#601 20 - 26 April 2012 16 pages Rs 30

KUNDA DIXIT WHY DO DOGS Give and take LOVE TO TREK? “My dharma” The real story in the coming weeks is not page 6-7 whether a new draft constitution is written or ith just a month to go to finish writing the new constitution not, but whether in the process of give-and- that will carve into federal units and decide on a new take between political leaders it will preserve form of government, President Yadav is on a personal crusade social harmony and democracy. Will our W new federal structure lay the groundwork to to drive home the message of unity, democracy and development. On New Year’s Day last Friday, he went on a tour of central Nepal, reduce poverty, or will the citizens of future speaking about the need to preserve national unity and peace. provinces be even more marginalised? page 12-13 Editorial page 2 2 EDITORIAL 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 GIVE AND TAKE epal’s public sphere is so politically hit rock bottom, so there is nowhere to go but top-heavy, the media narrative so up. It has been six years since we stopped Ndominated by minute-to-minute killing each other and the peace process is coverage of day-to-day politics, the public somewhat on track and the finality of the 27 debate so obsessed with hush-hush give- May deadline seems to have sunk in. and-take between rulers, that it overshadows From what we hear from selective everything else. leaks, the parties are about to trade Maoist Politics gets reduced to its lowest flexibility on ethnic federalism for UML-NC common denominator of power and greed. flexibility on a directly-elected presidential Clever party spokesmen spin the media for system. Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal advantage in negotiations. Reporters readily Dahal has not tried to hide that he wants fall into the trap, such is the urge for the to be an all-powerful president, for which scoop or pithy soundbite. Politicians who he is ready to trade anything: his former shout the loudest and have the most extreme guerrillas, identity-based federalism, future BIKRAM RAI slogans grab the headlines. This polarizes judicial system, or citizenship norms. positions and makes negotiations more In a country that is already the poorest Politicians, by definition, want to get to difficult. in Asia, politics must be about finding the power and stay there. But can we afford, at this late date, The real story in the coming weeks is not whether a shortest path to the largest public good: to let two dozen men sit in a dark room and tailor-make new draft constitution is written or not, but whether in the raising income and equalising opportunity. a take-it-or-leave-it constitution suited for just one man’s process of give-and-take in Hatiban or Dhulikhel or some ambition? other resort, it will preserve national unity and democracy. The bottom line should be a constitution that can best Will our new federal structure lay the groundwork to political and economic viability of future federal units, guarantee stability and lay the foundation for a democratic reduce poverty, or will the citizens of future provinces be we had a representative assembly of 601 elected members state that can ensure long-term development. The new even more marginalised and discriminated against? Will to do the job, but in the end it looks like 22 men behind provinces should be designed to ensure viable economies, it help nurture sustainable peace, or lead to inter-ethnic closed doors are going to carve up the country into little and a balanced distribution of natural resources. We strife over territory? Will the king of government lead to pieces. shouldn’t get bogged down in haggling over the names representative democracy from the grassroots up, or pave In a country that is already the poorest in Asia, politics and territorial boundaries of future federal units. This is the way for an authoritarian president-for-life? must be about finding the shortest path to the largest not just our point of view, but the considered opinions of It is perilous that the most critical and sensitive public good: raising income and equalising opportunity. independent experts we have carried in these pages over elements of the new constitution are being left for the But clauses in the new constitution have become the last three years of the constitution debate. last four weeks of political bartering. They had four bargaining chips for future power sharing between the The goal of the new constitution is to make years to examine the reports of demographers, resource main parties. everyone better off, not to keep us mired in poverty and economists, political scientists and geographers about the The only silver lining is that our country has already authoritarianism.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

600 TIMES Your editorial (‘The writing on clearly puts a Nepali woman's face to that will pass off as a constitution. that will question their very credibility Congratulations to Nepali Times’ the wall’) reprinted from 2004 left the HIV epidemic in far fl ung villages Just hit the print key, get the CA to be established. team and Kunda Dixit for completing me depressed. If there was no blurb like Rakam in Dailekh, where HIV/AIDS representatives who could be substituted Binu the milestone 600th edition. Thank on top, this could have been written services are very limited. It also urges by auto-bots to say ‘aye’ and that’s it? you columnists for informing, in April 2012. Our country is in the journalists to engage more actively and Soni There is no doubt that the police educating and entertaining us for the exact same position as it was eight meaningfully in educating society about and army committed excesses during past 12 years. I remember reading years ago: people are disillusioned HIV/AIDS, to go "beyond news" and Kunda Dixit needs to give credit the war, but it doesn’t absolve the NT for the fi rst time in 2002. It was with democracy, there is no rule of make a real difference in the lives of where it belongs. I am not a big fan of crimes of the Maoists who also killed the #105 edition which I still have law, every party is working for its own HIV positive Nepali women. outdated communist ideology, but we thousands of ordinary . It is with me till this day. Although it selfi sh motives, and old kings have Marlyn F Borromeo must acknowledge the accomplishments the selective memory of supporters was hard to get hold of NT when I been replaced by new kings. If we let of Bhattarai's government, especially on both sides which is hindering was in Dang, I am happy I can now this madness go on, NT can repeat this OLD AND NEW when they are so rare: integrating truth, justice and reconciliation. read the entire paper online. What editorial in 2020 again and the situation Nepali lawmakers and leaders do not the ex-combatants, decommissioning Kiran L I appreciate the most about NT is might still be the same. Some of these have to face accountability because the cantonments, fi ring two corrupt that it never fl atters politicians or articles are as relevant to Naya Nepal they make easy fortunes and the rest ministers, jailing two corrupt ministers We can only hope that those who leaders, it is about us the people, as they were to Purano Nepal. They of the country can go to you know and a police chief, setting up the West have claimed the right to govern will and highlights stories of ordinary show us how far we have come since where (‘New Year's Resolutions', Seti project, and signing a bilateral fi nally govern Nepal in a manner the Nepalis in the hinterland who the days of the insurgency in 2000 Paavan Mathema, #600). This old business treaty with India. Next on people deserve. We often expect have shown tremendous patience, but how much progress still needs to generation of fools can never lead Bhattarai’s to-do list: establishing a more from politicians than we should, courage, and integrity even during be done. We seem to be repeating Nepal into the Information Age. Their sensible federal structure, creating a whether it is Obama in the US or the most diffi cult period in our mistakes of the past and the Maoists ideas are old, they are lazy and corrupt, new constitution and dismantling YCL Bhattarai in Nepal. Now it remains to history. It also provides a critical are as slippery and hard to pin down as and encouraged by impunity. A new thugs. be seen if the prime minister will work forum for readers to express their they were 10 years ago. generation of educated Nepalis have to Sudha towards creating a new Nepal with grievances, viewpoints and discuss Nepali Cheli come forward to replace them and put a truly democratic constitution and current affairs. As an English the economy at the forefront. Your editorial made a mistake by transparent government or if he will teacher, I can also say that NT’s HERE I AM Tri Ratna Manandhar focusing on a person rather than the rely on tried and true methods of his elegant and well-written articles Bhattarai has turned out to be a bigger institution. Instead of preparing a list predecessors and maintain a political have helped many like me improve fraud than Dahal (‘Here I am’, #600). FEDERALISM of people, we should concentrate on structure which is rotten to the core our English language skills. Keep up He created problems in the peace I want a directly elected head of designing necessary institutions. This with egoism and corruption. the excellent work. process when Dahal, Nepal and Khanal government (‘Federalism by any other also includes a strong investigative body Mark Edward Croy Ram Hari Rijal, Dang were in offi ce and now he wants to take name’, editorial, #599). How long do we which is not afraid to send a corrupt to all the credit? Until our politicians stop vote for kingmakers and not the kings jail. If we go for a presidential system, It is customary these days to pulling each other’s legs there won’t be themselves? The people must relieve we need to make sure that there is a only write to the editor if you have a any real progress in the country. But the legislature of its regime forming term limit. If we go for a parliamentary major disagreement with an article, looking at current trends, I am highly duties. Otherwise our neurotic leaders system, we need to ensure that the Weekly Internet Poll #601 and usually the criticism is personal doubtful our leaders will give up their will forever be occupied with it. government cannot be changed on a and vitriolic. Well, I am writing to good old ways anytime soon. Chaite whim. Q. A New Year’s resolution for Nepal’s leaders should be: thank you for bringing out a world- Who cares Suman class journal week in and week So let me get this straight, all this Total votes: 1,061 out for the past 12 years. Nepali WANT TO LIVE killing, chaos, war and destruction was CLOSET Times is a staple for me, I like its Thank you Nepali Times for dedicating just so that our dear leaders could This is a wonderful article by Anurag positive tone even when it discusses two full pages to HIV and AIDS endorse a half-baked document which Acharya (‘Cleaning out the closet’, Nepal’s problems and injustices. It awareness ('We still want to live', is hollow to its core? And this uproar #599). Acharya at least dares to is not cynical, but spreads hope and Naresh Newar, #600). It speaks volume about the constitution seems even more question the Nepal Army and Police that regularly profi les ordinary Nepalis about your paper's strong commitment ridiculous when we realise that the most the media portrays as great rescuers of who have overcome overwhelming to bring out development and social sincere demand is to come up with just Nepalis and protectors of democracy. odds. issues and hopefully generate the any document. No proper constitution, But I am still doubtful that the parties and Weekly Internet Poll # 602. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Jan Peterson, Sanepa needed action on time. Newar's article no debate, no procedures, just anything security forces will allow commissions Q. The debate on Constitutional Court should pave way for:

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 OP-ED 3 Journalism of deception The power that comes with being a journalist in this city has led most to think that they can get away with anything

but when writers exhibit an utter lack of core values, it THIS IS IT becomes hypocrisy and double Rubeena Mahato standards. We know there is a problem when supposedly sane writers suggest we should not make a wo weeks ago news came fuss over rule of law because of a death of a journalist those laws were made by status- Tin Jhapa. The cause of quoists and don’t deserve to be the death was not immediately followed. We know there is a known but the Jhapa Chapter problem when in all these years of the Federation of Nepalese not a single writer can muster Journalists quickly concluded the courage to question the use that the murder of Yadav of violence as a political tool. Poudel was linked to a story on Most journalists lament that prostitution he had covered. writing is not enough and they In Kathmandu and across want to make the world a better the country there were angry place. Indeed, the world could protests. Journalists, media do with some improvement, houses and facebookers but here’s the deal: writing with condemned the killing as a honesty and integrity is enough. cruel blow to press freedom We may not have to pass an and demanded stern action exam and obtain a professional against the perpetrator(s). The journalists’ license, we may prime minister, not to be left not have to go to the people behind, pledged immediate every few years and seek their action and said that the murder endorsement like politicians, of a journalist was an attack on but the least we can do is to be democracy and human rights. not prosecuted. But every other or ‘Journalist’s Bike Stolen’ or and don't think readers deserve honest to ourselves and to our Preliminary police scuffle in a bar, tea-house or ‘Journalist Bereaved’? an explanation. Someone should readers. investigation, however, ruled local watering hole that involves The power and privileges read to them what they wrote Perhaps writers can never be out Poudel’s profession a journalist is not necessarily a that come with being a last year. completely objective because as the cause of his death. blow to press freedom. journalist have led most to think They openly lobby in favour all writing is inherently Apparently inebriated, Poudel Poudel may have been killed that they are an exclusive class of certain political leaders manipulative. But they can had embraced the wife of the for the story he wrote, but if the of citizens who can get away while viciously lambasting surely be honest enough to hotel owner and Yubaraj Giri, murdered in question was not with anything. Just look at the others, they incite fear and tell readers up front where the would-be publisher of his a journalist would the Nepali op-eds in any major daily, there spread cynicism. They their loyalties lie. At least paper who was also drunk, had media have so easily jumped to is a real disconnect between the shamelessly front as the public they can spare us the shock of pushed Poudel from the hotel conclusions? Maybe reporters pundits and readers. Writers relations officers of politicians. discovering that our favourite rooftop in the ensuing scuffle. themselves would have gone sway from one point of view to Circumstances change over columnist is a card-carrying Intriguingly, Poudel’s story through the standard journalistic another from month to month time and so can one’s beliefs, member. on the prostitution racket run practice of cross checking by Som Dhakal and his wife evidence before dishing out a Manju happened in the same verdict. But journalists in Nepal hotel from where he fell to his consider themselves to be above death, raising suspicion about the purview of professional sfd ;fgf] 7'nf] eGg] x'“b}g . kl;gfsf] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'“b}g . sfd u/]/ vfg nhfpg' the owners' involvement. scrutiny. They suffer from a klg x'“b}g . rf]/]/, 9f“6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] nhfpg'k5{ . hf] hxf“ /x]/ h'g sfd u5{ Many journalists suffer false sense of moral superiority attacks because of what and are so self-obsessed, pm To;}df /dfpg'k5{ uf}/a ug'{k5{ / ;dlk{t eP/ ug{'k5{ . sfd g} zlQm xf], elQm xf] they write. This week, they make no effort to hide / d'lQm xf] . sfdsf] OHht u/f}+, kl;gfsf] ;Ddfg u/f}+ . the Committee to Protect it. What else explains the Journalists (CPJ) ranked Nepal ridiculously high number of number six among countries headlines in dailies that read: g]kfn ;/sf/ ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ;"rgf ljefu where killers of journalists are ‘Theft in Journalist’s House’ 4 BUSINESS 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 High living Urban Nepalis transition to posh apartment living

n the past five years, utilities and security. Since penthouses. high-rise apartments and residential complexes have to Designed by noted architect Icommercial complexes follow strict safety and quality Siddharth Gopalan, who was have transformed Kathmandu’s standards, they can be expected earlier involved in Valley skyline dramatically. Vertical to be more secure than personal Homes project, the building has growth seems to be the way to homes. But with apartment four towers, each with its own go to accommodate the capital’s buildings rising in almost entrance and two lifts in each swelling population. Apartments every neighbourhood, building tower. Imperial Court is also in the market range from budget just a match-box structure is one of the few complexes with a to super luxurious penthouses. not enough. Developers are water pump that reaches the top Developers say apartment living upgrading their materials and floor in case of fire. “Apartments is gaining popularity because paying greater attention to need to be designed in a way of an increase in young nuclear as an investment, and not and water supply, apartments designs and interiors. which ensures the privacy of the families seeking homes. necessarily to live in. offer well maintained gardens, “Developers now have to residents while also promoting a With both spouses working, “Families are switching parking spaces, playgrounds, put extra effort into designing sense of community. Therefore an apartment lifestyle matches from big houses to residential fitness centres and several apartments which offer not just we only have two apartments the needs of a modern family complexes because of other facilities. Choosing an a place to live but a lifestyle,” per floor,” says Gopalan and better. Retired and older couples convenience and facilities they apartment over building a new says Bikash Rana of Imperial adds, “while each apartment is with children who live abroad provide,” explains Sudarshan home relieves families from Developers. Located at Sanepa unique in design and character, also prefer flats since upkeep of Joshi of Valley Homes. In the trouble of single-handedly Height, the seventeen-storey all the rooms at Imperial individual houses is a hassle. But addition to basic amenities, supervising the construction high Imperial Court is home receive plenty of sunlight, have many have bought apartments including uninterrupted power of a house and worrying about to 100 apartments, with four verandas, and are equipped for fire safety.” Apartments used to cater to the urban middle class, now developers are tapping the market for luxury apartments with world class interiors for both locals and expats. Amol Chandra Pradhan of Central Park Premium Apartments has noticed a visible change in the tastes and standards of consumers. He explains, “Urban Nepalis today are willing to pay large amounts for apartments. They have also become more demanding and insist on attractive interiors, privacy of individual units and quality services.” Central Park had hired Canadian architectural firm ARCOP for their designs. Developers are now waiting for implementation of the policy which will allow foreigners to purchase apartments worth over US $200,000. The apartment industry is also hoping for a policy that lets non residential Nepalis buy apartments which in turn will greatly boost the demand for premium housing.

nepalitimes.com The state of real estate, #540 A fl at life, #461 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 BUSINESS 5 BIZ BRIEFS Buddha’s new hangar and plane Perky ride Pooja International, authorised dealer of Volkswagen in Nepal has launched y setting up its own aircraft The airline also operates international its New Year scheme called Big Deal 2069. When customers purchase new maintenance and training hangar fl ights to Lucknow and Banaras in models of Volkswagen Vento and Polo, they will receive free Apple iPad 2, Bat Kathmandu airport, Buddha India, as well as charter fl ights to Paro car accessories and the company will pay their road tax. Air, Nepal’s leading private airline, has in Bhutan. “The hangar augments our taken another leap forward. fl eet expansion plans, and provides the Besides Nepal Airlines, Buddha is necessary maintenance and training Crowning glory the second private company to own backup,” Basnet explained. Dabur Nepal recently introduced Dabur Almond Hair Oil. The oil consists a hangar at Tribhuvan International Buddha Air also signed an of almond protein and Vitamin E which nourishes damaged hair and is Airport. Buddha Air decided to invest agreement with the Franco-Italian available in 50 ml, 100ml and 200 ml bottles. $2.5 million taking into account its company ATR, for the purchase of growing fl eet size which recently another $7.9 million ATR 72-500 to welcomed a new aircraft. its fl eet. Loans for the hangar and Stylish deals The hangar was inaugurated aircraft are being provided by the Karuna Interiors has launched its Mega Koseli offer on the occasion of on Wednesday in the presence of to assure you that the government is International Finance Corporation Nepali New Year 2069. Customers will get discounts up to 15 per cent on Buddha’s managing director, Birendra always ready to support initiatives which (IFC). Kyle Kelhoffer of IFC and ATR’s various items along with daily prizes, gift vouchers and getaway packages Bahadur Basnet and Tourism and Civil ensure a safer sky,” he said. Filippo Bagnato were also present at to and Shivapuri. Aviation Minister Lokendra Bista. The Buddha Air currently operates a the signing ceremony inside the new minister congratulated Buddha Air for fl eet of three ATR 72-500s three ATR hangar on Wednesday. adding a feather on its . “I would like 42s and four Raytheon Beech 1900Ds. Football fever Corporate Management Solution Nepal is organising ‘Kathmandu 2nd Corporate 5 a side Football Tournament 2069’ at Gatthaghar Football Ground, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality from May 5 to 6.

Aff ordable ride Skoda M.A.W. unveiled its much awaited Fabia which is available in three models: Active Plus, Ambition Plus, and Elegance. All the new models have petrol engines with 1.2 litre capacities. Active Plus is priced at Rs 2295,000 while Ambition Plus is priced at Rs 2575,000 and the higher-end Elegance costs Rs 2695,000.

One stop solution NepalSutra.com, a one stop web portal to explore Nepal celebrated its public launch last week. The site helps travellers browse through options regarding travel, adventure, dinning, shopping and many more. Its free iPhone app NepalSutra is also available.

Summer is here Springwood’s summer T-shirt range is now available throughout all its stores in the country. The designs in this new collection are youthful, dynamic and available in a wide range of colours and prints. 6 LIFE TIMES 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 Making Nepal (climate)

Nepali Times caught up with members of the Climate Celebrity Trek in Jumla as they approached the end of their four-month journey on foot across Nepal along the Great Himalayan Trail. We spoke to 21 time Everest summiteer, Apa Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa and Saurav Dhakal as well as UNICEF country representative Hana Singer who joined the trek from Jumla to Rara Lake about how climate change is impacting the Himalaya.

Nepali Times: How did UNICEF get involved in the trek? Hana Singer: UNICEF works to uplift the condition of women and children around the world, and we have come to realise that unless we address the root cause behind their suffering our efforts will not have durable impact. Hence, we included climate change as one of the main agendas because we believe women and children in developing countries are most vulnerable.

How exactly is climate change affecting Nepali women and children? The most notable impact has been on rainfall patterns and how erratic rains have led to shortages of drinking water and destroyed crops. In remote areas of Nepal, PICS: ANURAG ACHARYA this forces people to drink contaminated water and bad harvest means people go hungry. The outbreak of program on improving maternal health, reducing Which areas of Nepal have you focused on? waterborne diseases and malnourishment mostly affects childhood morbidity, fighting malnutrition, reducing We have done a vulnerability mapping and found that women and children. incidence of diseases from inadequate sanitation and 40 per cent of Nepal’s population is malnourished, water supply. Drinking water, sanitation and nutrition of which 60 per cent are children from mid and far How can UNICEF help? are silent emergencies and our aim is to support and western districts. Jumla has been selected as a model UNICEF has been working with the Nepal government prepare the local population for a climate resilient district and we are working with line ministries and through Decentralised Action for Children and Women future. local bodies to improve nutrition intake, sanitation, A trekker’s best friend

whine or a whimper. It was as if she knew her choice and would bear the consequences, content despite the difficulties of the mountainous environment. We named her Benny, after our Australian friend Ben, and she quickly became a favourite. Raksha and Mingma from our er name is Setuk,” group became her custodians, I read in Nepali finding her a mat to lie on and “H Times #594, keeping her sheltered with our about a yellow eye-browed additional warm clothes. At dog that had joined Apa and night, back at camp, she would Dawa Sherpa in their Great sleep in the vestibule of their Himalayan Trail expedition. tent, protected from the jaws of ALPINE CANINE: The dog that But the pictures looked prowling beasts followed Helen Jean’s expedition up oddly familiar; in fact the dog Benny was a true mountain to Thyangbo Glacier stayed behind in looked exactly like Benny, dog, resilient to the climate and Thame, and then joined the Climate befriended us during our trek altitude. Even the harshness Smart Celebrity Trekkers on the Great Himalayan Trail and walked right to Thyangbo Glacier near below Thyangbo Glacier at across Nepal. She was named ‘Setuk’ Thame last November. It was 4500m didn’t intimidate her. and posed with Apa and Dawa Sherpa rumoured that she had been Off she would leap after our and the team in Gorkha in early March seen at Camp 2 (6,400m) climbing guides, hopping (far right). Setuk later met a friend and on Mt Everest the previous along the rocks of the moraine. stayed behind in Kaski. The celebrity season. Light-footed on the snow, she trekkers have now adopted a new dog I’m not quite sure how far would be way ahead of us, (inset, right). along the track she joined us. her bare paws surprisingly Benny was a carefree waif, unperturbed by the cold. trotting along with her tail We were working on our These long stops would surprise She accompanied us down village as her new home. held high and a smile on her mountaineering skills on the Benny, as if she was a regular to Thame a few days later, It did not seem like a mere face. She neither asked to join way, making stops to haul each trekker. She would lie down on happily settling on the front coincidence that the GHT in, nor demanded anything other in simulated crevasse the snow, watch us with interest, doorstep of our lodge. We left team had met their companion from us. She was simply rescues, building snow caves but cooled down rapidly with her there as we descended in Thame, where we had left there, happy to be a part of and snow belays, and practicing the inactivity of a curious to Namche Bajar, hoping she Benny. Upon reading about the group. I don’t remember a ice-climbing up a glacier wall. observer. would choose the quiet, safe Setuk, I got in touch with Dawa 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 LIFE TIMES 7 resilient

infrastructure, agriculture and health, but we will made yarsa picking more difficult and less expand our program in the entire Karnali region. worthwhile. We also noticed a brewing conflict over yarsa, while the locals want Apa Sherpa, you have undertaken this trek to to protect their yarsa lands, harvesters are draw awareness about the impact of climate desperate to earn money. Yarsa has been change in the Himalaya. Do you feel it is keeping hundreds employed for now, but working? what will happen once it runs out? Apa Sherpa: I lost my house to a climate disaster

in 1989 and know how vulnerable the mountains Apa: We saw an old poster of RUMA RAJBHANDARI are. We prepared for two years for this trip and Machhapuchhre at a rest house in Beni I feel we have generated a lot of support for the which shows the mountain thickly covered cause. Many have joined our trek and the media in snow. But when we walked past the has widely disseminated our messages. We also mountain, it was a black pyramid. In Kaski “Thank you, Ma” have been talking to people along the trails, locals told us how little it snows these days. making them aware of the situation and asking them to reduce pollution in the mountains. Saurav, you must have come across many Nothing in the world will be an attractive spots with trekking potential? adequate Mother’s Day present for the Saurav Dhakal: Yes, there are still many amazingly beautiful areas in Nepal waiting person who gave me the gift of life to be explored. The trek through Dhorpatan was one of the most memorable. The scenic ELIZA STHAPIT beauty and rich biodiversity of the area are unparalleled. But sadly, we heard about this 'new' trekking route from former guerrillas t was already 5:30 and I had to head home soon. But I still had not who had participated in many batttles, made up my mind about the gift. I knew my children would be including the attack on Beni in 2005. They Ieagerly waiting for me to tell stories from school or ask me what I even guided us through what is now called would be making for dinner. I wandered from shop to shop in search the Guerrilla Trek. The most beautiful of the “perfect” present, something as special as my mother. places in Nepal witnessed the most horrific I returned empty handed. There was nothing in the shops that conflict. would repay my creator, my mother, for that special gift called life she gave me. Nothing in the world would be an adequate Mother’s Dawa: The Guerrilla Trek may be a catchy Day present. brand to attract tourists, but I feel the At home my daughters were busy making secret plans with their wounds of conflict are too raw and the Dad. “They are much smarter than me,” I thought and smiled to tragedy still fresh in people’s psyche. myself. But this made me more anxious. I had only a few hours left to Dawa, what visible signs of climate change have The government must think twice before think of a creative present for my own mother. you seen? packaging and selling their grief. That night, as I read bed-time stories to my daughters, memories Dawa Sherpa: The most visible impact was on of my own childhood came back. I pictured myself as a little child the crops in the eastern hills due to frost. Another Saurav: The war is a part of our history, and running around with my mother trying to catch up with me. She was worrying indicator was the receding snowline it must be documented and researched. But always there for me, holding my hands when I fell, taking me into her and dwindling yarsagumba. Overharvesting has let us not commercialise it. arms when I was scared and wiping my tears with her chunni. She was always giving, and never expected any gratitude. She wanted me to be happy and enjoy life. From carrying me to my first day of kindergarten to holding my hand during graduation, Ma never failed to give me her best. From the day she nurtured me in her womb till the day I became a mother myself, she has been my hero. I could spend a fortune buying her a present for tomorrow. I could celebrate mother’s day every day of the year. Yet none of these It seems the dog which joined the gestures would be enough to show how much I cherish her and how much she has inspired me and given me her blessings. Great Himalayan Trail has a past As I watched my children go to sleep happily that night, I finally found the perfect present. I decided to simply say “Thank you, Ma.” I will thank her for her patience and understanding, for trusting me and always pushing me to achieve my full potential. I will tell her she means the world to me and my love for her will only grow stronger every day. I wish one day my daughters feel the same way about me, and they will have to give me nothing more than a little thank you note.

Eliza Sthapit is a passionate environmentalist and a mother of two daughters.

Sherpa, who has confirmed that POSTSCRIPT: she is indeed our own Benny. In true spirit of a trekker, Benny has In his Nepali Times article (‘New canine member joins the Great Himalayan Trail’ continued her journey. #594) Dawa Sherpa wrote about how his expedition adopted Setuk, and how she seemed sure-footed as she crossed the arduous Teshi Laptsa Pass into Rolwaling. Excerpted from Helen Jean’s blog: Setuk later walked right across Nepal. But in Kaski's Ghandruk village she fell in love nomadhelen.wordpress.com with a local dog and stayed behind. 8 LIFE TIMES 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601

Learn Photography, learn the basics Café Soma, enjoy a scrumptious EVENTS of photography in this 12 day long brunch and indulge in crepes with session. Rs 2999, 17 April to 28 April, sugar and lemon. Jhamsikhel 7am to 9.30am, 4244348, 9841240341 Attic, comfy lounge bar ideal for Jamacho Challenge, put on your Friday night drinking before hitting the running shoes and take part in this dance fl oor. Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat, fun race organised by Sustainable 984161476 Energy Nepal (SEN). Rs 500 to Rs 750 (inclusive of lunch, water and Casablanca, enjoy the food and sing transportation), 21 April, 8am, Balaju your hearts out at the karaoke station. SAIGON PHO, spacious interior with Chowk, 9841966118 NAYA FAYA LIVE, don’t miss SKA Punk Babar Mahal Revisited authentic Vietnamese dishes. Lazimpat band Naya Faya’s live performance. Rs 200, 8pm to 10pm, Moksh, Mike’s Breakfast, huge breakfasts and Jhamsikhel a never-ending supply of coffee amidst a lush garden setting characterise this café, popular among tourists and locals DINING alike. Naxal, 4424303

INVENTION IN TRADITION, an Café Du Temple, famous for its exhibition of paintings by Umesh Shah. La Rotisserie, get your fi ll of roasted delicious food, warm ambience and a 8 April to 23 April, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, delights like chicken, duck and trout. beautiful roof top view. Patan Durbar Park Gallery, Pulchowk, 5522307 Jawalakhel Square, 5527127 THE SIGNATURE WALK, Party Nepal CINNAMON GRILL AND LOUNGE, Dutch Queen's Day, be a part of a brings you Miss Nepal through the ages mouth watering delicacies with live special fl ea market where you can buy in this exclusive show. 20 April, 7pm music. Try the grilled tenderloin steak or sell your products. Rs 600 (for stall), onward, Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat and quiche lorraine with fresh fruit starts from 30 April, 12.30 pm to 5pm, salad. Jhamsikhel, 5521339 Summit Hotel, Kupondole MUSIC

Nepfest: Beginning of the End, this promotional gig of Decapitated features an array of bands like Amokkshan, JUST BAKED, a cozy café with GRILL ME, a restaurant with a warm Bidroha, Imperium and Scarlet Void. amazing pastries and friendly ambience and delicious grilled delights. Rs 100, 28 April, 2pm onwards, Neon ambience. Old Baneshwor Jhamsikhel, 5535294 Pub, Thamel

Sufi Night, Hamro Fellowship presents Hemant Rana performing for charity for Hospice Nepal. Rs 1000, 20 April, 7pm onwards, Patan Museum, Mangal PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY, grab BIKE NIGHT, catch the screening of Bajar, for tickets call 9802051400 an early breakfast or brunch with documentary Life Cycles followed interesting choices of bread and by BMX cycle stunts by Ashish and SIGN, Live music by SIGN band sandwiches. Experiment with its goat friends and a cycle repair workshop by every week except Tuesdays and DHOKAIMA CAFE, exquisite cheese or yak cheese sandwiches, SUMMIT HOTEL, savour the succulent Pancha Astha. 21 April, 5pm onwards, Wednesdays. 7:30 pm onwards, Corner atmosphere, friendly service, cozy bar, or have a sip of coffee in the classy ribs basket, and add the fi nishing touch Sattya Media, Jawalakhel, 5523486, Bar, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat. Call place to see and be seen at. Patan indoor dining area. Thamel, 7.30am to with a hot Dutch apple pie. Jhamsikhel, 9813075926 4411818 Dhoka, Yala Maya Kendra, 5522113 7pm, 4259185 5521810

ircus Kathmandu, a contemporary circus Proceeds from the show will support Ccompany is organising a fundraising performing arts trainings for rescued performance on 20 April to help social circus children. “We will use the money to fund projects and raise awareness about the dangers circus workshops and buy equipment so of child traffi cking in Nepal. The thirteen- that the children can go around the country member troupe is made up of children who were demonstrating their talent,” says Kristy Best, rescued from Indian circuses by Kathmandu communications director at the foundation. based Esther Benjamins Memorial Foundation. 16-year-old Aman and 18-year-old Bijay who Date: 20 April Circus won gold medals at the Sixth National Games Doors open at 5:30 pm, show starts at 6pm held in Dhangadi two months ago are also Venue: Bulls Club, Nakkhu participating in the show. The performers have Tickets: Rs 500 for adults and story been training under professional international Rs 200 for children coaches from Australia, Canada, UK, France For more information visit and Switzerland and will showcase daring www.ebtrust.org.uk routines such as trapeze dancing, acrobatics, www.sapanacircus.blogspot.com and juggling. Or call 5523642 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 LIFE TIMES 9

Ghangri Café, a quiet and relaxing place with delicious food. Although GETAWAYS known for their open momos, their Chef Salad is equally mouthwatering. Pulchowk, 5528703

VESPER CAFÉ, has a quaint outdoor patio good for leisurely weekend brunch. Serves good salads, and steak- wraps. Jhamsikhel

FULBARI RESORT, enjoy the scenic view of Pokhara as you pamper yourself with tennis, golf, drinks and dinners. NO NAME RESTAURANT, friendly Rs 6500 per person for 2 nights and 3 ambience with palatable dishe- try their days, Call 4461918, 4462248 delicious momochas. Putalisadak

8 DEGREES, from lemon lassis to spicy Universal Festival pork stews, 8 degrees is a great place to try continental dishes. Jhamsikhel ulbari Resort in Pokhara is all set to host the two day Universal Religion The Olive Garden, now offering a FFestival from 21 April onwards. The festival promises to bring together revamped dinner menu with various local and international artists. Guests will also have unlimited access to art trout dishes. Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat equipment and can explore their creative sides while enjoying a special dance by psychedelic artist Carin Dickson. Apart from music, visitors can Irish Pub, for the simple reason that take part in yoga and massage sessions, tattoo conventions, fl ea markets, the place actually feels like a bar. Don’t jewellery making workshops, hula hoop and poi dancing. miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, COSMOPOLITAN CAFÉ, located at Ananda Bhawan, 4416027 Tickets range from USD 350 to USD 800 (Limited tickets are available the heart of Basantapur, this cozy café LAST RESORT, canyoning, hiking, at the entrance), April 21 to April 23, 10 am to 5:30 pm, Fulbari Resort, offers arguably the best chicken sizzler Cafe Hessed, for those with a sweet rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking- Pokhara in town. Basantapur (along Kathmandu tooth, the cafe offers a delicious range challenge yourself and be adventurous Durbar Square), 4225246 of cupcakes and doughnuts. Jhamsikhel at the Last Resort. 4700525, 4701247 Visit: www.urnepal.com

deep-fried pockets stuffed with chicken or veggies. Fuji sets up a few tables and serves tea and Nescafe but is more shop than cafe and by no means a place to study or SOMEPLACE ELSE lunch. Pick up Fuji’s sandwich saviour, the Pullman, a sliced or unsliced square, white loaf, or browse ucked away in a through other food products other than desolate alley in bread like organic coffee, honey, miso, TPatan, Fuji Bakery PICS: MARCO POLLO white cheese and lapsi. defies the trader’s triadic Like many good things, Fuji’s closed mantra: ‘Location! Location! on Mondays and prices may have slightly Location!’ In its ninth baking increased since the time of review. year, the Japanese-inspired Revisiting Fuji Bakery serves a sweet bakeshop has kneaded Fuji Bakery ending for this nomad’s gastronomic tour its own niche of signature breads and of the Land of Gandharvas. Who knew confections, despite a crummy location. that Nepal was not just about momos and Early birds (8 am) get first dibs at spreads a thick, generous layer ensuring a orbs of flaky puff pastry are freshly tungba? They will be missed, truly. racks of homemade goods that have chocolatey bite throughout. piped to order with rich custard cream Marco Pollo yet to thwart our craving. During peak For a Japanese twist that may sound that gushes in your mouth. Balk the loadshedding hours, it’s best to call ahead outrageous, the Melon Bread (Rs 35) embarrassing innuendo and keep it a Towards Patan Dhoka, back track and avoid disappointment. features a simple, delectable bun with one bite sensation. to the juncture Sweet standards popular with local a green pea centre. Fans of Chinese red On the side of savoury, the Wiener between Pulchok schoolchildren like the Apple Pie (Rs bean buns and desserts will likely lap up Roll (Rs 50) and Croquet (Rs 35) are Engineering 45), Pain au Chocolat (Rs 35) and Banana its green cousin. top-choice contenders for a light lunch College and the Cake (Rs 50) are arguably the best recipes Fuji’s Sour Creams (Rs 50 for a or an after-school sedative. The spiced World Food in the valley. When it comes to Pains au package of eight), a Nepali Times staff sausage in a semi-sweet bun is perfect Program and veer Chocolat or chocolate croissants, bakers favourite, are meant for sharing—but on its own or with a touch of dijon, left down to the commonly skimp on filling; but Fuji only if you are so generous. Delicate while the croquets are fast-selling, end of the lane 10 HAPPENINGS 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601

Lucy Armstrong (Frances O’ Connor) from where he can drive into the Tasmanian wild to look for WEEKEND WEATHER The Hunter his prey. Martin arrives at the house to find it in disarray, Lucy’s husband Jarrah, who was also After a relatively dry week, a zoologist, has been missing for months in the the moisture is building up wild, and she is almost always asleep – stricken, again with the arrival of two KATHMANDU successive westerly fronts over MUST SEE and self-medicated by sleeping pills. Her two the weekend. This will send the Sophia Pande children, Sass (Morgana Davies), a foul mouthed barometer plummeting, as the little blonde, and her brother Bike (Finn water vapour rises along the Woodlock), are running nearly wild, kept tabs Himalaya, condensing into rain. This will mean thunder, lightning he Hunter is one of those rare films that on by a seemingly avuncular visitor Jack Mindy and even hailstones along the catches you by the throat, and leaves you (Sam Neill) who lives down the road. foothills towards late afternoon FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY watching with bated breath as you wonder As Martin shares his time between his search and evening. Mornings will be T generally sunny and calm, with for the tiger in the wild and the house, he slowly what is going to happen next. Strangely enough the wind picking up in the high though, the film is the antithesis of a fast paced forms a bond with his host family. Both the film, valleys by mid-day. By Sunday, action movie. It is the extraordinary skill of its and Martin’s emotional arc, develop through this the high pressure should rule 28-15 27-15 28-14 director, Daniel Nettheim, and his cinematographer beautifully portrayed relationship. Intermittently, again. Robert Humphreys, which together, in the stunning scenes of Martin’s search in the best kind of cinematic collaboration, create an primeval Tasmanian wild hold the film together, unforgettable film with an essence of the hard to and slowly, we get a strong sense of who Martin achieve cinematic magic that leaves the viewer really is as he spends his time searching for the still thinking about the film days and days later. elusive tiger in the purple hues of the gorgeous The Hunter begins with the amazing Willem Tasmanian dusk. Dafoe waiting in a cold Paris hotel room for some It is hard to describe just how searing the cryptic information via the telephone. Slowly it last few scenes of the film are. Every tragic and becomes clear that his character, Martin David, is beautiful event in the film comes full circle as a mercenary, and the mysterious and malevolent Martin sets out for the wild one final time - and Red Leaf Bio Technology company is hiring him finds the Tasmanian Tiger. What he does is the to travel to Australia to hunt the last remaining epitome of amazing writing, something that only Tasmanian Tiger. He is to kill it, harvest its organs, happens when writers know their characters and return so that the company may use the tiger’s inside out. In the end, all I can say is that The remains for its own nefarious purposes. Hunter may well be one of the best films of 2011. When Martin David arrives in remote Hobart, Watch it, but be aware, its terrible beauty might Australia, he is in the guise of a zoologist studying haunt you for days. BIKRAM RAI the Tasmanian Devil – a marsupial found on CARD HOLDER: PM Baburam Bhattarai shows off his new LPG consumer card at the Australian island state of Tasmania. All DVDs reviewed in this column are available its inauguration program in Singa Darbar on Tuesday. The government began He is put up by “the university” in the writer’s favourite DVD store: Music and issuing these cards starting Tuesday and card holders will now be able to at a remote house owned by Expression, Thamel, Phone # 014700092 purchase LPG cylinders at a subsidised rate.

nepalitimes.com Watch trailer

AMIR JOSHI NATURAL IS BEST: Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad addresses the opening ceremony of the India-Nepal Natural Products Conference on Wednesday in Brain fever Kathmandu. The conference was jointly organised by BP Koirala Foundation, Dabur Nepal and Centre for Molecular Dynamics Nepal. CSF is the fluid that closely other causes of fever and surrounds and bathes the neurological problems were DHANVANTARI brain and spinal cord. Hence the usual bacterial suspects Buddha Basnyat, MD findings in the CSF (more than causing meningitis for which the blood) accurately reflect the there are effective antibiotics. problems in the brain. To obtain An important cause from our CSF, a simple procedure called population of patients was aoist leader Janardan the lumbar puncture is carried Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Sharma was referred to out and is done multiple times a which has an effective and MIndia for treatment of day in hospitals across Nepal. inexpensive Chinese vaccine encephalitis. An important reason Our preliminary results from for prevention. The disease (JE) for referral as reported by the a CSF sample of 87 patients is fraught with complications, local papers was to determine the with fever and neurological so prevention (vaccine cause of illness in order to administration among guide therapy. Encephalitis other measures) is clearly is the inflammation of the a better option. brain whereas meningitis An elusive bug (see BIKRAM RAI is the inflammation of the picture) that caused READY? Jujubhai Shrestha, a local of Bode village, volunteers to get his tongue plastic-like covering of the meningitis in our sample pierced, following the annual festival of Bisket Jatra in Thimi on Saturday. The ritual is believed to bring good luck to the villagers. brain. The distinction is population was the often naturally blurred. tuberculosis bacteria. It Recently at Patan is potentially treatable Hospital we studied with effective drugs. encephalitic patients with A very important and fever and neurological consistent finding about changes, a common TB meningitis (TBM) is presentation of this illness. the duration of illness. Equally common in Nepal is problems revealed that a The longer the duration, TBM the fact that a microbiological group of viruses called the is more likely. Newspapers diagnosis (what bug caused the enterovirus were the prime reported Sharma, the Maoist illness?) is seldom made, limiting culprits. This group has rarely leader to be sick at home for a treatment to an educated guess. been documented in the CSF month when things suddenly In order to rectify this situation here in Nepal probably because took a turn for the worse. If and discover the pathogen (bug) of a lack of PCR-based testing there is an infectious origin causing the illness, we studied facilities. The good news is that to his problem, TBM is an BIKRAM RAI the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enterovirus caused meningitis important, epidemiology-based KICK START: Friends Club plays against New Road Team during a British Gurkha of these patients with fever and is usually self-limiting and diagnosis to consider in the Cup 2012 match at Dasrath Stadium on Wednesday. Friends Club won by a goal neurological problems. The has a good prognosis. The Nepali setting. and proceeded to the quarter fi nals. 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 OPINION 11

given to the constitutional president. And even if the agreement cannot be reached, proposals will be voted upon. The question of constitutional court is also a mere technical issue and it might not be an entirely bad idea to mull on BY THE WAY the possibility of having a Anurag Acharya constitutional court for a limited period, especially to address legal anomalies that the new or the first time in many constitution is sure to pose in years, Madhav Kumar the short run. FNepal made an honest I have often argued in this political statement and not space that the final days of the usual rhetorical nonsense Nepal’s transition are not being for which he has been flagged driven by issues at hand, but by too often. Speaking with BBC those that will follow once the Nepali Service on Wednesday constitution is declared. You he admitted that decades of Mind what you speak, don’t have to be a genius to find Kathmandu centric politics Mind what you speak, out why Sushil Koirala, Madhav and democratic deficit at the Nepal or Pushpa Kamal Dahal grassroots were the main reasons are dashing off to districts in why people were demanding butbut speakspeak youryour mindmind the far east and far west every federalism, and not because one week between their marathon party had set the agenda. BIKRAM RAI meetings. Notwithstanding the The renewed confidence Nepal’s transition is not being driven by issues at hand, but by deadlines, people are actually building among the parties getting to know what the leaders has sent positive signals and those that will follow once the constitution is declared are up to first hand and in although the dispute resolution return, the leaders will be more sub-committee extended the words are reassuring, it is negotiation will be between units, but parties can’t seem to confident when they go back to deadline to resolve contentious becoming increasingly clear those who stand for change agree on names for future states the people during elections. issues by another five days, that agreement among the top and those who resist it. which in turn will decide the There is nothing wrong with people are happy to wait brass of three parties alone The identity issue, although basis of federalism. weekend visits as long as the because they finally see serious is not sufficient to ensure well founded, is a tricky one On forms of governance, leaders make the most of their engagement. To be sure, there a constitution by May 27. which is sure to test even the things look much clearer weekdays, and while they are is not a shred of doubt that the Although the protagonists in the cleverest of the lot. A member because the parties have almost advised to mind what they parties had been prisoners of ongoing talks are all Brahmin engaged in the negotiation told agreed on a directly elected speak publicly, they would also their own dilemma and would male leaders of three major us there is already an informal executive prime minister with do well to speak their minds at not have arrived at this point parties, Yadav believes the final agreement on 6 to 8 federal special prerogative powers the negotiation table. had there been no incentives to cooperate. So the good news for the public is: in all likelihood, there will be a statute by May 27. But the bad news is: not everybody will be happy. At a time when ethnic caucus and Madhesi parties are already standing together on issues of identity, a cross party caucus of Madhesi lawmakers from the NC, UML, UCPN-M and MJF-Nepal led by Upendra Yadav has given further impetus to the demand for identity based federalism. Minister for Communication, Rajkishor Yadav who also leads a faction in the Madhesi front says the parties should look around and assess the overriding sentiments instead of shying away, but was quick to add that room for forward looking alternative proposals still exists. Says Yadav, “The reality today is there are grievances among the Madhesis, Dalits and Janajatis, but it is also true that the goodwill which exists in Nepali society will not let the country disintegrate.” He says current grievances are like wounds, which if left unattended will infect the entire system but once treated, will heal and remove all traces of ethnic or regional resentments in the future. While Yadav’s 12 NATION 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 Presidential roadshow

President Ram Baran Yadav welcomed on New Year's Day by residents of Kanpur in A large gathering drapes khadas on the President at the inauguration of Okhaldhunga still has the ruins of an Kavre on the fi rst of fi ve stops that day across central Nepal. a stupa in Narayanthan of Kavre. agriculture extension offi ce bombed by Maoists during the war.

KUNDA DIXIT 13 April, he flew across central Nepal democracy activism during the Panchayat democracy, nationalism and socialism,” with symbolic stops at a renovated period, “we will work together to fulfil the Yadav tells us during the stopover in Buddhist monastery and Hindu temple aspirations of those who sacrificed their Okhaldhunga, “and I identify strongly in Kavre, garlanded freedom fighters in lives for democracy.” with Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence early 250 years after Nepal’s Okhaldhunga and graced Siraha’s Sahlesh Born to a simple peasant family in and the sacrifices he made for communal unification, the Timal region with festival. the Tarai, the 64-year-old president was harmony.” Nits historic Hindu and Buddhist Everywhere he went, the President’s influenced by Nepali Congress leaders Everywhere he goes, the President shrines gets its first visit by a national message was the same: “We may be Himali like BP Koirala who were living in exile in is greeted with garlands and people leader. President Ram Baran Yadav tells Nepalis, Pahadi Nepalis, Madhesi Nepalis, Calcutta where he was a medical student. showering him with flower petals. a cheering crowd it has never been more but we are all Nepalis first.” And judging He later became BP’s personal physician, Ordinary Nepalis seem to be drawn by important to protect that unity. from the applause he got in the mountains spent nearly a year in jail, and after 1990 his refreshing simplicity and humility, With just a month to go to finish or the plains, it was clear the first served as health minister. He is one of something they haven’t seen in former writing the new constitution that will president of republican Nepal was voicing the few NC leaders who did not join a kings and rulers. “He is just like us,” said carve Nepal into federal units and decide the people’s fears of ethnic fragmentation, Madhesi party in 2007 for which his home elderly Kavre farmer Man Bahadur Lama, on a new form of government, President and hopes for a more prosperous future. in Janakpur was bombed, and he was after draping a khada on the President, and Yadav is on a personal crusade to drive “I want to assure you that I will always ridiculed for being a “Pahadi lackey”. in return Yadav clasped Man Bahadur’s home the message of unity, democracy work to safeguard Nepal’s unity, and “As president I have to stay above hands that were joined in a namaste. and development. social harmony,” he told a large crowd in ethnicity and party affiliation, but I have Accompanying the President to the On Nepali new year’s day on Rampur in Okhaldhunga, a centre of pro- been influenced by three of BP’s goals: monastery is the Maoist State Minister for 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 NATION 13 for unity

Speaking in Maithili, the President addresses thousands of pilgrims, many from India, at the As his helicopter prepares to take off for the return fl ight to Kathmandu, Sahlesh Festival in Siraha where an orchid blooms exactly on Baisakh 1 every year. President Ram Baran Yadav says he will work to protect Nepal's unity.

Energy, Surya Man Dong, who is one of There is loud applause from the botanical garden, yet our own brothers are used to graze buffaloes together with those accused in the murder in 2005 of a thousands gathered here as Maithili grazing goats in the deserts of Arabia,” he his Pahadi neighbours at the edge of the Dolakha UML activist. It is a sign of how writer Dhirendra Premarshi welcomes the says, “with your support I pledge to work Char Kose Jhari, the forests that have now far we have come that Dong is now sitting President as “the pride of Mithila, and to institutionalise democracy, harness our vanished. “In my life I have seen it all next to the President in a night-vision pride of the Nepali nation”. As ‘Sayaun water and agriculture, and protect our gone,” he says. helicopter that used to drop “Tora Bora” Thunga Phul Ka Hami’ is played, - forests and soil so Nepalis don’t have to The sun is about to set as the Nepal mortar bombs on Maoist positions during clad people clap and dance to the national migrate to find work.” Army MI-17 lands near Shital Niwas at the war. At the monastery function, Dong anthem, and Maithili school children Taking off for Kathmandu from near the Bhairavnath Battalion, the notorious credits the President for “standing up for sing along in Nepali to Byakul Maila’s the Indian border, President Yadav barracks where during the war at least national unity”. powerful lyrics and Amber Gurung’s looks despondent as he gazes down at 48 suspected Maoists were detained, After the function in Okhaldhunga, folksy melody. the barren Chure hills. The President tortured and taken away for execution in President Yadav changes from his labeda- The President switches to Maithili to has been trying to get the government to Shivapuri. suruwal to a spotless white Madhesi deliver the same message of unity to the protect these fragile foothills, without “Our descendants will never forgive pajama- and gamchha. But he keeps people, half of whom are Maithili-speaking much success. “You can see that wherever us if we let Nepal disintegrate,” on his topi. A short 20-minute flight pilgrims from across the border in Bihar. It the forests have gone, there is erosion and the President says before taking the and the helicopter alights in a cloud of is an emotional speech, and the President landslides,” Yadav says, “if we don’t do motorcade back to his residence, “I have yellow dust near the Sahlesh Mela site in has established a bond of kinship with the something, in a few years the Chure and to do what I can to protect Nepal’s Siraha where a rare orchid is said to bloom crowd. “With our diversity of mountains Tarai will be deserts.” national unity and democracy. This is my exactly on new year’s day every year. and plains this land is nature’s jewel, a When he was a boy, Ram Baran Yadav dharma.” 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601

“Pahadis are not our enemies” Sarla Gautam in Himal Khabarpatrika, 13 - 27 April Nawal Kishor revealed that during the Madhes Those who were displaced during the Madhes uprising his family sheltered a few Pahadis and on movement have not yet adjusted to their new one occasion a Pahadi even rescued him. homes either. Sudhira Dahal who fl ed from “My nephew was murdered by thugs, not Pahadis. Madhesis aren’t happy that their Pahadi Janakpur says, “I visited Janaki Mandir after the One Ram Ekwal has already been killed and if neighbours had to abandon their homes. Shyam riot, could not control myself and cried a lot. If the you take revenge for his murder, more Ekwals will Prasad Sah from Janakpur says he was heart- situation improves I want to return.” be slaughtered,” Narayan Rai, 78, told a group of broken to see his neighbours leave. Many in the The Madhes movement was not a fi ght enraged youths who wanted to ‘avenge’ the death of region are still baffl ed at how quickly communal for disintegration, but for integration. The pain a fellow Madhesi. violence spread in a multicultural society. of displaced Pahadis and regrets of Madhesi Ram Ekwal was killed four years ago by Rekha Yadav of Barmajhiya, on the other communities are very visible. Therefore, the hooligans of hill origin in Rautahat. But even after all hand, worries that the new generation will grow concerns of the displaced need to be addressed these years, Narayan feels the same about Pahadis. up in a homogenous environment and miss out on immediately and the people of Tarai should be “Pahadis are not our enemies,” he declared. His son cross-cultural bonding and interaction. reunited. Battle of ‘true’ Marxists

Subodh Pyakurel, Nagarik, 15 April

hile rest of the world functions on the basis of merit, our leaders Win Nepal are still trying to grab power through money and might. The Maoists too are holding on tight to Lenin and Mao’s outdated philosophies of ‘cultural revolution’ and ‘people’s government’. However these leaders would do well to learn from the fate of Gaddafi and Gyanendra who tried to dictate their will on the people and perished. Marx always favoured a strong government kept under control by the people and emphasised the importance of freedom. But who are today’s ‘true’ communists inspired by? Peru’s Gonzalo? And how long will Nepalis have to sacrifice their future because influential people are choosing guns over development? If we allow parties to bargain their way to power all the time it won’t be long when leaders of armed separatist groups such as Jay Krishna Goit start twisting arms and demanding a second integration.

Tejbilash Adhikari, Letter to Editor in Nagarik, 16 April

t is sad to see an intellectual like Subodh Pyakurel making such Isuperficial comments and taking a moral high ground on violence. Since he has good things to say about late UML leader Madan Bhandari, what does he have to say about Jhapa’s bloody movement in the early 1970s? As a devout Marxist and ex-UML leader, I am sure Pyakurel is aware of the ongoing class struggle and that movements turn violent only when they are suppressed. It is because of such struggles that Nepalis like you and me are now citizens of a republic. And comparing these revolutions with Goit’s activities is highly unacceptable. Mr Pyakurel, when you talk about Nepalis sacrificing their future, I am not sure which Nepali you are referring to, because a majority of them did not have any future back then. Also to claim that thousands of janajatis and dalits picked up guns on the insistence of one party is a failure of your imagination. Are you trying to imply that we Nepalis are simply ‘cattle class’ who cannot think for ourselves?

Banner: Let’s keep Kathmandu clean Man: “Shouldn’t they be cleaning the mess inside?” Papers: Corruption, anarchy, decay

Deven in Nagarik, 18 April QUOTE OF THE WEEK “ “ Prachanda is ungrateful. CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal speaking about Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in an interview with Nepal. 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 Assembly antics

Dhruba Simkhada in Kantipur, 14 April

List of activities that CA members have been accused of:

1. Murder and abduction Bal Krishna Dhungel (Maoist): Sentenced to life imprisonment by court. Shyam Sundar Gupta (Sadbhavana Anadadevi): Abduction Prabhu Sah (Maoist): Murder Baban Singh (Independent): Murder and abduction

2. Sold offi cial passports Gayatri Sah (Janata Dal) B P Yadav (Madhesi Forum) Naradmuni Rana (UML) S R Yadav (Maoist)

3. Corruption, cheating Jayaprakash Gupta (Forum Democratic): Jailed for corruption Indramati Yadav (Maoist): Fined for stealing electricity Dol Bahadur Karki (UML): Corruption Lhyarkal Lama (UML): Possessed passports of China and Nepal Khadga Biswakarma (Maoist): Changed license plate of offi cial car while minister

4. Objectionable behaviour Kamala Sharma (UML): Hit minister with a sandal in CA Achyut Raj Pandey (NC): Caught gambling Krishna P Yadav (NC): Caught in fl agrante with prostitute Biswendra Paswan (Dalit Janjati Party): Defenestrated chair from CA Sanjaya Kumar Sah (Forum Loktantrik): Suspended for 10 days for breaking CA microphone Karima Begum (Forum Loktantrik): Hit CDO of Parsa Chanda Chaudhari (Forum Loktantrik): Vandalised own offi cial car after it broke down Sharada Nepali (ML Samajbadi): Caught drunk in Nepalganj, detained by Police. Lekhraj Bhatt, Surya Man Dong, Chandra Bahadur Thapa (Maoist): Damaged Finance Minister’s briefcase with budget speech Saroj Kumar Yadav (Sadbhavana): Misbehaved at a hospital after drinking as State Health Minister Mahendra Prasad Yadav (TMLP): As Irrigation Minister, misbehaved with Secretary Brinda Hada Prem Bahadur Pulami (Maoist): Obtained a fake candidate to sit for his SLC exam.

Sign or resign

Editorial in Naya Patrika, 15 April

President Ram Baran Yadav has said he won’t sign a constitution that will divide the country. The President’s words may sound patriotic and please conformists but he should realise that as a ceremonial head of state he does not have the authority to make such political statements. Lately, President Yadav has been publicising the need to include all three regions - Himal, Pahad and the Tarai - while creating new states. He also opposes state restructuring based on ethnicity and favours the outdated Westminster system over a directly- elected executive president or a mixed governance system. Yadav’s recent statement has raised a serious question: will he accept a constitution that goes against his beliefs? If the President does not want to sign a constitution which supports ethnic federalism, inclusion and secularism he should sign his resignation letter before 27 May instead in order to protect his archaic values. The 15-year long people’s war and the April revolution have made it fairly clear that Nepalis want these ideals to be enshrined in the constitution. The interim constitution too stipulates that the President has to approve the decision endorsed by the CA without asking any questions. Therefore, it is wrong for him, both legally and morally, to reject the constitution. 16 BACK SIDE 20 - 26 APRIL 2012 #601 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s

f anyone had bothered to of which the Maobad Party took ask, the Ass’d have told a Rs 2,000 levy each? And for Iyou not to wait with bated all those years, 4,000 phantom breath for the outcome of fighters who were never in the the “lane dane” in Hatiban camps also received their money between 22 alfa-male leaders of and that entire amount went the four main parties this week. to the party coffers. And now, The fact is that they can’t because most gorillas don’t want be seen to be agreeing so easily to go into the army anyway, the even if there is very little enlarged rehab package is going disagreement remaining. They to cost us tax payers another 9 have neatly divided up the arabs. spoils between themselves, FG all that remains is to cross the t’s and dot the i’s. For On the week when parliament public consumption and for is for the first time in the history the Baddies to convince their of modern Nepal debating hardliners, it has to be seen Hatiban, Comrade God the Hatiban meeting “Comrade Shaktikhor Tape, he boasted a sexual harassment in the as a very difficult and fraught apparently started sending Stalin would have worked to his cadre: “What do they workplace bill, former Maoist negotiation. Baddie Chairman out group SMSs to comrades towards ethnic autonomy think I am, stupid, to hand over health minister Amik Sherchan has asked CA Chairman till down in the city that Chairman just like he did in setting up all our guns? And we fooled has disclosed that he used to Sunday to come up with an Terrifico had sold out. The text autonomous Soviet Socialist the UN into thinking we have get delegations of women with agreement otherwise it all goes messages started getting cc-ed Republics” he was greeted 35,000 guerrillas.” Now, it various demands who would get to a vote in the assembly. No all over the place, triggering with howls of laughter from looks like Chairman Desperado all touchy feely and threaten to one wants a vote so you can be a chain reaction, and came a fellow communists present. It is paranoid that Baidya’s Boys molest him if he didn’t give in sure on Sunday there will be a full circle to make PKD’s smart fell upon Comrade Leftist God have got hold of the guns to their demands. All we can say final agreement on the need to phone vibrate like mad. If this to remind Buda Ba that Uncle that were buried. What goes is that the ex-minister was in a come to an agreement. is what happens with just SMS, Joe was responsible for the around, as the famous adage win-win situation. If he gave in FG imagine if the Gang of Four also deaths of 20 million people in goes, comes around. to their demands, he’d probably tweeted. the Gulags, but no one brought FG have got a peck on his cheeks, It now looks like no one had FG up how many Chinese people and if he didn’t he’d be groped. actually invited the Hoxahist died in Mao’s own Great Leap The number of guerrillas first FG faction led by Baidya, Badal Everyone who thinks these Forward. Just goes to show fell from 35,000 to 19,000 in and Deb to Hatiban, but they figures of famous Commies in what a time warp our netas the cantonments, then to 9,000 So this is what it has come to: gate-crashed anyway and Paris Danda should be Nepal’s live in. after that to 6,500 who said the prime minister’s sister- started taking the discussions next big tourist sightseeing FG they want to be integrated. in-law and the Army Chief’s off on a tangent. Henceforth, attraction, raise your hands. Now less than 2,500 want to brother-in-law the leaders should lay down Stalin himself must be turning When asked by UNMIN in join the army. Which begs the are both in the ground rules that in such in his mausoleum to find his 2007 what happened to all the question, what happened to the the Selection meetings all sat phones, name being invoked in Nepal to weapons, Awesome famously salary and allowances allocated Committee of mobiles and bugging devices justify Soviet-style federalism. said they had been “carried in the past five years to 19,000 the Special should be turned off. In When Baidya Buda Ba said at away by the river”. In the ladakoos in the cantonments Committee. ISSN 1814-2613

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