#405 20 - 26 June 2008 16 pages Rs 30

Weekly Internet Poll # 405

Q. How do you th ink th e governm ent handled th e king’s departure fro m N arayanhiti? Total votes: 3,943

Weekly Internet Poll # 406. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. What do you predict will happen if th e parties keep squabbling like th is?

UNJUST: Students protesting the hike in bus fares vandalised Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri’s car. Giri was unhurt, and protesters said they thought it was a minister’s car.

NARENDRA SHRESTHA Sam e old Unrest nationw ide highlights urgency of fo rm ing new governm ent ultiple protests shut closer to a deal. Three weeks after him to, otherwise who should he agreement on who would be down much of the the country was declared a submit his resignation to?” president. That decision has M capital on Thursday as republic, the brinkmanship of the A formula is to be worked out now been pushed back, to be students demonstrated about the NC, UML and Maoists appeared to in the next three months for the discussed as part of a power- steep increase in bus fares, civil be entering its endgame after yet partial integration of the PLA sharing package that will servants went on the war path more negotiations. into the national army, include the vice-presidency, the over Forestry Minister Matrika Progress of sorts came after opposition parties will have chair of the constituent Yadav’s imprisonment of a staff Prime Minister Koirala reportedly membership of the constitutional assembly and ministerial posts. member in a toilet, and Tibetans assured the Maoists he was ready council, a task force will monitor By going for at least a partial protested outside the Chinese to step down to make way for the the return of confiscated property agreement, the big three parties embassy. formation of a Maoist-led and a 15-day are trying to The protesters blocked the government. But he quickly timeframe has been EDITORIAL calm the streets and set government qualified that by saying he given to demilitarize Prime Minister Dahal p2 restless smaller vehicles on fire, and suddenly wanted it to coincide with a the YCL. There has parties and the new Nepal looked no decision on the presidency. already been an amendment to also give the impatient different from the old. “We are trying to make sure we the constitution allowing a Constituent Assembly members But over at Baluwatar, for a get the process right,” explained simple majority to form and sack something to keep them change, there were signs that the the NC’s Minendra Rijal. “The PM governments. occupied until the new three parties were finally inching will resign if the seven parties ask “Getting Koirala to resign is government is formed. not the solution,” says lawyer And until this happens and Bishwakant Mainali. “The seven someone takes charge, most parties should reach a political analysts agree, the country’s consensus on the president and towns and highways will prime minister.” continue to be blocked by However, by press time on anyone with a grievance. z Thursday there was still no Dewan Rai 2 EDITORIAL 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan Director Sales and Marketing: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Marketing Manager: Sambhu Guragain Asst Managers: Deepak Sangraula, Subhash Kumar, Tanka Sitaula Subscriptions: Nawaraj Guragain Tel: 5542535/5542525 Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845, Fax: 5251013 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 5250017-19 Veering off course Myopic politicians are missing the bigger picture RIME INISTER AHAL he current stalemate is impact on their control on Notable by its absence from P M D distressing. Are the present the ground. the present discussions is talk of Enough is enough. If it takes two months after an election verdict to T negotiations meant only to Throughout the negotiations, Madhesis’ integration into the form a government and three weeks after the declaration of a work out a power-sharing deal? critical aspects of the peace army, as promised by the eight- republic to replace the , we wonder how long it will take to agree on a cabinet. And after that, how much longer for 601 Or are they the basis for the next process have been used by one point agreement. Katuwal, assembly members to draft a new constitution? phase in the peace process? Are side or another for tactical openly opposed to the clause, Every time we bring up the subject of this endless obsession they a bit of both? purposes or else completely has claimed the army is already with politics at the expense of development, our leaders keep telling The NC publicly comes up ignored. inclusive. But with just 800 us to be patient. Once the politics falls into place, they say, with seven preconditions, For instance, the NC has Madhesis—in low-level everything will be sorted out. Well, we’ve waited 15 years. Remove demanding the Maoists change insisted on an immediate positions—out of almost the feudal monarchy, we are told, and there will be a golden future. their attitude and actions. agreement on the integration of 100,000 soldiers, that is an We understand that bloodless, political evolution in a democracy takes longer than a quick, violent revolution. And it’s a blessing that the PLA soldiers into the Nepal outright lie. our two-year transition to a republic hasn’t been messier and more TARAI EYE Army. They have a point, for the Madhesi parties know this Maoists cannot head two armies. could strike a chord with the brutal. But our leaders are so busy running in circles round trees, Prashant Jha they can’t see the forest. (In fact, all parties should have unemployed youth in the Tarai It’s a given that all politics is selfish. But mature politicians paid attention to security sector and help broaden their political know there is a certain point beyond which self-centredness is Privately, Congress leaders admit reform before allowing the support while provoking a counterproductive. Their narrow-minded and short-sighted pursuit of that all points are bargaining Maoists to go into the elections confrontation with Kathmandu political power at the expense of the country’s long-term national interest benefits no one, and will come back to haunt those very chips to make Koirala president. as a politico-military structure.) and giving them grounds to work leaders when they take office in future. The UML demands a new peace The integration issue is not with the armed groups. Ideally, The inability of Nepal’s leaders to fathom the level of public agreement, but drops that as soon intractable. The Maoists know all they want to arouse popular disillusionment and the people’s overwhelming desire for as the names of Madhab Nepal or their soldiers will never be taken passions by the year’s end. development and jobs shows a breathtaking lack of accountability. Subash Nembang are floated for into the NA—and they don’t The fair inclusion of Madhesis And there is no understanding that only if the pie gets bigger will the presidency. The party’s flip- particularly want to get everyone into the state security apparatus their share also expand. flop is just another symptom of in anyway. Likewise, the army is essential in preventing further As we go to press on Thursday afternoon, talks are still stalled on the question of the presidency. Unless the leaders at Baluwatar its severe existential crisis. knows it will have to take in a conflict. exhibit uncommon wisdom and flexibility there will be so much bad While confusion reigns in the segment of the PLA. The third issue—and the one blood it will poison relations between the incumbent and the other parties, the Maoists remain Whether this happens en of greatest concern—is the opposition even before the new government starts its work. focussed. This peace agreement masse or on an individual basis; statelessness and rampant It is time for a reality check: the NC and UML lost, and the has served them well and they whether they will constitute a impunity that exists across the Maoists didn’t win a landslide. That is the people’s mandate and the would be happy to make similar battalion or be fragmented; Tarai, where even a fringe group parties have no option but to respect it. They will reach a midnight commitments again, knowing whether there will be places for can engineer killings at will. deal, as they always do, but precious time has been lost. Time to turn our Magna Carta into a Marshall Plan. The Maoist- there is no mechanism to hold top-level PLA generals; and what There is a real danger of anarchy led government is rushing headlong into multiple crises: food, fuel, them to account. They are also will be the fate of the the or hegemony at the local level. jobs. This country is looking at a hunger pandemic (see p 4). relaxed about a degree of top-level remainder: these are the The Maoists had a vested Soaring food prices will double the number of Nepalis living below power sharing—if necessary— contentious issues needing interest in weakening the state the poverty line. because it would have little preparatory work. This should until now. But now that they are The fuel emergency is here to stay, so there must be a strategy have been done by the committee the state, they will try to build a to switch our transportation economy to renewables and immediately set up under Article 146 of the partisan institutional framework announce tax rebates and subsidies for electric interim constitution, but it has to do their bidding. In many buses and cars, not met since July. Tarai districts they have already recharging stations and Integration is ultimately a started putting pressure on cable-cars. political decision, but one with the police to release activists The upcoming budget far-reaching consequences. NC is from armed groups who promise can be a blueprint for this playing a dangerous game if it to defect. new paradigm. It must thinks it can use the issue to The negotiations should have focus on jobs, jobs and more jobs. Not by turning ensure Girija’s position as head been about how to share power at ministries into recruitment of state. Linked to it is the new the local level, how to encourage centres for the party military-civilian relationship: effective peace-building faithful, but by creating the army has a right to express initiatives in VDCs, and how work through investment- its opinion, but only in private to strengthen an inclusive, friendly policies. when asked by the government. independent bureaucracy Good luck, Prime General Katuwal has no business and judiciary. Minister Dahal, we hope you can pull it off. making public statements, Unfortunately, we have just nor should he have a veto on missed out on carving a new the issue. peace deal. z

LLL ETTERS

SAME TO SAME z If political parties that lost continue to Nepal hiked the price of petroleum are presently addressing. Seems like Kunda Dixit is pretty sure fight for posts and don’t let the country products, which has largely affected Samarjit Thapa, email that things are certain to go wrong move forward, they Nepalis (‘Those energy (‘Same to same’, #404). Why the will be completely blues’, #404). Petroleum z The first is pessimism? Let’s stop worrying about routed in the next products used in India and going to be the commander-in-chief of who’s to be blamed. Obviously those general elections. Nepal are the same but per one of the strongest forces in nation— who let us down will be blamed and What will they then capita incomes of the two 100,000 plus men and women. We sidelined just like Gyanandra has fight for and how do countries are different. India need someone who has a vision and been. Best wishes to the next leader of they propose to has also hiked the prices in can put the nation’s interest above his/ my nation. check the Maoists petroleum products but her own interests. If you elect an Anil, New Delhi then. Let the consumers over there can incompetent fellow just because s/he is Maoists run the buy subsidised kerosene a madhesi, pahadi, janajati, widow, z Communists are stuck in time. government and because the Indian apolitical—the list could go on and on Never understood why they worship critique them if they government is responsible with such stupid eligibility criteria— mass murderers like Stalin and Mao so let down the Nepali towards its citizens. then you pave the way for New shamelessly. Illiterate buffoons. Your people. And if you Praveen Kumar Yadav, Pakistan or Bangladesh. page 1 photo morph (#404) is interesting tame the Maoists email Raj, Toronto in one thing though: it tell us what pains that way, may be the they go through for a personality cult. people will start to FIRST PRESIDENT EX-KING But I won’t be surprised if ten years from trust the NC and Mr Lal, please do not lower Pretty strange, if it’s true what the Ass now, a mob of the Maoists’ own making UML again. your stature with such a says, for the ex-king to be still relying will put a garland of shoes around the Sandeep Dhungana, UK diatribe (‘The priest and the warrior,’ #404) . on the advice of his priests and leader’s neck. Hopefully, a new Don’t encourage disintegration of the astrologers (‘Friday the 13th’, #404), generation will rise that will put them in ENERGY BLUES nation. Please desist from all writings that especially as things have not gone well their right place: the circus. With the price-hike in India and are sectarian. Try to understand the gravity for him despite following their advice? Keshab, Putalisadak international markets, the government of and the sensitivity of the issues that you Champa, email NATION 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 3 Begin at the beginning The disappearances, impunity and terror started 23 years ago

n 20 June, 1985 a series of bombs in the government used the bombs as an Kathmandu killed at least seven excuse to crack down. O and injured many others. Alarmed Even though Ram Raja Prasad Singh of by the sudden eruption of violence, the NC the Nepal Janabadi Morcha (and current withdrew a civic disobedience movement Maoist presidential candidate) owned up it had launched. The resulting political to the terrorist attacks, thousands of NC vacuum was filled by leftwing extremism. activists were rounded up all over the Energised by the legitimacy of the 1980 country. The few that had remained free plebiscite on the monarchy, the during the movement were arrested system appeared unassailable. Through the immediately after the blasts. third amendment to the constitution The Maoist insurgency since 1996 has granted by his father, King Birendra inured Nepalis to news of violence, terrorism and disappearances. After the STATE OF THE STATE suffering of survivors in Jogimara, and the tragedy of the Madi bus bomb, reports of C K Lal civilian casualties have ceased to shock the nation’s conscience. But the 1985 bombs marginally loosened control over political established the efficacy of terrorism and activity. The dreaded Back to the Village exposed the weaknesses of an autocratic National Committee was replaced with a regime demoralised by self-doubt, internal technocratic Panchayat Policy and dissent and lack of electoral legitimacy. Evaluation Committee. Disappearances first appeared in the The 1982 elections police lexicon. Laxmi Narayan Jha, proved that it was possible to be a Iswar Lama, Padam Lama, Maheswar communist and a Pancha at the same time, Chaulagain and Saket Mishra were but a kangresi had to renounce his faith to disappeared while in police custody. Years be admitted into the political mainstream later, when we approached Prime Minister run by the royal-military elite. BP Koirala K P Bhattarai to trace them, his laconic was such an important figure that when he answer was: “They may have been killed”. died in 1983 there was nobody in the party Jha was a renowned physician and the to replace him. The troika of Ganeshman Nepal Medical Association unsuccessfully Singh, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Girija pursued his case until the mid-nineties. Prasad Koirala tried, but this was a Thousands have been missing since the prescription for factionalism KIRAN PANDAY Maoist insurgency began. We have a Political confusion had created Khalistan activist at Durbar Marg and dine Westminster model with monarchy. Yet, comprehensive peace process, but the conditions for the criminalisation of the with Tamil dissidents in Putali Sadak. every king since Mahendra did more to question of people who disappeared in administration, royal princes dealt openly Fugitives from all over used weaken the NC than devise ways of captivity remains unresolved—from this in contraband, ministers sheltered Kathmandu for R&R. countering leftwing extremism. war and from previous regimes. criminals and police officers looked the The military was the mainstay of the In 1985, the NC had initiated the We must start from the beginning. other way as organised crime began to use monarchy, but as king Tribhuban had Satyagraha movement to check the Today, 23 years after they were picked Kathmandu as a safe haven. correctly intuited, the NC was its political influence of Jhapali Naxalites. Marxists up at random, the families of the This was the roaring eighties, and it insurance policy. Unlike the presidential like Tulsi Lal Amatya and Man Mohan disappeared of 1985 deserve an answer was possible to breakfast with Afghan form of government favoured by the Adhikari were backing the NC’s civic from the first republican government of fighters in Jhonchhe, lunch with a communists, kangresis were wedded to the disobedience movement. Alarmed by this, the country. z 4 NATION 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 Food crisis Nepal’s silent epicentre food emergency Jajarkot, Achham and KUNDA DIXIT food prices may undermine the Some farmers who grow peace process if not taken surplus grain will benefit, but Dailekh are the worst hit by he biggest challenge for the seriously by all involved.” the biggest winners will be the the nationwide food crisis new Maoist-led government Nepal already had a nutrition middlemen. Most Nepalis have T will not be who gets to be emergency: 41 per cent of the to buy cooking oil, coarse rice president or who gets which population didn’t get enough to and kerosene from the market RAMESWOR BOHARA ministry. It won’t even be the eat and half of Nepali children and these are precisely the three drafting of a new constitution. were underweight because of the items that have seen the hen the road to the Jajarkot district capital Khalanga The greatest and most immediate chronic lack of food. But the sharpest price increases in the was finally completed last year, the first jeep to arrive test for Prime Minister Dahal will global increase in food and fuel past six months. In Nepal, food prices have a was garlanded and sprinkled with vermilion. W direct correlation with The road, it was thought, would mean cheaper rice an end to The soaring cost of food has transportation costs. The 25-35 chronic food shortages. A year on, that euphoria has turned to turned an already precarious per cent increase in freight costs misery and hunger. The highway is in such poor shape that no announced this week means that pick-ups can use it. situation into a full the WFP will have to revise its Jajarkot and neighbouring Achham and Dailekh are the estimates of the food security districts worst affected by Nepal’s nationwide food crisis. These blown crisis crisis. A third of Nepalis midwestern districts had suffered currently live below the poverty five seasons of drought only to be line, and this could now rise to hammered by hailstorms and half the population as family blizzards this spring. incomes are undercut. Rural Within Jajarkot, it is the six Nepalis spend up to 73 per cent VDCs in the north of the district of their income on buying food. that are worst hit. Ram Chandra “The food price crisis has so Jyoti of Rami Danda points to the far received very little empty attention,” the WFP’s Nepal (NFC) godown and says: “The rice representative, Richard Ragan was finished in a week and the told Nepali Times. “For depot has been closed ever since.” example, during a fuel crisis Jyoti and other villagers simply people can make the choice not cannot afford the Rs 50 per kg the to drive, but when they can’t rice in the market costs. afford the cost of food they The people of western Nepal don’t have the choice of not have only one way to cope when eating.” The crisis will have political they run out of food: they go to ramifications, too. Public seek work in India. And that is frustration could boil over on to what they are doing now, the streets, and groups with a out-migration has turned into vested interest could try to an exodus. exploit the unrest, leading to “No one has come up with a further instability. way to solve this crisis," says “We can no longer afford to farmer Chandra Bahadur Khadka, be blasé about the effects of food who is walking down to the HUNGER PANGS: A child satisfies herself insecurity,” adds Ragan. “How nearest road-head to take a bus by gnawing on a piece of effectively it is dealt with will down to the border at Nepalganj. wild yam while awaiting have a tremendous impact on "There is no way to fill our rice distribution by the the viability of Nepal’s newly stomachs by staying here so we Nepal Food Corporation elected government.” need to go to other places." at a depot in Jajarkot. Although the food crisis is Jyoti explains: "We had some RAMESWOR BOHARA nationwide, the shortages are wheat but it was destroyed by most serious in midwestern hail. Now we can’t even buy food because it’s too expensive.” be the country’s food emergency. prices, Nepal’s population growth districts like Jajarkot, Bajura and The only hope for farmers here is the maize crop that should Unlike high-profile sub- and falling farm productivity Dailekh, hard hit by more than be ripe in a month’s time. Some well-off traders have been using Saharan famines, this is an have made an already precarious two years of drought, blizzards horses and mules to bring in wheat, but the transport costs have existing food shortage made much situation worse. and floods. WFP says 50,000 also risen and the flour is too expensive for most people here. worse by rising prices, and it will people in these districts have no Even at the best of times, Jajarkot’s peasants could only grow be the first national emergency The figures are staggering: food and no money to buy enough food to last them three months in a year. Rugged and that the new republican z 2.5 million people in rural food. The midwestern hills infertile land, a lack of irrigation and virtually no agricultural government will have to deal Nepal need emergency food aid have always been a food-deficit z 3.9 million people will also area, and people have coped by extension have kept this district dependent on the outside. with. A joint study by the UN’s need help if food prices increase migrating to India to find work. Jajarkot relies on the government’s NFC to bring in rice, but the World Food Program and the further The next three months before quota for the district has dwindled. After the civil servants get National Development Research z 19.2 million people will be the next harvest will be critical, their share there is almost nothing left for ordinary people. Institute (NDRI) warns bluntly: affected by shortages and price and there is an urgent need to Harihar Shrestha, head of the NFC office in Nepalganj, says the “There is a clear risk that rising increases deliver emergency rice. food quota for the district has been met and is surprised to be told WFP’s own operational costs that there is a food crisis in Jajarkot. have increased by 26 per cent “We have increased the food quota this year because of Price rise in the last six months because of the rising cost of food increased demand, it should be enough,” he told Nepali Times. Of and fuel. Nepal also competes the 3,400 quintals of rice allocated for Jajarkot, he says 1,300 are with more high-profile hunger stocked in the district capital and the rest is on its way. hot spots and recent natural He suggested that the crisis could be a result of the difficulty calamities like in Burma. The in taking the food to remote VDCs. The NFC uses tractor trailers to UN says the first priority for bring food to the district headquarters, then mule trains distribute food assistance should be the 13 it to the villages. But even if the road was repaired and food could per cent of the population who be trucked in, the 35 per cent increase in freight costs announced are very poor and landless and this week would make the rice more costly and beyond the reach therefore at risk from the of most people. z increased food prices. Another 35 per cent of the population Reporting also by Rajendra Karki in Khalanga grow some of their own food, but are poor and will need help to cope with rising prices. z BUSINESS 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 5

Mercantile express Mercantile has introduced a four-hour Work in progress Express Service for Acer notebook users. Now Mercantile can have Acer notebooks serviced within four hours at Mercantile’s Service wo days ago, relatives and matter who we elect to represent launch street protests by burning Center, Darbar Marg. neighbours of Giri Prasad us, ours will remain a regime tyres, throwing stones at moving T Timilsina, a civil servant, marked by arbitrary abuses of vehicles, forcing highways and set up roadblocks and stopped power. And when that’s the case, shops to close down, and then Help from Dragonair traffic for hours in front of the those in power are likely to calling their shutdowns a success? Dragonair has raised HK$2 million from staff Lalitpur Forest Office in Hattiban. continue to kill, kidnap and Recently, two Nepal-loving donations to support the China earthquake Timilsina was accused of harass without ever being American lawyers successfully relief efforts. The airline also provided smuggling wood by Forest challenged to first adhere to the fought a case in an American court support to the Hong Kong government and Minister Matrika Yadav. The legal norms that are there to against their government. As a various relief organisations by helping to Maoist Minister took the law into protect ordinary citizens against result of their legal victory, the US send relief teams and supplies to the affected his own hands, detained the excesses of others. government was compelled to areas. It has provided more than 150 air tickets free of charge and flown 51 tonnes of relief supplies to the Timilsina and got his ministry to There are several reasons why provide compensation to the poor stricken areas. The airline’s inflight charity programme, Change Nepalis prefer the street to the families of murdered Nepalis who courts when their individual worked for the Americans at the for Conservation, has also collected over HK$530,000 for the Hong STRICTLY BUSINESS Kong Red Cross. freedoms are under attack. wrong time in the wrong place— Ashutosh Tiwari Newspapers routinely report in Iraq in 2004. Likewise, two how corrupt the courts are. The years ago, a Nepali lawyer filed New Sunrise throw him into a cell at Nakkhu Nepali judicial system is arguably charges against the British Sunrise Bank Limited has opened its fifth Kathmandu branch in jail. Earlier, Minister Yadav the least ethnically inclusive government in London and won Tinkune. The new branch will provide services including Sunrise locked up LDO Danduraj wing of the state. Until recently, overdue compensation for ex- Bal Bachat Kosh, Normal Savings Account, Ghar Karja, SME Ghimire in his office toilet for any negative report about the soldiers. In both cases, the Loan and Educational Institute Loan. The Tinkune branch will alleged insubordination. judicial system was treated as a lawyers used the existing laws of provide banking services till 8PM. Last month, relatives and matter of contempt, with the respective countries to argue friends of Ram Hari Shrestha, a reporters hauled up in front of a for the rights of those hurt or Yamaha racer restaurant owner and community judge to be fined and even neglected by the actions of those leader in Koteswor, called for a imprisoned. Almost 90 per cent in power. Morang Auto Works has launched the Kathmandu-wide strike to protest of the thousands of cases pending It was not seminars and talk Yamaha YZF–R1. The bike has a 1000cc, against Shrestha’s abduction and in the courts involve multi-year fests that helped restore the rights liquid cooled, in-line four cylinder engine murder by Maoist cadres. With and a slipper-type back torque-limiting few vehicles plying the roads and clutch. With a wheel base of 1415mm and few firms open for business, the dry weight of 177 kg, the bike comes with an 18-litre fuel tank. It Let the rule of law be the will be selling at Rs 1.55 million. strike turned what would have been an ordinary working day king in the new republic into New Nepal’s first day of Peter England showroom complete shutdown in this valley Peter England has opened a new showroom at of about four million people. and multi-generational disputes and the dignity of the victims. It Khichapokhari. The brand has a wide range of Similarly, last year, over family and property was the mundane but necessarily shirts, trousers, T-shirts, denims, jackets, suits, journalists were riled up when ownership. Nepal’s donor-savvy patient process of studying the blazers and accessories. one of their own, Birendra Sah, human rights communities are relevant laws, filing lawsuits, and was killed in Bara by Maoist good at raising general then doggedly following them cadres, apparently on charges of platitudinous awareness about through the processes of the legal Spirits united reporting stories on illegal rights through workshops and system that helped. United Spirits Nepal, formerly known as Mcdowells Nepal, has logging. The ensuing protests seminars, but remain How long do we have to wait acquired 100 per cent equity in Whyte and Mackay for £595m. It is went on for days, only to taper off inhospitable to iconoclastic in Nepal to see the day when we the sole authorised bottler and seller for United Spirits products in after the government promised to lawyers who can pursue justice value the rule of law to such an Nepal. provide one million rupees to on behalf of the wronged with extent that those whose rights are Sah’s widow. bulldog-like persistence. trampled rush not to the streets to Drawn from the headlines, The best and brightest college burn tyres but to the courts to Branch shift these three events give out two graduates rarely think about fight to get what they are owed to Himalayan Bank’s Bhaktapur signals. First, they continue to attending law school in Nepal. as per the law? Branch located at Suryabinayak remind us of the shocking And donor agencies offer short- Democracy is always an has been shifted to Sukuldhoka. The spacious outlay of the new atrocities that Nepal’s Maoist term scholarships abroad on unfinished business. Thumping branch is expected to ensure the delivery of full fledged modern party is capable of committing academically wishy-washy our chests about how democratic banking services. time and again, despite numerous subjects such as peace studies and we are, or taking part in one street silver-tongued assurances to the conflict studies without first protest after another, hardly NEW PRODUCTS contrary. Second, they make clear helping to upgrade Nepali builds up the software for that when trouble occurs in some lawyers’ skills on the nuts and democracy. Rio: Rio has introduced Rio Alfonso drink which sections of our society, the courts, bolts of contract, criminal, public Taking a hard look at Nepal’s captures the taste of Alfonso mangoes in a hygienic pack. lawyers, and any notion of due and constitutional law. After all, legal regime, improving it by The drink is available in all retail outlets across Nepal. process and the rule of law all who can really work to promote filing cases that argue for the take a distant backseat as the peace or reduce conflicts when protection of individual rights, victims' friends see no alternative one is hard-pressed to use what’s and then patiently if doggedly path to justice but to vent their available within the Nepali legal pursuing the cases to the finish rage on the street for days on end, system to fight and win for would go a long way in restoring thereby affecting the day-to-day individual rights under attack? people’s confidence in the lives of many others. The result of all this is that hardware of democracy. To be sure, both are worrying we have a legal system, inherited In future, the families of signs for the world’s youngest and pretty much unchanged from Timilsina, Shrestha and Sah democratic republic. But the the Panchayat days, to which should not have to take matters second in particular tells us that hardly anyone turns for solutions into their own hands, but be able unless we work hard to create and when liberties are taken away. Is to act in the belief that no one is sustain institutions that run the it any wonder that when above the law in Nepal. In our hardware of democracy through problems arise, people either take republic, let the rule of law be the the software of rule of law, no matters into their own hands or new king. z 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405

be required to address the Constituent Assembly. My central focus will be on the Narayanhiti need to devise a strong and effective constitution through special dialogues Next president? between the political parties and the to Nagarjun Maoists. Interview with Ram Raja Prasad Singh, There are some who allege that you are not I am well aware of the delicate nature Ghatana Ra Bichar, 16-24 June Janadisha, 17 June a Madhesi. Why do you think such claims of the relationship between the have been made? government and the president. My Since moving to Nagarjun, the former king Your dream to see Nepal as a Republican I was born and raised in the Tarai. But I knowledge has been enhanced by my Gyanendra has been spending most of his state has now been realized. However, the have spent most of my life in Kathmandu experience with regard to Indian politics. I days reading. A source close to the former debates over the presidency and and India. I lived in several other countries understand that a president needs to have formation of the government have posed during the period I was exiled from India. a lot of patience in order to prevent royal family says the king is very quiet and major hurdles to its implementation. Do Maybe that is why such claims have been conflict. A constitutional president will spends much of his day roaming around the you think these obstructions can be made. need to work within the boundaries Nagarjun Palace garden. He also takes time successfully dealt with? How much drawn by the constitution. The out to listen to music and write poems. The will the Maoists’ proposal for you to objective is not to contradict the former queen Komal spends most of her be president help solve the conflict? government but to maintain a careful days playing cards with relatives. I don’t think this conflict will last long. balance of co-operation. Those royal employees who used to go Everyone is aware of who stands in what position. However, I do feel that What do you have to say about the to Narayanhiti until last week, must now go the Maoists’ proposal will help guide view that will lead all the way to the Nagarjun palace. the discussion in a positive direction. to disintegration? The former royal family wants to The country will not disintegrate organize their new residence better. The How far do you think you as president under any circumstances. It is the palace kitchen is especially small, and reflect the sentiments of the common duty of the government, the president, preparations are being made to expand the ? the army and everybody else to kitchen area. It is not an easy question to answer. ensure that the national unity remains Even if the people had specifically intact. Despite many invitations from nominated me, I could not be the judge neighbouring India, the former king of that. I am a candidate for the So, will the new Nepal emerge as a decided to live in Nepal. Those in the presidency and it is up to the people to powerful nation? world closely watching the developments choose. Nepal will emerge as a great nation. in Nepal were stunned by this news. Some Not a greatness measured by say he is trying to win the hearts of the To what extent do you think the proposal population but on the basis of international community by becoming the of your name for the presidency will gain honour and pride. Nepal is a nation unanimous support? with inherent greatness, and thus it king who decided not to go into exile That will depend on national aspirations. will rise. because of his love for his country. If the people collectively wish for it, then However, others say he is waiting for the it is possible. Do you have something to say to the parties to make mistakes so that the people On the day you are appointed president, Nepali people and the political parties? realise what they let go of and he will be As a person who was born and brought up how will you address the nation? It would not be appropriate for me to say eventually reinstated. in the Tarai, what do you think of the idea My address as president will be in the name anything right now. This is not like the People in the palace discuss Cambodia’s of ‘One Madhes, One State’? of the common people. The priority of the American presidential election. I cannot Right now, many such voices can be constituent assembly is to formulate the ask for votes. Other parties have the former king Norodom Sihanouk and say the heard. Decisions regarding such issues new constitution. The president’s role will liberty to propose their own candidates only way for the former king to make a will be in the hands of the Constituent be to advise the government in this regard. and will do so. The future will ultimately comeback is by following Sihanouk’s Assembly. Among other things, the president will also depend on what the Nepali people want. example and using his strategy of entering mainstream politics. FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 7 Who controls the army?

Kiran Nepal in met even once. The military Himal Khabarpatrika, 15-29 June apparatus has been run entirely by the prime minister and the The debates on the integration army chief for the last two years. and rehabilitation of the Maoist “Earlier it was the palace that combatants and their arms, the would control the army, but now disbandment of the paramilitary there is nothing to control it,” MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA YCL and the return of property said an officer on condition of confiscated by the Maoists have anonymity. prolonged the finding of a Senior army officers claim consensus among the parties and the size of the was delayed the formation of a new reduced drastically in the name government. of restructuring, soon after As the election results call for democracy was introduced in a consensus among parties, it is 1951 under the leadership of impossible for the Maoists to hold . It was done both the post of prime minister because India wanted it. Officers with executive powers and of argue that India planed it as a president, who will be the military strategy to weaken the supreme commander of the army. Nepali army. The NC is steadfast in its Maoist leader Barshaman stance on making Koirala the Pun (Ananta) says: “It is natural president of the country. The that foreign activities tend to party highly regards Koirala’s thrive during the transition period contribution in bringing the peace but we must be able to utilise process into this situation and them for the national interest.” He would rather like to stay in says Nepali politicians blame opposition if he is not given the foreign hands if the situation is post of president. not favourable or consider it an A senior military officer says impact of globalisation if the the army also has not accepted situation is favourable to them. the proposal of Koirala as the Military analysts argue that supreme commander-in-chief. It besides Indian influence, there seems they want a non-political has been American influence on person as president, believing the Nepali army quite recently, that a politically neutral person especially on counter-terrorism will not interfere in their affairs. and staff training. People had never expected If the vacuum created by the that the chief of army staff ending of royal patronage is not Rukmangud Katuwal, who had filled, it could lead to disaster. It close relations with the deposed is important to keep the military king, would accept the structure intact, otherwise the declaration of a republic. The long wait for a political decision reason was the Indian message on military patronage could upset to the king suggesting he make a the army. graceful exit. It is believed that Political analyst Hari Sharma Gyanendra was well aware of this says: “Today’s main challenge is fact, as a result of which the the lack of a constitutional civil republic was implemented without mechanism to direct the military bloodshed. command.” He argues that a A national security council clear national security policy is has been formed which has not the need of the hour. EYEWITNESS

Juggling with young lives

Nepali child slaves face a brighter future after rescue from Indian circus abuse

PRANAYA SJB RANA Nepali children to perform tents nearby, used by the circus as asks Sapana Rai, a 15-year-old return for a cash advance paid to in MAHARASTRA, INDIA dangerous acts. living quarters. Within an hour girl from Siliguri. “Now that we the parents. A clause states that The police convoy races up to nearly 20 children have been are earning money, you want to the parents must pay an t’s an ordinary morning in the circus gate as a lone guard found. take us away?” Sapana is unspecified amount if they wish the sleepy Maharashtra town watches in bewilderment. The “We’ve come to get you out of adamant she doesn’t want to take back their children. of Akola. The big top of the officers fan out across the cricket here,” says EBMF’s Dilu Tamang. to leave. Rao declares the contracts l Raj Mahal circus stands on ground and within minutes have “We don’t want to leave,” the A plump man arrives, clad in void, citing a 1933 law which the town’s cricket ground, its cordoned off the entire site. children chorus in return. “That’s checked shirt, cotton trousers says contracts signed by parents flags flapping in the breeze, a Inside, eight bamboo poles the standard response,” her and chappals, demanding to on behalf of their children for notice on the gate advertising the support the enormous tent, colleague Shailaja C M says, know why the children are being bonded labour are not legal. The show’s trapeze acts and elephant which has clearly seen better unfazed. She’s seen all this removed. His voice falters as he police load the wailing children rides. Everything looks in order. days. Sunlight filters through before. “As long as they’re inside takes in the sight of the police. onto the truck and drive to the But at 7AM on 13 June, at a gaps in the canvas roof, where the circus compound, they are so Rao, the Childline lawyer, town's juvenile court. There, an police station down the road, 30 rickety iron trapeze bars hang afraid of the owner they will promptly cites India’s laws on amazing transformation takes police officers are preparing to from worn ropes. Three battered say anything.” juvenile justice, bonded labour place as the children meet girls raid the circus. They have been motorbikes lie in a steel "cage of Shailaja says that girls and the minimum wage. rescued in earlier operations. alerted by the district magistrate death" beside the main ring, rescued in the past have told how The man, Siraj Khan, Their miserable faces break into and Nandita Rao, a lawyer for where a dozen teenagers are some circus owners stage mock produces contracts signed by the smiles. Childline India, a child milling around, confused by the police raids and pretend to free children’s often illiterate “Of course I want to leave,” protection organisation. commotion. the girls. If the children appear parents, who couldn’t resist the says the now grinning Sapana. “I Colleagues at a Nepali NGO, the Activists from EBMF, keen to leave, they are then promise of instant cash. The want to go to school and I want to Esther Benjamins Memorial Childline and Swamini Vidhawa beaten. documents state that the go to Kathmandu to wor-k.” Some Foundation, have reliable Vikas Mandal, a local rights “Did anyone come to help us children, some as young as five, children start to talk of their information that the circus group, search with the police in our villages when we didn’t will work at the Raj Mahal circus unpleasant experiences with is illegally using young through the half-dozen smaller have enough money for food?” for periods up to 12 years in the circus. PICS: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

Kumari Rumba Lama, 17, says put him behind bars.” she was beaten unconscious with Thirteen children and seven a rope. One girl has a metal plate adult bonded workers have been in her thigh, the result of a released, almost all of them girls trapeze fall. Another holds up or women. Most are ethnic her scarred hands: “When my Nepalis from Darjeeling, Assam hands bled from working a long and Siliguri, but seven come time on the trapeze, malik from Nepal itself. poured molten candle wax onto “The circuses prefer Nepali the wounds to stop the girls because they’re fairer and bleeding,” she says. All the girls have Mongolian features that refer to Khan as malik or "owner." appeal to the audience,” says They were in effect his slaves. Holmes. He estimates there are Rao files a First Information about 30 large circuses and 300 Report with the police, the first smaller ones across India. step in bringing charges against But Fateh Khan is a wily, Siraj Khan and his brother, the well-connected UP politician notorious circus owner Fateh who probably has enough Khan. “Fateh Khan is the Mr political influence to keep Nasty of these circuses,” says himself out of jail. Says Holmes: Philip Holmes, founder of the “The only thing we can do is Esther Benjamins Trust, the keep doing these raids and hope international NGO to which that we put these bastards EBMF is affiliated. “The behind bars.” z unspoken goal of these raids is to www.ebtrust.org.uk 10 NATION 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 Reading, writing,

The Maoists' model people's schools in Rukum and Rolpa seem an anachronism in post-conflict Nepal

PRAKASH MAHATARA in RUKUM

GANESH CHAUDHARY uring the war, the Maoists ran more than D80 model people’s Children of schools in their strongholds across the country. Now, as the party prepares to lead a new government, the future of these the revolution schools and their 5,500 pupils who follow the ‘revolutionary A cult of martyrdom persists in curriculum’ has been thrown a Rolpa primary school into doubt. From Achham to Bhojpur, he pre-monsoon rains had created puddles on the muddy the Maoists first opened the playground of the Martyrs' Memorial Model People’s School in schools to educate children of T Bibang. their guerrillas and cadre killed Established four years ago during the height of the conflict, the by the state. The orphanages school is on a ridge overlooking Thawang, the cradle of the Maoist grew into so-called model revolution here in Rolpa. Most of the pupils lost one or both parents people’s schools as the children in the war, and they still run to hide when they hear a helicopter overhead. grew older, and the teachers “The old regime runs education like a factory for unemployment,” were also party cadre. explained teacher Mohan Budathoki. “We emphasize practical “It was difficult during the education that upholds the interests of the proletariat.” However, war,” recalls Bihani Pun, who flipping through the text books that the children were learning from, it runs one such school in was clear what the Maoists Rukum’s Kyangshi. “When we mean by their "people’s heard the army was approaching NEPALI PAN education." we had to scatter and hide the Rubeena Mahato The chapter headings children in people’s homes.” included: 'Our Party', 'The Great The children had all been Martyrs' and 'The Biography of taught a code language. If they Comrade Chairman'. One page contained a graphic description of the Maoist attack on the army base at Ghorahi in 2001. The English alphabet was taught with ‘A for army…G for gun…R for rifle….’ and the text was full of words like ‘enemy’, ‘bomb’ and ‘weapon’. A section of the text book drew a distinction between murder ('the act of killing') and execution ('the act of carrying out capital punishment'). All this in a book for primary school children. When the students were asked, two years ago, what they would like to be in the future, they had replied that they wanted to join the PLA and kill their parents’ killers. Today, when asked the same question, eight-year-olds Aruna and Sapana said without hesitation that they wanted to avenge the deaths of their parents. With such a militaristic curriculum, a response like this is hardly surprising. The books glorify war and violence even though the conflict ended two years ago. The ideological orientation is blatant, encouraging children to grow up with hatred instead of weaning them off violence. The teachers at the Bibang school said it was the war that had caused psychological trauma in the children, not the curriculum. But how can perpetuating a feeling for revenge and be justified when there should be peace and reconciliation? What effect will such an education have on the personalities of the children when they grow up? Like all citizens, children have the right to adopt and practice any political ideology deemed right by their conscience. But brain- washing them at such an early age through text books that are full of party slogans and jargon will hamper the free intellectual development of the children. When rails against the media and threatens them for criticising his party, his attitude has resonance with the kind of education system the party is propagating through its revolutionary curriculum. Such indoctrination can be counter- productive for the party that propagates it. When opposing views, ideas and criticism are not respected, and when free expression is limited to the one-sided utterances of the party, the only outcome can be totalitarianism. Teacher Budathoki said the curriculum could be modified, but added: “We will never surrender to bourgeois education.” No doubt the existing education system needs to change, but is this the alternative? To be sure, there are positive elements to the school: it is progressive, pragmatic and realistic compared to similar government schools. It acquaints students with social realities and inculcates a sense of duty. It includes agricultural science and other life skills. And the party was taking care of the orphans of its martyrs with free education. But the war is over, there is a peace accord and the children deserve better. The new Maoist government must now try to channel the fear, anger and violence of this war-affected generation into something positive for society and not use them as the party’s political weapon. z

Rubeena Mahato is a student at Kathmandu University. NATION 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #40511 arithmetic and revolution

heard the teachers say: “The fox and then sing the Internationale Parents and guardians in is coming, hide the chickens,” while parading to their Rukum and Rolpa are worried everyone knew what to do. classrooms. about the future of their Bhabana Khadka, who runs a The book for Grade One, children and whether their people’s school in Sirke in Hamro Kitab, has a preface by certificates from the Maoist Jajarkot, remembers an army Pushpa Kamal Dahal and is not schools will be recognised. The operation four years ago when that different from the ‘Mahendra Maoist leadership, which has she had to hide the children in Mala’ of the Panchayat era, which been trying to overthrow Nepal’s the forests, surviving on berries 35 years ago had a similarly ‘bourgeois education’ for the and yams for a week. exhortative preface about Nepal past 10 years, seems to have The Maoist People’s entering a ‘new modern age’ realised that the alternative can’t Education Department together written by king Mahendra. be their model people’s schools with the Bheri-Karnali regional The model people’s schools experiment. administration has also brought have never been registered with The fact that private English- out a separate ‘revolutionary the District Eduction Offices, language schools are opening up curriculum’ for the model even after the Maoists joined the publicly debated before a strategy in the midwestern hills proves people’s schools. “The government. District paper is issued. “Just like we have what kind of education most curriculum is strongly administrators know very little agreed with the other parties on people here prefer. But because influenced by Marxism and has about these schools nominally political issues, we will discuss most families can’t afford these a proletarian orientation, it under their jurisdiction. the new education policy with schools, parents say, the quality honours the dignity of labour “We have no idea how many them before implementing it,” of government schools must be and patriotism,” explains Lal there are and where they are,” he says. improved. z Bahadur G C of the Maoist- admits deputy secretary of the affiliated teacher’s union. The Ministry of Education in primary school curriculum has Kathmandu, Hari Shrestha. subjects like Nepali and the In Rukum, District Education local mother tongue, art, social Officer Badri Basnet says studies, military theory, guns, grenades and socket bombs. preparations have begun to bring arithmetic, politics, The politics class familiarizes the Maoist revolutionary schools economics, history, culture and young students with the lives of into line with the national English. Marx, Lenin, Mao and Pushpa curriculum, but adds that the In their culture classes, Kamal Dahal, and also makes Education Ministry and the children learn about Martyrs’ them aware of victorious Maoist Maoist leadership in Kathmandu Week, People’s War Day, Mao’s attacks on Beni, Ghorahi and must first make a policy birthday and other Mangalsen. decision. anniversaries. Military theory The model schools here in Senior Maoist Agni Sapkota teaches primary school children Rukum have a strict barracks-style says the Maoists will announce about sentry duty, security routine. Children wake up at 5AM their new education policy after a precautions during battles, roll and have an hour of exercises and government is formed under call, and the functioning of drills. They line up to eat at 9AM their leadership and it will be 12 REVIEW 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 CHINDIA OXFORD—George W Bush may have messed up on the Middle East, but he leaves behind a better legacy in Asia. American relations with Japan and China remain strong, and he has greatly enhanced US ties with India. In 2005, Bush announced a major agreement on US-Indian civilian nuclear co-operation, as well as a variety of measures for commercial and defence co-operation. The CPI-M, a small (but important) member of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s ruling coalition, has blocked the agreement. But, as one Indian friend explained to me, this is mainly symbolic politics for India’s Left. Even if the nuclear agreement fails, the improvement in US-India relations is likely to continue. Some attribute this to the fact that India and the US are the world’s two largest democracies. But that was SOFT POWER true for much of the Cold War, when Joseph S Nye they frequently talked past each other. As Evan Feigenbaum, the top State Department official for South Asia recently said: “The world of 2008 is not the world of 1948. And so India really has the capacity, and, we think, the interest, to work with the United States and other partners on a variety of issues of global and regional scope.” This change began under the Clinton administration and is likely to continue regardless of who is elected president in 2008. Personal contacts have increased greatly. There are now more than 80,000 Indian students studying in the US, and many have stayed to establish successful companies. The Indian diaspora in the US constitutes roughly three million people, many of whom actively participate in politics. Trade between India and America is increasing, and reached $26 billion (11% of India’s total trade) in 2006.

SUBHAS RAI The simultaneous rise of China and India is good for everyone The rise of China poses a strategic consideration. As Bill Emmott, the former editor of The Economist argues in his new book The Rivals, ‘Where Nixon had used China to balance the Soviet Union, Bush was using India to balance China.’ And the concern is reciprocated on the Indian side. As a senior foreign ministry official told Emmott in 2007, “The thing you have to understand is that both India and China think that the future belongs to us. We can’t both be right.” Official pronouncements stress friendly relations between India and China, and some trade analysts argue that, given their rapid growth, the two giant markets will become an economic ‘Chindia’. When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited India in 2005, he signed 11 agreements, including a comprehensive five-year strategic co-operation pact. Wen announced that China would support India’s inclusion as a permanent member of an expanded United Nations Security Council, and oppose Japan’s inclusion, which the US supports. As Singh put it during Wen’s visit: “India and China can together reshape the world order.” The two countries’ recent rapprochement marks a considerable change from the hostility that bedeviled their relations following their 1962 war over the Himalaya. Nevertheless, strategic anxiety lurks below the surface, particularly in India. China’s GDP is three times that of India, its growth rate is higher, and its defense budget increased by nearly 18 percent last year. The border dispute remains unsettled, and both countries vie for influence in neighboring states such as Myanmar. China’s rise has also created anxiety in Japan, despite professions of good relations. Thus, Japan has increased its aid and trade with India. Last year, the US suggested quadrilateral defense exercises including US, Japanese, Indian, and Australian naval units, but the newly elected Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has pulled his country out. Rudd wisely believes that the right response to China’s rise is to incorporate it into international institutional arrangements. Or, as Robert Zoellick, currently the president of the World Bank, put it when he was a State Department official, the US should invite China to become a “responsible stakeholder” in the international system. Improved relations between India and the US can structure the international situation in a manner that encourages such an evolution in Chinese policy, whereas trying to isolate China would be a mistake. Handled properly, the simultaneous rise of China and India could be good for all countries. z Project Syndicate

Joseph S Nye is a professor at Harvard and author, most recently, of The Powers to Lead. REVIEW 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 13

self-perception and the meanings they assign to the clothing, films, music and other goods they consume. Extended quotes from A class struggle these interviews are frequently interspersed throughout the text. ADITYA ADHIKARI There is a certain nostalgic pleasure to be derived from artin Chautari, the specific references from that era— Kathmandu-based the culture of video parlors, the M research and music show Sunday Pop on discussion group, has recently Nepal that was so popular before republished Suitably Modern: the advent of satellite tv, and Making Middle-Class Culture in slang that has now become Kathmandu by Mark Liechty. outmoded. However, the Originally published by an relentless cataloguing of near- American academic publisher in identical responses sometimes 2003, this anthropological study causes tedium. The was intended as a case study of extended academic discussions the formation of a modern on the nature and meaning of middle class in a peripheral class are also not likely to inspire region of the world. The new much interest in a generalist edition, with a more affordable audience. price tag than the ones normally But on the occasions that affixed to volumes produced by Liechty offers sustained life- Western publishers, is targeted at histories of particular the English-speaking Kathmandu individuals, the writing middle class, the class that forms transcends the merely academic. the subject of the book. It Particularly moving are his stories offers them self-recognition and of two educated young men of an understanding of how they position. It perceives itself as limited financial and social have been shaped by the The chasm between the superior both to the lower resources who find themselves demands of the new consumer classes—identified by their caught in a nowhere place economy of transnational goods real and imagined lives of ignorance and blind adherence to between tradition and modernity. and media. tradition—as well as to the upper One of them is a drug addict, the A middle-class culture began the middle class classes—identified as having lost other unemployed. Both of them to develop in Kathmandu only all traditional notions of decency feel that their education has after the demise of the Rana caste or ethnicity, with values from private education to tv sets). by having succumbed totally to uprooted them but has not regime in 1951. Over the next increasingly defined more by a An increasing number of the vulgarities of a Western provided them with any half-century all the old global capitalist consumer culture available and desirable consumer consumer culture. sustainable alternative. Through restrictions were demolished and than by traditional norms. goods, and constant inflation Liechty’s observations are detailing the chasm between their Nepal was flung open to an array Liechty shows how the advent coupled with fixed incomes, based on more than 200 real and imagined lives, Liechty of international influences, of a modern material culture can releases deep anxieties about not interviews he viscerally evokes the anxiety ranging from foreign aid, tourism, be a profoundly disorienting being able to keep up. There is conducted with and fear this discrepancy print and electronic mass media experience for a large section of also the feeling of being swept a wide variety provokes. z and English language education. the middle class. Accustomed to a away by the demands and desires of members of Suitably Modern: Making Middle- The beginnings of a modern society where status is largely of an alien way of life, of losing Kathmandu’s Class Culture in Kathmandu economy created new avenues of dependent on heredity, members one’s traditional social moorings. middle class in Mark Liechty professional and earning of the middle class find In the struggle to maintain the early and 2008 (Originally opportunity. These gave rise to a themselves in a culture where balance, the middle class creates mid-1990s. His published by Princeton University new social group defined more by status increasingly depends on stories about the suitability and questions focus Press 2003) their middle-class status than by access to consumer goods (ranging respectability of its class chiefly on their Rs 500 Silk Route detour via Mt 8848 hen Robin Sitoula of Party Nepal met Indian singer nurturing local talent, with local band Mt 8848 also on the W Mohit Chauhan in Delhi two years ago, they agreed program. that Chauhan would come to Nepal to perform. It has taken Chauhan, widely known also as the singer who sang the that long to arrange, but Sitoula has now confirmed that the soulful “tumse se hi” in the film Jab We Met, is expected to former Silk Route vocalist will play a set in Kathmandu on keep the audience on their feet for a full 90 minutes as he 21 June, International Music Day. works his way through his most popular numbers. “We had been thinking about bringing Mohit to “Nepal has always topped our list of destinations for a Kathmandu for a concert for a long time, and three months gig because it brings me closer to the mountains that I love ago everything fell into place,” said Sitoula. “Yamaha agreed so much,” said a cheerful and relaxed Chauhan, clearly to sponsor the concert to launch its new bike and the Nepal excited about his upcoming concert. z Tourism Board also offered its support. When Mohit agreed, we knew we could do it.” Mohit Chauhan and his band will perform at the Jawalakhel Party Nepal, which is known for hosting parties and Football Ground on 21 June. Tickets are Rs 500 and the organising events, is nevertheless sticking to its tradition of gates will open at 2PM. 14 CITY 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405

ABOUT TOWN In The Incredible Hulk, scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) scours EXHIBITIONS the planet for an antidote. But the warmongers, who dream of abusing ™ MaterialScapes 6th solo collage painting exhibition by Gaurav his powers, won't leave him alone. When he returns to civilisation, the Shrestha, until 30 June 10AM-6PM at Gallery 32, Dent Inn, doctor is ruthlessly pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth)-a Heritage Plaza,Kamaladi. 4241942 nightmarish beast of pure adrenaline and aggression whose powers ™ Tattva multimedia and collage exhibition by Chirag Bangdel until match the Hulk's own. A fight of comic-book proportions ensues as 18 July, 5.30 PM at Bakery Café, Pulchok. Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Bruce needs to make a choice: accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or the creature he could permanently become: the

EVENTS Entertainment ™ Fete de la musique music concerts presented by Alliance incredible hulk. Francaise, 21 June. www.alliancefrancaise.org.np Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal ™ Shastrartha on free interaction with CA Quest www.jainepal.com members, 21 June 4-6PM at Martin Chautari. ™ Still Life, a film by Zhang Ke Jia presented by Cine-Sankipa, 23 June 5.30 PM at Gurukul. 4466956 ™ 6th Annual Wine Festival until September at ;xeflutfdns" ;ljwfg+ lgdf0fsf{ nflu ;ljwfg;efsf+ ] g]kfn ;/sf/ Kilroy’s, Jyatha. 4250440 lgjfrgdf{ ;xefuL eO { cfkm}+n] 5fgsf] kltlglw| dfkm{t ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ Tantric Dance of Nepal presented by ;"rgf ljefu Kalamandapa, every Tuesday 7PM at Hotel gof F ;ljwfg+ lgdf0f{ u/f }+ . Vajra and every Saturday 11AM at Patan Museum.

MUSIC ™ KJC Concert Series IV presented by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and US embassy in Nepal, 22 June 5PM at Gyanodaya Hall. 5013554 ™ Live karaoke with special thai cuisine, every Wednesday at Holiday Karaoke Restaurant and Bar, Lazimpat. 4445731 ™ Rudra night fusion and classical Nepali music by Shyam Nepali and friends, every Friday, 7PM at Le Meridien, Gokarna. 4451212 ™ Sufi music by Hemanta Rana, every Friday at 7.30 PM at Dhaba Restaurant and Bar, Thapathali. ™ Yankey and friends live acoustic music every Friday at the Bourbon room Restro-bar, Lal Darbar. ™ Anil Shahi every Wednesday and Rashmi Singh every Friday, live at the Absolute Bar, Hotel Narayani Complex, 8PM. 5521408

DINING ™ 30/30 Enhanced Buffet percent discount on entire bill for a group of four or more for the month of June at The Fun Café, Radission Hotel. 12.30-2.30 PM and 6.30-10.30 PM, Rs. 800. 4411818 ™ Lajawab tandoori and kabab festival, 7-10 PM every Friday at the Hotel Himalaya, Rs 550. ™ Japanese lunch set, Rs 445 at Shogun, Babar Mahal Revisited. 4263720 ™ Home made pasta at Alfresco, Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 ™ Hot summer spicy food at the Jalan Jalan Restaurant, Kupondole Heights. 5544872 ™ The Kaiser Café open now at the Garden of Dreams, operated by Dwarika’s Group of Hotels, open from 9AM-10PM. 4425341 ™ Mango étagère mango delicacies, 4.30-6.30 PM at the Lounge, Hyatt Regency. 4491234 ™ Steak escape Kathmandu’s premier steaks available for lunch and dinner at the Olive Bar and Bistro, Hotel Radisson. 4411818 ™ Bourbon Room Restro-bar now open for lunch and dinner with over a 100 cocktails, Lal Darbar. ™ Cocktails and grooves with jazz by Inner Groove at Fusion-the WEEKEND WEATHER bar at Dwarika’s, every Wednesday, at Dwarika’s Hotel. by NGAMINDRA DAHAL ™ Cocktails, mocktails and liqueurs at the Asahi Lounge, opening hours 1-10PM, above Himalayan Java, Thamel. The monsoon is strengthening in its usual fashion, moving from an initially slow ™ Continental and Chinese cuisine and complimentary fresh brewed start to its moderate and ultimately intense stages. We are already in the coffee after every meal a Zest Restaurant and Bar, Pulchok. second stage, with rain on average every other day. The Valley has received ™ Illy espresso coffee at the Galleria cafe, every Friday espresso nearly half of this month’s normal quota. Satellite photos on Wednesday afternoon cocktails. indicated the likelihood of heavy rain over the weekend. An active cyclone from ™ International buffet at the Sunrise Café, and Russian specialties the Bay is pushing moisture-laden clouds towards the northwest, which includes at Chimney, Hotel Yak and Yeti. 4248999 Nepal. Monsoon rains typically occur during the night but extend into the day ™ Local Drinks Cocktail selection of favorite cocktails with local when a centre of low pressure comes close to us. After a four-day respite from flavors while watching EURO 2008 on the big screen at Rox Bar, the rains early this week, expect heavy showers over the next few days. Our Hyatt Regency. 4489361 advice: carry an umbrella! ™ Jazz in Patan with coffee, food, drinks and dessert at the New Orleans Cafe, Jawalakhel. 8.30 AM-10PM. 5522708 ™ Saturday special barbeque, sekuwa, momos, dal-bhat at The Tea House Inn, Windy Hills, Nagarkot every Saturday. 9841250848. KATHMANDU ™ Scrumptious wood fired pizzas, cocktails and more at Roadhouse, Bhatbateni 4426587, Pulchok 5521755 and Thamel 4260187. ™ Retro Brunch Barbeque with live acoustic music by Sound Chemistry, every Saturday, 12-3PM at LeMeridien-Kathmandu, Gokarna. 4451212 Fri Sat Sun ™ Dhamaka Nepali style barbeque with a pan-Indian fusion at the Splash Bar and Grill, Hotel Radisson Rs. 1399 7PM, every Friday. 4411818 ™ Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-la with Live performance 66 66 6 by Ciney Gurung, Rs. 666.00 nett. per person, at the Shambala 29-19 28-18 29-19 Garden, every Friday 7PM onwards. 4412999 ™ Kebabs and curries at the Dhaba, Thapathali. 9803158592 ™ Lavazza coffee Italy’s favourite coffee at La Dolce Vita, Thamel, Roadhouse Café Pulchok and Thamel. 4700612 ™ Pizza from the woodfired oven at Java, Thamel. 4422519

For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 20 - 26 JUNE 2008 #405 15

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA DRAMA QUEEN: Minister of Water Resources Hisila Yami improvises dialogue for the BBC World Service Trust’s radio drama Katha Mitho Sarangi Ko, where she responds to a victim of war who has lost land, property and family on Thursday at the ministry.

KIRAN PANDAY STRIKE RESPITE: Security forces at Satdobato take a break on Thursday during a Lalitpur banda called by the Nepali Congress to protest Minister for Forests Matrika Prasad Yadav’s locking up of a Local Development Officer on Tuesday night.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA MUDDY WATERS: Farmers in Lalitpur take advantage of the arrival of the monsoon to start planting rice on Monday.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA WHAT A WASTE: Garbage piled up in the Valley once again as Okharpauwa residents refused to let the municipality unload garbage at the Sisdol landfill site unless their demands were met. On Tuesday, locals reached a tentative agreement to allow 10 days of dumping while their demands were being considered. T 16 going toleadthegovernmentinKathmandu. heads indisbeliefthattheMaoistsare saying. TheNaxalsarealsoshakingtheir through elections,’ Azad isquotedas to grabpowerbythebarrelofgun,not departing fromthescript.‘You’re supposed own respectedComradeChairmanof victory inNepalandhaveaccusedourvery all thatenthusedabouttheMaoistelectoral Comrade Azad oftheIndianNaxalitesaren’t International Movement,COMPOSAand However, itlooksliketheRevolutionary discussed andanalysed. international Maoistmovementwillbe social, andemergingtrendswithinthe The purposewillbebothpoliticaland their families,friendsandsympathisers’. posting thatitwillbeopento‘Maoistsand comrades whosayina is beingorganisedbyTurkishMaoist are gettingfilledupfast.Thesummercamp on 4-8July. Bookearlybecausetheslots A suitablepresident Summer CampinthePeakDistrict for alertingthedonkeytoMaoist hanks toloyalreadersinDerbyshire BACKSIDE FG Yahoo group week bylockinguptheLalitpurLDOin bodyguards intheurinal,hediditagainthis two monthsafter lockinghisNepal Army padlocking peopleinsidelavatories.Barely reasons. Healsoseemstohaveafetishfor grabbing headlinesforallthewrong Landslides, Matrika Yadav hasaknackfor Maoist MinisterofDeforestationand skip-and-a-jump awayfromSiliguri. all, UNMINisalreadythereinJhapa,ahop- been reelingunderanindefinitebund. After duties intheGorkhaHillCouncilwhichhas reinsertion ofpeacekeepersforfirefighting reportedly lookingatretractionand Assembly secretariat.Meanwhile,NYHQis will freeupspacefortheConstituent International ConventionKendra(PRICK),it leave thePeople’sRevolutionary Now thatUNMINisaboutto has brokenthat and, accordingto Azad, The FierceOne perpetual revolutionisthatit’sneverover The wholepointaboutMao’sdoctrineof cardinal rule FG FG UNWIND . and a suitablepresidentisnotthedeadlock tar-tar, itseemsthemainobstacle tofinding As thenegotiationsdragonatBaluwa-tar- is The winningentryforrenamingGyane-swor result ofthisweek’sNewNameContest. another one. We’ve justgotridofoneraja,wecan’thave can’t takehimasaseriouscandidate. name. Unlesshedrops‘Raja’,I’mafraidwe age of90thatishismajorliability, it’s his runner forpresident,butit’snothisripeold nonagenarians We willbeenteringtheageof Singh becomesconstitutionalpresident. a greatleapforwardifRamRajaPrasad by octogenarians,butweareabouttotake So far, thiscountryhasbeenruledmainly jungles togobackto. forests isthattheMaoistsnowhaveno systematic decimationofNepal’sremaining arsenal Prachande-swor The Ass ispleasedtoannouncethe . The positivesideof Yadavsir’s . Singhmaybethefront . FG FG CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 04/058/59 in eternalpeace. allowed 15,000Nepalisto was responsibleforthewarthat Chairman becausehe deserving ofthepeaceprizethanComrade intimidation. And thereisnoonemore had amasseddataonsystematic out, andevenwhilehisownfieldpersonnel lovely evenbeforethefinalresultswere pronounced our April electionsfree,fairand years laterthey’restillfighting.Carter working forMiddleEastpeace,and20 Nobel fortheCampDavid Accord and Dreadful. Excellentchoice.Cartergotthe gone jointlytoJimmyCarterandComrade So theRegmiPeacePrizeforthisyearhas an orphanagerunbyfriends. candidate forpresident.He’sjustvisiting Rabuka washeretobethecompromise thought two-timeFijian Narahari. Koirala-bashers SherBahadur, Gaganand is not Awesomeji, aswemayimagine,but vociferous opponentofGirjauaspresident Makunay-for-president lobby. And themost proponents ofSahana-for-presidentandthe deadlock withintheUMLbetween between theMaoistsandNC,but No, sorrytodisappointsomeofyouwho ass(at)nepalitimes.com 20 -26JUNE2008 FG coup-maker rest Sitiveni #405

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