#782 6 - 12 November 2015 16 pages Rs 50
GOPEN RAI FLAG-WAVING EDITORIAL A partial glance PAGE 2
THE AUTUMN fter the death of an Indian Council Universal Periodic Review protester in Birganj this (UPR) in Geneva on Wednesday, OF THE PATRIOT week, India has tightened Deputy Prime Minister Kamal ONE TO MANY A BY BIDUSHI DHUNGEL its blockade on Nepal. The Thapa said: ‘We are currently at economic damage to the country a very delicate situation resulting PAGE 5 of the two-month long blockade from the obstruction of essential Qatar is reforming labour already far exceeds the impact of supplies at the border points’. But LOOK SOUTH laws, but is Nepal? the earthquake. Yet, parachutist chances of the blockade being AS IT HAPPENS Working away from home journalists from the international lifted before Tihar festival appear BY OM ASTHA RAI media who were so quick to slim. Prime Minister KP Oli has PAGE PAGE descend on Kathmandu in April hinted that the blockade might last 6 14-15 are nowhere to be seen. The long, asking business leaders to international community is still help ‘safeguard nationalism’. Nepali Times wishes its readers and partners a joyful Tihar calling it a ‘fuel crisis’, ignoring Sooner or later (the sooner holiday. The paper will take a break next week, so the next the fact that India has violated the better) this blockade will hardcopy edition will come to you on several international treaties by not come to an end. It must. It is Friday, 20 November. allowing cargo to pass through its unnatural, illegal, destabilising However, you can follow us online wherever and whenever. border to Nepal. and detrimental to the longterm In his address at the inaugural national interests of both nepalitimes.com session of the UN Human Rights countries. 2 EDITORIAL 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782
approach. By now, only the propagandists and the most gullible believe that the obstructions at the India-Nepal border are a result of the Madhesi agitation. India’s border SSB and officials at the Indian Oil Corporation have repeatedly let the cat out of the bag: “orders from above” not to let trucks and petroleum tankers to pass through. What is surprising is that the Indians expect us to believe it. Or maybe they don’t really care what we believe which, if true, is even more baffling. The blockade will have an impact on Nepal’s stability long into the future by irreversibly polarising hills-plains relations, which in turn will have a bearing on Nepali-speaking India. It will make it doubly difficult to sell any joint river basin project to the Nepali public, and further alienate the Madhesis within Nepal. The international community is watching aghast. Doesn’t New Delhi realise the impact of what it is doing, it asks. Even Nepalis who have always been sympathetic towards India are bewildered. A long-term Indian resident of Kathmandu said to us the other day: “I have never been as ashamed to be an Indian.” People here have long stopped buying the argument that this is about the constitution or the Madhesi cause, it is about India out to teach Nepal a lesson that we will not forget any time soon. It may work, or it may not. Either way, it will destroy what trust there has been between the two countries. We can merely look back at Sri Lanka and hope there is some lingering memory of the price India and its then-leader paid for playing dirty there. If it is true that this is all about Bihar state elections, then it FLAG WAVING is even more bizarre. We will not even try to enumerate the various India expects us to wave the white flag. Our leaders are waving international treaties that India has violated with the the national flag. Neither is a way out. blockade. Enough just to say that it breaches one code: the one of decency and good neighbourliness. Nepal passed a new constitution adhering to principles of ooner or later (the sooner, the better) this blockade that the blockade is having on the delivery of relief and democracy, trying to balance the demands of all interest will come to an end. It must. It is aberrant, illegal, construction material to nearly 2 million survivors of the groups while trying to protect national unity. Despite Sdestabilising and detrimental to the longterm national earthquake so they can rebuild before a harsh Himalayan serious flaws, it is a document that for the first time takes interests of both India and Nepal. winter. This is an unfolding and ongoing disaster, and unlike a significant break from our feudal past. The points of Once the border is open again, we will have to start the earthquake is completely human induced. disagreement -- over demarcation of provinces, etc -- can counting the cost. Nepal will have borne momentous losses Yet, parachutist journalists from the international media easily be rectified through amendments and the main in monetary terms – the economic damage to the country of who were so quick to descend on Kathmandu in April are parties in Kathmandu have publicly pledged to do so. the two-month long blockade already far exceeds the impact now nowhere to be seen. This time, there aren’t any visuals Nepal’s curse is that we have rarely had the of the earthquake that affected 12 districts in April. Nepal’s of pancaked temples, of bodies crushed under concrete pragmatic statesmen we deserved, and never any leaders already-shaky economy will take years to recover from the beams, of babies rescued alive after 24 hours of being buried who truly lead by example. We either had populist cumulative destruction -- which is far greater than the sum under the rubble. A blockade, what led to it, and what it chieftains, greedy demagogues or foolish adventurists. of its parts -- of the earthquake and the blockade. Nepal’s is doing to us, is too complicated to explain to the outside The current crop of leaders in the coalition is to blame growth forecasts for the coming years will have to be revised world. Food scarcity, the shortage of medicines and the lack for mishandling the constitution process and misreading downwards. Development has suffered a tremendous of fuel is now hurting Nepalis all over Nepal but it does not Delhi. They broke it, so they must fix it. setback. fit the definition of 'newsworthy'. So the stories take the India expects us to wave the white flag. Our leaders Of more immediate humanitarian concern is the effect predictable on-the-one-hand-this-and-the-other-hand-that are waving the national flag. Neither is a way out.
YOUR SAY www.nepalitimes.com
THIS WEEK LOSE-LOSE the participation of thousands of them the Indian blockade and work with the A country that depends on electricity from on the streets today. Doesn’t that prove government for agreed amendments Bihar can only complain (‘Lose-lose’, any point to you? to the constitution.” This shows the Editorial, #781). Let’s be realistic: none True Nationalist writer’s own messiah-ness. How do of the recommendations can be taken in you know what the people in Madhes present situation. Calling spade a spade will not work want? Have you made any visits? Global Nomad when people are forced to believe that Salil Manandhar the sun rises from the west. As long We used to have many conclaves, as we let propagandists work freely HALF-ASSED BLOCKADE meetings on India- Nepal Friendship in in Birganj and Biratnagar under the ‘Punishable by jail term in Tihar this the past in India. What has happened to diplomatic guise, the situation in Tarai Tihar’ is the greatest punchline of this that? Can we have one soon on resolving will not improve. week (‘Half-assed blockade’, Ass, this impasse with the participation of Binod #781). For the uninitiated, Tihar is the people who can infl uence public opinion name of the biggest prison in India and in both the countries? Nepalis should work with each also one of Nepal’s major festivals. Daniel Gajaraj other to resolve differences and move Whatever ahead (‘Messiahs of the Madhes’, MADHES MOVEMENT Jivesh Jha, #781). Any power using PRANAYA RANA (6,285 PEOPLE REACHED) Hard-hitting and right on the ball divisiveness as a tool, particularly on Weekly Internet Poll #782 (‘Restraint, resolve and resilience’, ethnic-lines, should not be encouraged Most reached on Facebook Q. Are you happy with Bidya Bhandari being elected Rubeena Mahato, #781). Rubeena and supported at all. the President? Trekking trails half-full… at least not half empty. Everest and the Annapurna Abhishek B regions which were not so badly aff ected by the April earthquake are seeing Mahato represents the voice of the silent Total votes: 208 healthy traffi c. majority of Madhesi people. T Kumar “Madhesi leaders have nothing but empty slogans and false promises for their own people.” We all know who Most shared on Facebook Most visited online page To malign a whole movement based ‘Address Nepal’s crisis’ (27 shares) Half-assed blockade by Ass on few untoward incidents to suit your made false promises, the state signed (5,215 views) agreements that they did not live up to. narrative is wrong and unethical from a Weekly Internet Poll #783 journalism point of view. Yes, Madhesis “The best move Madhesi leaders can To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Most popular on Twitter Most commented make now is to call off the agitation for Restraint, resolve and resilience Restraint, resolve and resilience made their disapproval of Morcha leaders Q. What should the government do to resolve the by Rubeena Mahato (112 retweets, by Rubeena Mahato clear in the 2013 election, but what about the Chhat festival, say no thank you to current crisis? 118 favourites) (25 comments)
Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu Nepali Times on Facebook [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Follow @nepalitimes on Instagram Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 3 4 NATION 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 Prepared for takeoff Nepal Airlines needs a complete management overhaul before further fleet expansion
KUNDA DIXIT two 30-year-old 757s make two flights a day ferrying on each inbound flight from Kolkata up he Indian blockade to 30 tons of aviation turbine fuel has exposed the failure which are then defueled to keep Tof successive Nepal Nepal’s domestic flights running. governments in ensuring self- The Airbus 320s burn up to 35 reliance in energy and import per cent less fuel than a 757 on the diversification, but one of the most same route. This means they can glaring shortcomings has been fly non-stop to Hong Kong while the inability to maintain a robust the 757s have to make refuelling national airline. stops on Kuala Lumpur flights. With or without a blockade, However, the 320s are not suitable heavy lift air cargo capability for flight times of more than four would have allowed landlocked hours on most existing routes, and Nepal to be less dependent on the passenger volume. access to the sea through Indian The company is planning ports, and a flag carrier with a to add at least two wide body larger fleet would have given Airbus 330s for which it would 4 million Nepalis abroad the need nine sets of 36 new pilots. option to fly their own national Conversion training has to start airline. Although Nepal Airlines much before unlike the ad hoc is beginning to spread its last-minute simulator exercise wings again, chronic political in Toulouse this year with the interference and mismanagement 320s. Fortunately, cross crew have left the company a shell of qualification is possible since 320 what it was during its ‘royal’ days. and 330 cockpits and systems are Optimum fleet utilisation for compatible. a new plane should be 18 hours “The time to go for wide bodies a day, but the newly-acquired is now, we are ready,” said Capt
Delhi Kathmandu Doha Hong Kong Mumbai Bangkok Bangalore
Capt Christoph Hiltensperger at the controls Kuala Lumpur of a Nepal Airlines Airbus 320 flight to Mumbai on Monday (below). The airline is reeling from a shortage of pilots.
Srawan Rijal who liaised closely with Airbus on the 320s. “But planning must start right away.” Having widebodies would also allow Nepal Airlines to compete with carriers that use 777s and 330s on its main routes PICS: KUNDA DIXIT to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Doha. Airbus 320s barely fly 10 hours Passenger load for the 330s would because of the lack of pilots. be assured because of the huge Chronic mismanagement has numbers of Nepalis in the Gulf Land-locked, but not sky-locked hobbled the airline’s ability to and Malaysia, and Nepal Airlines reinvent itself, proving once more could ink code sharing deals with that internal efficiency is more international airlines for traffic he Indian blockade has proved that important than fleet expansion. from Europe, North America and TNepal needs to expand its air links Half the pilots who went for East Asian traffic. to the outside world. If Nepal Airlines conversion training from 757s In the final analysis, however, had more cargo capacity, it would have to 320s in Toulouse this year Nepal Airlines needs a complete made the country less dependent on failed simulator tests. The airline makeover in its administration Indian sea ports. And with 18 per cent needs a minimum of 28 pilots and management to handle the of Nepalis living outside Nepal, a wide for its two 320s, but has only 20. new equipment. It is currently body fleet would give Nepalis the option Five international pilots have over staffed, there is overt political of flying their own national airline. been hired, but there is tension interference, and the technical One of the airlines’ ageing 757s is the because of their salary differential. backup is not up to mark. The only Combi with a forward hatch that Senior captains in Nepal Airlines airline has asked for bids from Boeing ever made and is ideally suited are paid only $1,500 per month international airlines to handle for cargo operations. In fact, learning a plus allowances, whereas the operations, engineering, marketing lesson from the blockade, experts have international pilots earn $12,000 a and finance with 25 firms suggested that the fully depreciated month. Nine Nepali 757 captains submitting letters of intent. planes which have low resale value have defected in the last eight Says 28-year veteran at the be used for air freight to and from years to the cargo airline Blue Dart company, Capt Vijay Lama: “Nepal Kathmandu. Even in normal times, the in India. Airlines is Nepal in a microcosm cargo business is worth Rs 100 billion a With the blockade Nepal with the same management and year, and Nepal Airlines has only 6 per Airlines is overstretched, the systems. And like our country, the cent of it at present. Airbuses are busy on trunk routes airline is also trying to reform it so and are flying full capacity. The it works better.” 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 BUSINESS 5 BIZ BRIEFS Plan your trips Qatar Airways has launched its global promotion- ‘Don’t just dream it, plan it’. As per the off er customers can get a discount of up to 30% on Economy and Business Class return airfare to a variety of destinations on early bookings. Special AGM Prabhu Bank Ltd held a special Annual General Meeting with the agenda to undergo merger with Grand Bank Nepal Ltd. The meeting also approved a swap ratio of Rs 121.45 of Prabhu Bank and Rs 65.58 of Grand Bank as per the Due Diligence Audit report. Going social Etihad Airways was named the ‘Best Overall in Middle East’ at this year’s Simplifying Awards. The airways received the award in recognition for its innovativeness, engagement and business impact in social media. Book on brands Ujaya Shakya, Founder and MD of Outreach Nepal, has launched his book Brandsutra. The author believes the book on advertising and branding will help in the growth of the ad fraternity in Nepal. New Netbook Colors Mobile has launched its new tablet phone-XT731 The autumn Netbook. The Netbook is powered by dual core Cortex A7 Processor and Android 4.4.2 KITKAT OS. It has a 7-inch HD IPS screen and comes with 2 MP rear and 0.3 MP front camera. It is of the patriot priced at Rs 10,520. The leadership has no choice but to reach out to Delhi and make amends
inter is upon us and secure an extra cylinder of gas, the waste of time. A balanced and autumn is coming poor and working class are taking accurate account of on-the- Wto a close. It’s as to the queues and that small class ground realities can be found though nature has heard our of unaffected elite are merrily still nowhere, and one is left to one’s call and allowed a pathetic zooming past in their massive own devices to sift through the fallacy to manifest, as spirits hit four-by-fours. exaggerations and propaganda rock bottom and the weather In the eastern tarai, summer to find a semblance of truth personifies our hapless existence. is in full swing. The street is underneath it all. The snow that fell in Kerung just burning. The latest death in The good news is that over the border in China will Birganj, of an Indian national autumn is finally coming to an soon begin to fall on Nepali soil. allegedly with family in Nepal, end. The #backoffIndia gang Premier Oli’s oil tankers have has escalated violence in the have at long last become mum, made it back across the border region. The border points at and an eerily familiar feeling of to Rasuwagadi this time, but it Sunauli and Rupaidiha have been looming violence has replaced seems the weather, if nothing completely sealed on the Indian their shenanigans. Intellectual else, will likely get in the way of side. Apparently, the Indian Kathmandu is abuzz with talk, his abiding love of country next and Nepali premiers spoke on on social media, of fears of a time around. the phone for 25-long minutes separatist movement, India’s and yet no sign of either side stubbornness, the intractable ‘backing off’ seems imminent. situation and sometimes the Signs of a deal with agitators are negligence of Sushil Da and also nowhere to be seen. One Comrades Prachanda and Oli. can only imagine what kind The inter-web is pathetically ONE TO MANY of negotiations are happening polarised and often feels like when the Minister responsible a space for teenage backbiting, Bidushi Dhungel for leading negotiations, Kamal where warring sides engage Thapa, is the same person who in little more than the ‘you’re The cold is settling in ordered security forces to open rubber and I’m glue, whatever Kathmandu as well and the fire at protestors during the 2005-6 you say bounces off of me and afternoon sun is becoming dear to Jana Andolan and the agitators are sticks to you’ kind of insults. city residents. People have begun those who have been fighting hard But for most Nepalis, silence to make preparations for what to dismantle the apparatus the is seemingly the best response. will inevitably be a lacklustre former personifies. Even the Prime Minister and Tihar, bereft of fireworks, deusi- The protests are intense, his Cabinet either sheepishly bhailo and kaju-badam, thanks to according to reports on the defend what has been an the ongoing India-cum-Madhesi ground. The media has been utterly disastrous term so far blockade. There is, of course, shameful in covering them. or simply further alienate our also the looming gas crisis, which National mainstream media is southern neighbour. Speaking has heralded the invention of towing the establishment line of which, by now our Patriots new cooking techniques like the for the most part, knee deep must have realised that complete ‘rice-cooker daal-bhat-tarkari in in the rhetoric of nationalism, dependence on India cannot one’, as well as the resurgence while alternative and most be wished away with hashtags of the old with all-out retro international media outlets are and a few trucks of petroleum firewood stoves on balconies. blindly towing the line of the from China. The leadership has The fuel crunch also remains ‘oppressed’ and intentionally no choice but to reach out to unresolved, although owing to undermining the blockade, which, Delhi and make amends, for we the thriving black market, more by now is crippling the country. have more to lose and nothing motorbikes and cars are plying It’s become a classic question of in the way of bargaining power. the Kathmandu roads today than what came first: pelted stones And the best way to do that is in the weeks gone by. The middle or live ammunition, blockade to address the problem this side class is sulking about not being or border sit-ins? Even as it is of the border first and see what able to burn up their gas heaters glaringly obvious that deciphering kind of result that invites. this winter and calling contacts to the chicken-egg conundrum is a @bidush 6 OPINION 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 Look south China cannot alleviate the pain inflicted by India on Nepal, let’s look within and mend fences
people’s suffering will continue. Morang and Sunsari in the east Since the days leading up and Kailali and Kanchanpur in to the promulgation of Nepal’s the far west as parts of two plains new constitution, India has been provinces. reiterating the need for ‘broad- The Morcha does not represent based consensus’. But consensus the people of these five disputed SUNIL SHARMA is not possible if the Morcha districts. The four members of rejects talks and tries to bring the the Morcha collectively received s a fleet of Nepali oil first thought and the celebration be. Negotiations are needed with government to its knees through 12,902 of the total 344,963 (just tankers negotiated its was muted. More tankers will agitating groups and their Indian street protests and the blockade. about 4 per cent) valid votes cast Away through a precarious arrive in the coming days, but mentors. The government could respond in Jhapa under the Proportional road along the Bhote Kosi from when, no one knows for sure. The The Madhesi parties have with a sincere apology as a first Representation system in 2013. Tibet, through Rasuwa (pic) and Kerung Highway will be closed been the camouflage allowing step to resuming talks. None of its candidates won in any into Kathmandu this week, the due to snow soon, and the Kodari New Delhi to deny there is a This is also time for the ruling of Jhapa’s seven constituencies denizens of Kathmandu imagined link is badly damaged by the blockade on Nepal. There was parties to be honest about those under the First-Past-the-Post an end to their misery. quakes. forward movement in talks in of the Morcha’s demands that system, and most of them failed to Like it or not, Nepal cannot Kathmandu between them and they cannot address. Nearly three secure even their deposit money. rely on any other country but the government, but the Birganj months after it began an indefinite In many constituencies, the India for the commercial import of violence on Monday has stalled strike in the Tarai, the Morcha on Morcha members have received fuel at least in the near future. So those negotiations for now. Home Sunday unveiled its 11-point fewer than 20 votes. Kathmandu needs to look south Minister Shakti Basnet ordered demand, foremost among which Even if all this is ignored, and within to find a political police to chase away Madhesi is the creation of two provinces other regional parties demanding AS IT HAPPENS solution to this long-drawn crisis. protesters from the Birganj-Raxaul in the southern plains. This is not a Limbuwan province will Om Astha Rai Foreign Affairs Minister border on Monday morning. That possible because of the danger not agree. For the sake of a Kamal Thapa’s visit to India last was a mistake. of widespred violence, and the compromise, these districts can Tanker drivers were greeted month failed, and Kathmandu The Madhesi Morcha has now government should convince the be divided and boundaries of the like heroes with garlands, and seems to have made up its mind threatened to pull out of talks, Madhesi parties about the same. two plains provinces expanded. they said how proud they felt to that further negotiations with calling them a “ploy” by the The Morcha is an alliance But the Morcha should spend be able to help lift the motherland New Delhi would be meaningless government. India, angry over the of four Madhes-based parties, more energy on constructive out of a crisis. for now. The recent Nepal- death of ‘an innocent youngster none of which fared well in the negotiations rather than exploring But the euphoria was short- China petroleum deal was not a from Bihar’, hinted at further last Constituent Assembly (CA) even more sinister ways to lived. Nepalis realised that manifestation of Kathmandu’s tilt tightening of the blockade. If that elections in their own strongholds weaken the country and hurt its importing fuel from across the towards Beijing, but a symbolic happens, neither the government in the central Tarai. Surprisingly, people. Himalaya is more difficult than move. This is not how it should nor the country will win. The they are now claiming Jhapa, @omastharai Around this time of the year, Kathmandu Valley’s own smog and morning inversion would have kept the capital’s weather misty. But the blockade has reversed that, and Kathmandu will continue to enjoy good visibility. It is still warmer than usual, but expect sunny intervals with an average maximum temperature in the early 20s and minimum still in the double digits. Elsewhere, there are already reports of snow in the higher reaches, and light rain may occur in one or two places KKATHMANDUATHMANDU in the eastern and western hilly regions on Friday. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 21° 20° 20° #782 6 - 12 November 2015 11° 12° 11°
THE YOUNG IN JAZZ HANNAN LEWSLEY
ndeterred by the current blockade, the annual jazz festival, Surya UNepal Jazzmandu - kicked off with its inaugural event on Wednesday evening: Jazz for the Next Generation. GOPEN RAI Held outdoors under the setting sun within the grounds of the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory in Pulchok, Jazz for the Next Generation showcased a high standard of up-and-coming local musical talent. Seven artists were selected by the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd and guest judges: members of Katamon Cherry. With performances ranging from covers of pop legends such as the Beatles before their formation, the only and Tina Turner; to jazz legends such commonality the band shared was the as Chet Baker; as well as a range of Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, as well an outstanding originals, Jazz for the Next overwhelming commitment and skill for Generation proved once again that talent music, of course. is not a commodity in short supply in the But with three originals already in its local music scene. repertoire, the band is enthusiastically The judges had the difficult task of planning for the future: “The masterclass choosing four titles: Best Vocalist; Best Their jazz original clearly impressed both Shawnbert Pyngrope and pianist Sanjay is the greatest prize,” the band’s pianist, Accompanying Act; Most Outstanding the audience and judges. Shrestha. Sanjay Shrestha admits. Artist; and Best Band. Many were surprised to listen to the As part of its prize, the band will be When asked about the band’s future Announcing the winners, guest judge music of the band, which started playing performing at Jazz Bazaar, one of Surya plans, Shrestha expressed the organic Haim Deskoff of Katamon Cherry, said: together only two weeks ago. Nepal Jazzmandu’s premier events to be approach the band is taking. “We’ll see how "The performances were so diverse… it "We formed this band just for the held this Saturday at the Gokarna Forest it evolves,” he replied. was very hard for us to decide". festival,” Mark Donald Rani, the band’s Resort. The members will also get to take The Forty Fingers Collective is definitely The Forty Fingers Collective (pic, drummer told Nepali Times. Rani was also part in a series of masterclass workshops an upcoming group to keep an eye out for above) were judged the best band, and awarded the title of Most Outstanding with a wide range of international and local and those who missed out on the band’s with good reason. With a cohesive set, the Artist. Other members of the Indo-Nepal acts involved in the music festival. Wednesday performance can hear them at band exhibited both talent and passion. band include: guitarist Anish Malla, bassist Not knowing each other personally Saturday’s Jazz Bazaar. 8
Real people, real lives hilip Blenkinsop first came to he is an ardent believer in the viewer but for the subject as well: Nepal in 2001 drawn by the unfiltered projection of truth. usually they are families of the Pthen-elusive Maoist guerrillas His work is often shocking, but mistreated, exploited or killed. “I in a war that the rest of the world he uses this emotion as a tool in can’t tolerate injustice,” he says, didn’t know was happening in the communicating what he terms “a “the whole fuel and direction Himalaya. catalyst for change”. of my journey for the past 25 But that year in June, Nepal The projection of overlooked years has been against injustice. did suddenly hit the international injustices is a relevant concept I interpret scenes as honestly as I headlines. The royal massacre in contemporary Nepal, but can to show where I’ve been and took place, and the Thailand-based Blenkinsop’s images always what I’ve seen.” These are real Australian photographer found evoke a sense of struggle and lives of real people, caught in a himself in the thick of the dramatic hope. The simplicity of sparingly transient moment and shown events in Kathmandu. Since then, hung, large format black and to the world so that people may Blenkinsop has kept coming back white photographs that line know, and so that people may to Nepal. He is here again this week the crumbling walls of the Old change. to exhibit his hitherto unpublished Courthouse In the Shadow of Hope Asked to summarise his photographs, In the Shadow of contrast heavily with the vivid main message in the exhibition, Hope, at Photo Kathmandu. scenes they depict. Blenkinsop Blenkinsop has a simple answer: “I knew after that first trip that strives to make his exhibition “Come and look at the show, and I would be coming back,” he says interactive. He says: “A good make up your mind.” while setting up his exhibit at the photograph is one that doesn’t Hannan Lewsley Old Courthouse in Patan. “I have an necessarily give answers but it immediate sense of responsibility asks questions of the viewer.” In the Shadow of Hope to the people of Nepal.” Blenkinsop’s passion is evident 3 to 9 November Philip’s photography depicts in his work, and he says the 10AM to 7PM the silent and the invisible, photographs are not just for the Old Court House, Hakka, Patan ALL PICS: PHILIP BLENKINSOP 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 9
TUOMO MANNINEN Nepal, 20 years ago
innish photographer Tuomo Manninen first visited Nepal in 1995 with the aim to see the side of the country not portrayed Fin international media. Twenty years later, he returns with We, a collection of photos taken during his one-year stay in Nepal. The exhibition is part of the ongoing photography festival, Photo Kathmandu. Manninen’s images –all structured group portraits– lie within the blurred lines that divide art and photojournalism. The artistic nature of his work allows a visual portrayal of life in Nepal free from the constraints of objectivism. He maintains a very dynamic perception of art. Asked where the boundary between art and photojournalism lies, he attributes the difference to purpose: “It is art, if that is what the creator intended,” he says. Fourteen out of the 30 images that comprise Manninen’s collection from Nepal line the stone walls of the historic entrance of Mulchowk, within the grounds of Patan museum. The photographer is thrilled at the opportunity to show his work to the people who made it possible. With subjects such as the staff of the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited; a Nepali wedding band; and farmers posing in front of a timid elephant, We succeeds in capturing life in Nepal, rarely seen outside the country. Captured on film, and exhibited as an integral part of Photo Kathmandu, Manninen’s exhibition offers a genuine insight into everyday Nepali life, twenty years ago.
Mulchowk Entrance, Patan Museum. 10AM to 7PM 3 to 9 November 10 EVENTS DINING MUSIC GETAWAYS
Thrilling BBQ , The end of the universe, Choose your own prime meat among fi sh Stay in a family-run hotel that is located fi llet, pork chop, chicken drumstick to atop Mahankal hill. It is believed to be Tiharai Aayo accompany assorted fresh veggies. one of the oldest hotels in the area. Rs 1500 per person inclusive of a glass of Mahankal Mandir, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Nepal celebrates the festival of lights next week. Carlsberg beer or Coke, every Friday, 6.30pm 9741020969 to 9.30pm, Mandarin Terrace, Everest Hotel, 9 November,Kag Tihar: Dipawali New Baneshwor. Jhule mountain resort, kicks off with a puja for the bird of Resting 2050m above sea level, the eco- good tidings. Degaa Resto Lounge, resort boasts a farmhouse that stretches 10 November, Kukur Tihar: A For mouth watering Newari and Indian across a hill covered in fresh pine. Enjoy puja for man’s best friend. cuisine. an organic homestay experience. 11 November, Gai Tihar: 13 November, Bhai Tika: Sisters Kumaripati, (01)5008679 Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Worship Laxmi, the goddess of worship their brothers to protect Lapsiphedi-3, Jhule, (01)6212399 wealth and prosperity, by paying your them from Yama, the harbinger of respects to the cow. death. 12 November, Mha Puja: 17 November, Chhath: Newars worship themselves in Celebrated by the people of the Kathmandu, and elsewhere people Maithili-speaking region of Nepal pay homage to Gobhardhan, an and India, Chhath lasts for four days. avatar of Lord Krishna. On the third day, people worship 12 November, Nhudaya the setting sun at Rani Pokhari in Bhintuna: Welcome the year 1136 Kathmandu and on the banks of Jazzmandu, in the Newari Calendar. rivers or lakes in the Tarai. Bodhi books & bakes, The Biggest Jazz Party in the A quiet, snug place off ering a rich Himalayas. Visit the Jazzmandu collection of cakes and pastries. Facebook page to win tickets. Balthali Village Resort, Maharajganj, 9851193262 4 to 10 November, all across A small, cosy retreat with a bird’s eye view Kathmandu MTB Fest, Kathmandu of green terrace fi elds dotted with ochre The ultimate cycling fest with prizes up painted houses. to Rs 800,000 – both cross-country and Chez Caroline, Balthali, Kavre, 9851075818 downhill. Authentic ambience, exquisite French Julie Saury, Register: kathmandumtbfest.com food, glorious sunshine and more. She is back with her magical drum skills. 20 to 22 November, Hattiban Babar Mahal Revisited, (01)4263070 6 November, Manny's Eatery and Bar Waterfront Resort, Tickets available at Manny's and Head to this eco-friendly resort right in Look Back in Anger, Dhokaima Cafe front of Phewa Lake. Sedi Height, Pokhara. (61)466 303/304, John Osborne’s play, directed by Shankar 9801166311, Rijal, portrays the disillusionment among [email protected] Farmers’ market, youth in the 1950s/ 5.15 to 7pm, 20 November to 2 December The biggest gathering of local producers Mandala theatre, Anamnagar Gokarna Forest Resort, in the Valley selling organic produce, dairy Limited off er on two new promotional products, artisanal bread and pastries Climate March, packages including lavish buff ets, spa and home-made goodies. sessions and stay in their deluxe room. Powershift Nepal is organising a climate 8am to 1pm, Le Sherpa, Lajimpat, From $100, 5 to 9 April, Gokarna Forest march in Nepal, as part of a global eff ort Embers, every Saturday, (01)4006587, 9802028777 Resort, (01)4451212, [email protected], to push negotiators for climate plans A large and cosy place that serves a blend of continental and Nepali favourites. Nepal Music Festival, www.gokarna.net Flash mob, towards Paris summit. 29 November, 2pm Krishna Gali, Pulchok, (01)5534766, Nepal’s biggest volunteer-run music and A worldwide Freeze mob/Flash mob in Register: [email protected] [email protected], culture festival, includes performances by honor of World Kindness Day organised www.embers-restaurant.com noted bands and fun activities. by Life Vest Inside (LVI). 28 November, 12 to 8pm, 8 November, location and time to be Bhrikuti Mandap, Pradarshani Marg announced www.nepalmusicfestival.org Register: www.danceforkindness.com/register Soongava Screening, VOW Media brings the much-debated ‘Soongava’ to Kathmandu, collaborating with Mitini Nepal. 10 November, 3 to 6 pm Ghar Bar Restaurant, Kathmandu Manny’s, Shakti, Head down for some delicious Corn Celebrated artist Kiran Manandhar’s Photo Kathmandu, Fritters, Crispy Crunch Potatoes and Neydo Monastery, fourth solo exhibition explores the mortal Don't miss out on the fi rst edition of this don’t forget their signature Manny’s Folk Music Festival, A monastery and guest house, Neydo is power and divine energy manifested in photography festival and its exhibitions, Spicy Wings. All served with fi ne Fifth edition of the International Folk home to many signifi cant religious sites the female form. workshops and talks. hospitality in an excellent space. Music Film Festival, learn about music of the great siddhas. Leave your troubles Until 10 November, Siddhartha Art Gallery, 3 to 9 November, Patan Jawalakhel, (01)5536919 cultures and participate in a contest. behind and book a room. Babarmahal www.photoktm.com 26 to 29 November, Kathmandu Pharping, Kathmandu, www.neydohotel.com
biennial festival set up 20 years ago, Film Southasia (FSA) mainly popularises Adocumentaries, in its words, to entertain, inform and change lives. FSA organises screenings, discussions and workshops across South Asia to promote South Asian non-fi ction and also contribute to initiating FILM SOUTH ASIA 2015 local changes. So far, nine editions of the festival have been held. At each festival, fi lms are judged by a three-member South Asian jury, with the best fi lm being awarded the ‘Ram Bahadur Trophy’ along with a citation and a cash prize of US $ 2,000. After each FSA festival, about a dozen fi lms are selected to be screened across the subcontinent and around the world as the Travelling Film Southasia (TFSA) package. This year, FSA has 43 fi lms from South Asia, ranging from a documentary on press freedom in a highly dangerous place for reporting to a story about a Salman Khan look-alike. FSA has also curated a package for fi lms coming out of colleges and institutions to promote visual storytelling across the South Asian sub-continent. 19 to 22 November Yala Maya Kendra, Patan For schedule: www.fi lmsouthasia.org 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 11
sudden change in behaviour or levels of motivation, sudden weight loss as well as an increase in time spent sleeping. Heroin is a dangerous and Chasing the dragon addictive drug that affects the individual, including their loved or a long time, Kathmandu to the brain which creates a ones. As the user increases their was known as a drug mild euphoria, most commonly dosage, a result of increased Fparadise, but mainly for ‘soft’ described as feeling ‘high’ or a tolerance, more physical narcotics like marijuana. Lately, ‘rush’. Heroin is considered to be symptoms become increasingly however, raw and processed the most addictive recreational visible. Heroin may affect various opium from India have become substance because cravings are aspects of an individual’s life: available – especially after Indian extremely persistent and treatment physical, psychological/mental growers moved into remote is often long and difficult, but not and family/relationships. Its use lawless parts of Nepal. impossible. leads to strained relationships and Typical treatment consists of also ends many of them. a detox period, whereby patients There are effective and undergo intense withdrawals successful treatments available while receiving medication and for heroin addiction, including counseling in an attempt to medications (methadone, eliminate short-term relapse. buprenorphine) and behavioral ALL IN THE MIND However, the rate of relapse is high therapy (cognitive-behavioral Anjana Rajbhandary and multiple cycles of rehabilitation therapy). These methods help may be required. a temporary feeling of euphoria. or an addiction acquired from repair and restore brain function A transitional period in a safe The first stages of heroin addiction birth. and behaviour to a degree that Heroin is a semi-synthetic form and sober environment will help cause the user to continuously Heroin use gives the individual allows patients to lead normal of morphine, a naturally occurring the patient treat heroin addiction crave or chase their initial ‘high’. a ‘downer’ effect while providing lives, with a decreased chance of substance that is extracted from with continued success as it shields Individuals that have temporary relaxation and euphoria. relapse. But the most effective certain types of poppy plants. the patient from triggers, such as undergone traumatic experience Similar to other opiates, heroin approach consists of using a Heroin is also derived from opium, individuals that contributed to are more susceptible to using use inhibits the brain’s ability to combination of both medications which is the sap of a poppy plant. the heroin addiction at the onset. substances such as heroin than feel pain. Heroin users may be coupled with behavioral The name opium comes from the An inpatient treatment for heroin those who have not. It is also more able to hide the use for a short therapy under monitoring and Greek word 'opos' meaning ‘sap’. addiction is one of the safest and likely for someone with a mental period of time, but if you suspect a supervision of a qualified medical Media has glamourised heroin most guaranteed roads to full health illness to use substances to family member or a friend is using professional. addiction somewhat, but the true recovery. ‘self-medicate’ or cope with their heroin, some potential signs and effects of heroin are very different In a majority of cases, people current situation. Some common symptoms to look out for are track in real life. initially experiment with heroin causes of heroin addiction are the marks (the areas on the skin and nepalitimes.com The chemical structure of for either recreational or medical environment, genetics, suppressed blood vessels damaged by a needle) New Opium Epicenter, #773 heroin allows for rapid travel purposes as a means of achieving physical pain, escape from reality possession of paraphernalia, The silent scream, #779
GOPEN RAI
ately, we have spent much of our lunch hours simply looking for restaurants that Lcan calm down our noisy gastrointestinal juices. All thanks to the ‘fuel crisis’. But on Monday, we were pleasantly surprised. We stopped by at Phalano Coffeghar with no intentions to write a review of the place, but were left so impressed by the restaurant we thought it would be a disservice to our readers if we didn’t write one. For starters, Phalano offers almost the entire menu when the blockade has confined OPEN FROM many to preparing just momos and noodles. 7.30AM The place has an enchanting ambience, too. the Coffeeghar’s much TO 9PM With a bottom floor that is suave and an recommended cakes. But upper one that offers a great terrace-view of knowing we would be back Pulchok, Phalano has an environment few can Phalano Coff eeghar for more visits, we felt no qualms about rival. foregoing desserts this time around. We began with the Coffeeghar Special With its most reasonable prices and great Sandwich (Rs 275). Its filling of chicken was generous with the portion, we had a few up for in the spaghetti’s presentation. atmosphere, Phalano Coffeeghar generous and all at the table agreed this quibbles. Bits of bacon was used sparingly, It was easy to see that Phalano cared is a welcome respite from the usually double-decker sandwich was more than just and it turned out, they were sprinkled only about how its food looks. When the Seafood over-priced eateries around Pulchok and satisfying. The sandwich scored high both on on the top. The sauce and cheese cloyed, Hakka Noodles (Rs 190) came, we were Jhamel. taste and portion size and we couldn’t wait to overwhelming the taste of the dish and struck by its presentation. And luckily the Sarthak Mani Sharma try more. leaving the bacon in the sideline. If Phalano taste matched up to the look: the noodles Our second order, the Spaghetti Carbonara used less sauce and cheese and more bacon, were spicy and tasted authentic. How to get there: Find Sajha Petrol Pump in (Rs 240) was a bit of hit and miss. While the dish would be far better. But what little it By the end of our third dish, we Pulchok. Phalano is a few metres west on the as with the sandwich, the restaurant was faltered in taste the kitchen more than made were so full, we had no space left to try same line. 12 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782
always in black and white with HAPPENINGS that essential, dramatic light and shadow - the products are likely The Salt of the Earth to sear into your retina, such is the power of some of his images. Working with Lelia’s constant support, Salgado’s oeuvre spans over 100 countries, documenting innumerable subjects ranging from gold mining to Rwandan refugees. It is the people who are the salt of this earth, he says, and that connection he has with the breadth of humanity is what stands out in his pictures as photograph after photograph shows us the human condition at its zenith and nadir.
We can always try to engage GOPEN RAI with art on its own, away from NEW ROLES: President Bidya Bhandari administers the oath of office to Vice riting with light and perspective in a film that might the context of the artist’s life, but President Nanda Kishor Pun at Shital Niwas on Sunday. shadow” (“photo” have otherwise veered into a there is an undeniable richness “Wbeing “light” and family self-portrait without much that comes from linking the man “graph” meaning “to write” in structure. to his works - which is why this ancient Greek) is a suitably poetic Filmed without any of the dreamy, sometimes indulgent, but interpretation of photography and usual talking heads The Salt of frequently powerful documentary a particularly apt beginning for the Earth explores how Salgado is so riveting, elucidating the man a film that is a deeply personal, discovered photography as behind the machine. impressionistic rendering of the his medium, transitioning Photography as a medium life of Sebastião Salgado, the from a consulting economist has changed the way we perceive revered Brazilian photographer for the World Bank to one of the world in our ability to who is now in his early seventies. this century’s most important capture moments. In the hands photographers. of a man like Salgado, pictures Making a documentary can indeed become testaments about a photographer may seem written in light and shadow. As we somewhat redundant - after all welcome Photo Kathmandu – our both are visual mediums that can first international photography be engaged independently from festival, this is a film that MUST SEE each other- but the film starts to illustrates just how effective BIKRAM RAI Sophia Pande make sense as we hear Salgado’s a photo can be given care LEADING NOWHERE: Leaders of Madhesi Morcha call a press conference thoughts in his very intimate, and thought; a useful thing to to condemn the killing of an Indian national by security forces in Birganj on Started as a project by candid, trustful voiceover remember in these days of “point Monday and said talks with the government were turning ‘meaningless’. Salgado’s older son Julian Ribiero speaking about his own evolution and click”. Salgado, Wim Wenders, a highly as a photographer as he becomes experienced film-maker and family ever more deeply engaged with nepalitimes.com friend, was invited onboard in his subjects. As a result, Salgado’s Trailer an effort to keep some essential photography is piercing. Almost
USAID POWER PLAY: US Ambassador to Nepal Alaina B. Teplitz (centre) with actor Gauri Malla (left) and director Tsering Rhitar Sherpa on Tuesday at the launch of Singha Durbar, a tv series funded by USAID.
GOPEN RAI PHOTO FIESTA: Visitors check out an exhibition, part of Photo Kathmandu, an international photography festival, which began in Patan on Tuesday.
GOPEN RAI FRESH SOUND: A band performs at the ‘Jazz for the Next Generation’ competition at Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory in Pulchok on Wednesday. 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 NATION 13 The tug of the motherland The third generation of young Nepalis in Hong Kong are eager to return to earthquake-hit Nepal
PICS: SONIA AWALE
SONIA AWALE After my studies I want feel the tug of their homeland, I want to further my Kong society, and few speak
there are other Nepalis too busy Cantonese. “I still feel like an in HONG KONG “ “to go back to Nepal“ some “ education and then return day and contribute to making a living to think about to Nepal and work to help outsider despite having lived returning because Nepal has here 19 years. I grew up in a heir grandfathers fought for my country. little to offer. people there. Nepali culture, we hang out the British Army and were Mandip Limbu, 29, who among ourselves, have our own Tstationed with the Gurkha Eina Gurung works at a Thai restaurant and Merina Sunuwar circles,” says Gurung. garrison in Hong Kong. Their was born and raised in Hong Sumyang Hang Limbu parents toiled to build a decent Kong, is one of them. He has agrees: “We all have an identity life for their families here. Now, spent most of his life here, and crisis, in a way we don’t really some from the third generation studies at HKU and shares the doesn’t wish to go back. some who preferred to stay on in belong in Hong Kong, there is of Nepalis in Hong Kong want sentiment. She moved here at “I have things going the former British colony. “We a language barrier, immigrants to go back home to help their eight with her siblings and is smoothly here, what is there to could have moved to the UK but are stigmatised, the system earthquake-hit motherland. studying social work. She says: go back to Nepal for?” he asks. we didn’t want to,” says Mandip doesn’t favour minorities and The young Nepalis feel the “I want to further my education His father was a former British Limbu. “I like it here and it’s like we Nepalis also don’t make an urge to return partly because and then return to Nepal and Gurkha soldier and now works home now.” effort to integrate into Hong the descendants of ex-Gurkha work to help people there.” as a security guard. Sumyang Hang Limbu was Kong society.” soldiers find it difficult to fit into Both Gurung and Sunuwar Prem Thapa runs three seven when she first came to Says Gurung: “We have to Chinese society. Even those born come from the families of restaurants serving Indian and Hong Kong while her grandfather try to fit into Hong Kong society here live in tightly-knit Nepali Gurkha soldiers who served Nepali cuisine and has been was in the British Army, and and at the same time help communities, and still regard in the British Army in Hong living in Hong Kong for 17 years. has been living here for more develop Nepal. After my studies Nepal as home. Kong. After the handover in He is encouraged that even than a decade. Now 26, she is I want to go back to Nepal “I felt relieved and guilty 1997 some brought along their though their grandfathers were a welfare worker in a charity someday and contribute to my when the earthquake struck families from Nepal in the hope soldiers and their fathers may helping non-Chinese immigrants country.” Nepal,” says Eina Gurung, 20, a of a better life, and there are have been construction workers, in Hong Kong. She says: “I don’t Nepali students at the student of European studies at the now about 40,000 Nepalis here a new generation of Nepalis see myself going back to Nepal University of Hong Kong University of Hong Kong who has working as security guards or is pursuing higher education. anytime soon but I’d like to get launched an earthquake relief been living in the city since she in construction. But the third “That gives me hope,” he says. involved with the youth in Nepal campaign in May and have was one. “I was relieved that my generation is increasingly trying Many descendants of to help rebuild the country.” raised US$40,000 which they family was safe but guilty that I to find its roots, and help Nepal Gurkhas left Hong Kong after One of the reasons some in plan to spend on improving could not be of much help to my especially after earthquake. Britain allowed families of its the third generation feel like health care in Gorkha and other country in its time of need.” As much as young women former soldiers to settle in the going back is that they are not districts where their families Merina Sunuwar, 21, also like Gurung and Sunuwar UK from 2005. But there were fully assimilated into Hong are from. 14 NATION 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 Qatar is reforming labour
nder sustained international other South Asian countries are expected power to employers.” criticism Qatar has reformed its to benefit the most from reforms in the As soon as migrant workers reach Ucontroversial laws governing notorious ‘kafala’ system. Qatar, their passports are seized. And if migrant workers. But for significant “We are happy that there will be less they attempt to escape an employer, they improvement in labour conditions there restrictions on us,” says Kumar Karki, a would be rendered illegal and slapped have to be changes in the way the Nepal Doha-based Nepali migrant worker. with a heavy fine. government and recruiters treat their own Kafala allowed Qatari employers to One year after it publicly promised OM ASTHA RAI workers. treat foreign workers like bonded labourers, to amend its law under pressure by After Qatar’s king approved an requiring workers to have the employer’s rights groups, Qatar finally reformed amendment to the law last week, more than permission to leave Qatar or join other Kafala to allow migrant workers to apply 400,000 Nepali migrant workers, mostly companies even after the end of a fixed- for permit exits directly from a Qatari hired for construction of infrastructure for term contract. ministry as opposed to their employers. Nepal first needs to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are hopeful it “You cannot return home even if But the amended law, which will come will now be easier for Nepalis to return a relative dies, you cannot find a job into effect only next year, still restricts reform its own laws to home or switch jobs more easily. elsewhere even if you do not get your migrant workers from leaving the country The new law will affect all 1.8 million promised salaries,” says Abhiman Singh without the consent of their employer. protect Nepali migrant foreign workers in the Gulf state, 400,000 Lama. a Qatar returnee now working for The amended law promises to set up an of whom, are Nepalis. Unskilled and Prabasi Nepali Coordination Committee. authority to hear grievances of migrant workers in the Gulf illiterate migrant workers from Nepal and “Kafala used to give unlimited arbitrary workers who are denied exit permits by Working away
ALL PICS: PATTABI RAMAN
MOHAMED SALAUDDIN IS A NEPALI WORKING AS A CLEANER AT SOUQ- THE ART HUB OF DOHA. 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 NATION 15 laws, but is Nepal?
their employers. and exploitation. Nearly 200 Nepalis reformed,” he says. “But before that, we need “Nepal needs to renew the labour Qatar-based Nepali entrepreneur TB died in Qatar alone in 2014, and there are to reform our own law.” agreement with Qatar, convince Qatari Karki told Nepali Times by phone: “It’s a complaints about being denied promised One such loophole is Article 15 of authorities to raise the minimum wage and great start, and we hope more reforms are salaries, overtime payment and other the Labour Act that allows the Chambers focus on sending skilled manpower,” says on the way.” facilities. of Commerce of Gulf countries to attest Karki. Despite the reforms in Qatar, Nepal’s former ambassador to Qatar documents related to recruitment of Nepali This year the Labour Ministry in however, the Nepal government itself is Surya Nath Mishra says the source of most migrant workers. Labour recruiters have Kathmandu said Nepali workers going to dragging its feet to reduce exploitation problems facing Nepali migrant workers been duping Nepali workers by getting Malaysia and six Gulf countries need not and abuse of its own workers. The is actually in Nepal itself. “There is a cut- fake documents attested by unreliable and pay for their air tickets and visa fees. The proposal for zero cost migration, for throat competition among Nepali labour unaccountable agencies. policy faced stiff resistance from labour instance, is still in limbo. recruiters, and they lie to uneducated The Nepal embassy in Doha has been recruiters, and a committee was formed to “Kafala system is not the sole reason youth about salaries and facilities,” he operating without an ambassador for more review it. behind the suffering of Nepalis in the explains. “They make fake contract letters than one year, and protecting migrant worker With the government changed, no one Gulf , Nepal first needs to stop sending to mislead workers, and some Nepali rights has never been a priority there. A knows what will happen to that policy. unskilled workers like cattle,” says labour authorities are involved.” bilateral agreement on labour signed in 2004 Says former Labour Minister Tek Bahadur Karki. After winning the 2022 World Mishra says Nepal’s own Foreign has not yet been renewed, and Nepal has Gurung: “If the new government cares Cup bid Qatar has been hiring more Employment Act 2007 is full of flaws been announcing a minimum wage on its about poor Nepali migrant workers, the Nepali workers than any other country. and loop-holes. “Qatar’s Kafala system own even though Qatari companies are not policy should be implemented. But I am But this has increased the risk of death is a medieval law, and it needs to be obliged to pay minimum wage. not very hopeful.” from home
NEPALI AND INDIAN MIGRANTS WATCH A BOLLYWOOD MOVIE INSIDE THEIR CAMP. NEPALI MIGRANTS RELAX DURING A BREAK.
PATTABI RAMAN in DOHA
atar deserves the best’ say signs along important roads in Doha, the capital of ‘Q Qatar where one in every five people is a Nepali migrant worker. The whole city looks like a construction site as the country builds railways and stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar has the third-largest reserves of natural gas in the world, and has the highest per capita income in the world. Nepali, Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Pakistani and Egyptian workers can be seen in protective gear toiling in the 45 degree midday heat. There are concerns about labour conditions. A worker is owned by his employer, there are often prolonged delays or non-payment of wages which means workers fall behind in repayment of debt that got them here in the first place. Every migrant worker must have a ‘sponsor’ who must also be his employer. The migrant worker cannot change jobs without permission, and cannot leave the country since the employer keeps the passport.
THE BOUNDARY BOARD ALONG A HIGHWAY NEAR DOHA WHICH SAYS ‘QATAR DESERVES THE BEST.’ 16 BACK SIDE 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2015 #782 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com
recently elected by parliament for a third term in office beating the One Horny Rhino 7-5 in a tie-breaker. It is The Day of the Donkey an indication of the reverence we accord to our National Animal that we give her the privilege of serving as bovine traffic islands at the Jorpati Intersection HEALTH WARNING: Some readers may including the Female Anopheles Mosquito, The Tick, and November 10 weekdays from 9-5. The cow’s terms of find this week’s column disturbing and the Fruit Bat. The reason we worship crows in Nepal is The Day of the Dogs reference is to not budge, especially if objectionable because it will make no that they are not only numerically superior to human This is the day when dogs are gods for Prime Minister Modi’s motorcade whizzes reference to the unofficial “Blockade” beings, but they also have far higher IQs than them. In a day. We worship man’s best friend by. On Friday, let us show that we are imposed by so-called “India” on purported fact, the time may have come for Nepal to have its first and reward Kaley, Setay and Khairey gender balanced by also paying respects to “Nepal”. It will instead concentrate on Crow Editor-in-Chief, first Crow ex-King, and if we had a for being around when we need them oxen and bulls. my favourite festival of the year, Tihar, Crow Prime Minister heading a Cabinet of Ravens, Rooks most to provide us with security in these when we set aside one day to worship our and Jackdaws, perhaps we’d not be in the mess we are troubled times by yowling non-stop all 12 November favourite animal, or thing. This column also in right now. night at everyone in general and no one in Gas Cylinder Day contains some flash photography. From my own personal observation at our favourite particular. Disregarding our own personal This year, Bhai Tika has been replaced by neighbourhood garbage pile (which is about ten metres discomfort and sleep deprivation we get Gas Cylinder Day when we will garland the 9 November away as the crow flies from where I am sitting now) I up at the crack of dawn on Dog Day to half-full cylinder that took three days of Day of the Crow can tell that several of the crows feasting there deserve round up the neighbourhood dingo pack and feed them waiting in line at Salt Trading and pay it divine reverence British scientists recently discovered what we in Nepal PhDs. British crows may use primitive tools to extract body parts of fellow animals, resisting the temptation to at an auspicious hour designated by the ex-royal have known all along: that crows are collectively smarter treats from test-tubes, but their cousins at Krishna lace it with pulverised sleeping pills. Veneration of our asstrologer. than human beings. To test this hypothesis, they placed Galli have discovered fire. Yes, they actually set the nocturnal canine choir is a tradition that has been passed From this year, Tihar has been extended by a few a treat in a test tube, and left a piece of copper wire trash ablaze this Halloween and organised a pot luck down to us from generation to generation ever since, more days to include new items of casually lying around. Guess what the smarty pants barbecue. And since crows are socialist animals they as British scientists recently discovered, the first dog reverence in New Nepal. Which is crows did: they bent the wire into a hook, fished out the even invited crows from as far away as Babar Mahal for was born 75,000 years ago in what is now Nepal. Not in why on 13 November we will take said treat and had a picnic. They even knew how to talk the party. India, so there. our prized 1l plastic mineral water with their mouths full. Over at NAST, Nepali biologists So, on 9 November we honour Yamaraj’s roving bottle filled with petrol, place it in were pretty blasé about the whole thing. Our ancestors ambassador and plenipotentiary and feed them the 11 November the altar and venerate it. have known all along just how smart the birds are, innards of a deceased Water Buffalo, which itself is the The Day of the Cow which is why they chose the crow as the aide-de-camp vehicle of the God of Death. Quite how that works, I Then comes Friday, the day in our animal kingdom 14 November to the God of Death over a short-list of other applicants have yet to figure out. reserved for none other than the Holy Cow which was Day of the Donkey The Ass
PAST PRESENT FUTURE DIWAKAR CHETTRI
CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67