Province 1.

ANIL GIRI for that it needs the support of the “It seems that we are joining or KATHMANDU, JAN 22 Nepali Congress. leading the government in Bagmati,” If the Nepali Congress supports the , a central commit- Nepali Congress is not in government Oli faction, there are chances that tee member who was present at in even one of the seven provinces. Sherdhan Rai, chief minister of Thursday’s meeting at Deuba’s resi- Such was the hammering the party Province 1, and , dence said. got in the 2017 elections. But now with chief minister of Bagmati, both from But it is not clear whether the the Nepal Communist Party vertically the Oli faction, could save their seats. Congress will support the Oli faction split, it has a chance to join a provin- Rai and Poudel are facing no-confi- in Bagmati. cial government and even lead. dence motions filed by the Dahal- “We should be mindful that we were The opportunity, however, has Nepal faction. the opposition in the past and we are brought further confusion within The warring factions of the Nepal currently on the streets, protesting the Nepali Congress and put it in a Communist Party are seeking the against Oli’s move,” said Joshi. dilemma. support of the Nepali Congress in The party has not discussed what to The party is already divided in its the provinces and the latter seems do in Province 1. response to Prime Minister KP Sharma undecided. Observers say that the Nepali Oli’s decision to dissolve the House of Congress President Sher Bahadur Congress, rather than joining hands Representatives and hold snap polls on Deuba called a meeting of the party’s with Oli for short-term gains, should April 30 and May 10 with one section Central Working Committee members be leading the constituency that is believing that it must oppose the disso- representing the on angered by Oli’s ‘unconstitutional’ move to dissolve the House. “People view the current dilemma of the Nepali Congress as solely guid- ed by its leadership’s greed for power and its position is influenced by how it will benefit from immediate access to power whereas it should work to safe- guard the constitution,” said Bishnu Sapkota, a political commentator for the Post’s sister paper Kantipur. Despite having called Oli’s House dissolution “undemocratic and uncon- stitutional”, Deuba has been reluctant to vociferously oppose the move and rejected calls within his party to take to the streets in protest, maintaining that the matter is for the Supreme Court to decide. He has already rejected the proposal of the Dahal-Nepal faction to join the latter in protests together with the Janata Samajbadi Party, which was the third largest party in the dissolved House. Deuba and the party’s senior leader are poles apart POST PHOTO on how to view Oli’s move. A divided party, the Nepali Congress has failed to hold decisive protests against Oli’s move. While Deuba has been soft on Oli’s move and has been urging leaders and lution and another section maintain- Thursday and discussed the way for- cadres to be prepared for the upcom- ing that it should wait for the Supreme ward, two participants of the meeting ing polls, Poudel and his faction have Court’s decision on the constitutionali- told the Post. said that the Nepali Congress should ty of the dissolution. A no-confidence motion against launch street protests against the Meanwhile, within the Nepal Chief Minister Poudel was tabled at House dissolution until the move is Communist Party, the split is being the provincial assembly on Friday. corrected. played out in the provinces with the “At the meeting, Deuba said that “At Thursday’s meeting too, we faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal whichever NCP faction offers the post found a similar kind of confusion and and Madhav Kumar Nepal set to of chief minister to the Nepali dilemma over the party’s stance in remove the chief ministers of Congress, the party will extend sup- Bagmati Province,” a leader who Province 1 and Bagmati Province. But port to that,” said a participant wants to maintain neutrality said. requesting anonymity. “Deuba is “Deuba wants to assign the responsi- more inclined to going with Oli bility to the provincial parliamentary and if a ‘give and take’ between committee while Poudel is of the view the Congress and the Oli-led fac- that the decision should be taken at tion of NCP goes well, the party the centre or through the party’s is all set to lead the government Central Working Committee.” in Bagmati.” After Thursday’s discussion, the That would put a spanner in party’s Bagmati provincial assembly the works of the Dahal-Nepal leader, Indra Bahadur Baniya, has faction’s plan to have Asta been summoned to Kathmandu to Laxmi as the chief brief the party’s leadership on the minister. Following the elections ground situation in , the capi- in 2017, Poudel had pipped tal of Bagmati Province. Shakya to the post. >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL A motley crew of people and political talk at Capital protest Thousands attended Friday’s rally called by Dahal-Nepal faction of Nepal Communist Party against Oli’s House dissolution move. But not everyone was there to protest.

ANUP OJHA “Listening to these leaders speak Another protester, Bhimnath KATHMANDU, JAN 22 does have a galvanising effect,” Olakhey shared a similar view. The Pokharel said. “There’s no doubt 74-year-old had joined 150 others A groundswell of people descended what Oli did was unconstitutional. from his village in Bagmati Rural on the streets of Kathmandu on But I believe that we should let the Municipality to attend the rally. Friday to protest the dissolution of court decide on this issue.” “Most of us here are supporters of the House of Representatives by the Pokharel and his friends had a the party. We are here to protest KP Sharma Oli government. rather cynical view about the coun- against Oli who is bent on destroy- Throughout the day the city’s traf- try’s politics. ing the constitution for which many fic was thrown into a chaos as the “Even if the court revives the par- Nepalis have made an immense sac- Pradarshani Marga and Bhadrakali liament, we are getting the same old rifice,” said Olakhey. areas were overrun by a sea of peo- faces running the country. It will “We fought tirelessly to reinstate ple, to attend the protest rally called hardly matter for commoners,” in 1990. I myself joined by the Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Pokharel said. “And if the Supreme the Maoist party and fought the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led Nepal Court verdict came in favour of the 10-year insurgency. I also participat- Communist Party. government, the country will have to ed during the people’s movement SSP Janak Bhattarai, the chief of spend billions of rupee for the elec- that overthrew monarchy. Now here Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, tions to elect those same leaders. I am to stand up against Oli who is said Kathmandu’s traffic was severe- There’s no win-win for the people.” trying to shred the constitution.” ly disrupted till late afternoon. The Oli government, after dissolv- For Sonam Tamang attending POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI “The Bhadrakali-Ratnapark road ing the lower house of Parliament, Friday’s rally was both an expres- A woman in a Minnie Mouse costume walks along a road at Sanepa, Lalitpur on Friday. stretch was blocked till late after- has announced midterm elections on sion of his protest and a business noon. As a result, traffic flow was April 30 and May 10. opportunity. The 37-year-old was affected citywide. Traffic had to be Even if the court rules in favour busy selling peanuts to the people rerouted and this caused severe bot- of the government, many suspect the while listening to the leaders. tlenecks in different parts of the elections will be held as announced “I am not a Oli supporter. After his Confusion city,” Bhattarai told the Post. amid the coronavirus pandemic. government came to power, street Kalikot teens run successful A large number of people who Swyambhu Dangol, who was part vendors like me have faced a lot of attended Friday’s rally were bussed of a musical troupe that had come hassles from the police. The munici- and in from outside the valley. And many for the rally from Khokana, Lalitpur, pal police have confiscated at least campaign against Chhaupadi had apparently come to Kathmandu said no matter what the court decid- five of my carts and I never got them because they were promised a free ed every Nepali ought to defend the back,” he said. “This government dilemma ride and meal by the party. constitution. has never been kind to the poor and Campaign inspires girls and women to abandon period sheds. Rupa Thapa was one of them. The “There is so much uncertainty daily wage workers like us. It should 38-year-old had travelled all the way going on in our country. If we do not be looking after the poor citizens. I TULARAM PANDEY against prevalent malpractices like in Nepali from along with defend our constitution, we will lose support this protest and consider KALIKOT, JAN 22 Chhaupadi, child marriage and gender other villagers. our rights and identity,” said he said. myself one of the protesters.” discrimination. “We don’t know much about poli- Sixteen-year-old Sakuntala Budha aban- Teenage girls in Raskot and Khadachakra Congress ... tics. Our ward chairman requested doned Chhau, a makeshift menstrual shed, a are also active in the campaign against prac- us to be here,” said Thapa, a resident year ago. tices that are discriminatory against girls >> Continued from page 1 of Gorkha Municipality. “We were After observing Chhaupadi, a practice and women. “We see clear ideological dif- told that the party would be paying where girls and women are forced to isolate Kashichandra Baral, mayor of Raskot ferences in the Nepali Congress for our food and travel.” themselves inside crudely made sheds dur- Municipality said a group of 90 teenage girls leadership. There could be Thapa said she planned to visit ing their period, for two years she joined a have been organising awareness pro- pressure from cadres on the her relatives in Kathmandu before group of teenage girls to campaign against grammes against Chhaupadi, child mar- ground, there could be some returning home. Chhaupadi. riage, gender discrimination and women geo-political factors in Among the rally crowd, there were Since then, 20 teenage girls have come violence, among others. play,” said Bhojraj Pokharel, a also those who seemed genuinely together to raise awareness about the evils “These girls are also awaring villagers former chief election concerned about the country’s politi- of Chhaupadi. Inspired by their campaign, about nutrition, education and reproductive commissioner. cal situation. They keenly listened to many teenage girls and women in health,” he said. “But its high command was the leaders addressing the rally, Naraharinath have abandoned Chhaupadi. Kali Bahadur Malla, a right activist in always confused and in a dilem- every now and again, breaking into “Our parents did not support our decision Kalikot, said thanks to the campaign ma. In my view, the leadership cheers, hoots and applause to display when we first began advocating against launched by teenagers, issues like sanita- should struggle on the streets their solidarity with the leaders. Chhaupadi. But they have come around and tion, nutrition and hygiene were being dis- so that it will benefit the party And then there were also neutral so have other elders in our community,” said cussed by villagers these days. whether the House is reinstat- observers like Sunil Pokharel, a Sakuntala. “We no longer have to go to “The campaign has also helped boost the ed or elections are held.” 27-year-old law student, and his Chhau sheds. I stay in my room during my school attendance rate of girls,” he said. The party has issued a circu- friends. The group of friends claimed periods. My mother also does not practice Harischandra Batala, the headmaster of lar to all its 77 districts com- that they do not identify with any the tradition these days.” Rama Secondary School in Kumalgaun, said mittees to help the Election political party but stood against the POST PHOTO: ANGAD DHAKAL Most teenage girls and women in Lalu, attendance among girl students has Commission’s campaign to House dissolution move by Prime The city’s traffic was thrown into disarray as the Pradarshani Marga and Bhadrakali areas Rupsa, Kotwada, and Kumalgaun in improved these days. update voter lists and this Minister Oli. were overrun by a sea of people attending the protest rally. Naraharinath no longer observe Chhaupadi “Girl students don’t miss classes like they means that the party is simul- these days. used to. In the past, most girls would not taneously working towards Local representatives believe that the come to school for days because of the election preparations, accord- campaign has become successful because of Chhaupadi practice.” ing to some party leaders. the participation of teenage girls. According to the data of the District In case the Supreme Court Manashova Budha, vice chairperson of Administration Office, 18 Chhau sheds were does not reinstate the House, A scrambling Oli government produces ... the rural municipality, said, “Other young demolished in Kalikot in the last fiscal year. elections will have to be held girls who are still banished to Chhau sheds In 2017, the Parliament enacted a law for a new Parliament. >> Continued from page 1 Supreme Court and not returning ative to dissolve the House. are seeing that other girls in their villages criminalising the Chhaupadi practice and But those close to Deuba do Nepal Gazette—called Nepal it on time despite committing Even Chief Justice Rana during are no longer observing the practice. This imposing Rs3,000 fine and/or three-month not think there is any confu- Rajpatra in Nepali—is the to doing so. Many believe the origi- the ongoing hearing has asked the gives them the courage to do the same.” jail sentence on anyone subjecting women to sion within the party. authentic publication of the Nepal nal document that the government petitioners and those arguing on According to her, the local government the practice. Despite the law, Chhaupadi is “We are not going to take any government. had furnished to the court had their behalf multiple times why a has selected 30 facilitators (teenage girls) still practiced in various parts of western decision immediately on what According to the website of the not cited articles based on which majority prime minister cannot say and mobilised them to raise awareness Nepal. to do in Bagmati Province,” Department of Printing, which is it had recommended the House he does not want to govern and he said Ramesh Lekhak, a leader under the Ministry of Communication dissolution. wants to go for a fresh mandate. close to Dueba. “There is no and Information Technology, the However, the copy of the letter, Harihar Dahal, a senior advocate, question of having a dilemma gazette, published regularly since signed by Prime Minister Oli, that said that not publishing such an on key national issues. 1951, carries all important govern- later surfaced in the media did have important decision in Nepal Gazette Whatever decision we will take ment decisions to give them legal articles cited. The controversy had is a serious matter, as the practice in on national or provincial poli- status and inform the people about arisen because another letter, a copy worldwide is that gov- tics, we will do on the basis of the decisions. of which also had made it to public ernment decisions get the legal sta- consensus.” Constitution or declarations at par domain, signed by Chief Secretary tus through their publication in Leaders from Bagmati with constitution; Acts, ordinances Shankar Das Bairagi had not cited respective gazettes. Province too have laid stress on stamped by the President after par- constitutional articles to recom- “It’s now up to the court how it consensus and said short- and liamentary endorsement; regula- mend House dissolution. views the issue,” Dahal told the Post. long-term views should be tions endorsed by the Cabinet and Since the Oli government’s intent Advocate Aryal, who first inquired taken into consideration. orders issued by the government; has come into question, legal experts the bench on the whereabouts of the “We advised the party lead- appointments and notices issued as say there are ample grounds to sus- gazette, said the goings on show ership to take the decision that per the constitution; notices as per pect foul play when it comes to not how Oli has been treating all the suits the party best,” said the Acts, rules and orders or the publishing the notice regarding state organs and agencies as Joshi. “Before taking any deci- decision of government which are House dissolution in Nepal Gazette. subservient to him. sion in such a fluid situation, decided to be published in the gazette Advocates Tikaram Bhattarai and “Oli has been displaying his totali- we have to look after long- and and treaties and agreements of Om Prakash Aryal, during tarian impulses for long and he is in short-term gains.” which Nepal is party must be pub- Thursday’s hearing, had questioned a bid to have control over the state,” But observers do not have lished in the Nepal Gazette. the bench that the House dissolution said Aryal. “He has no regard for the much confidence in the cur- Former chief secretary Bimal decision was not published in Nepal rule of law; he treats law as a means rent party leadership and are Koirala said government decisions Gazette. to fulfil his interest.” not surprised by its vacillation. do not get the legal status until they Anil Kumar Sinha, one of the jus- Advocate Tikaram Bhattarai, who “Given the Nepali Congress are published in the gazette. tices on the five-member is pleading on behalf of the petition- leadership, given who it is led “Decisions must be published in Constitutional Bench, then asked the ers, said the Oli government has by, the situation is not a sur- the gazette, it’s a mandatory pro- defendants if it was true that the made one mistake after another and prise. Unless the next general cess,” Koirala told the Post. “But December 20 House dissolution deci- is now involved in all kinds of she- convention installs a more sometimes governments tend not to sion was not published in Nepal nanigans to cover them up. principled leadership, with at do so.” Gazette. “Publishing the notice about least a couple of younger lead- As many as 13 writ petitions have According to Aryal, unless the House dissolution in the gazette ers who have shown promise, I been filed against Oli’s House disso- decision was published in the after an uproar does not make do not expect that the current lution move at the Supreme Court. gazette, it cannot come into force and sense,” said Bhattarai.“By publish- Nepali Congress leadership Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher implementing a decision ing it with a backdate, the govern- has the legitimacy to garner Rana-led Constitutional Bench has without publishing it in the gazette ment has forged the gazette. But wider public support,” said been hearing the writ petitions to is unlawful. what can one expect from Oli who Sapkota, the columnist. test the constitutionality of Oli’s “And since this decision of the does not believe in process and pro- “The current leadership is move. government, which has dissolved the cedures?” so discredited that even if it Lawyers have been arguing that lawmaking body, is quite important, While addressing the upper house takes a sound view on current Nepal’s 2015 constitution has made a it should have been published in on January 10, Oli had said people political developments, its lack departure, not allowing a majority Nepal Gazette without fail,” Aryal have nothing to do with processes of legitimacy will make people prime minister to dissolve the told the Post. and procedures as they can neither question whether its position House, and such provisions were The House dissolution move has be worn nor eaten. is valid.” deliberate attempts at ensuring courted so much controversy that Koirala, the former chief secre- political stability. legal experts have been demanding tary, said there was a clear procedur- According to the drafters of the that the bench look to legislative al lapse as such a major decision like constitution, it was made difficult intent while deciphering the consti- dissolving the House was not pub- for a prime minister to dissolve the tutional provisions that have been lished in Nepal Gazette. House because in the past a prime cited by Oli and the President. “Publishing the notice with the minister was given an inherent Lawyers have also demanded that backdate after questions were asked power to dissolve the Parliament and the bench seek transcripts, records is nothing but the executive’s call snap polls. and committee notes of the constitu- high-handedness; it’s like those in At least four prime ministers who tion drafting process. power are trying to show they can do worked under the 1990 constitution Subas Nembang, who chaired the anything,” said Koirala. “It’s up to had attempted House dissolution. Constituent Assembly that gave the the court how it takes up this Despite the current constitution constitution in 2015, has been heard major lapse.” not allowing Oli, a majority prime saying in video clips that the current Attorney General Kharel said he minister, to dissolve the House, he constitution does not allow a prime is not the authority to print the did so on December 20. minister to dissolve the House. gazette. The Oli government had run into Oli and his lawyers, however, “I just produced the necessary controversy a few days ago also for argue that in a parliamentary sys- document before the court,” Kharel taking a document back from the tem, it’s the prime minister’s prerog- told the Post.

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 NATIONAL

BRIEFING

No-confidence motion against chief minister tabled MAKWANPUR: A no-confidence motion filed against Chief Minister Dormani Paudel, has been tabled in the Bagmati Provincial Assembly on Friday. The seventh meeting of the Bagmati Provincial government also resumed on Friday. Earlier, 45 lawmakers considered allies of the Dahal-Nepal faction of the Nepal Communist Party had registered the no-confidence motion against

Construction of city hall starts CHITWAN: The construction work of a new city hall has been started at the Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The hall is being constructed with money from the federal government’s budget. The total cost of the building has been estimated at Rs878.8 million, said Prakash Aryal, chief at the Building Construction Office in Chitwan. The contractor hopes to complete the building within its deadline.

Two rhinos found dead CHITWAN: Two rhinos were found dead in separate locations inside in the last two days. According to Lokendra Adhikari, assistant conservation officer at the park, an 18-month-old rhino was found dead in Padampur on Wednesday whereas a 30-year-old was found dead in . Data from the national park shows that 22 rhino RSS have died in Chitwan in the Students being taught to plough the field using a pair of oxen at Nirmal Secondary School, Bhadgaun, Byas Municipality-1, Tanahun. The school is conducting such classes to inform students about Nepal’s traditional current fiscal year. skills and occupations. Nepal yet to ensure transitional justice Staffers in Dhanusha rural Officials have been repeating same commitments at international fora, but have done little to implement them. municipality hold sit-in BINOD GHIMIRE rights standards are implemented in UN member tions with major political parties in an attempt to KATHMANDU, JAN 22 countries. In the opinion of Shrestha, who has been forge consensus on the amendment. a rights activist for years, a country such as Nepal The Nepal Communist Party and the Nepali demanding their pay In his address to the Universal Periodic Review ses- with a deplorable human rights record doesn’t have Congress had held rounds of discussions to forge sion on Thursday Minister for Foreign Affairs the moral ground to press other countries to abide by consensus on the amendment to the Act. However, Pradeep Gyawali reiterated that Nepal was commit- human rights principles. the intense feud within the Nepal Communist Party Local governments, including Dhanauji, haven’t been able ted to concluding the transitional justice process “Democratic values and a good human rights overshadowed the issue. Nepali Congress leader ensuring justice to all victims of human rights viola- record had been Nepal’s strength in the past,” said Ramesh Lekhak, assigned by the party to negotiate to get their budget endorsed, months into new fiscal year. tion during the decade-long Maoist insurgency. Shrestha. “However, the image has been tarnished with other stakeholders on transitional justice He claimed that the transitional justice process is over the years.” Fourteen years have passed since issues, said it’s been months since the government guided by the Comprehensive Peace Accord, various the Comprehensive Peace Accord was signed. But last held discussions on the matter. directives from the Supreme Court and relevant thousands of victims from the armed conflict are “I don’t think it’s even on the mind of the govern- international commitments, concerns of the victims still struggling for justice. The tenure of the ment,” he told the Post. “The deepening political and the country’s ground realities. This was the Commission of Investigation on Enforced crisis has left the issue neglected.” third time Gyawali made the commitment in front of Those closely following the transitional justice the United Nations’ forum in the last two years. process say all major parties are equally responsible In March 2019 addressing the 40th session of the Activists say the truth and for the little progress made in delivering justice to UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Gyawali had conflict victims. Gauri Pradhan, former member of said the government was preparing to amend pre- reconciliation law needs to the National Human Rights Commission, said that vailing laws related to transitional justice in consul- major political parties believe that by delaying the tation with, and participation of, the victims. A year be amended at the earliest. delivery of justice, they can run away from their later, in February 2020, speaking at the 43rd session responsibility. “The ongoing transitional justice pro- of the council he said the transitional justice cess can’t deliver justice,” he told the Post. “The process will be concluded by taking the victims into Disappeared Persons and the Truth and parties’ failure to abide by their commitments is confidence. Reconciliation Commission expires on February 9. eroding the international community’s trust in the Despite the reiterated claim, the government Although the government has made up the mind to government.” hasn’t taken concrete steps towards bringing the extend their term, it is still clueless about revising He said the government, in consultation with the PHOTO: DHANAUJI RURAL MUNICIPALITY/ FACEBOOK victims of the conflict on board and revising the the law as directed by the Supreme Court. major parties and the victims of the conflict, should Dhanauji Rural Municipality, Dhanusha convened the meeting of its municipal assembly only Enforced Disappeared Enquiry, Truth and A few months after the law was enacted in 2015, immediately revise the Act so that it can generate in December. It is yet to receive its share of conditional grants from the centre. Reconciliation Commission Act, 2014. “I don’t think the Supreme Court, ruling on a writ petition, had hope among the victims and the international com- the international community even believes in directed the government to amend the law saying munity. PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA the tussle between the rural munici- Nepal’s commitments anymore,” Kapil Shrestha, a that perpetrators of gross human rights violations However, the Law Ministry doesn’t have immedi- KATHMANDU, JAN 22 pality chair and his opponents for the former member of the National Human Rights such as enforced disappearance, rape, torture and ate plans to consult the victims nor has it reached delay in payment of salaries, Mandal Commission, told the Post. “Our government has extrajudicial killing can’t be pardoned. out to them recently. “I think the government has Staffers, teachers, health workers and pointed his finger at the chairman and made a mockery of itself at an international forum.” “The terms of both the commissions will be forgotten our existence,” Gopal Shah, chairperson of other employees drawing their salary the chief administrative officer. In October, Nepal was re-elected as a member of extended,” Lila Nath Shrestha, minister for Law and Conflict Victims’ National Network, told the Post. from Dhanauji Rural Municipality, “It has been one and half months the United Nations Human Rights Council. It was Justice, told the Post. “The government, however, “It seems the parties have made up their mind that Dhanusha, have been holding a sit-in since the village assembly convened. first elected to the position for two years in January has not decided about the revision in the law.” He they will continue to dally over the delivery of outside the civic body’s office for the But the chairperson and the chief 2018 with a role to ensure that international human said the government is preparing to hold interac- justice.” last 18 days demanding pay as officials administrative officer have done little haven’t disbursed their salary for six to ensure that all government staffers months. are paid their salary,” said Mandal. With the rural municipality failing He accused Mishra of doing his own to convene the village assembly for a personal work at the district head- long time due to “political reasons”, quarter () for two months, Nepali women migrants repatriated from Beirut the assembly could only meet on instead of coming to the rural munic- December 2 to approve the budget for ipality regularly to run the office. the current fiscal year 2020-21. This was not the first time that Migrant workers, mostly women, have been hit hard in the West Asian country reeling under multiple crises. At least three ward chairpersons Dhanauji failed to get its budget have blamed chairperson Badri approved on time. During the last fis- CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL can help them. The remaining ones do Narayan Singh and chief administra- cal year too, officials presented their KATHMANDU, JAN 22 not want to go back,” said Ghouzayel. tive officer Kanyaiya Kumar Mishra budget before the village assembly “They work as cleaners in small and for the delay in paying the staff their only in February 2020, eight months Ten undocumented Nepali women medium companies and also as house- salary. But, Misrha said that he has after the deadline to do so. migrant workers stranded in Lebanon maids. Most of them did not face prob- been trying to get the budget released According to the Intergovernmental for several months made it home on lems until the financial crisis that from the District Treasury Office. Fiscal Arrangements Act, local gov- Thursday. happened last year. With companies Chairperson Singh, elected on a ernments need to present their budget The Honorary Consulate of Nepal switching to work online, these undoc- Nepali Congress ticket, does not have by June 25 every year. A number of in Lebanon repatriated the migrants umented workers suffered.” a majority in the village assembly. As the local governments are yet to pres- from Beirut as they didn’t have money Nepalis are among the preferred Samajbadi Party, Nepal, and Nepal ent their budgets even seven months to pay for a Covid-19 test and buy a nationalities for domestic jobs in Communist Party hold a majority in into the new fiscal year. plane ticket to get home. Lebanon. Although they are undocu- the village assembly, their non-cooper- According to the Ministry of According to Elcheikh Mohamed mented, they are safe as long as they ation meant the assembly couldn’t Federal Affairs, 14 local governments, Ghouzayel, the honorary consul of are not arrested for any serious crimi- convene on time and approve the most of them from Province 2 are yet Nepal in Lebanon, the women arrived nal offences. budget. to present their budget. in Kathmandu at 12:50 am via a Qatar According to Ghouzayel, locals who According to Mishra, chairperson Ever since the local elections were Airways flight. once hired Nepalis for their jobs Singh has the backing of 13 village held, a number of local governments “We managed to repatriate ten PHOTO COURTESY: HONORARY CONSULATE OF NEPAL IN LEBANON: refuse to deploy any other nationals. assembly members while other par- have been failing to present their undocumented Nepali girls and The repatriated women neither had money to get tested for Covid-19 nor to buy plane tickets “Lebanese trust Nepalis workers. ties have 17 seats. “So, a political con- budget on time. But, there has been women who did not have any money to to fly home to Nepal. Nepalis have soaked well in Lebanon sensus could not be reached for hold- some improvement in the last three travel back home. We also managed to and local cultures. They have been ing the assembly,” said Mishra. years. pay their fines and PCR test fees,” workers work part-time. After Covid- September. Those repatriated living and working here for several With delay in the presentation of “Due to the delay in budget pres- Ghouzayel told the Post from Beirut 19, no one wanted to bring outsiders to in September had also remained with- years. These could be reasons why the budget, the rural municipality entation, development works have over the phone. “We had planned to their homes, so their situation further out jobs for several months and those undocumented do not want to failed to provide salary to the govern- also been badly affected in our rural send back 11 Nepalis, but one of them worsened.” suffered due to lack of food and return home,” said Ghouzayel. “Some ment staff. The local governments are municipality,” said Mishra. “Without tested positive for Covid-19.” According to an estimate by the accommodation. workers have returned home legally. responsible for distributing salary to the budget being approved, it’s not The workers had been living in Honorary Consulate of Nepal in With the economic slowdown and Others have changed their sponsors. federal government staffers, including possible to invite bids for development Lebanon for six to 12 years. Beirut, the country hosts nearly 5,000 then the pandemic, the women Nepali But we are always looking for undocu- teachers and health workers, using projects.” Hundreds of Nepalis living and Nepalis, including workers and peace- workers have been affected the most mented workers who can return funds it receives in the form of condi- After observing that various local working in the West Asian country keeping forces. Around 2,000-3,000 as their host families and employers home.” tional grants. Before distributing the governments are not presenting their have been hit hard by the economic Nepalis work as domestic help, around have been unable to pay them. Around The consulate in Beirut is asking salaries, the local governments need budget on time, the federal govern- crisis it has been reeling under since 1,000 as factory workers, and the rest 100 undocumented Nepali housemaids more Nepalis who need help return- to incorporate the grants into their ment has sought to amend the Local 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic made are serving as peacekeepers. have come in touch with the consulate ing home to reach out to its office. budget. Level Operation Act. things worse for the country. Then the Although the government has office. Another batch of seven Nepalis will “The government staffers have pad- The federal affairs ministry, which deadly explosion in August the capital banned Nepali women from taking According to Ghouzayel, the consu- be repatriated within 20 days. The locked the rural municipality office,” drafted the amendment proposal, has killed hundreds. housemaid jobs in Lebanon, women late office has repatriated around consulate office is still not sure what said Mishra, chief administrative proposed that the local government As a result, many Nepalis have lost migrant workers continue to go there 50 so far. others will do. officer at the rural municipality. not be allowed to spend a single penny their jobs and remain stranded in the through illegal routes. They fear “Workers who have remained “We have already publishing notic- “Even I haven’t received a penny in without getting its budget approved by country, facing hardships amidst the returning to Nepal would mean losing undocumented for several years need es if anyone needs help to travel. The salary since the beginning of the fis- the assembly. “We have proposed that pandemic and waiting to return home. their jobs in Lebanon. help. For those legally working, the consulate is in touch with undocu- cal year.” the local government that fails to pres- “The money the repatriated women After languishing for several local government ensures that they mented workers,” said Ghouzayel. “Vaccination programmes for chil- ent its budget, will get a budget from earned could barely cover their hous- months and waiting for government are paid and get return tickets. We “We can manage free tickets in case dren have also been halted,” Ram the centre, but they cannot run their ing and food as they were all undocu- help, the first batch of Nepalis were have been convincing undocumented someone needs help and doesn’t know Mandal, chairperson of Ward No.1, account without getting the budget mented,” said Ghouzayel. “These rescued and brought home in workers to reach out to us so that we how to reach us.” told the Post. While Mishra attributed endorsed,” the official said.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 | 04 WORLD Navalny allies Indian farmers to step face jail ahead of Long queues as ’s capital weekend protests launches mass virus tests up protests after rejecting AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Tens of millions of people have been under some kind of lockdown in northern cities amid MOSCOW, JAN 22 offer to defer new laws Allies of jailed Russian opposition worries that infections could spread quickly during the Lunar New Year holiday. politician Alexei Navalny were facing possible fines and prison time on Friday in court cases that ramp up German virus death toll tops pressure on Kremlin critics ahead of 50,000 even as infections sink weekend protests. Navalny’s allies are planning to BERLIN: The death toll from the corona- hold demonstrations on Saturday in virus in Germany has passed 50,000, a dozens of cities in support of the number that has risen swiftly over Kremlin critic who was arrested and recent weeks even as infection figures jailed on his return to Russia follow- are finally declining. ing a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve The country’s disease control cen- agent. tre, the Robert Koch Institute, said on Several close Navalny associates, Friday that another 859 deaths were including prominent activist Lyubov reported over the past 24 hours, taking Sobol and his spokeswoman Kira the total so far to 50,642. Yarmysh, were detained late on Germany had a comparatively Thursday for calling on Russians to small number of deaths in the pan- join the demonstrations and face hefty demic’s first phase and was able to lift fines and short jail stints. many restrictions quickly. Sobol, 33, is accused of repeatedly But it has seen much higher levels violating legislation on public gather- of infections in the fall and winter. ings, which carries a maximum fine Hundreds of deaths, sometimes more of up to 300,000 rubles ($4,000), her REUTERS than 1,000, have been reported daily in REUTERS lawyer Vladimir Voronin told AFP. People line up to get their test following the outbreak of Covid-19 in Beijing, China, on Friday. the country of 83 million people over In this file photo, farmers participate in a tractor rally to protest against the newly passed Sobol, who has a small child, in not recent weeks. Germany hit the 40,000 farm bills, on a highway on the outskirts of New Delhi, , on January 7. likely to be given jail time Friday, REUTERS said the supermarket he works at had mark on January 10. (AP) Voronin said. BEIJING, JAN 22 told him to get a test. REUTERS ernment urged them to consider its But he cautioned that if she is found “I’m not that worried though this NEW DELHI, JAN 22 offer to hold discussions to address guilty, authorities could later open a Beijing launched mass Covid-19 test- round of the outbreak is a bit unex- Covid-19 test and be subject to 14 days their concerns after deferring the criminal probe against her. ing in some areas on Friday and pected. I came as my work unit told me of home observation. Indian farmers on Friday rejected an laws. “There is a sort of deadlock as Yarmysh, a 31-year-old Navalny Shanghai was testing all hospital staff to,” he said. Hebei province, next to Beijing, offer by the government to defer three the government repeated the offer of spokeswoman who spent the night in as China battles its worst outbreak of Shanghai began testing all hospital reported 18 new locally transmitted farm reform laws for one-and-half deferring the laws, which is not jail, is accused of violating legislation the disease since March, with families staff for the disease on Thursday after cases. At the high-speed railway sta- years, warning they would step up acceptable,” Darshan Pal, one of on public gatherings and could be fretting over Lunar New Year reunion two such workers tested positive. tion in its largest city, Shijiazhuang, protests as they seek a repeal of the the farm leaders told reporters after detained for 10 days, her lawyer plans amid new curbs. Almost all of the local transmis- passengers were allowed to get off a laws and a guarantee on minimum the meeting. Veronika Polyakova told AFP. Mainland China reported a slight sions and asymptomatic cases in train on Friday but none were seen crop prices. Modi’s government has said that Ahead of Yarmysh’s arrest, she decline in new daily Covid-19 cases on Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang getting on. Farm leaders said hundreds of the laws introduced in September will recorded a video urging a large turn- Friday—103 from 144 infections a day province, were linked to a meat pro- “I’ve never been separated from thousands of farmers from neigh- unshackle farmers from the obliga- out on Saturday. earlier. cessing plant owned by a joint venture my daughter over New Year before,” bouring states including Haryana, tion of selling produce only at regulat- “Our future literally depends on the Of the new cases, 94 were local between Thailand’s top agro-industri- said a woman surnamed Hao, Punjab and western Uttar ed wholesale markets. But the farmers number of people who take to the transmissions, Heilongjiang province al conglomerate, CP Group, and a in Shijiazhuang taking care of her would drive tractors through New say the bills are designed to benefit streets,” she said. in the northeast reported 47 new development zone. mother. Delhi on January 26, the Republic Day private buyers. A number of Navalny allies were cases, while Shanghai reported six Tens of millions of people have She said she had been told by her national holiday when Prime Minister Tomar said the government was also detained in the regions on new cases and the capital, Beijing, been under some kind of lockdown in neighbourhood she was not allowed to Narendra Modi will join a parade of committed to the reforms. Thursday and Friday, including the reported three new cases. northern cities amid worries that return to Beijing, where the rest of military forces. “If [farm leaders] agree with coordinator for the opposition politi- Long queues formed in some dis- undetected infections could spread her family are. She hoped restrictions Although some former government our proposal, we can meet tomorrow,” cian’s offices in the Far Eastern city tricts in Beijing, where mass testing quickly during the Lunar New Year would be lifted in time for them to officials have expressed concern that he said. of Vladivostok. was launched following several con- holiday in mid-February. reunite over the festival. the protests could turn violent, the Hundreds of thousands of farmers Prosecutors have warned Russians secutive days of new cases. City offi- Hundreds of millions of people usu- She said she was determined to get leaders said they would remain have been camping on the outskirts of against taking to the streets during cials said there were some “leaks” in ally travel during the holiday, as back to Beijing to be with her daugh- peaceful and urged the police to national capital for nearly two months, the coronavirus pandemic. epidemic control in some rural areas, migrant workers return to their home ter and her father was in a nursing grant permission for the convoy to blocking some of the roads connecting Last week Navalny, 44, returned to with inadequate adherence to rules on provinces to see family. Officials home there that no longer allowed enter the capital. New Delhi with neighbouring states. Russia from Germany, where he had wearing masks, social distancing and expect large numbers of travellers, visitors. The 11th round of talks between Supporting the farmers, the main been recovering from a poisoning temperature checks. although many fewer than in normal The capital’s west train station, government officials led by opposition Congress party said on with the Novichok nerve agent in A queue more than 200 metres long years. which normally sees vast numbers of Agricultural minister Narendra Singh Friday that the government had an attack he blamed on Russian built up outside Dengshikou The northern port city of Tianjin passengers in the run-up to the Lunar Tomar and forty farm leaders earlier shown “shocking insensitivity and security services and President Elementary School, a testing spot near said on Friday that all domestic arriv- New Year, was virtually empty on on Friday was inconclusive. Farmers arrogance” towards farmers and Vladimir Putin. the city centre. A man surnamed Lin als would have to present a negative Friday morning. stuck to their demands while the gov- urged it to accept their demands.

BRIEFING Relatives of Indonesia plane

UN warns of ‘serious’ rape charges in Ethiopia’s Tigray victims cast flowers into sea NAIROBI: The UN special representa- ASSOCIATED PRESS Lancang and Laki islands in the tive on sexual violence in conflict INDONESIA, JAN 22 Thousand Island chain. says “serious allegations of sexual Those retrieval efforts ended on violence” have emerged in Ethiopia’s Relatives of crash victims on Friday Thursday, but a limited search is con- embattled Tigray region, while prayed and threw flowers into the tinuing for the missing memory unit women and girls face shortages of Java Sea where a Sriwijaya Air jet of the cockpit voice recorder which rape kits and HIV drugs amid restric- plunged into the water almost apparently broke away from other tions on humanitarian access. “There two weeks ago, killing all 62 people parts of the device during the crash. are also disturbing reports of individ- on board. The flight data recorder, which uals allegedly forced to rape members An Indonesian navy vessel took doz- tracks altitude and other parameters of their own family, under threats of ens of grieving relatives to the site. of the plane’s flight, was recovered imminent violence,” Pramila Patten Many people wept as they prayed and earlier, and investigators are working said in a statement released on late cast flower petals into the water, and with Boeing and engine maker Thursday. “Some women have also officials from the navy, search and General Electric to review reportedly been forced by military rescue agency, and Sriwijaya Air information from the device. A elements to have sex in exchange for employees threw wreaths into the sea. team from the U.S. National basic commodities, while medical The airline’s president, Jefferson Transportation Safety Board and centers have indicated an increase in Irwin Jauwena, said he hoped by visit- Federal Aviation Administration is the demand for emergency contracep- ing the location to help relatives part of the investigation. tion and testing for sexually transmit- accept what happened to their loved The 26-year-old Boeing 737-500 ted infections.” ones and ease their grief. was out of service for almost nine “We also do feel sad and lost ... our months last year because of flight crew, they were part of our beloved cutbacks caused by the coronavirus Russia welcomes US proposal Sriwijaya Air big family,” he told pandemic. Regulators and the airline to extend nuclear treaty reporters on the ship. “I, personally, said it underwent inspections before MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Friday wel- feel so devastated by this accident.” resuming commercial flights in comed US President Joe Biden’s pro- The jet nosedived into the water December. posal to extend the last remaining minutes after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia’s aviation industry grew nuclear arms control treaty between the capital, on January 9. Searchers quickly after the nation’s economy the two countries, which is set to have recovered plane parts and human was opened following the fall of REUTERS expire in less than two weeks. remains from an area between dictator Suharto in the late 1990s. People participate in a beer yoga session, as the country eases the Covid-19 restrictions, at a craft brewery in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia stands for extending the pact and is waiting to see the details of the US proposal. The White House said on Thursday that Biden Coronavirus guidelines now the rule at White House has proposed to Russia a five-year extension of the New START treaty. “We can only welcome political will ASSOCIATED PRESS secretary to President Barack Obama this until we can get a shot in the arm with substantially reduced staffing for podium for briefings. to extend the document,” Peskov said WASHINGTON, JAN 22 who worked on the Biden transition. of every American.” the duration of the pandemic. Officials in close contact with Biden in a conference call with reporters. “The Biden administration under- To that end, most of Biden’s White When hundreds of administration wear wristbands to signify they have “But all will depend on the details of Testing wristbands are in. Mask- stands the powerful message that House staff is working from home, staffers were sworn in by Biden been tested that day. Every event with the proposal.” wearing is mandatory. Desks are adhering to their own guidelines and coordinating with colleagues by email on Wednesday, the ceremony was vir- the president is carefully choreo- socially distanced. modelling the best public health or phone. While the White House aims tual, with the president looking out at graphed to maintain distancing, with The clearest sign that there’s a new behaviour sends, and knows that to have more people working onsite team members displayed in boxes on strips of paper taped to the carpet to China says 10 workers trapped boss at the White House is the defer- that’s the best path to climbing out of next week, officials intend to operate video screens. show the likes of Vice President ence being paid to coronavirus public The emphasis on adhering to public Kamala Harris and Dr Anthony Fauci in mine are searching for others health guidelines. safety guidelines touches matters both where to stand when Biden is deliver- QIXIA: The ten known survivors It’s a striking contrast to Donald big and small in the White House. ing an address. trapped since a deadly January 10 Trump’s White House, which was the Jeffrey Wexler is the White House When Biden met with his Covid gold mine explosion in northern epicentre of no less than three sepa- director of Covid-19 operations, over- team in the State Dining Room on China have been using laser pointers rate outbreaks of Covid-19, their true seeing the implementation of safety Thursday, the five people in the room and loudspeakers to try to find their scale not fully known because aides guidelines throughout the administra- sat at individual tables placed at least missing colleagues, state media refused to discuss cases publicly. tion, a role he also served during the six feet apart and four others joined by reported on Friday. The rescue opera- While the Trump administration transition and campaign. During her Zoom to keep numbers down. tion, which has been able to get food was known for flouting safety recom- first press briefing, White House press Plexiglass barriers have been set up and medicines to the miners, was mendations, the Biden team has secretary Jen Psaki suggested those at some desks that are in open areas, expected to take at least another two made a point of abiding by the same working in the office would receive but nearly all staff who are already weeks, authorities have said. “The strict guidelines they’re urging daily testing and N95 masks would be working in the building have enclosed physical condition, psychological con- Americans to follow. mandatory. offices. The Biden team already had a dition and living environment of 10 It’s part of an overall effort from Indeed, Biden’s new federal mask robust contact tracing program set up miners in the middle section of the President Joe Biden to lead by exam- mandate executive order requires that during the transition, which it’s keep- mine are good,” the People’s Daily, ple on the coronavirus pandemic, an federal employees, contractors and ing around for any possible exposures. the official newspaper of China’s rul- ethos carried over from his campaign others in federal buildings and on fed- Staffers also were issued laptops ing Communist Party, reported on and transition. eral lands wear masks and adhere to with wallpaper displays that offer a Friday. A total of 22 workers were “One of the great tragedies of the social distancing requirements. The list of Covid symptoms and a directive trapped in the Hushan mine by the Trump administration was a refusal AP/RSS executive order allows for agency to “call the White House medical unit” January 10 blast in Qixia, a major to recognise that many Americans Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talks heads to make “case-by-case excep- if they have experienced any of them. gold-producing region in coastal model the behaviour of our leader- with reporters before an event with President Joe Biden on the coronavirus in the State tions”—like, for instance, Psaki’s. She The Trump White House was anoth- Shandong province. (AGENCIES) ship,” said Ben LaBolt, a former press Dinning Room of the White House, on Thursday. wears one until she steps up to the er story altogether.

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 MONEY Strained infrastructure in Bhairahawa dents trade growth Google threatens to More than 700 freight trucks enter Nepal daily through Bhairahawa, making it the country’s second busiest transit point. pull search engine MADHAV DHUNGANA ly make six trips per month. in Australia BHAIRAHAWA, JAN 22 Agrawal said that instead of transporting cargo directly to ASSOCIATED PRESS Revenue collection at Bhairahawa Bhairahawa, which is 125 km from WELLINGTON (NEW ZEALAND), JAN 22 Customs Office in south-western Gonda, an industrial area near Nepal has swelled 16 times in the past Gorakhpur in India, Indian truckers Google on Friday threatened to make decade from Rs5 billion in fiscal 2007- and Nepali traders prefer to use the its search engine unavailable in 08 to Rs82 billion in 2017-18. In the last Krishnanagar, Kapilvastu route which Australia if the government went fiscal year 2019-20, despite the Covid- is 250 km away. ahead with plans to make tech giants 19 pandemic, customs revenue exceed- The traffic jams bring other prob- pay for news content. ed Rs70 billion. lems to truckers. According to traders, Australian Prime Minister Scott More than 700 freight trucks enter Indian police demand money from Morrison quickly hit back, saying “we Nepal daily through the Bhairahawa them in the name of managing the don’t respond to threats.” Customs Office located on the south- queue. Those who pay are allowed to “Australia makes our rules for ern border with India, making it the jump the queue. Indian truckers sim- things you can do in Australia,” country’s second busiest transit point ply add the extra costs to the transpor- Morrison told reporters in Brisbane. for commerce. A decade ago, the num- tation charges, Agrawal said. “That’s done in our Parliament. It’s ber was around 250 trucks. Driver Dharmendra Ven, who done by our government. And that’s The increased traffic has exposed arrived at Bhairahawa Customs with how things work here in Australia.” the woefully inadequate parking facil- vehicle bearing registration number Morrison’s comments came after ity constructed back in 2005. Traders RJ 14 GF 9833, said that he spent four Mel Silva, the managing director of say parking infrastructure has not days in the line that was 8 km long. Google Australia and New Zealand, been able to keep pace with the growth “There is no provision for eating told a Senate inquiry into the bill that in business, and has created hassles and sleeping in the middle of the the new rules would be unworkable. for them. road, nor are there any toilets,” he Traders have been repeatedly ask- POST PHOTO: MADHAV DHUNGANA said. “The villagers do not allow ing the government to facilitate Every day, due to a lack of parking infrastructure, freight carriers arriving in Nepal are stuck in a massive traffic jam extending up to 10 kilometres us to go to the fields to relieve our- The government import and export by expanding the on the Indian side of the border. selves.” he added. The police demand parking lot at Bhairahawa Customs. up to Rs1,000 to move us up in the is planning new Everyday, due to lack of parking infra- Siddhartha Industrial Group, has ing it through . He claimed that if the imported queue, he said. structure, freight carriers arriving in been thinking of using the Customs officials admit that the goods and vehicles were released from Traders have repeatedly urged rules to make Nepal are stuck in a massive traffic Krishnanagar border point for his existing infrastructure does not match customs on time, the parking lot would authorities to use the land that has jam extending up to 10 km on the imports. the growth in trade. A study conduct- be vacated. “But it takes a long time to been bought to build an Integrated tech giants pay for Indian side of the border. “It’s not a choice but compulsion.” ed two years ago showed that it takes release the trucks from the customs Check Post in Bhairahawa as a park- According to traders, sometimes He said either route increases his about 19 hours for a cargo truck to be due to delays in the customs process ing yard to ease the problem. news content. the line of trucks stretches 20 km on cost of production, but the goods checked and released after entering from the traders’ side.” Ravi Parikh, manager of the the Indian side. Truck drivers reach his warehouse faster by using the customs area. Poudel claimed that importers do Bhairahawa branch of Trans Nepal often complain that they are forced to alternative roads. The study shows that importers not use the facility to make self-decla- Freight Services, which manages the “If this version of the code were to spend at least four days to get their “Indian shipping companies do not spend 14 percent of this period at the ration online remotely to speed customs parking lot, said that it had become law, it would give us no real cargo cleared. want to transport goods through the customs office and the rest of the time up customs clearance. The banks become tough to manage the growing choice but to stop making Google Traders are hugely concerned by Bhairahawa point because of the on completing the paperwork, said located at the customs become crowd- number of cargo vehicles in the limit- search available in Australia,” Silva the delays and have started rerouting longer turnaround time,” he added. Maniram Poudel, chief of the ed only after 4 pm with everybody ed parking lot. told senators. “And that would be a their imports. The government has not shown Bhairahawa Customs Office. coming to pay their customs duty at He said that the problem had been bad outcome not only for us, but also “I have been importing goods like any interest in expanding the “Lack of parking infrastructure is this time, he added. compounded by the tendency of trad- for the Australian people, media diver- rice, wheat and coal through the parking yard at Bhairahawa Customs, the key cause of the problem,” Poudel Traders, for their part, accuse cus- ers to work slowly to get their cargo sity, and the small businesses who use Suthauli Customs Office in Kapilvastu Agrawal said. said. According to Poudel, the parking toms officials of hiding their short- cleared through customs, or not our products every day.” for the past few months to avoid the According to traders, the route lot at Bhairahawa Customs can hold comings. “This is baseless,” said remove their trucks even after the The mandatory code of conduct pro- congestion at Bhairahawa,” said Arun through the Bhairahawa point has 1,000 vehicles only. About 700 cargo Agrawal. “They do not build infra- paperwork had been completed. posed by the government aims to Goenka, managing director of the become inconvenient and more expen- vehicles arrive in Bhairahawa daily structure and instead blame traders According to Ashim Neupane, pres- make Google and Facebook pay Goenka Group. sive. They have to pay extra charges from India. for delaying,” he added. ident of the Bhairahawa Customs Australian media companies fairly for “Importing goods through the like demurrage and detention that The customs office opens early in Agrawal said that if the parking Agents Association, Siddharthanagar, using news content they siphon from Bhairahawa border point adds many increases their production costs. the morning, but traders do not arrive facility was increased to accommo- Rupandehi, Bhairahawa Customs col- news sites. days to the travel time to reach our Traders claim that demurrage and early to clear their cargo. As a result, date 3,000 vehicles, the problems lects Rs350 million in revenue daily, Silva said it was willing to pay a warehouse which increases the cost detention charges come to around the line of freight trucks does not would be resolved immediately. and one day’s collection would be wide and diverse group of news pub- of production. As an alternative, I Rs15 million daily. move, and this leads to traffic being According to Agrawal, it takes enough to create a better parking lot. lishers for the value they added, have started using a different route.” According to Goenka, importing backed up for many kilometres on up to 18 days for his industrial raw He said that despite repeated pleas but not under the rules as proposed, Goenka said he was also thinking of coal from Gujarat, India used to the Indian side, according to customs materials to arrive at the factory to the finance minister, deputy direc- which included payments for links rerouting other industrial raw materi- cost Rs3,200 per tonne, but now it is officials. which is 18 km from the border at tor-general of the Department of and snippets. als including iron blades. costing more than Rs4,000 per tonne “It is the responsibility of traders Nautanwa, India. Customs, Ministry of Industry, She said the code’s “biased arbitra- Rajesh Agrawal, a central member due to delays. and their agents to clear the goods Goods carriers using the Raxaul Commerce and Supplies, and other tion model” also posed unmanageable of the Federation of Nepalese Importing a container of mustard from the customs as soon as possible checkpoint make 50 trips per high-ranking officials, no one had financial and operational risks for Chambers of Commerce and Industry through Bhairahawa customs point after completing the necessary paper- month while those using the bothered to explore a solution to Google. She suggested a series of and managing director of the costs Rs68,000 more than when import- work,” said Poudel. Sunauli-Bhairahawa checkpoint bare- the problem. tweaks to the bill.

FOREX UK factories fear shortage Clock ticking for CEOs to grow profits US Dollar 117.07 Euro 142.57 Pound Sterling 160.07 expect profits for S&P 500 companies of materials and workers to jump 22.5 percent. Japanese Yen 11.29 Companies better meet those lofty Chinese Yuan 18.07 predictions. Otherwise, the US stock Qatari Riyal 32.15 market will look even more expensive as Covid-19 and Brexit hit than it does now. Critics are already Australian Dollar 90.30 calling it a bubble that may be on a Malaysian Ringit 28.96 REUTERS early 2021, hit by a surge in coronavi- similar scale as the dot-com boom or Saudi Arab Riyal 31.21 LONDON, JAN 22 rus cases and restrictions, and new the financial orgy that preceded the Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank bureaucracy for trade with the EU. Great Depression. British manufacturers’ concerns Manufacturing accounts for about By several measures stocks are now about shortages of low-wage workers 10 percent of Britain’s economy. valued at their most expensive since PRICE PER TOLA BULLION and supplies have risen the most in The much bigger services sector the dot-com bubble popped in 2000. almost 50 years, a survey showed on has been hit far harder by social-dis- Some of the bubble talk could cool Fine Gold Rs 92,900 Thursday, as they wrestle with Covid- tancing measures and is also facing if things pull closer to normal, with 19 disruptions and new customs rules new barriers to trade with the EU. earnings rising more than stock Silver Rs 1,260 after leaving the European Union. Separately, a new experimental prices in 2021. That would temper A measure of how manufacturers measure of consumer spending indi- some of the extreme valuations. And SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA feel about their competitiveness rela- cated that credit and debit card spend- that’s exactly what much of Wall tive to EU rivals deteriorated at the ing in early January slumped to 35 Street is forecasting for this year, with fastest pace on record, meanwhile, percent below its level last February, the S&P 500 likely rising much less GASOLINE WATCH and companies expected output and before the pandemic. than earnings. orders to decline, the Confederation of The figures—published by the AP/RSS That’s why, when CEOs report their British Industry said of its survey Office for National Statistics using Trader Ashley Lara works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. companies’ results in upcoming results. Bank of England data—are not sea- weeks, investors will likely pay more “Manufacturers across the board sonally adjusted, so part of the fall ASSOCIATED PRESS records in 2020 even as profits plunged attention to the forecasts they give for are continuing to battle major head- probably reflects a normal drop in NEW YORK, JAN 22 due to the pandemic. 2021 than the actual results. winds,” CBI chief economist Rain spending after Christmas, on top of Investors will likely give CEOs Some CEOs have already made com- Newton-Smith said. the impact of new Covid restrictions Are better days ahead for corporate another pass if they do turn in a ments that bolster enthusiasm for a A monthly index of new orders for which closed non-essential retailers profits? They’d better be. fourth-straight quarter of profit coming recovery. January dropped to -38 from -25 in this month. CEOs across America have begun declines over the next few weeks. While reporting the biggest annual December, and a quarterly measure of The CBI figures showed many man- telling shareholders how much profit That’s because Wall Street is focusing loss in its history, Delta Air Lines said optimism sank to -22 from zero in ufacturers reported a rush to build up their companies made during the last instead on the huge turnaround it sees it expects to bring in as much cash as October. stocks and complete EU orders in three months of 2020, just as the wors- beginning. it spends by the spring. That’s a However, export orders bucked the December, before the new customs ening pandemic sent death rates soar- After getting blindsided by the huge turnaround for a company broader trend, with this balance ris- rules took effect on January 1. ing. The general expectation is for Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the econo- that was burning through $12 million ing to its least negative since March, British goods are not subject to tar- nothing heroic. Earnings for the big my will hopefully right itself this year a day during the last three months of though it was still below its long-run iffs or quotas as they enter the EU, but companies in the S&P 500 likely fell 7 as more stimulus flows from 2020 and $100 million daily at the end average. do face significant new paperwork, percent from a year earlier, according Washington and as coronavirus of March. “(This) suggests that EU firms are adding to costs and delays. to FactSet. vaccinations return daily life closer The airline said it expects condi- not hesitating to source goods from Concern about shortages of materi- Over the long term, stock prices to normal. tions to remain rocky early in the the UK, despite the extra red tape and als and components rose by the most tend to track the path of corporate Analysts forecast S&P 500 earnings year, but it’s looking for business rise in haulage costs,” Samuel Tombs since January 1975, which the CBI profits. And stock prices sometimes will grow in the first three months of to pick up as Covid-19 vaccinations of Pantheon Macroeconomics said. linked to Covid disruption to interna- rise much faster than profits, particu- 2021 by roughly 17 percent, before become widespread, offices reopen The survey adds to signs that tional trade and Brexit-linked cus- larly when interest rates are low, as accelerating to 46 percent growth in and travelers start to feel more Britain’s economy will contract in toms delays. they are now. But stocks surged to the spring. For the full year, analysts confident. Trump returns to a business empire ravaged by pandemic

ASSOCIATED PRESS it coming due in the next four years, flurry of new licensing deals in which $15.1 million in revenue, down more NEW YORK, JAN 22 and a major bright spot: Revenue at the Trump name is put on a product or than 60 percent from the year before. his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, building for a fee, a business that has Trump’s Turnberry club in Scotland Donald Trump is returning to a family Florida, his new post-presidency generated tens of millions for the took in less than $10 million, down business ravaged by pandemic shut- home, rose by a few million dollars. company in the past. more than 60 percent. Revenue at the downs and restrictions, with revenue Eric Trump, who with Donald “The opportunities are endless,” he family’s golf club in Aberdeen plunging more than 40 percent at his Trump Jr. has run the Trump said, declining to give details. dropped by roughly the same propor- Doral golf property, his Washington Organization the past four years, told The disclosure report filed each tion. The Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach hotel and both his Scottish resorts The Associated Press in an interview year with federal ethics officials club where Trump arrived Wednesday, over the past year. Thursday that the disclosure doesn’t shows only revenue figures, not prof- saw revenue rise 10 percent to $24.2 Trump’s 2020 financial disclosure tell the whole story, calling the debt its, but the hit to Trump’s business million. Revenue at a golf club near released as he left office this week was “negligible” and the outlook for the appeared widespread. that club and one in Charlotte, North just the latest bad news for his finan- company bright, especially at its golf The National Doral Golf Club out- Carolina, also rose, up about 5 percent cial empire after banks, real estate resorts and courses. side of Miami, his biggest money to $13 million each. brokerages and golf organizations “The golf business has never been maker among the family’s golf proper- In total, Trump’s vast holding of announced they were cutting ties with stronger. We took in hundreds and ties, took in $44.2 million in revenue, a hotels, resorts, office buildings, licens- his company following the storming hundreds of new members,” he said, drop of $33 million from 2019. The ing deals and other assets took in at of the Capitol this month by his polit- adding that profits were in the “tens Trump International Hotel in least $278 million for 2020 and the first ical supporters. The disclosure of millions.” Hinting at possible new Washington, once buzzing with lobby- few weeks of the New Year, down more AP/RSS showed sizable debt facing the compa- ventures in the post-presidency era, ists and diplomats before operations than a third from a minimum of about A file photo shows extra security barricades placed outside the Trump Hotel in Washington. ny of more than $300 million, much of Eric Trump raised the prospect of a were cut back last year, generated just $450 million in 2019.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Baskota’s batting lifts Bagmati in PM Cup Burnley end Suarez brace sends Atletico Liverpool’s 68-game seven points clear in La Liga unbeaten home run EIBAR: Eibar goalkeeper Marko as Province 1 bow out with victory Dmitrovic scored a penalty against AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Atletico Madrid on Thursday but a LIVERPOOL, JAN 22 brace from Luis Suarez saw the La Bagmati Province maintain their perfect record in the Prime Minister Cup with a six-wicket win over Province 2 Liga leaders come from behind to win and are atop Group B with six points from three matches while Province 1 exit the tournament with only one win. Jurgen Klopp took responsibility for 2-1 at Ipurua. Dmitrovic drove an the sudden collapse of Liverpool’s early spot-kick past fellow goalkeeper SPORTS BUREAU Premier League title defence after Jan Oblak, only for Suarez to inspire KATHMANDU, JAN 22 their 68-game unbeaten run in the the comeback, his second also a pen- Premier League at the Anfield came to alty which he earned himself and Prithu Baskota continued with his a stunning end in a 1-0 defeat by then converted in the 89th minute. impressive batting form for Bagmati Burnley on Thursday. Another late victory for Atletico Province as they edged Province 2 by The Clarets began the game just one means they pull seven points clear of six wickets to maintain cent percent place above the relegation zone, but second-placed Real Madrid and 10 winning streak in the Prime Minister gave their chances of beating the drop ahead of third-placed Barcelona, with Cup National one-day cricket a huge boost when Ashley Barnes was another game in hand over both still tournament at the Mulpani grounds tripped by Alisson Becker seven min- to come. Suarez, meanwhile, moves on Friday. utes from time and then beat the level with Lionel Messi at the top of Baskota, who played a key role in Brazilian from the penalty spot. La Liga’s scoring charts on 11 goals, their first two wins scoring 84 Klopp’s men have now failed to win the Uruguayan increasingly looking runs against Sudurpaschim and in five consecutive league games to like a player that can lead his side to unbeaten 48 runs against Nepal Police slip to fourth in the table, six points the title. Club in the first two matches, contrib- behind leaders Manchester United. uted an unbeaten 53 runs against Liverpool had not tasted a league Province 2 on Friday. The highest scor- defeat at the Anfield since April 2017. Mathews ton settles Sri Lanka er of the match Baskota’s 75-ball Since then the Reds have ended a GALLE: Angelo Mathews scored an knock included one six and four 30-year wait to win a league title, but unbeaten century to dig Sri Lanka boundaries. their chances of repeating that feat out of early peril and lead his side to With the outcome, Bagmati climbed are fading rapidly after a disastrous 229 for four on the opening day of the on top of the Group ‘B’ standings with run over the past month. “We lost the second and final Test against England maximum six points from three POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA game, which I think is pretty impossi- on Friday. The home side won the toss matches and inched closer to Province 1 beat by 59 runs on Friday to finish fourth in Group A and crashed out along with bottom placed . ble to lose, but we did it,” said Klopp. and elected to bat at the Galle semi-final berths. They could finish “That is my fault because it is my job International Stadium, but a double on top of the group and qualify for Ramnaresh Giri pocketed two wickets. out Karnali for 156 runs in 35 overs. two wickets apiece. so that the boys have the right feel- strike from seamer James Anderson semi-finals as group winners if they In the run chase, Aakash Thapa (32) The result meant Province 1 fin- Karnali made a sound start to their ings, like they have the right amount had them teetering at seven for two. beat on Sunday. Province 2 and Bibhatsu Thapa (47) were the ished fourth in the five-team Group ‘A’ run chase with openers Rabindra of confidence.” Mathews then came to the crease and are second from bottom without scor- major contributors for Bagmati apart and crashed out of the contest along Shahi and Bipin Rawal playing 63 The champions have been disrupted settled the innings with his 11th Test ing points at their account after two from Baskota. Thapa was trapped leg with bottom placed Gandaki Province runs partnership for the first wickets. by a host of defensive injuries, but it ton. He will resume on the second matches. before by Kumar Thapa. Bibhatsu hit after playing four matches each. Shahi scored 18 off 32 and Rawal has been scoring goals that has cost morning on 107 not out and will be Electing to bat first, Province 2 three boundaries in his 93-ball knock Despite having equal two points, played a quickfire 47 off 34. The num- Liverpool of late. Despite having 72 joined at the wicket by Niroshan scored 179 runs in 48.2 overs. In the before he was bowled out by Gandaki Province finished fourth on ber three batsman Nischal Rawal con- efforts on goal, the Reds have now Dickwella on 19. Opener Kusal Perera run chase, Bagmati made 181-4 in 48.2 Harishankar Shah. Ishan Pandey was the basis of better net run rate. tributed 31 as Karnali seemed to be failed to score in four consecutive had a wild swing at a delivery outside overs. the other player to score in double Karnali are third with two points in heading to their second victory with league games. Klopp reacted to off stump and was caught by Joe Root Province 2 made poor start to their digits contributing 15 runs. their account and have played only 118-4 on board. But they lost the Liverpool’s longest Premier League at first slip for 6. Oshada Fernando innings and were restricted to 5-39 Harishankar of Province 2 pocketed three matches. remaining six batsmen cheaply for 38 goal drought for 16 years by dropping (0), who came into the side for Kusal despite opener Sudhir Chaudhary two wickets in his 10 over spell. He Province 1 skipper and middle runs. top scorer Mohamed Salah and Mendis, lasted just four balls. contributing 15 runs. Number eight conceded 36 runs. order batsman Siddhant Lohani con- Province 1 bowler Minas Thapa Roberto Firmino to the bench. Mathews and opener Lahiru batsman Bibek Yadav contributed the tributed highest 66 off 97. He hit nine claimed five wickets in his 10-over But Divock Origi underlined why Thirimanne (43) put on 69 for the highest 66 runs off 74 deliveries. Province 1 sign off with victory boundaries in his 97-ball knock. spell. He gave away 26 runs with two the champions have been reliant on third wicket before the latter edged Kumar Thapa and Rahul Pratap Singh Province 1 edged Karnali Province by Opener Sarwan Yadav (17), Shuvankar maiden overs. Dipesh Kandel claimed their habitual front three when he Anderson’s second ball after lunch to who scored 22 and 18 runs respectively 59 runs in the Group ‘A’ match to bid Urao (36), Minash Thapa (25) and three wickets while Manoj Tamang smashed off the underside of the bar wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. Captain were the other batsmen to touch dou- adieu to the Prime Minister Cup with Firdosh Ansari (17) were the other grabbed two. with just Nick Pope to beat after an Dinesh Chandimal (52) added another ble figures for Province 2. consolation win at the TU grounds in major contributors for Province 1. Nepal Armed Police Force Club will uncharacteristic error from Ben Mee. 117 with Mathews before he was Gautam KC of Bagmati claimed . Karnali bowlers Ranindra Shahi take on Karnali Province on Saturday The Belgian has scored a number of trapped leg before wicket by fast four wickets in his 10-over spell. He Batting first, Province 1 scored 215-9 claimed three wickets while Dinesh at the TU grounds while Lumbini will important goals in big games for bowler Mark Wood. (AGENCIES) gave away 29 runs with a maiden over. in the allotted 50 overs before bowling Adhikari and Anuj Chunara grabbed vie against Sudurpaschim. Liverpool, most notably netting twice in a 4-0 Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona two seasons ago. But Origi has scored just one league goal since December 2019. Salah and Firmino were introduced Nepal Police Club rout Chaudandigadhi 6-0 to partner Sadio Mane early in the second half, but Burnley held out SPORTS BUREAU four goals ahead before the break, both com- But Chaudandigadhi coach Dipak Thapa despite incessant Liverpool pressure. KATHMANDU, JAN 22 ing in the 45th minute. Khadka scored the was still positive despite the embarrass- Pope saved brilliantly from Salah at third and Nirmala BK made it four in the ment. “We conceded four goals in the first his near post before Firmino showed Rekha Paudel and Srijana Khadka netted injury time. half that ruined our game. Our team lack why he has struggled for goals all sea- twice each as Nepal Police Club thrashed Poudel then got her brace in the 89th min- experience, yet we are happy an outsider son by slicing horribly wide from Chaudandigadhi Municipality 6-0 in the ute and Khadka also found the net again in team like us are competing in the national Andy Robertson’s inviting cut-back. National Women’s Football League on Friday. the added time of the second half, which league.” Burnley had scored just once Paudel opened the scoring in the 28th gave Police their first league win and four “Hopefully, we will do better in the next themselves in their last four games. minute for the departmental side to begin points from two games. Police had earlier matches,” he added. But Sean Dyche’s men took advantage the rout at the ANFA Complex. Paudel con- played a goalless stalemate against another Army will look for their first win when of indecision in the Liverpool defence verted a pass from former national team departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club they take on Waling Municipality on when Alisson upended Barnes, captain Niru Thapa with a one touch finish. in the opening fixture on January 20. Sunday. Nepal Armed Police Force Club will who coolly slotted home Burnley’s POST PHOTO Amrita Jaisi doubled the lead in the 41st Police coach Sanjeev Joshi was happy the meet Biratnagar Metropolitan City later on first penalty of the season. “Our Players of Nepal Police Club (blue) and Chaudandigadhi Municipality in minute when her shot from outside the team won. “It is always good to win. They the same day. shape and our diligence was action during the National Women’s League in Satdobato on Friday. D-box went straight into the net. Police were players played really well,” he said. There will be no matches on Saturday. excellent,” said Dyche. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** You’re just like James Bond except your If you can’t find anything, it might be time Someone (and you know exactly who it is) used to do What the heck was that? Did you just feel the license is to thrill. You’ve got the magnetism and for some heavy-duty closet cleaning. Holding onto a lot of nice things for you, but what have they earth move under your feet? Lately it feels like foun- suaveness to charm anyone. Just about the things that don’t fit or that you haven’t worn in years done for you lately? If it takes you more than five dations that you take for granted are being shifty. It’s only thing you’re missing is an arsenal of shiny just means there’s less space in your closet for a minutes to think, perhaps it’s time to rethink your important to remember that in this world, the only gadgets. fresh start. relationship. constant is change.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Isn’t it exhausting to try and be the person in Why not let someone else lead for a change? You’ve Think of yourself as Switzerland, especially if two Your brain is like a bottle of champagne right now: charge all the time? Sit back and let the universe gotten so used to being in charge that you’ve forgot- people you care about are involved in a knock-down, all bubbles and fizz and tons of excitement. What’s drive just this once. Who knows? You might enjoy the ten what it’s like to not bear the entire burden of drag-out war. Stay neutral and refuse to become a more, you’re able to communicate all that zestand the experience so much that you decide to do it more responsibility, and that’s not good. So go ahead and sounding board for their problems. Insist that it’s up zillion ideas you have to everyone around you. often. delegate. to them to work it out. Hmmm.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Jumping to conclusions is a fun and easy sport, but Money changes everything, especially if you’re hav- How long has this been going on? Could it be that Something’s obscuring your vision like a veil. If you they don’t give medals for it at the Olympics, and ing problems with it. In and of itself, money is nei- while you weren’t looking something kindled (or concentrate, you might be able to see clearly. Forcing there’s a good reason why. It just makes things unnec- ther good nor bad, but it is a source of energy that rekindled) between the two of you when you least it, however, might not work. Ever notice how the best essarily complicated in the long run. Keep this in you should respect. Are you being careful with your expected it? Isn’t that always the way it is with ideas come to you while you’re doing something mind. resources? romance? mundane? CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE The wearers of the hero’s cape—for now The Covid pandemic has changed our perception of a hero but it remains to be seen whether the value we are attributing to frontliners nowadays is here to stay.

EDYTA STEPCZAK Those everyday people do their ‘magic’ equipped with integrity, persistence, s Nepali climbers were courage and selflessness. Like Anuradha making history being the Koirala, a recipient of CNN Heroes first ever to ascent K2 Award in 2010. [8.611m], the World’s sec- As I argue in my book, Burqa in Nepal ond highest, one of the is called Sari, ‘the most crucial battle in deadliest and technically Nepal is fought not in the so-called death mostA challenging mountain, in winter zone in the , but in the low- season, on the streets of Kathmandu a lands, where what is in stake is dignity protest against the dissolution of the and fundamental human rights, not a Parliament was being held. It was being sports record’. The fight I had in mind led by doctor Govinda KC. writing it is the one led by activists and These are two very different cases, but social workers, like of with one common denominator: both Dr Prisoner’s Assistance Nepal, Renu Govinda and the summiteers are all Sharma of The Women’s Foundation, heroes, in their respective fields. and so many others. These are my per- The profile of the hero has constantly sonal (s)heroes. been changing over the years. And those But there is no need to dethrone changes have been influenced, among anyone and replace them with someone other factors, by political circumstances, else, rather to make the stage more market trends, fears or popularity inclusive and welcoming to different ratings. But at some point, when human individuals to look up to. It’s better interactions became one huge popularity we have that stage crowded so that each contest, influencers and celebrities of us can relate to our own figure of ref- took over, making the term ‘hero’ almost erence. obsolete. With their audacity and vision, During the golden era of space those disruptors of all walks of life, exploration, it was the astronauts and ages, nationalities and genders take scientists who were making children’s humanity to the next level, push the eyes glow with excitement. As an boundaries of our understanding on American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse what is possible, transform what is into Tyson points out, what drove the young SHUTTERSTOCK what should be, shape our dreams and generation in his country in the 60s. was hero has a face of a teenage Swedish girl tion what the term ‘essential worker’ we are prone to attribute to the frontline inspire us to become a bit more like the space programme. It had the capacity named Greta Thunberg. really means, and that besides healthcare professions nowadays is here to stay. them. to stir the imagination of millions, Then came the Covid pandemic, which professionals it also includes garbage CNN Heroes also contributed to that The only difference is that in this inspiring children and pushing them changed the paradigm in terms of who collectors. It made us see better than ever shift in our perception of a hero. This diverse group of wonderful people who towards science to pursue the path of we perceive as a hero. And Banksy was that along the way ‘glamorous’ got some- television special, created by the network deserve to wear a cape, some are cheered their heroes. there to confirm it with his drawing how mistaken for ‘essential’. And maybe in 2007, aims to honour those who make a and acclaimed, while others lack any Those were then dethroned by other depicting a healthcare worker wearing a it finally taught us, although the hard difference in their societies. Someone we public recognition whatsoever. types of icons and admired figures: the hero’s cape, an accessory reserved till way, to respect those often omitted and hoped will save us if needed, no longer stars of reality shows, bloggers or techies now for Superman and Batman. diminished. was a fictitious figure with magical pow- Stepczak is the writer of Burqa in Nepal from Silicon Valley. Most recently, the (s) The year 2020 woke us up to a realisa- It remains to be seen whether the value ers, but a flesh-and-blood individual. is called Sari. BEST-SELLERS | NEW RELEASES

Fiction

1. Darling Rose: A Novel by Stephanie Wrobel 2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney 3. Srilaaji by Shobhaa De 4. The Archer by Paulo Coelho 5. One Arranged Murder by Chetan Bhagat Source: Mandala Book Point Source:

Non-Fiction Rebellious Lord The Overstory Primate Change Author: Meghnad Desai Author: Richard Powers Author: Vybarr Cregan-Reid 1. A Social Theory of Corruption by Publication: Westland Publication: WW Norton & Company Publication: Cassell Sudhir Chella Rajan Price: Rs 1,278 Price: Rs 1.118 Price: Rs 798 2. Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping A scholar of Marxian economics, politi- The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Vybarr Cregan-Reid in this book dis- cal economy, monetary policy and eco- Overstory brings concentric fables cusses how the world we made has the World by Clive Hamilton, Mareike nomic history, Desai in his autobiogra- that range from antebellum New York changed us and gives a polemical look 3. Too Small to Fail by James Breiding phy writes not just about what shaped his to the late twentieth-century Timber at how the human body has changed 4. Shameless by Taslima Nasreen life but also about the shaping of academ- Wars of the Pacific Northwest and since humankind could stand on their 5. The Battle of Belonging by Shashi ic agendas and national and internation- beyond, exploring the essential con- feet. The book further investigates Tharoor al politics. The intellectual and political flict on this planet: the one taking where we came from, who we are maverick writes lively about his life and place between humans and nonhu- today and how modern technology his book is educative, self-aware and mans. The book imagines what a tree will change us beyond recognition. entertaining. would tell us if it could speak.

2 films offer 2 tales ahead of Wuhan lockdown anniversary Through the films, the Chinese government has sought to control the narrative and deflect blame about the pandemic’s origins.

EMILY WANG FUJIYAMA & HUIZHONG WU they are a platform, they should present WUHAN meaningful films. That’s their duty. If there’s a failure of this duty, then I feel wo new films about Wuhan ashamed of them.” were released Friday, the eve The lockdown in Wuhan, imposed on of the anniversary of the January 23, 2020, was eventually extend- start of a 76-day lockdown in ed to surrounding areas in Hubei prov- the central Chinese city ince, confining some 56 million people to where the coronavirus was their homes. Tfirst detected. How they were released “Days and Nights in Wuhan,” directed and who their audiences are stand in by Cao Jinling, debuted in Wuhan earlier stark contrast. and was released nationwide on Friday. The first, a state-backed film praising The film echoes China’s official line that Wuhan’s sacrifices, is being screened the measures it took, including the lock- throughout China, targeting audiences down, bought precious time for the world that firmly back the ruling Communist to prepare for the pandemic. Critics say Party’s response to the outbreak. The habitual Communist Party secrecy and second, a sombre documentary about the weak control measures allowed the virus’ pandemic from artist and political activ- initial spread. ist Ai Weiwei, has been forced to seek It’s not clear if there are plans to show viewers online, a testimony to the party’s it overseas. influence over the global film industry. “We wanted to record the journey of The Chinese government has sought to battling against the Covid-19 epidemic control the narrative and deflect blame via motion picture. Some of the details, about the pandemic’s origins. It has including the intense care, anxious wait- weaved a story of triumph against the ing, heartbreaking farewells and hopeful virus through TV shows, social media rebirths, might strike a chord with view- campaigns and books, lauding nurses ers,” Cao was quoted as saying by state and doctors and government-backed vac- broadcaster CCTV. cine companies. Any criticism of early In the trailer, medical staff repeatedly missteps is silenced. express their determination to prevail The state-backed film “Days and over the outbreak. Nights in Wuhan” features contributions “I have a burning love for my home- AP/RSS from 30 filmmakers portraying the suf- town and I will do whatever I can to save Residents wearing masks pass by a screen showing a trailer for the film ‘Days and Nights in Wuhan’ outside a mall in Wuhan in central fering of the city’s 11 million residents, it,” says one ambulance driver. China’s Hubei province. medical staff and front-line workers as Ai’s film tackles the same story from they battled the virus that began racing the perspective of construction workers, Hospitals and morgues were over- appeared in the film, she said. doubt that Wuhan is the source of the through the city in December 2019. delivery staff, medical workers and whelmed at the height of the crisis and “There is the mutated virus, there’s pandemic, pushing fringe theories that Ai’s “Coronation” has been rejected by Wuhan residents. Like the other film, it Wuhan accounts for the bulk of China’s fear. It’s the second Lunar New Year holi- the virus was actually brought from out- festivals, theatres and streaming services is a collage, but draws instead on footage death toll of 4,635. day that we have to pass like this,” she side the country, possibly by US soldiers. including Amazon and Netflix, he said. filmed sometimes surreptitiously by Following a thinly attended showing said. “Things are a little better than last The city is now hosting a team sent by He attributes the censorship to fears over friends, colleagues and amateur videog- of “Days and Nights in Wuhan” on year but I’m worried, it’s not completely the World Health Organization to begin offending the ruling party, which raphers, some of whom remain anony- Friday morning, Wang Yu said the movie over. You’re still under the effect of the investigating the virus’ origins. controls what movies can be shown in mous to avoid repercussions from the had awakened both memories of the virus, the fear and the terror.” A panel of experts commissioned by China and what Chinese films can be authorities. trauma of lockdown and fears for what Wuhan has been largely free from the the WHO criticised China and other displayed abroad. His film offers a rare glimpse of the might still lie ahead. virus since the end of lockdown, while countries this week for not moving faster “I don’t care about the film festivals,” pain that Covid-19 patients in China suf- “It’s hard to describe. It’s been a year smaller outbreaks have set off renewed to stem the initial outbreak, prompting Ai said in a virtual news conference fered, with footage of them struggling to since then, and to think back now, it’s containment measures in many other Beijing to concede it could have done Friday hosted by the Foreign breathe as medical workers in protective still painful,” said Wang, 31. Relatives of Chinese cities. better but also to defend its response. Correspondents’ Club of Japan. “But gear attempted to save them. her husband who died in the outbreak China’s government has sought to cast — Associated Press

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 When will Dalit lives matter? Despite voices being raised in the Capital and across the country against the injustices inflicted on Dalit people, their plight remains the same. The Post takes a look at the events that took shape last year and why they were not enough.

SRIZU BAJRACHARYA But these recent incidents have awak- KATHMANDU ened the Dalit people from within, says Ram. very day a number of people “Many people in our community have pass by a stencil memorial learnt that we need to step up for our- drawn on one of the exterior selves. And so, people despite their diffi- walls of Lalitpur Engineering culties are addressing their issues,” said College in Chakupat. The Ram. “I am even ready to die to make memorial has eight people: things better for our people,” he said. EBijay Ram, Ajit Mijar, Shiva Shankar Das, However, the government’s initiative Angira Pasi, Samjhana , Mana on the overall events that started since Sharki, Shambhu Sada and Nawaraj BK— May, according to the people the Post all of them belong to the Dalit caste, all of talked with, has been very minimal. them were killed brutally in separate “Many of the movements and efforts persecution incidences in rural parts of we made were conceived individually Nepal. Among them, five were killed in from our pockets, from the people we 2020. Their portraits in Lalitpur are know and from some organisations like engraved with the words: ‘Not Forgotten’. Samata Foundation. But the government The stencil work was part of the pro- has not really made an effort to help with ject Paint the Revolution initiated by the our issues—we work on our own, and it social campaign, Dalit Lives Matter has been scary for us because we don’t get Nepal, in collaboration with Kaalo.101, an any kind of protection for speaking out,” independent art collective based in Patan. said Ram. While this is happening in Lalitpur, in But over the course of the Dalit Lives Rautahat, where Bijay Ram died after Matter Nepal journey, Pariyar shares one being brutally tortured in police custody, of their key learnings to make way for an 25-year-old Udaya Narayan Chamar feels equal society has been their realisation alienated—he does not feel part of the that organisations and movements like different efforts and social campaigns theirs need to work together with differ- that have been raising their voice for the ent capabilities in multiple levels to Dalit people’s rights and for a cultural spread the awareness and bring change change in the country. structurally. “Here it feels like everyone except for According to him, the media’s role has us have moved on,” said Chamar, echoing been the most significant to bring atten- the defeat he has felt for months. Chamar tion to Dalit issues, while the role of the lives in Chamar Tole in Rajpur police is something they need to work Municipality and is the chair of Dalit more deeply into as that is where the pro- Samudayik Bikash Kendra. And since cess for justice and accountability starts. August he has been crusading for the jus- “We have learnt that we have to work tice of Bijaya Ram whose case is still together with the police force, with the under investigation. government, journalists and human “The police and the Municipality’s POST PHOTO: SRIZU BAJRACHARYA rights activists if we are to work on jus- government officials have assured us This stencil work was part of the project Paint the Revolution initiated by the social campaign, Dalit Lives Matter Nepal, in collaboration with Kaalo.101, an tice and awareness,” said Pariyar. that they are looking into the case of independent art collective based in Patan. “We have come to understand to work Bijay Ram. But nothing really has hap- on multiple levels of caste-based discrim- pened, and we are still awaiting his jus- Nepal, a social campaign, introduced Nepal was still pushing forward to inves- that awareness has not even been their ination and that we also need to create a tice,” he said. ‘Caste Conversation’ with Pradip Pariyar, tigate Nawaraj BK and Angira Pasi’ case primary concern. global alliance and global solidarity to Living as a Dalit in Nepal is not easy. a social activist and executive director from Kathmandu. And in Rautahat and “There haven’t been any govern- fight this system from within,” he further And the year 2020 has been particularly of Samata Foundation, to discuss and Parsa, organisations like Peace for Dalit ment-led initiatives in our areas, and we added. hard for Dalit communities. Violent inci- understand caste through various critical Foundation and Dalit Samudayik Bikash are still living as outcasts; we are nowhere But the major reason why little action dences in Soti, Rukum, (where a 21-year lenses. Kendra kept on pressing for the investiga- close to ending the horror of the Dalit is being seen in real-time is because old Dalit was killed along with five of his Pariyar and his team from Dalit Lives tion of Niranjan Ram, Bijay Ram, people,” says Ram. everything is centred around Kathmandu. friends for wanting to marry a girl from a Matter Nepal also had immediately start- Shambhu Sada and Samjhana Kami. At Ram is aware that Dalit discrimination “The conversations related to caste dis- higher caste) and in Rupandehi (where a ed documenting Dalit killings’ incidences Sakhuwa Prasauni rural municipality is pervasive both in and outside of their crimination happening in Kathmandu 12-year-old Dalit girl was found dead after on their page as they saw a huge informa- various young Dalit groups also initiated castes and for things to really change, the hardly trickle down to the areas we live being married off to the man who raped tion gap. The campaign also introduced a Dalit Dabab Samuha to address Dalit Dalit people need to be empowered first. in,” said Ram. her) in the past year served as catalysts to forms to register discrimination online discriminations. “What we need is programmes that can Most programmes for Dalit people bring together many voices, and social and disseminated information to educate However, the different efforts taken by empower our people to grow economical- are centred around Kathmandu when campaigns across the country—including users of the platform on caste-based dis- individuals, groups and organisations ly, initiatives that will educate them, pro- the most vulnerable Dalit communities celebrated Nepali actor Rajesh Hamal’s crimination and the laws related to it. have not translated into any reforms in grammes that focus in areas like ours. are in the rural areas where the division ‘Jaatko Prashna’ to question the systemic In between these incidences, many society. But the government has not even separat- of the Dalits and the non-Dalits are ills of the caste system. But these initia- youths in other parts of the country, like While many events hoped to signifi- ed a budget for the Dalit people’s develop- distinct, in the way they live and where, tives have not been enough to bring about Rautahat and Parsa, came together to cantly impact the general public’s mind- ment; nor have funds ever reached here to he says. a radical change. organise campaigns like Dalit Bachcha set for some reason there has been an help families in this dire time,” said Ram. “We have families who are barely mak- Despite these efforts, the plight of Shiksha ko Pahuch Tatha Vidyalaya absence of a meaningful change, say Dalit According to recent studies, the Dalits ing income, and so many of these Dalits remains the same and for many Tikau Abhiyaan, as a call to action pro- activists. Many events that manifested to fall under the minorities who are the houses have no electricity, so while the like Chamar, there is no light at the end of gramme because they believed education empower Dalit voices had thought they most affected in the ongoing Covid-19 focus should be on Dalit people in areas the tunnel. would be one of the most important tools would in some ways create ripples to pandemic; the crisis has worsened social like ours, the voices are all focused at the Amid the pandemic, however, the kill- to fight the structural caste-based dis- change the culture of caste-based oppres- inequalities and further pushed out the centre. People’s conversation about ings of Nabaraj BK, and Angira Pasi crimination. Many youths in Parsa were sion. And they continue to believe their Dalit people from development. caste-based-inequality is our daily reality spurred an extraordinary revolt on the also involved in campaigns like 101 Dalit efforts will press for the rights of the In recent times, according to Chamar, it here,” said Chamar. internet addressing the two Dalits’ lives. Youth Leadership that sought to build the Dalits in the future. has been more dangerous for younger “But people assume just because people Alongside the Black Lives Matter move- leadership skills of Dalit youths to aware But nothing has changed, says Manoj Dalit girls and boys to walk in their home- are talking about these issues there, ment in the US, following African their community about their rights. Ram. “These voices have not spread out towns, he says. “There have been inci- things are changing down here,” said American George Flyod’s death, urban But one of the significant efforts of like we had imagined it would,” he said. dences where some non-Dalits invite the Chamar. “For us, every day has been turn- Nepalis responded to the heinous killings some social campaigns had been to see Locals in areas like his, inside Dalit Dalits to drink, and when they get drunk, ing more and more unsafe. And so, even in the rural areas with the hashtag trails through the justice process of the Dalit toles, are well aware the government they bash them together telling they with all that is happening our people’s that read #Dalitlivesmatter. killings. is not interested in their problems, says caused a nuisance. This is how we have lives are still on the line.” For weeks, there were more than hun- “We have had about 14 Madhesi Dalit Ram, who lives in Mahuwan Gau, Dalit been living here, and this is the reality of “Just a few initiatives is not enough to dreds and hundreds of appeals for justice people’s death in Province 2 just this year, Tole in Parsa. Ram is also an activist and our place,” said Chamar. change the system that is entrenched in on the lives lost. And by June, the voices and that number is quite scary, but all the chair of Peace for Dalit Foundation “And when we try to do something for the ills of the caste system for so long.” had taken different forms: from petitions these cases are still stalled,” said Ram. Nepal. our community, press for the injustices to show solidarity to casteism conversa- When the vehement outcries from the According to him, the Dalit people in we are told that we are trying to act like (Disclaimer: The article does not include tions. In late June, Dalit Lives Matter public had subsided, Dalit Lives Matter the rural areas have so much hardship heroes, and we get threatened,” he adds. all the events that happened in 2020.)

UN calls on France to help as virus imperils Fan Museum France’s storied fan-making museum could become the cultural world’s latest coronavirus victim.

THOMAS ADAMSON & MICHEL EULER institutions but spared larger ones, such PARIS as Florence’s Uffizi which re-opens this week. ust like the leaves of its gilded “Like all small museums, we had trou- fans, France’s storied fan-making bles before, but the health crisis has been museum could fold and vanish. a catastrophe,” she said. The UN’s cultural agency has Bailiffs are even threatening to seize called on France to do more to the museum’s artefacts from next Monday, stop the splendid Musee numbering 2,500 original pieces—includ- Jde l’Eventail in Paris becoming ing historic fans made from turtle shell, the cultural world’s latest coronavirus lace and silk and adorned with diamonds victim. and rubies. The museum classed as a historical Like many of Paris’ 130 museums, monument has until January 23 to pay up Hoguet said her institution—which over 117,000 euros ($142,000) in rent charges just 7 euros entry and is located arrears—stemming mainly from losses in the French capital’s popular 10th dis- during lockdowns, otherwise it will close. trict—was forced to close for most of 2020 And with it will go the savoir-faire of its because of government virus restric- workshop. The studio that teaches design tions. She said she would previously have and restoration to a new generation of charged between 500 and 600 euros per fan fan-makers was placed on France’s intan- to restore them to their original state gible heritage list last year. using traditional materials, and she used In a rare intervention, UNESCO called the income from that to pay the rent. on France to honour the implementing of Hoguet is the fourth generation in “safeguarding measures identified for charge of what is Paris’ last original this particular living heritage,” noting in fan-making workshop. She has trained response to AP’s reporting that Paris’ directly or indirectly five young fan-mak- decision to place this know-how on the ers, whom she hopes will carry the torch list was taken already “while the pandem- of the storied craft. ic was starting to expand at a fast pace.” The making of fans, traditionally with “It is a tragedy. I can’t believe Parisians wooden sticks and painted paper leaves, will let a part of their heritage die. I have has been considered sacred in many a problem, because I always believed ancient cultures. But in France, its golden there would be a miracle,” the museum’s age was in the French court of 18th-centu- 74-year-old director, Anne Hoguet, told ry Versailles, where women used fan as the AP. forms of communication to flirt expertly There may be some surprise that or to hide modestly behind. The images France, a country that famously prizes its painted on them would often chronicle AP/RSS culture, has not done more to save the the current affairs of the world around Anne Hoguet, fan-maker and director of the hand fan-making museum, works in her workshop in Paris. museum, especially given that the French them. To this day, they remain part of public was so eager to help other cultural France’s fashion heritage DNA, featuring the 20th century, including “advertising” email, but her efforts to rally support Paris City Hall, but it has, she said, made sites in danger, such as its burned-out elaborately in couture collections by or “illustrated” pieces, as well as vellum, since 2019 have been valiant. no difference. Notre Dame cathedral. Chanel, Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. kidskin and feathered fans. She says that she has been so failed by “What is the point of marking us out as It might be a question of size. Hoguet’s father bought the museum’s She is very much an eccentric of the French authorities that she now has trou- intangible heritage if they will not pro- Hoguet said she was “exhausted” by impressive collection of fans in 1960. It old school. A staff of one, she has no cohe- ble sleeping. She had rallied the French tect us?” she asked. the fight for survival that has hit smaller spans the period from the Renaissance to sive fund-raising tool set up other than Culture Ministry and been in talks with — Associated Press

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