WI THOUT F EAR O R F A V O U R

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 202 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 32.8 C 12.2 C Wednesday, September 08, 2021 | 23-05-2078 Nepalgunj Jumla Nepal asks India to probe border force’s involvement in Dhami disappearance Foreign Ministry draws New Delhi’s attention to airspace violation by Indian non-military helicopter in Darchula. ANIL GIRI KATHMANDU, SEPT 7

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the government of India to launch a detailed investiga- tion into the involvement of Indian security personnel in the disappear- ance of a Nepali youth in the Mahakali A part of a diplomatic note sent to India. river in Darchula district a little over a month ago. The ministry has also No. 2 fell into the Mahakali River near drawn India’s attention to a non-mili- Malghat together with the single rope- tary helicopter using the Nepali sky in way (tuin) that he was using to cross the same district. the River from Nepal to India on July The ministry sent two diplomatic 30, 2021,” reads the note. notes to India, through the Embassy “The ministry has the further hon- of India in Kathmandu, on Friday. our to inform that an investigation The ministry has not made public report on the fateful event surround- the content of the notes, copies of ing Dhami’s missing prepared by a which have been obtained by the Post. committee formed by the Ministry of Post Photo: SANJOG MANANDHAR According to the diplomatic note Home Affairs reveals, citing the eye- People dry their goods damaged by floods and inundation following heavy rains on Sunday night along the Bishnumati Link Road in Kathmandu on Tuesday. regarding Jaya Singh Dhami’s disap- witness and analyzing the facts and pearance in the Mahakali, the Foreign circumstances leading to his missing, Ministry has sought a detailed that the incident occurred in the pres- investigation into India’s Seema ence of Sashastra Seema Bal person- Sashastra Bal’s involvement and nel of India.” compensation to his family. The ministry, the note adds, Cases down but current daily average “The Ministry of Foreign therefore, has the honour to request Affairs, Government of Nepal, the government of India to “kindly presents its compliments to the launch a detailed investigation into Embassy of India in Kathmandu the involvement of SSB personnel of 18 deaths still a cause for concern and has the honour to inform, as of India in the incident so as to requested by the Ministry of take necessary legal action against Home Affairs of the Government those involved in the incident and to of Nepal, that Jaya Singh Dhami, provide compensation to the family of a Nepali national, resident of the victim.” Byas Rural Municipality Ward >> Continued on page 2

Source: Health Ministry Health Ministry data show that new infections dip on fewer tests and rise whenever test numbers increase. Fewer tests show fewer cases and it would be too early to let the guard down, doctors warn.

ARJUN POUDEL and starting last week, almost As the festival season means KATHMANDU, SEPT 7 everything has been allowed to reopen. celebrations and crowding, doctors Schools, malls, cinemas, gymnasi- say preparatory measures should Covid-19 cases may have been declin- ums, temples, zoo, public transporta- be stepped up, just as people should ing in the past few days, but the num- tion and other public places have reo- be made aware of the fact that the ber of daily deaths has remained pened. People are behaving as though coronavirus risk is not over yet. somewhat the same—18 on an average, there is no virus. Experts say what is more dangerous which experts say is quite concerning. The ongoing vaccination campaign than the virus is complacency among Doctors say authorities must pay and declining infection numbers authorities as well as the general attention to testing, contact tracing could give a false sense of security, public. There has been a massive and treatment, as well as the number doctors warn. The vaccination speed, decline in the number of people who of fatalities, before drawing a conclu- however, has remained low. are going for Covid-19 tests voluntari- sion on the country’s Covid-19 status. “Only over 16 percent of the popula- ly, according to records from various “The daily number of new cases tion has been fully vaccinated so far hospitals and labs. may have declined because of fewer and we do not know how long the “Earlier, people used to go for tests tests, but 18-20 deaths a day is some- antibodies last in the body after vacci- voluntarily also because they needed a thing we must be concerned about,” nation,” said Dr Tulsi Ram Bhandari, report to claim the insurance,” said a said Dr Mingmar Gyelgen Sherpa, for- a public health expert, who is also lab technician at the National Public mer director general of the an assistant professor at Pokhara Health Laboratory who did not wish to Department of Health Services. University. “There is no alternative to be named. “These days very few peo- “It’s not a small number.” starting preparations for the possible ple seek Covid-19 tests, as the insur- Amid the looming third Covid-19 new surge of cases.” ance scheme has been halted.” wave, doctors say it would be too early The presence of the super-conta- Besides, the authorities are also not for people to let their guard down, as gious Delta variant makes things look encouraging people to go for tests, and around 20 deaths a day is still quite a even bleaker. the government on its part has not big number. Nepal was hit by the second wave been conducting enough number of In the past 24 hours, 21 people just after India was overwhelmed tests. In May, the government had said died from complications arising from by the sudden surge in cases. At one it would conduct over 25,000 antigen coronavirus infections. point, Nepal mirrored India—hospi- tests a day, but this number has failed Since the number of deaths provid- tals were turning away patients for to cross the 5,000 mark. ed by the Health Ministry on a daily lack of oxygen, oxygen cylinders, ICU The number of polymerase chain basis includes only those reported to beds and ventilators. reaction tests too stands at around the authorities, the daily fatalities With the festival season just around 10,000 on average. could be even more, as some Covid-19 the corner, India is bracing for a third Doctors say vaccines are the only patients might be losing their lives Covid-19 wave. Media reports said way to fight the disease at present, without getting hospitalised. India has scaled up measures to “pre- apart from taking precautionary After the second Covid-19 wave, pare for the worst”. Nepal and India measures to keep the disease at bay. which hit the country in April, slid share a long porous border through But there is a caveat. into a devastating crisis, authorities which thousands of people cross into Infections have been seen in people had enforced strict lockdown meas- each other’s territories and the two who are fully vaccinated; the severity ures. About two months later, the countries also observe some festivals may be low though. restrictions were relaxed gradually, during the same time. >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 | 02 National Nepal asks India to probe border force’s involvement ...

An image of the diplomatic note obtained by the post >> Continued from page 1 On July 30, Dhami, 33, was trying to cross the Mahakali river using an improvised cable crossing, known locally as tuin, the only means to get to the district headquarters Khalanga, from where he was planning to travel to Kathmandu. According to local residents and eyewitnesses, a member of India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) had detached the metal cable from a tree supporting the cable crossing just when Dhami had almost reached the other side. The government formed a probe committee on August 1, which submitted its report to Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand on August 31. The government has not made the probe report public. The Home Ministry, however, said in a state- ment that the “incident took place in the presence of India’s Sashastra Seema Bal”. post Photo: Elite Joshi The failure of the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government to Vehicles pass through a waterlogged road section caused by heavy rains at Nagpokhari, Kathmandu on Tuesday. take up the issue with India had drawn widespread criticism. The day the probe team submitted its report to the home min- ister, India said that it was unaware of any official communi- cation from the Nepal side regarding the Darchula incident. “We have heard about the incident through some media, but no official information has been shared with us yet,” said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Dozens of people registered as disappeared External Affairs, on Thursday during a regular press briefing. That India was not informed by the Nepal government led to protests in Nepal, with protesters accusing the Sher Bahadur Deuba administration of failing to show urgency regarding the incident. during Maoist insurgency found alive Amid the government delay in taking the Darchula youth’s disappearance up with India, reports surfaced that an Indian helicopter had been flying in Nepali skies for days. This In the last six years, the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons has received 3,223 complaints fanned the flames in Kathmandu and elsewhere. Critics were quick to charge Deuba with being servile to the southern of enforced disappearances implicating either security forces or the rebel Maoists. neighbour. In a separate note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has BINOD GHIMIRE Baglung who supported Khim Lal to file sions didn’t make adequate efforts to failed to fulfill the promise. called on the Indian embassy to communicate about the KATHMANDU, SEPT 7 the police complaint, told the Post. “The inquire about the persons, who were Officials at the disappearance commis- Indian chopper flying in Nepali skies with the authorities Maoist leaders had claimed she was alive said to have been disappeared but found sion say some of those thought to have concerned in India. On August 31, Khum Lal Sharma from and they were right. I will contact her alive later. “The status of the 32 persons been disappeared but later found alive “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government of Nepal, Nisikhola Rural Municipality, Baglung soon.” would have been ascertained years ago were detained by either the Maoists or the presents its compliments to the Embassy of India in filed a complaint at the District Police He said they were, however, unaware had the authorities made efforts,” Singh security forces and released after torture Kathmandu and has the honour to inform, as reported by Office, Baglung against three local Maoist whether she had fled the Maoists or was told the Post. or escaped from capitivities. Fearing for authorities concerned of the government of Nepal that a leaders accusing them of abducting and released by them and opted for a second their lives, they fled to India as returning non-military helicopter of India has been flying regularly in disappearing his wife during the insurgen- marriage. The Post was unable to contact to their families or contacting them was recent days using the sky of Nepal over the Guru Gorakh cy in 2005. Khum Lal. Commission has found not safe. And worried families back home Gulma Headquarters, Khalanga Barracks, Darchula, Nepal, As per the complaint, his wife was taken In the last six years, the commission has registered disappearance complaints, without coordination and obtaining any necessary permis- away by the Maoists on December 1, 2005 received 3,223 complaints of enforced dis- 2,494 cases that fall according to the officials. sion from the authorities concerned of Nepal,” reads the note. on the charge of having illicit relationship appearances implicating either security Gangadhar Adhikari, spokesperson for “Therefore, the ministry requests the esteemed embassy to with one of their leaders. He filed similar forces or the Maoists. After looking into the under its jurisdiction the commission, said some of such people communicate the same to the authorities concerned of the complaints at the local peace committee, complaints, the commission has identified had moved away from their hometowns or government of India and advise them to ensure obtaining the National Human Rights Commission 2,494 cases that fall under its jurisdiction for investigation. villages in fear and settled elsewhere with- prior permission of the authorities concerned of the govern- and the Commission of Investigation on for investigation. out the knowledge of their families. ment of Nepal to use the sky of Nepal.” Enforced Disappeared Persons on different The latest report by the International “In some cases, families filed disappear- Both the notes end with: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs dates. With the transitional justice mecha- Committee of the Red Cross, however, says Officials at the commission say they ance complaints to claim the government of the government of Nepal avails itself of this opportunity to nism making no efforts to search for his 1,333 people are still missing in connection have information that eight others who are relief,” he told the Post. “Among the 32 renew to the embassy of India in Kathmandu the assurances missing wife, Sharma last week approached with the decade-long Maoist insurgency listed as disappeared are alive and that the cases, the families of around six or seven of highest consideration.” the police for help. that ended with the Comprehensive Peace commission is trying to contact them. people had received the compensations It was not immediately clear whether the notes had been Police soon launched an investigation Accord in 2006. The peace agreement stipulated that from the government.” already dispatched to New Delhi and whether responses had and found that the woman thought to be Sunil Ranjan Singh, a member of the both sides—the state and the Maoists— The victim families whose members been made. missing had remarried and was living in disappearance commission, said the would make public, within 60 days of the have disappeared have each been provided Sewa Lamsal, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, con- Galkot Municipality in the same district. commission has found 32 people alive signing of the agreement, the information Rs1 million in compensation but not all firmed to the Post that the notes were sent to India via the “A person who knew Sushila sent us a among those who have been registered as including the real names, castes, and have received the amount. The report of Indian embassy. She did not provide further details on the TikTok video clip featuring her. Khum Lal, the victims of enforced disappearances addresses of those who were disappeared the disappearance commission shows only progress. her former husband, has confirmed that it but it has no information on Sushila. He or killed during the insurgency, and inform 1,227 such families have received the com- “The notes were sent based on the findings and reports from is her,” Ram Sharma, a lawyer from says as the authorities and the commis- the family members. However, both sides pensation. the authorities,” she told the Post. Cases down but Landslides threaten to sweep away Sindhupalchok school current daily Most of the students have stopped attending their classes which resumed only a few days ago. ANISH TIWARI average of 18 ... SINDHUPALCHOK, SEPT 7 Dobang Basic School in Jugal Rural >> Continued from page 1 Municipality-5, Sindhupalchok started con- “Despite high vaccination rates in many countries includ- ducting in-person classes a few days ago ing the United States of America, hundreds of thousands of with health standards in place. people are getting infected every day and over 1,000 people However, the risk of the school building are dying,” Dr Binjawala Shrestha, a public health expert, being swept away by running landslides on told the Post. “Since just around 16 percent of the popula- either side of it has kept most students out tion has been fully vaccinated in our country, we still have a of school. long way to go. We should not let our guard down.” Ranjita Rayamajhi, the acting principal As of now, 5,603,757 people (18.67 percent) have taken the of the school, says she is worried about the first dose of the vaccine and 5,012,821 (16.7 percent) have safety of her students and staff during the been fully vaccinated. ongoing monsoon. As of Tuesday, the number of active cases in the country “The risk of landslides is higher than the stands at 30,303. As many as 10,879 people have died of the risk of getting infected by Covid-19,” coronavirus since the pandemic began. Rayamajhi said. As coronavirus infection and death rates have remained constant, many might understand that Nepal has entered an endemic stage, but the situation may change overnight if A total of 79 the new variants enter the country. The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and children are currently Prevention defines endemic as “the constant presence and/ or usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent in a enrolled at Dobang population within a geographic area.” Last week, the Ministry of Health and Population released Basic School. a preliminary report of a nationwide seroprevalence study, saying 68.6 percent of the country’s population has already developed antibodies to Covid-19. A total of 79 children are currently The full report has not been made public yet. The Health enrolled at the school. The guardians, Ministry, however, said detection of antibodies in a large teachers and students are all anxious about number of people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, the high risk of landslides in the area. should be taken in a positive light. According to Rayamajhi, landslides start- Public health experts, however, have warned that the pre- ed erupting below the school in 2017 but the liminary results of the seroprevalence study, which is con- authorities concerned have not paid much fusing and misleading, could increase complacency in all heed to it. sectors and lead to a spike in new infections. “The school is now at high risk, as no The perception that Nepal could have entered some sort measures have been taken to control the of the endemic stage, buttressed by the Health Ministry landslides in the past few years. We repeat- Post Photo: Anish Tiwari seroprevalence study claim, could be counterproductive, edly asked for help from the ward office and Eight schools in the Melamchi area are at high risk of landslides, according to the District Education and Coordination Unit. experts warn. Endemic means constant presence of a dis- the rural municipal office but our requests ease in communities and if misunderstood with regards to were left unaddressed,” said Rayamajhi. landslides and floods in other areas.” Meanwhile, Sanat Adhikari, the ward slides have been kept out of school due to the coronavirus, it could make people careless. The students, although happy about According to Jyan Dorje Lama, a resident chairman of Jugal-5, claimed that efforts the high risk. These children are being According to Shrestha, ongoing complacency in all sec- returning to school after a long break due to of Jhirgaun, people are reluctant to send are underway to control the landslides. deprived of their right to education. tors might have been because of the misinterpretation of Covid-19, have not been able to focus on their wards to the school due to the high According to the District Education and Discussions are underway to find other the seroprevalence study results. their studies for fear of possible landslides. risk of landslides. Coordination Unit, eight schools in the alternatives to ensure that all children can “As the coronavirus continues to mutate, the arrival of “It has been raining for days here. The “Many school children are being sent to Melamchi area and several others in differ- have access to classrooms,” said Krishna any new variant could trigger a third wave,” said Shrestha. land around us continues to cave in,” said work in the fields instead of school by their ent parts of Sindhupalchok, a land- Subedi, chief at the unit. “We have already “The current decline in cases could be a calm before the Susmita Tamang, a seventh-grader at the parents. The parents don’t want to risk slide-prone district in Bagmati Province, informed the higher authorities about the storm, so preparatory measures must continue along with school. “I think about the landslides near their children’s life by sending them to a are at risk of landslides. risk of floods and landslides to the educa- scaling up vaccination.” our school whenever I hear news about school at risk of landslides,” Lama said. “Many students in areas prone to land- tional institutions of Sindhupalchok.”

C M Y K 03 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 National Large number of children deprived of virtual learning, UNICEF survey shows For 63 percent of children, textbooks are the only source of information.

BINOD GHIMIRE upon entering school and setting up handwashing KATHMANDU, SEPT 7 stations and sanitisers on the school premises in addition to reducing the class sizes by introducing a Despite tall claims by the government to have shift system, undertaking periodic cleaning and increased students’ access to virtual learning plat- establishing medical or isolation rooms and counsel- forms, an overwhelming number of students still ling facilities, as per the school reopening guidelines remain deprived of virtual learning opportunities. issued by the government. However, during the sur- A survey carried out by UNICEF among 6,643 vey, a majority of the guardians and students from children and guardians across the seven provinces the schools that have resumed in-person classes said shows textbooks are the only source of information the government’s protocols were flouted to the extent for 63 percent of children ever since the country went that 14 percent even don’t wear masks. into a lockdown in March last year to stem the spread “Various studies by UNICEF show a large number of Covid-19. The number is higher in public schools of children are unable to continue their learning at Post Photo: ANGAD DHAKAL with 70.5 percent of students relying solely on the the appropriate levels while children in substantial A man takes a holy dip in the Bagmati river at Gokarneshwar temple in Kathmandu on the occasion of Kushe Aunsi on Tuesday. textbooks while it is 61.5 percent for the private numbers are expected to be not learning at all,” said schools. The report showed only 27 percent students Shakya. “This will further deteriorate the learning have access to online classes—18 percent at commu- achievements of the students.” nity schools and 43.5 percent at private schools. “With substantial investments to increase house- holds being connected to the internet, this alterna- The survey was carried out tive modality will continue to drive disparities in Bodies of Sankhuwasabha murder victims learning outcomes due to the existing digital divide,” among 6,643 children and reads the report made public on Friday. A UNICEF report released in August last year had guardians across the shown a similar picture suggesting that there hasn’t taken to Dharan for postmortem been progress in improving children’s access to seven provinces. virtual learning. The report had also revealed that DIPENDRA SHAKYA batons or iron bars. According to Ninety-year-old Bauddhaman Karki, more than two-thirds of students were deprived of SANKHUWASABHA, SEPT 7 Superintendent of Police Nabin Kumar who was unhurt in the incident, said, “I virtual learning, with half of the children across the Different studies including the one by the Rai, the spokesperson at the Province am alone at 90 years of age. I cannot see country without any in-person or virtual contact Education Review Office, under the Ministry of The bodies of six members of a family who Police Office in Biratnagar, ‘blunt and hear properly. I came to know about with their teachers since the schools were closed. The Education, show the learning achievement of school were found murdered in Madi force’ rather than sharp weapons were the incident only when the neighbours share of such students was 36 percent in private students, on an average, is less than 50 percent from Municipality-1, Sankhuwasabha, on used in the crime. “The victims seem to woke me up in the morning.” schools while 56 percent of students didn’t have any the primary to the secondary level. Government offi- Monday morning were taken to Dharan- have been chased and then brutally killed,” According to the District Police Office, contact with their teachers. cials, while accepting that virtual learning hasn’t based BP Koirala Institute of Health he said. Sankhuwasabha, 55-year-old Tej Bahadur In terms of compensating for the losses in learn- been as effective as it should have been, however Sciences on Tuesday for postmortem. Police had earlier on Monday suspected Karki, his 50-year old wife Kamala Karki; ing, 69 percent of the respondents complained that refuse to accept that the penetration of this learning According to Chief District Officer that sharp weapons were used in the hei- his 88-year-old mother Parbati Karki, schools had not undertaken any efforts to make up approach hasn’t increased compared to last year. Teknarayan Paudel, security personnel nous crime. his 25-year-old daughter-in-law Ranjana for the lost teaching-learning activities. “I don’t want to comment on UNICEF’s finding, but collected the bodies from the incident site However, the investigation officers are Karki, and his two grandchildren aged 11 The ineffectiveness of virtual learning and the I believe there has been significant progress,” Keshab in Kholagaun after conducting public still clueless about the murderers. A police and three were brutally killed on Monday. reluctance of schools and teachers to support their Dahal, spokesperson at the Centre of Education and inquiry deeds. The bodies were collected team led by Superintendent of Police Bauddhaman’s eldest son is on the way students has resulted in an overwhelming number of Human Resource Development under the Education by a team of police personnel from the Bhim Dahal from Dharan claimed that to Kholagaun from Jhapa after being parents and guardians willing to send their wards to Ministry, told the Post. “We too are collecting the data district headquarters, Khandbari and they were closing in on the murderers. informed about the tragedy. “My two other schools, despite the coronavirus risks. on this. We will present the real picture once we col- Dharan after 24 hours of the gruesome Dahal refused to divulge further details of grandsons are also returning from abroad. As per the report, 89 percent of parents and lect the information from all schools.” mass murder. the investigation. “Nobody has been They were working in Malaysia and guardians said they were willing to send their The centre, however, this week unveiled a set of “The bodies were sent to Dharan arrested so far,” he said. Dubai,” said Bauddhaman. children to schools though only 34 percent were home-schooling guidelines that it claims will make on Tuesday. The postmortem will be car- Meanwhile, an investigation team of the Tej Bahadur, who was killed in the inci- confident that their children’s schools would under- the teaching-learning process more effective. ried out on Wednesday,” said Deputy Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of dent, was Bauddhaman’s youngest son. take all the required precautions to ensure a safe The centre has developed the guidelines with a Superintendent of Police Laldhwaj Subedi. Nepal Police also reached the incident “Security has been tightened in the bor- learning environment. vision to assign the elders and educated members of “It took time for the security personnel to site on Tuesday. According to the District der areas of the district. Police personnel “It seems the parents and guardians are more con- the family to teach the children at home. Home take the bodies to Dharan given the poor Police Office in Sankhuwasabha, have been deployed at all border points. No cerned about the study of their children above all,” schooling will be applicable in places where resump- road conditions.” the three-member CIB team led by Deputy one from the village has been permitted to said Dipu Shakya, an education expert with UNICEF. tion of in-person learning is not possible. “Home- The preliminary police investigation Superintendent of Police Rukam Bahadur leave the district,” said Tek Narayan Schools are required to enforce standard safety schooling will prove beneficial not just during the states that the assailants murdered the Kunwar will initiate its investigation Paudel, the chief district officer of measures for students and teachers, such as social Covid-19 pandemic but also during other disasters,” victims using either wooden planks, from Wednesday. Sankhuwasabha. distancing, wearing of mask, measuring temperature read the guidelines.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 | 04 Opinion EDITORIAL Elitism and change Bridging the gap Only the most abused The dominance of the internet has manifested forms of democracy itself in all facets of our lives. are in practice in much of South Asia. “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” As we observe another year of International Literacy Day (ILD), the words LOK RAJ BARAL of former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Anan ring more accurate than ever. We should take comfort from the ascending literacy rate in Nepal, which stood at 67.9 percent as of 2018, although fraught with challenges, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has unsettled the learning of children and adults alike. But, do we ever stop to ponder on Elitism is not only difficult to compre- the literacy rates of our country or have we categorised it as hend in social studies but also equally a passing afterthought? paradoxical and ubiquitous in the actu- The accepted definition is relatively shallow; reading al exercise of power. As a concept, it indicates a limited group of people and writing ability would allow a person to be counted as belonging to a variety of areas that literate. However, the ever-changing landscape in which wield, dominate and influence power the world operates may soon deem the term outdated and policies. So even in a democracy, it has become a self-contradictory term and defunct. The last two years has speeded up the domi- as democracy demands equal participa- nance of the internet as a tool that has exhibited itself tion. The emphasis on making democ- in all facets of our lives. Be it trade, finance or education— racy more participatory to enhance the empowerment of the weaker and mar- the showcasing of strength by the digital world in its ability ginalised sections becomes redundant to challenge the existing status quo has been overwhelming, if the elitist nature of politics remains unchanged. Surprisingly, however, and those that resisted the new power were casually even democratic governance world- cast aside. wide is increasingly becoming elitist Lack of important literacy skills stops a person from pro- that confines power and privileges to a narrow circle of people. gressing at every stage of their life. According to UNESCO, at Reading Sanjaya Baru’s new book Shutterstock least 773 million youth and adults still cannot read and write, India’s Power Elite: Class, Caste and a And the license and permit raj domi- the economic domains. In India and Srinivas terms “sanskritisation”, that and 250 million children lack access to basic literacy. In 2019, Cultural Revolution (Penguin, Gurgaon, nated Indian politics. Nepal, such higher caste groups contin- is, trends of upward mobility. This pro- 2021) I was naturally nostalgic about With the decline of the Indian ue to take a large share of the political, cess transforms people from the lower the Nepal government released a statement on the occasion my academic years at the School of National Congress, the Bharatiya administrative and security sectors hierarchy to upper caste groups with- of ILD emphasising its commitment to eradicate illiteracy International Studies, Jawaharlal Janata Party (BJP) seems to be finan- despite long exercises in “democratic out changing the social order. within the next two years, but that is yet to happen. The pan- Nehru University in the early 1970s, cially comfortable as business lobbies governance”. Only the most abused Notwithstanding the numerous flaws where I came into contact with C prefer the winner, not the loser. With no forms of democracy are in practice in of Indian democracy, Baru drops opti- demic brought with it unique challenges which were previ- Wright Mills’ book which is the great- signs of the Congress party re-emerg- much of South Asia, where “the hierar- mistic notes in his final chapter, calling ously unseen. Education in its entirety has been disrupted est source of information about elitism ing as a dominant force in Indian elec- chical nature of the caste system it a changing balance of power. The with pupils unable to attend physical classrooms, the fortu- to Sanjaya Baru. I knew Baru as a jour- toral politics today, the BJP still faces has been the social foundation of elit- emergence of regional powers has nalist when he came to see me at the no challenge from any national party ism”. The continuity of the caste given a new dimension to the Indian nate few who could avail of laptops and computers managed Nepal Embassy in 1996. He was then despite its declining influence in most structure is also related to class divi- federal structure besides creating to keep up with their learning; but the majority had to face associated with The Times of India states. Nevertheless, the BJP’s political sions as the upper castes who have had regional elites who seem to be more the brunt borne out of the pandemic. group. His first book, The Accidental space is being shrunk by regional par- access to power and social status con- assertive vis-à-vis the centre that had Prime Minister, based on his associa- ties that seem to be working relatively tinue to be the beneficiaries of power been adopting more coercive roles The digital world is here to stay, and Nepal needs to step up tion with former Indian prime minis- independently of the centre. West and privileges. for influencing the politics of the its efforts to accept the new reality. Internet penetration in ter Manmohan Singh, gives enough Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Contrasted with the situation in states. Now the state leaders can no clues about the political power in Kerala, Punjab and Maharashtra are India, in Nepal’s remote areas of the longer be taken for granted by the cen- Nepal remains low despite the Nepal Telecommunications India, exercised by a small clique such states that have been able to check hills and Madhes or even in a tral power elites. Authority euphorically claiming an increase in internet forming it as an extra-constitutional the rise of the BJP. Thus, the regional cosmopolitan city like Kathmandu, Moreover, the traditional power users while the means to access the technology remains dis- power centre. political elites cannot be easily written superstition and blind faith kill wielders have been replaced in off by the central power elites. Baru scientific knowledge. Educated urban some states that have eroded the mal for many in rural regions. The gender divide, too, Power brokers has dealt with this aspect along with elites also submit to unsavoury BJP’s image as the dominant party. remains an issue the government agencies need to focus Such a narrow circle is further extend- many other groups and institutions social rituals. The degradation of The rise of Dalits, backward communi- their attention on. As per data released by UNESCO in 2018, ed to make elites whose clout in politics that have emerged as significant fac- women in Nepal, particularly related to ties (BC) and other backward commu- is increasingly becoming complex and tors in power politics. It also means a the segregation during menstruation nities (OBC), in addition to a strong male literacy in Nepal stands at 78.6 percent, whereas inevitable as if they have hijacked gov- partial shift of power to states, thus in the far western region and other feeling of regionalism and their female literacy is 59.7 percent. Such disconcerting disparity ernance. Politicians become a mere redefining the contours of Indian fed- forms of exploitation, does not help impacts on the centre, is noteworthy. in literacy rates should definitely attract the attention of cipher for the extra-constitutional eral politics. The Lutyens elites change society. Although education Nevertheless, with the rise of populist power brokers without whose support alone, who dwell in the poshest part plays a significant role in changing ideology pursued by the present ruling the authorities at all levels. Blatant disregard for equity political parties cannot face costly elec- of New Delhi that is close to the power social discrimination, it seems ineffec- elites, the fundamentals of modern issues is inexcusable. tions. The role of business houses was centre, do not exert power as the tive in creating a new generation of democratic principles are under pres- The pandemic has undoubtedly laid out numerous well noted during the independence business, bureaucratic, military and rebellious youth to bring social and sure. As Baru observes, “All populist movement as the Indian Congress lead- intellectual elites and the media have political awareness against caste, ideologies blunt the rough edges of challenges before us. And largely, we as a nation have strived ers were able to rope in some business access to power. gender discrimination, and economic reality.” For Baru, people’s acquies- to meet those challenges with a bloodied nose. Literacy houses such as Tata and Birla for the In traditional and feudal societies, disparity. cence to gradualness “contributes to struggle. But it had no conflict of inter- elite groups wield power based on the resilience of the power elite”. And remains one area that will uplift and drive sustainable devel- est due to the uncertainty of achieving social dominance characterised by Balance of power such gradualness is the beauty of opment in Nepal. And thus, it is up to us to strive to meet the political power immediately. However, caste, lands, religious discrimination Compared to India, Nepal could pres- Indian democracy. challenges presented in the area of education, not just in the the role of industrial and other busi- and other forms of socio-economic ent itself as a model in South Asia ness elites and contractors increased in hierarchies. The Brahmin and Chhetri because of its size and adaptability to Baral is a professor of political science traditional sense; but on overcoming the digital and gender the post-independence era as parties belong to the top caste hierarchies, change without being tempted, and former ambassador of Nepal divide as well. needed financiers for electoral gains. making them dominant in politics and for what Indian sociologist MN to India.

The colonial trap

tification for fighting communism in The longer the Vietnam, or dictatorships in Iraq or Afghanistan, has been to enlighten the foreign power stays, benighted populations through free-market capitalism and democrat- the worse the mayhem ic government, often with disastrous consequences. often becomes. Whatever the justification for for- eign intervention, the results are the same. Local elites, such as the Afghans IAN BURUMA who governed Kabul and other cities, might do well. But dependency—not just on another state, but on NGOs and other well-meaning institutions that do what governments should be doing—fuels corruption. Money flows too easily into ever deeper pockets. And the very presence of foreign mili- On February 20, 1947, Clement Attlee, tary force and political tutors, who the socialist British prime minister, may have little understanding of how informed parliament that India would things work in the countries they become independent no later than occupy, makes it ever harder for the June 1948. Attlee could not wait for the local people to rule themselves. British to withdraw from a country The colonial elites, bloated with free whose leaders, Muslim and Hindu, money, have no legitimacy in the eyes had long been clamouring for inde- of their compatriots. Rebels and revo- pendence. But India was seething with lutionaries may have more, but only violent unrest. Muslim leaders know how to rule by force. The imperi- were afraid of Hindu dominance. al power is trapped. Leaving is almost Worried that a civil war might land always bad. Staying is worse. the British in an uncontrollable situa- Attlee and Biden understood this. tion, Attlee decided to end the British That is why they wanted to get out. Raj even earlier. Biden is accused of naivety and seen Indian independence began on as a hapless old man who had no idea August 14, 1947. Pakistan broke what he was unleashing. This is away. Horrendous violence between unlikely. I think he decided it was time Hindus and Muslims claimed a Shutterstock to leave without delay precisely half-million lives. Many more lost motor of robust military policies, the civil war. Biden didn’t even have the Harold Macmillan, the Conservative design. Most European empires start- because he knew it would be a big their homes. The wounds of partition US should have promised to stay at luxury of leaving Afghanistan in prime minister who, sensing “the ed as trading posts. Local rulers were mess; better to get it over with are yet to heal. least 20 years, instead of being capable hands. wind of change” blowing through cultivated, bribed, and set against one than become further ensnared by the Attlee was widely blamed for get- non-committal. After all, the US mili- It is easy to blame Attlee and Biden colonial Africa in 1960, managed the another. For a long time, great chunks colonial trap. ting out too soon and leaving the for- tary presence was minimal and could for the violence that followed their withdrawal of British rule, was once of India were ruled by a British trad- This might seem callous. But Biden mer colony in chaos. If only a better easily be afforded. But in that case, decisions. Perhaps they made mis- asked by the very conservative ing company. Colonial governments can’t be blamed for the rise of the police force had been organised. If why just 20 years? Why not 40? Why takes. In hindsight, it may be possible American journalist William F. then took over to protect the commer- Taliban, or the fragile state of a coun- only the army could have kept order. not forever? to see how they could have mitigated Buckley Jr. whether Africans were cial interests of the home countries. try that has seen far too many wars If only the British could have left once The question is whether Attlee, or some of the damage. But both leaders ready to rule themselves. Macmillan Imperial rule was often justified by and invasions. The US should not have the country was stable. Biden, could ever have left India or were caught in the same colonial trap didn’t think so. But he added that this Christian missionary zeal, or, very been there in the first place, but that is US President Joe Biden now finds Afghanistan in a stable condition. At that ensnared so many other imperial was all the more reason why they late in the game, around the very end a lesson that great powers never seem himself in the same situation. least Attlee knew that India, and even powers. Once you make local elites should be free to try. These were their of the nineteenth century, by to learn. American troops have left Afghanistan Pakistan, would be governed by dependent on the power and money of countries. They had to learn how to high-minded ideals of educating in a bloody mess. Critics of Biden’s responsible, mostly moderate men. a foreign occupier, it becomes almost govern by governing. For the British native elites to mimic the West. Ian Buruma is the author, most recent- decision to withdraw claim that the Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohammed Ali impossible to leave without causing to hang on and throw the best and The US has been more half-hearted ly, of The Churchill Complex: The United States should have stayed Jinnah were nothing like the Taliban. mayhem. And the longer the foreign brightest anti-colonial activists in about its colonial enterprises. After Curse of Being Special, From Winston longer. In the opinion of Robert Both were widely regarded as legiti- power stays, the worse the mayhem prison would only make that harder. all, Americans are supposed to be and FDR to Trump and Brexit. Kagan, a well-known American pro- mate leaders—and still there was a often becomes. Empires are rarely established by against imperialism. Their stated jus- — Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 Money

FOREX US 117.78 Investors seek removal of upper limit on margin loans Euro 139.8 Pound 162.42 The central bank says it had to intervene as the stock market was growing despite the massive impact of Covid-19. Australian 87.11 PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA Japanese 10.71 KATHMANDU, SEPT 7

Chinese 18.22 Stock investor Chandra Kandel had asked to Saudi 31.4 renew his margin loans, but his bank refused saying they needed to be brought down to less Qatari 32.35 than Rs40 million. The Monetary Policy 2021-22 states that a per- Malaysian 28.34 son cannot borrow more than Rs40 million from Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank a bank or financial institution by depositing shares as collateral, and that one cannot obtain loans totalling more than Rs120 million from Shares multiple banks and financial institutions to pur- chase shares. Nepse 2,936.60pts -1.48% With the bank refusing to renew the margin loans whose renewal deadline expired recently, highest losers Kandel was forced to sell his shares to repay the RMDC RURU PROFL FMDBL MEN RSDC -7.73% -7.01% -5.6% -5.48% -5.37% -5.33% loans in order to remain within the credit limit of Rs40 million. moderate losers GMFIL PLIC MBL RRHP GILB JBLB “I had no plans to sell the stocks, but I was -3.07% -3% -2.93% -2.91% -2.88% -2.86% forced to sell them to repay the loans to reduce

moderate gainers the size,” Kandel, who is also a lecturer at a RADHI UNHPL KKHC NEF SADBL UMRH Kathmandu-based college, told the Post. 0.29% 0.24% 0.17% 0.13% 0.06% 0.05% Share investors blame the central bank’s poli- highest gainers cy of discouraging investment in the sector as LI UMHL HIDCL UNL MKLB HDHPC one of the primary reasons behind the bearish 10% 7.78% 5.16% 5.03% 4.01% 3.58% trend in the stock market in the last three weeks. On August 12, a day before the monetary policy was announced on August 13, the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index was at 3179 points. The Price Per tola very next trading day on August 15, the Nepse bullion slid to 3154.34 points. The index did rise slightly in the following Fine Gold Rs 91,400 days, but it never regained its high of August 12; and subsequently went steadily downhill into Silver Rs 1,230 bearish territory. On Sunday, the Nepse plunged to a low of 2818.73 points. Source: FENEGOSIDA Investors said that the stock market stirred on Monday after Finance Minister Janardan Sharma called central bank Governor Maha post photo: Keshav Thapa gasoline watch Prasad Adhikari to ease the situation in the cap- The bearish trend in the stock market prompted some stock investors to launch protests against the central bank policy. ital market. The Nepse rose by 161.94 points on Monday, only to lose 44.18 points and settle at had to intervene as the stock market was prices of stocks except the market?” asked the governor to ease the situation of the stock 2936.6 on Tuesday. growing despite the massive impact of Covid-19 Agrawal. “Tell us what the right price is for each market, and take appropriate action to address Market capitalisation, the value of all the on the earnings of companies and the economy company’s stock.” its problems. stocks listed on the stock exchange, shrank to as a whole. He added that the new policy of the central However, Dhakal said that he was unaware of Rs4,171.58 billion on Monday from Rs4,437.27 bil- “The provision was created to break the bank had resulted in losses of millions of rupees any such conversation. lion on August 12, reducing the value of the monopoly of large investors on margin lending, of investors. “The central bank has not revised its policy, stocks by Rs265.69 billion. and ensure access of small investors to financial Ever since the central bank squeezed financ- but it has been making the necessary adjust- The bearish trend in the stock market prompt- resources to invest in the stock market,” said ing to purchase shares, investors have been ments during the review of the monetary policy ed some stock investors to announce protests Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Dev Kumar lobbying the government against the move. On in the last two years,” he said. The central bank against the central bank policy. A group of inves- Dhakal. “It is also aimed at minimising the risk Monday, several investors representing the reviews the monetary policy quarterly. tors organised a motorcycle rally in Kathmandu for banks and financial institutions due to vola- Nepal Investors’ Forum met with Finance Former finance secretary Shanta Raj Subedi with the aim of staging a sit-in in front of Nepal tility in the stock market.” Minister Sharma. said there was no need to change the existing Rastra Bank with an 18-point charter of demands. On June 15, the Securities Board of Nepal had “We met with the finance minister on Monday, limit on margin lending. In a tweet on Monday, he “The police stopped us in the Bhatbhateni released the financial details of 51 companies and he notified us that he had already talked with wrote, “The current limit on receiving loans area, and we staged a sit-in at the same place,” saying that it was risky to invest in their Governor Adhikari regarding the demands of against the collateral of shares is too high. The Dipendra Agrawal, a long-time stock investor, stocks, and there was a huge gap between their stock investors,” said Rajan Lamsal, vice-presi- secondary market is determined by demand and told the Post. stock prices and actuarial return on investments. dent of the Nepal Investors’ Forum, a grouping supply. The share prices of some hydropower Gathering under the banner of the Capital The move to issue the list invited controversy of stock investors. “Our main demand is that the projects had soared despite their poor financial Market Reform Struggle Committee, the inves- amid suspicion of leakage of information to cer- threshold put on margin lending be removed. indicators whose correction is required. So, tors demanded the resignation of Governor tain investors. There should be no limitation on the right to there is nothing to worry about the [measures of Adhikari and ending the maximum limit on Agrawal argued that the market would deter- receive loans.” the central bank].” margin lending, besides making other demands. mine the prices of stocks in a free market econo- According to a press statement of the Finance He also urged the governor not to change the The central bank defended its move saying it my. “Who is responsible for determining the Ministry on Monday, the finance minister asked rules in haste.

Bizline Hong Kong completes third runway amid pandemic UK awaits

World Link launches AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE fallout from high-speed Photon series HONG KONG, SEPT 7 KATHMANDU: WorldLink Hong Kong marked the completion of end of jobs Communication, Nepal’s largest a third runway at its airport on broadband internet service provider, Tuesday at a time when the once thriv- has launched the WorldLink Photon ing international travel hub remains support scheme series. According to the company, the cut off from most of the world. Photon 300 gives an unprecedented City leader Carrie Lam presided AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE experience of high-speed broadband over a topping-off ceremony for the LONDON, SEPT 7 internet up to 300 Mbps across all 3.9-kilometre runway, which took five corners of the house. This is made years to construct on reclaimed land. The British government’s furlough possible with the smart installation Thanks to its location and compara- scheme that has supported millions of tively relaxed entry requirements, private-sector jobs during the pan- Hong Kong has long hosted one of the demic is close to ending, a move that world’s busiest international airports. risks a spike in unemployment accord- But it faces increasing competition ing to economists. from regional rival Singapore as well Experts, however, do not expect sec- as rapidly expanding airports in tors seriously affected by a shortage of multiple routers, in a Mesh Wi-Fi mainland China. of staff owing to the virus outbreak network, mounted at the right posi- The city’s reputation as a travel hub and Brexit—such as road haulage—to tion in the house to give a seamless was also dented by months of political necessarily benefit from the bigger coverage of Wi-Fi internet across the unrest in 2019, which at one point par- pool of available workers. house, the company said in a state- alysed the airport, and China’s subse- “The furlough scheme has played a ment. This is the first time in Nepal quent crackdown on dissent. AFP/rss key role... protecting nearly 12 million that the company is providing inter- The business hub currently remains Members of the media visit the completion of the third runway pavement at Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong on Tuesday. jobs over the last 18 months,” the net speeds up to 300 Mbps powered inaccessible to most people during the Treasury told AFP in a statement with Mesh wi-fi system. To enable the coronavirus pandemic because it often faces strong opposition from It is unclear whether Hong Kong grown increasingly frustrated, with ahead of the multi-billion-pound pro- service, WorldLink has introduced maintains some of the world’s strict- environmental groups in western will have loosened its travel restric- the European Chamber of Commerce gramme finishing at the end of Nokia Beacon 1.1 routers which are est quarantine measures. nations but Hong Kong’s airport tions by then. recently warning that residents were September. highly capable of delivering a home Almost all arrivals must complete expansion saw little protest. Despite ample supplies, the city has “indefinitely trapped”. With the UK economy in recovery solution with Mesh wi-fi. “This will one to three weeks of mandatory Before the coronavirus, the two run- one of the worst Covid-19 vaccination But last week Lam doubled mode thanks to the lifting of lock- come at an affordable price so that hotel quarantine, a move that has kept ways were already operating well rates in the industrialised world and down on her zero-Covid policies and down restrictions at home and abroad, everyone can have a smart home from the coronavirus at bay but hammered beyond their capacity of receiving and the government has given no details said opening travel with the Chinese Britain’s unemployment rate stands at now on,” Dileep Agrawal, chairman the travel industry and left the city sending 420,000 flights per year. on when it might move towards living mainland was more important than 4.7 percent, down from a pandemic of WorldLink Communications, said isolated. The third runway is expected to with the coronavirus. doing the same for the rest of the peak of 5.2 percent at the end of last at the project launch. The construction of new runways start operations sometime in 2022. International businesses have world. year. But the UK already has more than one million job vacancies despite the furlough scheme supporting jobs at a cost of almost £70 billion ($95 bil- lion, 82 billion euros). “It is certainly possible, if not likely, European tourists boost sector, but can’t top Americans, Asians that there will be a temporary fall in employment and rise in unemploy- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE had exceeded his targets “by more tourist destination behind France in ment in October,” noted Paul Dales, PARIS, SEPT 7 than 50 percent” this summer. 2019, welcomed 4.4 million visitors in chief UK economist at Capital But at the nearby Byron Hotel, July, 78 percent up on a year earlier, Economics research group. European travellers helped plug a gap co-manager Zimi Mistiopoulos said national statistics institute data show. “But we think that the strength of left by Asian and North American they only had 10 days of full occupan- But that’s a far cry from the 9.9 mil- the economy will mean that either tourists stranded at home by the pan- cy. Two years ago, there wasn’t a room lion in pre-pandemic 2019. most of those workers will find a job demic, staving off a total washout this to be had all season, he said. The Mediterranean coast was the before long or, more likely, that other year for Europe’s hospitality industry. “Even if the tourists were there, most favoured destination: establish- unemployed people will find work and After a disastrous 2020 tourism they didn’t buy that much,” said ments in Catalonia recorded an offset the decline.” season, the sector had banked on vac- Dimitris Papachristodoulou, owner of occupancy rate close to 95 percent in Britain’s economy rebounded 4.8 cination campaigns and the easing of several souvenir shops, lamenting the August. percent in the second quarter as the travel restrictions to see brighter days loss of Americans and Chinese, “who The French were Spain’s top government began relaxing lockdown this summer. consume the most”. visitors, with 874,000 vacationing restrictions amid its fast-paced vacci- While European visitors might have Those groups were also absent from there, ahead of the Germans (707,000) nation programme. shored up numbers, the recovery was Italy, where the Hotel Cosmopolita in and the British (555,000). However the country’s factories, patchy with tourists spending in dif- the heart of Rome has had “an average Brits, in pre-Covid times the largest restaurants and supermarkets are fac- ferent places, on different things—and of three or five occupied rooms out of contingent, this year largely opted to ing stubborn supply problems. Covid not with the same largesse as the 82”, said Walter Pecoraro, the owner stay at home. helped spark a supply-chain crisis big-spending Chinese or Americans. and president of the hoteliers’ associ- Bookings are “running at a fraction around the world. In the UK, multiple Fears over suddenly changing Covid ation of Lazio, the capital region. of a normal year with the main lockdowns prompted also a fresh exo- travel restrictions and—for the UK, “Roman tourism is 80 percent for- barriers to travel being concerns dus of EU workers who filled many especially—the cost of mandatory AFP/rss eign, 80 percent of which are about the traffic light system” of col- jobs in the logistics, construction and Covid-19 tests have also driven the In this June 24 photo, a tourist looks at the view near an Italian flag in Manarola, Cinque Terre Americans and Asians,” he told AFP. our-coded restrictions and the cost of hospitality sectors. disruption to travel patterns this National Park, near La Spezia, Nortwestern Italy. According to the association, 600 tests, the British federation of travel The UK has faced major border summer. hotels out of 1,200 in Rome were open agents said. delays after Britain’s exit from the Tourism-dependent Greece hosted seen since 2019,” said Haris August. this summer, with average occupancy Those who decided to go anyway European Union on January 1, while more than two million visitors in July Theocharis, the tourism minister Napolean, the owner of a bar in at only 30-35 percent. opted mainly for the islands of Spain new immigration rules have disrupted and August—“something we haven’t until a cabinet reshuffle in late Athen’s Plaka tourist hot-spot, said he Spain, the world’s second-largest and Greece. recruitment.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 | 06 world Briefing Taliban name new Afghan government, Indian police 150 starved to death in videos of Kashmir Ethiopia’s Tigray in August NAIROBI: A least 150 people starved to interior minister on US sanctions list leader’s funeral stir death last month in Ethiopia’s embat- tled Tigray region amid a near-com- It was not clear what role would be played by Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban supreme leader. plete blockade of food aid by federal fresh anger and allied authorities, the Tigray REUTERS forces say, while close to half a mil- KABUL, SEPT 7 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE lion people face famine conditions. SRINAGAR, SEPT 7 The starvation deaths occurred in six The Taliban named Mullah Hasan communities as well as in camps for Akhund, an associate of the move- Indian security forces maintained an hundreds of thousands of internally ment’s late founder Mullah Omar, as armed guard around the grave of a displaced people in the town of Shire, head of Afghanistan’s new govern- Kashmir separatist leader on Tuesday, according to a briefing on late ment on Tuesday and Sirajuddin amid mounting public anger over Monday by the Tigray External Haqqani, whose organisation is on a police footage of his funeral, which Affairs Office. It is the largest public US terrorism list, as interior minister. his family said they were barred assessment yet of starvation deaths, Haqqani is the son of the founder of from attending. though The Associated Press report- the Haqqani network, designated as a Indian authorities have imposed a ed at least 125 deaths in a single dis- terrorist organisation by the United security clampdown in the contested trict earlier this year. States. He is one of the FBI’s most Himalayan region since the death of wanted men due to his involvement in Syed Ali Geelani, a leading separatist suicide attacks and ties with Al Qaeda. voice over the past five decades, last Navalny lawyer says he has fled Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, head week at the age of 92. Russia amid crackdown of the movement’s political office, was His family say the separatist icon’s MOSCOW: A prominent Russian appointed as Akhund’s deputy, main body was forcibly taken away and bur- human rights lawyer, who represent- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah ied in the middle of the night and his ed organisations founded by jailed Mujahid told a news conference in sons were kept away from the last opposition figure Alexei Navalny, said Kabul. rites and burial. on Tuesday he had fled the country Baradar’s appointment as Akhund’s Police have denied the accusations, under pressure from the authorities. deputy, rather than to the top job, but faced fresh outrage after posting Ivan Pavlov, 50, is the latest high-pro- came as a surprise to some as he had video on Twitter Monday showing file, opposition-linked figure to leave been responsible for negotiating the Geelani’s body being washed, wrapped Russia, as a crackdown on dissenting US withdrawal and presenting the in a shroud and buried. Fearing pro- voices intensifies ahead of parlia- face of the Taliban to the world. tests, his grave in Kashmir’s main city mentary elections later this month. Baradar, also once a close friend of of Srinagar is under armed guard and The lawyer, who was known in par- Mullah Omar, was a senior Taliban visitors are not allowed. ticular for taking on treason cases, commander in charge of attacks on Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, the most wrote on Telegram that he had US forces. He was arrested and impris- senior Islamic jurist in Indian left for neighbouring Georgia. “I’m oned in Pakistan in 2010, becoming Kashmir, which is also claimed by now an emigrant. For now, in head of the Taliban’s political office in Pakistan, condemned the police action Georgia,” he said. Doha after his release in 2018. as “un-Islamic”. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of He told AFP the body of a deceased Mullah Omar, was named as defence AP/rss person must be respected even if it is Gunmen kidnap 18 villagers in minister. All the appointments were in Afghans shout slogans during a demonstration, near the Pakistan embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday. a “criminal sentenced to death”. an acting capacity, Mujahid said. “I think his family is hurt and the latest attack in Nigeria It was not clear what role in the public life. More than half a million people have Neighbouring Pakistan has deep ties people of Kashmir are hurt. Police KADUNA: Gunmen invaded a village in government would be played by Akhund, the new head of govern- been displaced internally in with the Taliban and has been accused should apologise for doing this,” the the northern Nigerian state of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the ment, has been close to supreme lead- Afghanistan this year. of assisting its return to power - jurist said. Kaduna and kidnapped 18 residents Taliban supreme leader. He has not er Akhunzada for 20 years, and is An international donor conference charges Islamabad denies. Police issued the clips after a video including seven children, a communi- been seen or heard in public since the longtime chief of the Taliban’s power- is scheduled in Geneva on September The Taliban’s rapid advance across widely shared on social media showed ty leader said on Tuesday, the latest collapse of the Western-backed gov- ful decision-making body Rehbari 13. Western powers say they are pre- Afghanistan last month triggered a Geelani’s body, wrapped in a Pakistan in a wave of mass abductions disrupt- ernment and the seizure of Kabul by Shura, or leadership council. He was pared to send humanitarian aid, but scramble to leave by people fearing flag, being taken away by armed police ing every aspect of life in the region. the Islamist militant movement last foreign minister and then deputy that broader economic engagement reprisals. US-led foreign forces evacu- as his family scuffled with police. Gangs of ransom seekers have been month, as US-led coalition forces com- prime minister when the Taliban were depends on the shape and actions of ated about 124,000 foreigners and Security forces then issued a state- kidnapping children from their pleted their withdrawal after a 20-year last in power from 1996-2001. the Taliban government. at-risk Afghans, but tens of thousands ment saying Geelani’s sons initially schools, villagers from their homes war. Mujahid, speaking against a back- The appointment of a group of were left behind. agreed to a quick funeral but changed and travellers from their vehicles White House spokeswoman Jen drop of collapsing public services and established figures from different ele- Secretary of State Antony Blinken their minds “probably under the pres- across northwest Nigeria since last Psaki told reporters on Air Force One, economic meltdown, said an acting ments of the Taliban gave no indica- said the United States was in contact sure from Pakistan” and “started December. Mallam Suleiman Keke, a as President Joe Biden flew to New cabinet had been formed to respond to tion of any concession towards pro- with about 100 Americans who were resorting to anti-national activities.” community leader in the village of York, that there would be no recogni- the Afghan’s people’s primary needs. tests that broke out in Kabul earlier in still in Afghanistan. It added that “after persuasion”, Keke B on the outskirts of the state tion of the Taliban government soon. He said some ministries remained the day, which Taliban gunmen fired About 1,000 people, including Geelani’s relatives brought the body to capital Kaduna, said gunmen on The Taliban have repeatedly sought to be filled pending a hunt for quali- in the air to disperse. Americans, have been stuck in the the graveyard “and performed last motorbikes arrived late on Monday to reassure Afghans and foreign coun- fied people. Hundreds of men and women shout- northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif for rites with due respect.” Indian author- night and went from house to house tries they will not return to the brutal- The United Nations said earlier on ing slogans such as “Long live the days awaiting clearance for charter ities cut mobile signal and the inter- seizing children and their parents. ity of their last reign two decades ago, Tuesday that basic services were resistance” and “Death to Pakistan” flights to leave, an organiser told net across Kashmir following “It was a terrifying experience for marked by violent punishments and unravelling in Afghanistan and food marched in the streets to protest Reuters, blaming the delay on the U.S. Geelani’s death—services that began us,” he said. (AGENCIES) the barring of women and girls from and other aid were about to run out. against the Taliban takeover. State Department. coming back online since Sunday. Reopen schools or disaster looms, Myanmar opposition calls for experts tell Indian authorities national uprising against army REUTERS dren did not have their own smart- NEW DELHI, SEPT 7 phone, mobile connectivity was poor, ASSOCIATED PRESS they did not have the money to pay for BANGKOK, SEPT 7 Many top Indian epidemiologists and mobile Internet, schools were not social scientists are urging authori- sending study material or online edu- The main underground group coordi- ties to reopen in-person school classes cation was too hard to grasp for some. nating resistance to Myanmar’s mili- for all age groups, saying the benefits The Indian Association of tary government issued a sweeping outweigh the risks especially as poor Preventive and Social Medicine, call for a nationwide uprising on rural children are missing out on whose roughly 6,000 members are doc- Tuesday, raising the prospect of spi- online education. tors who have studied epidemiology, ralling unrest. The recommendation comes as told the government in a report it was The National Unity Government, experts say another Covid-19 wave in safe to resume all offline classes which views itself as a shadow gov- India this year could be far less deadly, after taking precautions such as ernment, was established by elected because a dramatic rise in cases improved ventilation, physical dis- legislators who were barred from tak- in April and May means a big tancing and masking. ing their seats when the military majority of the population have been Epidemiologists also say that as seized power in February. infected already, while more than half India’s last serological survey estimat- The group’s acting president Duwa of its adults have been at least partly ed that more than half of the coun- Lashi La declared what he called a vaccinated. try’s population of 6-17 years had “state of emergency” and called for India last month approved its first already been infected, without any revolt “in every village, town and city Covid-19 shot for people under 18, particular severity, there was no rea- in the entire country at the same though as of now only adults are being son to worry that a future wave will time.” A video of his speech was post- immunised. REUTERS specifically target the unvaccinated ed on Facebook. As new infections have stabilised In this January 11 photo, students wearing ones among them. Some 1,000 civilians have been around 40,000 a day in the past few protective face masks attend their class in “The risk of moderate to severe killed in the seven months of clashes weeks, some Indian states have Ahmedabad, India. disease in children is really low and that followed the army takeover. restarted face-to-face teaching, mainly vaccination is not a prerequisite,” A spokesman for the ruling military for middle school and above. Experts The health and education minis- said epidemiologist and public health downplayed the call for renewed pro- say that is not enough. tries did not immediately respond to a expert Chandrakant Lahariya. tests. Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun blamed “Schools are an essential service. It request for comment. The federal gov- “Therefore, I believe that the techni- exile media for exaggerating the oppo- has been wisely said that they should ernment has largely left it to states to cal experts should not rush to recom- sition’s strength, in a statement posted be the last to close and the first to reo- decide when to reopen schools. mend vaccination of adolescents in on the Telegram app by state televi- pen,” said a report released on Monday An August survey of nearly 1,400 India. The focus has to continue to be sion MRTV. on school education, including econo- school children done by the scholars’ on achieving high coverage for all Myanmar has been wracked by mist and social scientist Jean Dreze, group found that in rural areas, only 8 adult age groups,” he said in an email. unrest since the military ousted the AP/rss that warned of a “looming disaster”. percent were studying online regular- India has administered 701.9 mil- elected government of Aung San Suu This image made from video by National Unity Government shows Duwa Lashi La, the acting “In India, the opposite has been ly, 37 percent were not studying at all, lion vaccine doses - at least one dose in Kyi, with initially peaceful demon- president of the NUG, giving a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance. happening: soon after the Covid-19 and about half were unable to read 57 percent of its 944 million adults and strations against the ruling generals crisis struck in early 2020, all schools more than a few words. Most parents two doses in 17 percent. India reported morphing into a low-level insurrec- lyst of Myanmar politics. “Calls for an ic to the resistance. The National were closed without batting an wanted schools to reopen as soon as 31,222 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, tion in many urban areas after securi- armed insurrection, beyond what is Unity Government is popular inside eyelid and most of them are still possible, it said. taking the total to 33.1 million. Daily ty forces used deadly force. already unfolding, will likely evince Myanmar, but its previous statements closed today.” The reasons were that many chil- deaths rose by 290 to 441,042. There has been more serious com- concern from many UN members declaring the military government bat in rural areas, especially in border states”, Mathieson said. and its actions invalid and illegal have regions where ethnic minority mili- Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun had little measurable political impact. tias have been engaging in heavy also suggested the call for an uprising The group controls no territory or clashes with the government troops. was timed to coincide with the UN state armed forces, nor has it won any The shadow government’s prime General Assembly’s opening. diplomatic recognition from the inter- minister, Mahn Winn Khaing Thann, Mathieson said the call to arms was national community. Members of its said in a separate statement posted unlikely to be welcomed by the shadow cabinet are in hiding inside online that the new move was taken Association of Southeast Asian Myanmar and in exile. due to “changing circumstances” that Nations, which has been seeking to Fighting in the ethnic areas gener- required the complete abolition of the broker an end to Myanmar’s crisis. ally predates February’s military ruling military government. He did The organisation’s special envoy for takeover, often by many decades. not elaborate. Myanmar recently proposed a four- The ethnic armed groups have an The call for an uprising came a month ceasefire to carry out humani- ambivalent relationship with the week ahead of the convening of the tarian activities. Duwa Lashi La called shadow government, which is closely UN General Assembly. The National on the ethnic militias, some of whom identified with the former civilian Unity Government is hoping to have have declared themselves in alliance government of Suu Kyi. Her ousted the assembly formally recognize Kyaw with the resistance, to “immediately administration failed to offer regional Moe Tun, who supports the opposition attack” government forces. minorities the local autonomy they group, as Myanmar’s legitimate envoy There were no immediate signs of have sought. to the world body. He had been the heightened resistance activity, though Analyst Mathieson noted that some official representative of the govern- solidarity was expressed online by of the ethnic militias have offered ment previously, but switched his loy- some student groups and two of the only limited opposition to the army alty to the resistance in late February. most powerful ethnic armed groups, rulers or are “sitting the whole post- “It’s not uncommon for armed from the Kokang and Kachin minori- coup crisis out.” resistance forces to seek media atten- ties. Fighting was reported in the east- Duwa Lashi La’s statements, howev- tion ahead of a major event,” noted ern area controlled by the Karen, the er, appeared to offer confidence in his David Mathieson, an independent ana- ethnic group perhaps most sympathet- group’s calls for resistance.

C M Y K 07 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 Sports | Medley Nepal secure hard-fought win over Papua New Guinea Djokovic tested but wins Middle order Rohit Paudel scores 41 runs off 65 deliveries to claw a win for Gyanendra Malla’s men, who were reeling at 7-82 in their chase for 135. Agence France-Presse NEW YORK, Sept 7 SPORTS BUREAU runs), Kiplin Doriga (15 runs) and Gaudi Toka in Damien Ravu delivery. KATHMANDU, Sept 7 Gaudi Toka (22) and Chad Soper (not He hit four fences. Captain Gyanendra Novak Djokovic struggled but out 17 runs) were the other PNG Malla was caught by wicketkeeper advanced within three matches of Nepal registered a hard-fought batsmen to score double-digit figures. Kiplin Doriga in Ravu’s delivery with completing the first men’s singles cal- two-wicket win over Papua New Lamichhane was the most success- 60 runs on board. endar-year Grand Slam in 52 years on Guinea (PNG) after a dramatic batting ful bowler claiming four wickets in his Nepal’s middle order collapse began Monday by outlasting American collapse in the first of the two-match 10-over delivery conceding 35 runs. after the departure of Malla, as they Jenson Brooksby at the US Open. One-Day International (ODI) Series at Sob and Malla grabbed two wickets lost next four wickets scoring 22 runs World number one Djokovic rallied the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in apiece while Sompal Kami pocketed with 7-82 on board. past 99th-ranked Brooksby 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, Oman on Tuesday. one. Sob gave away 20 runs with a But Rohit Paudel, who came to bat 6-2 to book a quarter-final encounter Losing the toss, Nepal bowled first maiden over in his five-over delivery at No 5, rescued Nepal by contributing with Italian sixth seed Matteo and restricted PNG at 134 runs in 33 while Malla conceded 19 runs in his the highest 41 runs. Paudel and Berrettini in a rematch of July’s overs after leg spinner Sandeep seven over bowling with a maiden Sompal Kami combined for 52 runs for Wimbledon final. Lamichhane shone with the ball ove r. the eighth wicket ensuring victory for The 34-year-old Serbian star would claiming four wickets. Chasing the Photo Courtesy: CAN In the run chase, debutant ODI Nepal. become the first man since Rod Laver target, Nepal scored 135-8 in 39.3 overs Players of Nepal react during their first of the two-match ODI series against PNG on Tuesday. openers Bhurtel and Aasif failed to Paudel scored 41 runs off 65 deliver- in 1969 to sweep all four major titles in after middle order batsman Rohit repeat the magical performance they ies that included two fours before he the same year by capturing his fourth Paudel contributed 41 runs. also became the first Nepali player to departed at 59 runs. had made in their T20I debut series was sent to the pavilion in 39.2 overs. career US Open crown. Djokovic also With the outcome, Nepal lead the grab a wicket on first ball at ODI debut Amini, who contributed 23 runs during Tri-Nation Cup played in April He was caught by wicketkeeper Doriga seeks a men’s singles record 21st Slam series 1-0 played to fine-tune the team’s and 28th in world cricket overall. from as many deliveries, was caught in Kirtipur. The duo has shared two off Gaudi Toka as the score got tied at trophy, which would boost him one preparation for Tri-Nation Series of Sob, who pocketed two wickets, then behind by wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh century partnerships out of five 134. Kami remained unbeaten scoring ahead of “Big Three” rivals Roger the ICC World Cup League 2. removed Ashad Vala as the second off Lamichhane while Siaka was matches played. 22 off 32 with a four and a six. Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent Nepal kept PNG under pressure wicket in the last ball of the fourth caught and bowled by Kushal Malla as They shared a 46-run partnership Toka was the most successful bowl- with injuries. from the beginning, taking wickets at over with the score of nine runs the fourth wicket in 12.5 overs. for the first wicket before Bhurtel er for PNG claiming three wickets in An epic shocker seemed possible a regular interval. Medium pacer on board. Open Lega Siaka, the The opener cum wicketkeeper departed for 15 runs after he was his 4.3-over haul. He gave away 18 runs when Brooksby, a 20-year-old Bikram Sob made a dream ODI debut highest scorer for PNG with 30 runs Aasif was the other of three ODI trapped leg before by Chad Soper in with a maiden over. Ravu and Soper American wildcard who hadn’t played as he bowled out opener Tony Ura for under his belt, shared a 50-run part- debutants from Nepal players includ- 11.1 overs. He hit two fours in his pocketed two wickets each. Djokovic before, broke in the second one run in the first ball of second over, nership for the third wicket with ing his opening pair Kushal Bhurtel. 28-ball knock. Aasif contributed 30 The second ODI will be played and sixth games and fired a service his very first ball of the innings. Sob Charles Amini. Both Amini and Siaka Middle order batsmen Sese Bau (14 runs off 46 before he was caught by on Friday. winner to claim the first set in 29 min- utes. Djokovic broke in the second game of the second set, but was bro- ken in fifth game, netting a backhand on Brooksby’s sixth break chance. But Fixtures of ‘A’ Division Futsal League unveiled Djokovic broke back in the sixth game, England’s deficiencies ripping a cross-court forehand winner SPORTS BUREAU in single round-robin format. purse of Rs1 million whereas the run- for a 4-2 lead, and held from there to KATHMANDU, Sept 7 Top four finishers will advance to ners-up will receive Rs500,000. The take the 68-minute set. the playoffs. best striker, best goalkeeper, best fixo In all, Djokovic won 15 of the last 20 The fixtures of the pandemic-delayed The top two teams will battle (defender) and best coach, as well as ‘exposed’ in Oval surrender games, rolling to victory in the stami- ‘A’ Division National Futsal League against each other for a place in the the rising player, will get Rs25,000 na test after two hours and 59 minutes. were unveiled on Tuesday. final in the Qualifier 1 while the third each. Reuters the English attack. Berrettini advanced by defeating A total of ten teams are participat- and the fourth-placed teams will lock The tournament is organised by All LONDON, Sept 7 He was more critical of the batsmen 144th-ranked German qualifier Oscar ing in the league—being organised horns in the Eliminator. The losing Nepal Football Association while and said England’s 290 in the first Otte 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. for the first time in the country— team of Qualifier 1 will then face the Turnpike Events is sponsoring and England’s defeat in The Oval Test innings was sub-par for batting-friend- Tokyo Olympic champions which will run from September 18 to winners of the Eliminator in Qualifier managing it. against India not only exposed ly conditions. Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic October 8. 2 for the next final spot. The participating teams are the deficiencies in their game but also “England do not make enough runs advanced, as did British 18-year-old The league, originally scheduled to Each match will consist of two Rising Club, Dharan; Sports Castle, proved they are not battle-hardened or when it is flat and played poor strokes qualifier Emma Raducanu. start on May 15, was postponed owing halves of 20 minutes and will be Pokhara; Lumbini Futsal, Rupandehi; ruthlessness enough, former captains through lapses in concentration,” he German fourth seed Zverev to rising coronavirus infections. played on a hard-court surface, as per Futsal Five, Dharan; Duku Futsal, Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain rued. stretched his win streak to 15 matches The qualifications for the league the FIFA standard, instead of turf, at Kathmandu; Sabin Memorial FC, said. by beating Italian 13th seed Jannik finals were held between March 14 and the covered hall of Pokhara Stadium. Pokhara; Sankhamul Futsal, Joe Root’s men held the upper hand Sinner 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7). Swiss 11th April 18. Each team will have 14 members and a Kathmandu; Jharana Sports Club, in the fourth Test after bowling out seed Bencic eliminated Polish seventh As per the draw, the Rising Club total of nine substitutions will be Rupandehi; Prabhatpheri Sports Club, India for 191 and grabbing a 99-run India thrashed seed Iga Swiatek, last year’s French will vie against Sky Goals in the open- allowed per match. Kathmandu; and Sky Goals, first-innings lead. Open champion, 7-6 (14/12), 6-3. And ing match of the league, to be played The winners of the league will bag a Kathmandu. But chasing 368 for victory on a flat England by 157 runs 150th-ranked Raducanu ripped track, England went from cruising at 43rd-ranked American Shelby Rogers 100 for no loss to unravelling in the in the fourth Test to 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes. final day’s post-lunch session, take 2-1 series lead. Raducanu is only the third qualifier succumbing to a 157-run defeat. to reach the US Open women’s quar- NVA signs 10-year Nepal Super League deal “For years, we beat Australia and ter-finals after Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi India in our conditions, but in 2017 and American Barbara Gerken SPORTS BUREAU will organise a similar kind of volley- women’s categories. now we are struggling,” former cap- The hosts were sloppy in the field in 1981. KATHMANDU, Sept 7 ball tournament annually for 10 years. According to NSEM CEO Sudip tain Vaughan wrote in the Daily too, spilling six catches in the match, Zverev, last year’s US Open run- There will be seven teams in both Sharma, they are planning to host the Telegraph. which irked Hussain. ner-up, reached his seventh career Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA) male and female categories of the first first edition of the tournament from “England have to work on how to “Their catching has been shaky for Slam quarter-final and fourth in the and Nepal Sports and Event edition of the game. November 17 to December 17 this year. become more battle-hardened when a while now, and they can’t keep hav- past five Slams. He will next face Management (NSEM) inked a deal for According to the agreement, NVA “We are planning to host the second the pressure is on.” ing to create 26 chances in each Test 46th-ranked Lloyd Harris of South Nepal Super League—a franchise vol- will provide technical support as well edition in home and away format from They let India off the hook in the because the blokes in the slips are Africa, who eliminated US 22nd seed leyball tournament—in men’s and as manpower, covered halls and the next edition,” he said.. first innings when the tourists were dropping too many,” he wrote in the Reilly Opelka 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. women’s categories for 10 years. arrange domestic and international Karki Chaudhary said that the main 127-7 but went on to post 191. Daily Mail. Czech fourth seed Karolina NVA vice-president Niroj Maskey players for the tournament. NSEM objective of organising the tourna- The touring side made amends in “What they’ll have learned from Pliskova, this year’s Wimbledon run- and NSEM chairman Ashrayata Karki will take care of the expenses and ment is to help young players develop the second innings by racking up a this game is that a lack of ruthless- ner-up, beat Russian 14th seed Chaudhary signed the deal at a func- management of the tournament and their skills. NVA vice chairman series-high 466. ness earlier in the game can come Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4. tion in Kathmandu on Tuesday. NSEM, give NVA 30 percent of the profit from Maskey said the agreement would be “They lack pace and variation to back to haunt you. She next faces Greek 17th seed Maria which also organised the the event. NSEM will also provide helpful in development and promotion make things happen in flat conditions. “The mistakes seem small at the Sakkari, who ousted 2019 US Open franchise-based Nepal Super League support for hosting NVA Club volley- of the game and enhancing profes- This Test team are dependent on the time, but they all add up. It’s up to winner Bianca Andreescu 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 football tournament in April and May, ball championships in both men’s and sionalism among the players. pitch helping them,” Vaughan said of England to eradicate them.” (8/6), 6-3 HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) ** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** You naturally tend towards individualism. In fact, Cancer folks require regular solitude, peace, and You’re always taking care of the people around you. Spend some time today mulling over your trajectory that sense of independence is what you’re here to privacy in the comfort of their homes. It is an ideal Let yourself soak up some of that TLC back today as and diving deeper into honing your next direction. cultivate! Yet, Wednesday’s skies remind you that day for facing any tough family conversations. the day calls for self-care and pampering. The align- The alignment puts you at peak visibility, so take you can’t go through it alone. It’s an ideal day for Therapeutic outlets and vulnerable exchanges are ment makes it a perfect day for putting your self-ex- advantage by making your stance known. It’s an level-headed relationship conversations. encouraged too! pression on a stage. ideal day for planning future moves.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) **** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Wednesday’s cosmic landscape encourages you to You’ve got the gift of a silver tongue today. It’s easy to You regularly need to ring yourself out from all of Try to pay more attention to young adults or teenag- reclaim an inner sense of security. Your focus is sent sweet talk people over to your way of seeing things. the emotional. Honor your need to pull away and find ers in your life right now. You make a very good role towards any imbalances that have emerged on the It’s an ideal day to embark on important conversa- some restorative time alone. Wednesday’s skies model, and you have some interesting ideas that they work/life balance front. It’s an ideal day to face tions that have been waiting in the wings. Creative makes it an ideal day for journaling, therapy, and would benefit from. If all the kids you know live far heavy workloads as you can sail them with ease. writing projects also benefit from this energy! engaging in other healing modalities. away, send a message or thoughtful gift. Just make.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) *** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) **** Your extroverted twin is finally getting some stage You prefer to approach the world with a realistic Ease up on your need to push ahead, Sagittarius. People are always highly-tuned into the environ- time today. The alignment pushes you to reconnect mindset. Let that craving for practicality seep back Wednesday’s skies bring a welcome change of pace. ment. Let yourself carve out some much-needed with your creative projects making it an ideal day for in today. It’s an ideal day to tap back into the state of The alignment puts you in a social and extroverted social downtime today as the moon wades into any project that spotlights your self-expression—so your resources and make amends. The alignment mood as you actively seek connection to community peace-seeking Libra. Luna’s presence here sends don’t be afraid to step in front of the camera! makes it easy to deal with heavy workloads. and friend groups. your focus on intimate exchanges. Crossword Sudoku

Yesterday’s Solution

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2021 | 08 Culture & Lifestyle (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Nepali films are more vocal and less visual: Narendra Mainali Cinematographer Mainali talks about his journey in the Nepali film industry, his thoughts on where Nepali films stand visually, and the challenges professionals like him face.

n his nine-year-long career, Narendra Despite making more than 80 films every year, Mainali, a cinematographer, has we struggle to find a cinematic language in achieved what many aspiring cinematog- Nepali films. Most of our movies are mere raphers dream of. Mainali has been a stitching of incoherent yet good looking post- part of many critically acclaimed short card-like lifeless images. films like ‘Bansulli’(2012) and ‘The One of the greatest challenges in the Nepali IContagious Apparitions of Dambarey film industry is the lack of intent to improve Dendrite’ (2013), which were screened at pres- our visual literacy. We have been trying to tigious film festivals, including the Venice make the text look beautiful, but our visual Film Festival and Abu Dhabi Film Festival. literature is always ignored. That is the reason Some of the mainstream movies in which he why Nepali films are more vocal and less worked are ‘Lalpurja’ (2018), ‘The Breakup’ visual. We rely heavily on dialogues and narra- (2019), and ‘Ghamad Shere’ (2019). tion, which could be conveyed more effectively Mainali has also received mentorship from through the images. The power of visuals is far many cinematic legends like Wong Kar Wai, more convincing than that expressed through Matthew Libatique, and several other dialogues. renowned film professionals who have shaped Through meaningful images, we can connect his views about visuals and cinema, he says. directly with the audience, and I think this is In this interview with the Post’s Ankit why most Nepali films cannot connect with the Khadgi, Mainali talks about his passion for audience because we find an easy way to write cinematography, thoughts on where Nepali the story and care less about how we can films stand visually, and the challenges immerse the audience in the story. cinematographers like him face. Excerpts: What advice would you like to give aspiring How did you end up becoming a cinematographers who want to pursue cinematographer? Walk us through your cinematography as a full-time career? professional journey. I would suggest they try their hands in docu- Before I began working as a cinematographer, mentary filmmaking before indulging in I was studying computer engineering. But I narrative work. Shooting a documentary knew I did not want to be an engineer for the teaches you to work fast, set the perfect rest of my life as I was always interested in composition, and observe natural light. Nature photography. is the greatest teacher. The same space has a I started my career as a freelance photogra- different personality when the light strikes at pher. However, with time, I became more Photo Courtesy: Narendra Mainali different times, creating a different mood and attracted to the world of motion-picture pho- Acclaimed cinematographer Narendra Mainali has already been a part of nine feature films and a few short movies. atmosphere. tography. This led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture Photography from about my art form. down the script, understand the characters which can directly communicate with the audi- Any particular cinematographer(s) whose Oscar College of Film Studies. I also partici- and their goals, and thus develop a distinct ence. work you would like to suggest to aspiring pated in several workshops and masterclasses. Many people still think a cinematographer’s visual style for the film, the director, and the Furthermore, I like to get the storyboard cinematographers and filmmakers? I did a photography course at the Danish role is to shoot visuals. Could you tell us more production designer. done, so I am sure of the director’s vision. School of Media and Journalism in Denmark. about the responsibility of a cinematographer I believe that the personality of the charac- Having a storyboard will make it much easier Roger Deakins is my favourite cinematogra- In 2012, I attended a film masterclass at the in a film? ter through whom we are telling the story for me to translate the director’s ideas into pher. I have watched all of his movies Asian Film Academy that the Busan should be in sync with the personality of the images. hundreds of times. His composition, lens selec- International Film Festival organised. The fol- In my opinion, a cinematographer is a visual camera. If the character is happy, I want the tion, and the way he lights the scenes are sim- lowing year, I participated in Berlinale Talents, collaborator who works with a director to turn camera to be happy. If the character is restless, You have been a part of several short movies ply perfect. His works beautifully immerse which the Berlin Film Festival organised. I ideas into images. They are responsible for I want to show it through composition, camera and feature films. What are the differences viewers. also got a wonderful opportunity to receive creating the look and feel of the film. A huge movement, and lighting. that you find between these two entities? mentorship from Wong Kar Wai, the famous challenge in the career of a cinematographer Any project(s) you are involved in that you are Hong Kong film director, and Matthew is not just to create visually appealing images Since you need to work closely with directors, Fundamentally, I do not see a lot of differences excited about? Libatique, cinematographer of the Oscar- but to also portray the emotional journey of a how do you ensure that you guys are on the between shorts and features. We are there to winning film Black Swan. character through the use of visual elements same page? narrate the story through the images, the way I recently finished working on ‘The Secrets My career as a cinematographer kicked off like composition, lighting, lens choices, and the director has envisioned. But most short of Radha’, a film directed by Subarna Thapa. with my first short film, ‘Bansulli’ (The Flute). proportionate use of production design. A film is the director’s medium. Thus, I spend films are purely driven by artistic motives, so The movie is about an emotional journey of Min Bahadur Bham directed the movie, and it Most importantly, the role of the cinematog- as much time as possible with the director in cinematographers enjoy the freedom to experi- a character named Radha, played by Shristi was selected for the prestigious Venice rapher is to elevate the vision of the director. the pre-production to discuss and shape the ment with visual style, camera formats, and Shrestha, who goes on a journey to find her International Film Festival in Italy. My next film’s tone, mood, and visual structure. I also lighting. Short films are more flexible in missing husband. The film also includes other short film, ‘The Contagious Apparitions of How do you turn a script or a story into like to take as many references from other exploring different styles, whereas feature well-known actors like Khagendra Lamichhane, Dambarey Dendrite’, which Pooja Gurung and visuals? What is your approach to work like? movies or other art forms such as paintings, films require a certain discipline over form Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, and Menuka Bibhusan Basnet directed, went on to have its music, or photographs. and content. Pradhan. world premiere at Abu Dhabi Film Festival in In a country like Nepal, visual literacy is very I like to spend more time talking about the I am also in the pre-production of the film 2013. I did my first feature film only in 2014. weak. I believe that beautiful ideas come only structure of the screenplay. By understanding What are the other challenges that a ‘Jindabaad’, written by Buddhisagar and I believe it’s because of all these through intense preparation. I like to sit with the character’s state of mind, the cinematogra- cinematographer in Nepal has to endure while directed by Nischal Basnet. We plan to shoot opportunities that I became more serious the director in the pre-production phase, break pher can create more meaningful images, working? the film once normalcy returns.

Published and Printed by Kantipur Publications Limited, Central Business Park, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal, P. B. No. 8559, Phone: 5135000, Fax: 977-1-5135057, e-mail: [email protected], Regd. No. 32/049/050, Chairman & Managing Director: Kailash Sirohiya, Director: Swastika Sirohiya, Editor: Sanjeev Satgainya