#535 7-13 January 2011 16 pages Rs 30

Looking to the future Foggy winter morning in the Valley

KIRAN PANDAY 2 EDITORIAL 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

y now it must be clear to most Nepalis that UNMIN’s mission in is a done deal. Even the Maoists are only really Bpretending that with India on the Security Council, there is STOP WASTING TIME any possibility of another extension. So why bother? The fuss they are kicking up has nothing to do with a concern for the larger peace process. By calling for UNMIN to stay, which they well know is impossible in the current confi guration, they are hoping that they will at least be granted a residual mini-UNMIN, or at any rate a UN-related committee to take on some of UNMIN’s mandate. Whatever form this body takes, the Maoists will hope to use it as cover for their actions, and to buffer their ex-combatants from direct dealings with the Special Committee and its secretariat. At the very least, their dire predictions now will allow for ‘told you so’ pontifi cations later, and justifi cations for situations that the Maoists themselves will play a part in creating in the months to come. To wit, they are creating room to manouevre. The inability or refusal of the Maoists to take the diffi cult decisions that would eventuate in their ‘losing’ their military capability refl ects a deep insecurity about their ability to retain power in a democratic set-up. This is not surprising, given their ideological make-up, and the past and current reluctance to support radical change of Nepal’s mainstream political parties and the elite. But their continued reliance on the PLA is now a liability for both Maoists and non-Maoists. If the intention was never to wean themselves off the PLA and associated militias, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Co. may have imagined they were pulling one over the Nepali public and the international community when they signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord. But if they still believe that they can capture the state and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat, they’ve pulled the wool over their own eyes. On the other hand, if they are sincere about becoming a democratic party that relies only on the ballot, and not the bullet, then they had bloody well get on with it. We’re all getting old waiting, never mind those wasted lives in the cantonments. KIRAN PANDAY ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

INSPIRING NEPALIS I went to Help Nepal’s web site. I come short due to a lack of training, LETTER TO THE EDITOR Congratulations!!! could not fi nd any document that says, exposure, inherent biases, etc. You all helped make our world more ‘Monitoring and Evaluation or Independent Soach I got a terrible shock when beautiful and we are proud of you. (‘Persons Evaluation Report’. Perhaps I did not I checked my email to fi nd of the Year’, #534). search hard enough. I’d be grateful if I agree that there is some HSSAN (Higher Secondary Ngima Tendup Sherpa someone posted a link to Help Nepal- motive behind all this. It could be the Schools Association Nepal) and specifi c M&E concerns or reports. subconscious need for fame or just a Metropolitan Police Happy to note that your esteemed On the other hand, if there has indeed defense mechanism like altruism. But, are planning to ban motorbikes magazine choose Dr. Mingmar G. Sherpa been no independent evaluation of Help hey, who cares? Just look at Bill Gates for 10+2 students. I couldn’t in ‘Persons of the Year’ for his exemplary Nepal’s work in the last 8 or 10 years, – he gives hundreds of millions of dollars believe my eyes. This is clearly a work in delivering healthcare services to then it’s hard to take it seriously as an to developing countries for various violation of our rights. remote, disadvantaged and rural people. His impact-making charity. One is free to like programs even while he has named the Will banning bikes for contributions have saved the lives of many Help Nepal as a Nepali-run and Nepali- foundation the Bill and Melinda Gates students really put an end to mothers and children there. This can be managed charity that appears to have its Foundation. At least it’s much better problems like road accidents, a model for other districts in the country. smile in the right place. But beyond that, than the actions of people like Mukesh traffi c jams and lack of discipline Congratulations! one need not take it as an exemplary Ambani, who is wasting billions on among college goers as HSSAN Heem S. Shakya charity of any sort. his ‘edifi ce’ while his Indian brethren and the traffi c police claim? The Rabindra Mishra should also stop are languishing in despicable poverty. city traffi c police are corrupt, SOME SUCCESS writing about Help Nepal. He founded Even in Nepal, we see so many rich incompetent and cannot do UML, in spite of myopic Jhalanath baje, has it. He should be applauded for it. His people donating generously to temple their jobs well. They would do been successful in retaining power (‘Ignored championing Help Nepal is nice but is construction and stuff. How about trying better to try and manage the Lessons’, Damakant Jayshi, #534). This is also full of danger for the charity’s growth. to make someone’s life better instead infamous traffi c jams of the city their success, not incompetence. You can’t fault a father for singing his of adding more adipose tissue to the than indulge in silly tactics like NC is sure to remain steadfast, (their daughter’s praises, though after a while, bellies of mahantas at Pashupati? So banning youths from riding bikes. masters in Delhi must have told them to this can be boring and irritating, and my personal opinion on all of this is Help I can understand some of the remain so) unless ordered to do otherwise. embarrassing to the daughter. Nepal is a wonderful project that needs reasons for the colleges and the In doing so they are also keeping the Maoist Mishra should instead now fi nd to be supported in every way possible. police wanting to stop students bajes at bay, and surely this is their success. unrelated but credible national and I recently started sponsoring a child from riding bikes. But those international professionals, preferably through Save the Children Nepal and I concerns have fairly simple The Maoist bajes are also being those who know a thing or two about will donate to Help Nepal as well. Good solutions. Colleges can stop successful, by the public display of dissent how rural education works, to make good Luck Help Nepal team! students from bunking classes to buy time to keep their radical cadres or bad public comments about Help Bibek Koirala by asking them to turn over their waiting and hoping for the dream that Nepal’s work. motorbike keys once they are cannot be realised. I am not sure what made Nepali inside the college and handing In the meantime, all of them and the Times sign on. I see Nepali Times’ the keys back to them once the minor parties are enjoying their allowances, partnership as a dangerous precedent. classes are over. Attendance perks and facilities. Good for them. Could it not have simply said ‘Help Nepal Weekly Internet Poll # 535 can be taken at the end of every K. K. Sharma is our Charity of the Year for 2011’ and left class. Students can be given it at that? Q. How do you feel about 2011? orientation about safe riding and WHITHER JOURNALISM? Mishra seems to have a mistaken Total votes: 1,662 traffi c rules. Very good initiative by HeNN to get the view of journalism’s public service There are many students like ball rolling on Nepalis helping Nepalis mission. Contrary to what he says, the me who are passionate about (‘Philanthropic Journalism’, Rabindra best public service that journalism can bikes and we don’t think there is Mishra, #534). Let’s hope the partnership do is to take a hard-nosed, skeptical and anything wrong with it. Putting with Nepali Times will spread the word questioning approach to everything that excessive control on students and more NRNs and Nepalis will start to anyone with power says or does so that will only provoke them more. contribute the cost of a beer a month. I am the public is not deceived by those who Gaurav Pandey going to donate my one year’s worth right purport to work for the public. Taking such now. Thanks to Rabindraji and HeNN. an approach consistently is diffi cult work Weekly Internet Poll # 536. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Janak Dongol, Bangkok in itself, and many journalists in Nepal Q. Is UNMIN right to be leaving?

Publisher: Kunda Dixit | Editor: Rabi Thapa Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Design: Kiran Maharjan | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com OP-ED 3 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 Big Madhesi politics

PLAIN SPEAKING Watch this space for future splits Prashant Jha among the Madhes parties

s yet another Madhesi broader support base, and is president/chairman’s party bites the dust offering incentives to leaders working style. Aand is reduced from different Madhesi Caste, ethnicity, to almost half its size at parties to support his ideology, the differing the parliamentary party imminent prime ministerial political backgrounds of level, the question that has bid. It works for Yadav too, the leaders, conflicts over dogged the politics of the as he gets to head his own resource-sharing, India’s plains is back. Why is there party, retains his portfolio role and willingness to such fragmentation among as long as the caretaker create and split Madhesi Madhesi outfits? government lasts, and will parties according to Take the latest case of probably get something even shifting priorities: all Mahendra Yadav, who more profitable in the next have played a crucial walked away from TMDP. alliance with his increased role in the fragmentation Yadav recognised in 2007 bargaining power. of Tarai politics. But at that the future of Madhesi The details are important its root, the divisions are leaders in UML was bleak. for they offer us a glimpse driven by the individual Those who wanted a counter into an underlying pattern at leader’s calculation that to Upendra Yadav were work in Madhesi politics. the benefits of forming a on the lookout for Yadav Nepali parties are splinter outfit – by way leaders who could undercut centred on individuals. of a portfolio, a party Upendra’s caste base, and But in bigger parties, the position, increased saw Mahendra as a potential organisational banner and prestige, autonomy, or just foil. Obviously, Upendra’s symbol are critical; the more money – outweigh stature was much bigger, stakes are higher; and it is the risks of finding one’s but Mahendra found an far more difficult to trigger own way in a challenging honourable space in TMDP. a vertical organisational political landscape and His presence helped convey split. In small, nascent being tainted as a regular that the party was not merely outfits, it is largely personal defector. The churning a club of upper caste leaders. connections, patronage, will continue: expect Though Mahendra and resources that enable newer Madhesi parties Yadav played a role in a politician to climb up. soon. start-up operations, his He makes money, and disenchantment began distributes it to loyalists – soon after. As Mahant and that spurs his leadership Thakur increasingly relied ambitions even more. It on Hridayesh Tripathi, is far more challenging to Sarvendra Nath Shukla, work for years to build the Brikesh Chandra Lal and party when he can use his others for the day-to-day limited social base to fetch functioning of TMDP, Yadav immediate rewards in the began a whisper campaign fragmented Kathmandu about how the party had been polity. ‘hijacked’. After the fall of Look at Rajendra Mahato. the Maoist-led government, He is happy with his small Yadav campaigned to get party instead of working TMDP to join the government for a broader Sadbhavana – even though the other platform – he has money, senior leaders were averse commands nine MPs (a to the idea as they knew it number that will soon would destroy the party’s shrink), and has been a credibility. India too wanted minister in all governments TMDP to join the anti-Maoist since 2006. Expanding will government to lend it more only increase the pressure stability, and used Yadav to on him to share the spoils. indirectly influence party Mahendra Yadav will follow equations. Yadav ended up a similar trajectory. with a lucrative ministerial Add to this the fact that portfolio. many of these parties are Despite being top-heavy. For example, accommodated, Yadav was TMDP was formed after openly critical of the party already established leaders leadership. He developed his came together, not through own coterie among non-upper a natural bottom-up party caste MPs, largely Yadavs, formation process where intermediate castes, and some activists slowly rise up Tharus and Muslims. through multiple levels. The immediate trigger Managing egos in such set- for the split appears to ups, where the hierarchy be the prospect that the is unclear and often under next house session could challenge, is difficult for throw up a new PM. The the supreme leader. In old UML connections have a fascinating article in worked. Jhalanath Khanal Kantipur this week, Madhesi is aware that a UML-Maoist leader JP Gupta documented government, even if it all the splits that have taken wins the vote, will find it place in Madhesi parties impossible to function: NC since the 1950s, and found will stay in the opposition, the stated reason for most and Madhesi parties could divisions is disenchantment well begin agitational politics. of senior and mid-level He is ensuring that he has a leaders with the party 4 BUSINESS 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 “We are a 100 per cent Nepali Flying high company”

n late November, Director of Buddha Air Birendra IBahadur Basnyet spoke at the weekly program organised by Entrepreneurs for Nepal at Dwarika’s Hotel. Excerpts:

“My family background is in agriculture and in that respect, I am a first generation entrepreneur. Fourteen years ago, when we set up Buddha Air, we didn’t have any equity and hence we started with debt finance. Looking back, the determination that we had then was key. As a middle- class family, opening up an airline company was a joke for everybody else, even MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA our relatives. We mocked ourselves, saying, “We but it is not political. The this, but it demonstrated our 10 per cent on our income were among the five airline didn’t have five thousand union understands that if staff ability to handle even that to date under the voluntary companies in the world that rupees in our pocket but we members make a mistake, it kind of situation. On the disclosure of income source had generated a net profit. We were forwarding a project hampers the entire team, so other hand, we have been (VDIS) scheme. Due to have remained focused on our worth three hundred million we are free to take action if able to justify our profits the transparency we had core competency for 14 years, rupees.” necessary. as well and have provided maintained, I was able to tell even though there have been But there were many In 2001, the aviation bonuses to all our staff them that if they wanted opportunities to diversity. factors that made it possible, industry wasn’t doing members. 10 per cent, they would have Never compromise on and all along we have stuck great. There was extremely Be transparent. We to return 15 per cent of the quality or safety. Every to our core values of diligence unhealthy competition in the have transparent accounts 25 per cent of our income we year we spend hundreds of and integrity. Other lessons aviation sector and to make and we pay our taxes. had already paid for all those millions of rupees to train we have learnt are: matters worse, we were in dire The main importance of years as taxes. our staff. Our pilots go to Respect your staff. We financial straits. We called a transparency in accounts is Focus on core America, Bangkok, etc. for have around 600 staff and meeting of all our staff and that we can diversify from competencies. One of our simulations and our engineers they are our strength. If we decided to cut salaries by the legal savings we have major strengths is that we go for training every year. do not help and respect 30 per cent to sustain the made. One of my proudest focused on one business. We have a huge amount of them, we cannot be a company, something everyone moments was when the The International Finance spare parts and we have not profitable company. There was ready to bear. In the end, government called me to Corporation and the World compromised a bit in training is a union in Buddha Air we didn’t have to resort to say we would have to pay Bank told us in 2009 that we our staff.

Car of the year Ford Figo has been selected as the Indian Car of the Year. The model was recently launched in Nepal and has sold over 200 units. More hours Civil Bank has extended its banking transaction hours and will now operate from 8am to 6pm. The bank is open six days a week from Sunday to Friday. Power up Gautam Electric and Electric Centre, sole distributor of Firman generators, has launched a new range of CE, ETL Safety, EMC, EURO-II, EPA, and CARB certifi ed petrol and diesel generators. Firman generators come with a 12-month warranty. Profitable meet The 18th AGM of Himalayan Bank concluded with the decision to distribute 25 per cent bonus shares and 11.85 per cent cash dividends to its shareholders. The bank earned a net profi t of Rs 508 million in the fi scal year 2009-10. Three cheers Himalayan Brewery and Trishakti Distilleries are opening under new management. In addition to re-launching its old products, including Iceberg Beer, the companies will introduce new brands of liquor. Branching out Janata Bank has opened its sixth branch in Chautara, Sindhupalchok. An ATM has also been installed at the branch. Janata Bank has two branches in Kathmandu and one each in Pokhara, Dhunche and Birganj. BUSINESS 5 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 Questions for Buddha’s Basnyet

What does corporate social responsibility Are there any opportunities for aspiring (CSR) mean for Buddha Air? entrepreneurs to invest in the growing For me, CSR is my responsibility to my aviation sector? staff. We have an understanding between There are many technologies required in the union and the management regarding our industry like ticketing, accounting, salaries being reviewed every two years. etc. There is no e-commerce in our Last year, salaries were increased by 40 per industry and we have not been able cent and we have provided facilities like to sell tickets through credit cards. health care, a provident fund, job security, So if anyone can develop the etc. Before being of service to society, first technology, there is always an we should fulfil the expectations of our staff. opportunity. Let’s see if we can get to a position where we can really invest in CSR in Nepal.

What scope do you see for Nepali management graduates at Buddha Air? Buddha Air is 100 per cent managed and staffed by Nepalis. We have very little staff turnover. One of our policies is to make our staff managers and decision makers according to their growth. We do not place new staff in higher positions and we have never created a new managerial band. We have in-house training for those who want to move up to the managerial band. So definitely there is a lot of scope for those students in Buddha Air.

KIRAN PANDAY 6 OP-ED 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

despite naysayers who want to discard the peace process altogether. Not doing so will cost them both heavily, never Post-UNMIN tasks mind the Nepali people. The Maoists need to come good on their earlier MY TAKE pledge to transfer the control of ex-combatants to the Damakant Jayshi Special Committee, which also includes members of their party. They have he most immediate also consented to the challenge for the appointment of retired Lt. Tgovernment and Gen. Balananda Sharma as political parties is to coordinator of the Special cool temperatures over Committee Secretariat, the monitoring of the which is entrusted with Nepal Army and Maoist supervision, integration ex-combatants and the and rehabilitation of the management of specific combatants. In other words, numbers of weapons in the KIRAN PANDAY be it UNMIN’s scheduled wake of UNMIN’s departure exit, transfer of control of on 15 January. the Maoist ex-combatants, Instead, there’s the usual The parties should be focusing on enabling and their monitoring by the politicking and posturing. Special Committee, these are The Maoists had the existing local mechanisms post-UNMIN all outcomes of agreements previously agreed, though with the Maoists. Nothing has with some reluctance, that efforts to resolve the situation can come across. Even if the Maoist ex-combatants and changed to demand a change UNMIN’s extension till 15 during the four months of mission were to get another their stored weapons, along in the set-up. January would be the last UNMIN’s extended tenure. extension, one cannot change with an equal number of On its part, the one. But they have already Despite knowing that UNMIN the terms and conditions weapons from the Nepal government, effectively an written to the UN Security cannot stay here for eternity, midway through the peace Army. UNMIN is on its way anti-Maoist coalition now, Council for yet another the Maoists have violated process. NC, which has so far out, so there is no point must not provoke their former extension, knowing full well one agreement after another, displayed a lot more resolve arguing about the conditions partners by demanding that this is not possible. delaying almost every aspect and character than any other under which it might stay. immediate control of the Their reasoning is that of the peace process. non-Maoist party when it The situation post-UNMIN stored weapons and details of vital elements of the peace Nepali Congress President comes to making the Maoists assumes an urgency rarely the combatants living in process are still incomplete, Sushil Koirala says his party honour agreements related to witnessed since the political UN-monitored cantonments. especially the thorny issue might agree on another peace and the constitution, parties and ex-rebels came A competent handling of of the Maoist ex-combatants’ extension for UNMIN, is clearly taking a wrong together in 2005. It demands this situation will not only integration and rehabilitation. provided certain conditions stance here. dexterity, sensitivity and a avert a looming but very This may be a valid are fulfilled, one of which Both sides are engaging in little out-of-the-box-thinking. much avoidable crisis, concern but equally is taking the Nepal Army a useless debate. They should No doubt a tall order for the but will also go a long way in important is the question of out of the UN mission’s be focusing their energy on drivers of the peace process restoring the trust among the who is to be blamed for the monitoring purview. This is how to enable existing local in the country, but they parties. delay by not making sincere as silly a condition as one mechanisms to manage the must salvage the situation [email protected]

THIS WEEK Promotion for some Constitution ahoy! The Home Ministry on Tuesday promoted 25 Deputy All the reports of the thematic committees Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to the rank of settled by the High Level Taskforce have been Superintendents of Police (SPs). The decision came at endorsed by the parties of the Constituent a time when the ministry has been widely criticised for Assembly. NC leader Ramesh Lekhak, who last week’s elevation of fi ve SPs to the rank of Senior was present at the meeting, said the parties Superintendents of Police (SSPs). The media has reported differed slightly on the judiciary system. Efforts that those who were promoted are close to Home Minister to fi nalise the remaining 83 issues have Bhim Rawal, IGP Ramesh Chand Thakuri, and the leaders begun, starting with discussions on the name of political parties. Some of the promoted DSPs themselves of the new constitution. Further discussions have expressed dissatisfaction at the way the ministry will focus on the report prepared by the CA promoted high-ranking police offi cers without taking into Committee on Determining Forms of Governance. consideration their performance. on further work strategy and work allocation. The meeting Last Friday, the ministry excluded popular SP Ramesh decided to take the initiative for the formation of a government Kharel from its list of those promoted. Home Minister under its own leadership and intensify political discussions Signing off Bhim Bahadur Rawal defended his decision, issuing a for UNMIN’s term extension until the completion of the peace Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal sent a letter on behalf statement on Wednesday saying the government decision to process. However, the meeting did not decide which party of the government to UNMIN Chief Karin Landgren on promote and transfer Nepal Police personnel was based on leader will assume the leadership of the government. Friday, covering the decisions taken and progress made on qualifi cations, seniority and performance. Vice-Chairman Baburam Bhattarai wrote notes of dissent, monitoring of the Maoist combatants in the cantonments indicating his disagreement with the spirit of the proposals and the democratisation of the Nepali Army in response presented, and his belief that the party’s primary aim should to UNMIN’s queries. The PM has clarifi ed that the Army Party line passed be a pro-people constitution and the conclusion of the peace Integration Special Committee will monitor the combatants The three-day Central Committee meeting of the Maoists process. The meeting also decided on an internal political and the cantonments following the exit of UNMIN. A separate concluded on Wednesday by endorsing the integrated orientation 17 January through 31 January, and indicated that mechanism will be developed for a joint monitoring and political paper presented by Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal it would begin a nationwide movement from March to ensure coordination committee. All disputes will be resolved through Dahal. The standing committee has been assigned to decide peace, the constitution, and protect national sovereignty. mutual discussion. LIFE TIMES 7 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

ot so long ago, the tourism invested Rs 1 billion to upgrade industry was on the verge airports in the country. The airports Nof collapse due to the poor in Talcha, Simikot and Tumlingtar security situation and negative will be blacktopped in four months publicity brought on by the decade- and a terminal has already been long conflict. Nepal Tourism Year- constructed in . The 2011 (NTY-2011) is now underway, runway in Pokhara is being extended and the country is hoping to welcome by three kilometres and the runway a million tourists. The government at the international airport is being and tourism entrepreneurs are upgraded as well. eyeing NTY-2011 as an opportunity There were questions to rebuild Nepal’s tarnished image, regarding who should carry out and promote it as a safe and exciting the infrastructure developments destination for tourists once again. earmarked for the campaign. But the continuing political disarray NTY-2011 Coordinator Yogendra and uncertainty haunting the country Man Shakya emphasises that the is threatening to stymie these committee itself will not build roads ambitions. or improve airports. All the 26 Thanks to the delay in Bring ‘em on! ministries, the private sector and the presentation of the budget, public should contribute according NTY-2011 was not promoted to their capacity and responsibility, sufficiently at an international level. Piecemeal efforts have been he says, as the campaign is for the Worse, political parties and their benefit of all. sister organisations always seem ready made to promote Nepal Tourism Unfortunately, the threat of to stage protests, strikes or bandas. political disruption is like a sword Not much has been done to develop Year-2011, but success depends dangling over the campaign. Nineteen physical infrastructure, manage the largely on the cooperation of the political parties expressed solidarity international airport or improve the towards NTY-2011 by publicly human resources available to tourism political parties committing to keep the year free of either. Nepal Airlines Corporation bandas, strikes and protest programs. still has a shortage of aircraft, and the But entrepreneurs are worried that airports are mismanaged and manned the Maoists, who announced plans by badly trained staff. Nepal Tourism for NTY-2011 while in government Board’s websites have not been themselves, will be the first to go on DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA and PRABHAT BHATTARAI updated for a year; some carry news strike once UNMIN leaves on from five years ago. 15 January. Nearly 585,000 tourists visited Former tourism minister and Nepal up to November 2010, so Maoist MP Hisila Yami says it is boosting this figure to one million difficult to say that there will not be should not be such a difficult task any strikes. “There was an elected in principle. The real challenge, government in place when we entrepreneurs say, is to change the declared the tourism year. Anything perceptions of visitors to Nepal by can happen now that there is no making it safe for them. consensus.” Tourism year may Karna Shakya, a tourism be important, but not as much as entrepreneur and the coordinator of political agreement, peace and the Visit Nepal Year-1998, warns that if constitution, Yami says. the tourism year fails or backfires, Despite everything, Nepal can it will take another 20 years for the still make NTY-2011 a success if the sector to recover. “NTY-2011 should government and the private sector be promoted on a war footing,” he are willing to make the effort. Shakya advises. “The international media says, “If only the political parties should be invited to shoot in locations keep their promises to the people, across Nepal. The sorry state of this campaign will be successful. the international airport should be Let us hope that the Maoists don’t improved. Volunteers should be throttle their own baby,” Shakya mobilised to take care of the tourists says. and most importantly, flights should be on time.” Kishore Thapa, Secretary at the Civil Aviation Ministry, says that it is encouraging that tourist arrivals Goodwill have been rising even when all other economic indicators are declining. ambassadors But he adds that it is more important to promote a positive and hospitable Although quality advertisements could image rather than focus on bringing in not be produced due to the lack of a million tourists. a budget, Nepal has come up with It’s not as if nothing has been done some interesting promotional ideas. to prepare for NTY-2011. Several Khagendra Thapa Magar, the world’s festivals are being organised across shortest man, has been declared a goodwill ambassador for the the country by Nepal Tourism Board campaign. Other ambassadors include and the working committee of NTY- 2010 Sadicchya Nepal, 2011. Five-star hotels in Kathmandu Mount Everest summiteers, Indian- alone have invested Rs 500 million Nepali singer Prashant Tamang, and in increasing their capacity over the the band Sukarma. Singer Ani Choying last year. Luxury hotels have opened Dolma is also expected to sign on. up in Kanchanpur and . But how many tourists will be drawn Government officials, businessmen, in by promotional slogans like “The Non Resident Nepalis as well as world’s shortest man invites you to the goodwill ambassadors (see box) are country of the world’s tallest mountain” also doing their part to promote remains to be seen. NTY-2011. The government has PICS: KIRAN PANDAY 8 LIFE TIMES 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

collaboration with CWIN, Jay (left, pic), Narbahadur and Sukmaya each directed and produced a short film Through to tell people about their lives and the circumstances that led to their becoming child soldiers. “It has been our eyes a life-changing experience for the trainees. For the first time ever they were given Former child soldiers have a platform where they were listened to, uninterrupted,” a lot more to say than their says Kobylinska, who erstwhile leaders do believes the films act to remove the stigma they face and can be used as a vehicle only twelve. Like Narbahadur appears traumatised. She for peace building. (back corner, pic), Sukmaya asks the audience some The young filmmakers (centre) comes from a Dalit hard questions. “Why for are clear about their mission. background, and as a child us nothing has changed? Sukmaya wants no child to was painfully aware of the They needed us then, but go through what she went fact that she was ‘at the now we are not needed, are through. Narbahadur wants bottom and always the last’. we? Why are we not part of the viewers to realise that She narrates her story by the decision making? The caste discrimination must Phewa Lake in Pokhara. The democratic republic hasn’t end. And Jay says the films chronology is not entirely come, has it?” Then she make it clear why people RAMITA SHRESTHA clear; Sukmaya’s father died breaks down. go to war. “If we bring when she was young, but did The three films stand development to the neglected LUCIA DE VRIES unprepared for the images her mother become mentally as witness to the fate of and give employment to of grinding poverty in the ill because of that or after the estimated 6,000-9,000 youth then there will be no young filmmaker’s home: witnessing the Maoist attack children who left their homes more war.” ust a few minutes into malnourished sisters swatting on Beni in 2004? It doesn’t and schools to become Maoist It is that youthful Narbahadur’s film the flies, an emaciated mother, really matter. What is clear is cadres. The majority did not clarity which makes these J audience gasps. After four and his grey-haired father, that Sukmaya felt she was not end up in cantonments; they testimonies so powerful. days of walking the a blacksmith who is going given a choice. The Maoists are what filmmaker Tassia www.rovingeyefilm.co.uk 18-year-old former child blind. stayed at her house, and the Kobylinska calls ‘the ones soldier arrives home in Narbahadur’s film, My Sun army knew it. “The army who were forgotten, the ones a remote part of Humla Rise, is part of the Through would not spare me. I had without an identity’. district. He has warned the Our Eyes trilogy produced by to go with the Maoists,” she Working with Kobylinska nepalitimes.com viewers: ‘There is nothing three teenagers who joined says. (second from left, pic) Through his own eyes #492 in my village.’ But they are the Maoists when they were Today Sukmaya still and Roving Eye Film in LIFE TIMES 9 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

EVENTS DINING Boudha Stupa Restaurant & Café, enjoy wood-fi red pizza with a superb view of Boudha stupa and free wifi , candlelight dinner options are also available for the romantics every full moon night. Boudha, 2130681

1905 Restaurant, feast on roasted delights within this converted aristocratic residence. Walled ambience and green surroundings make it an oasis within the city, Kantipath, 4215068

Staging of Suina Karnalika, a new play presented by Aarohan-Gurukul in association with Karnali Natya Samaj of Mugu. Till 9 January, Rimal Theatre, Gurukul, Old Baneswor, 4466956 People in Between, Photo Exhibition by Gemunu Amarsinghe. Till 11 January, 11am to 2pm, Tuesdays closed, Peace Museum, Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya, Patan Dhoka MUSIC Singma Food Court, for the best Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine in town. Pulchok, 5009092 and Assorted motifs, an exhibition of paintings by Absolute Live Music, Bhatbhateni, 4411078,[email protected], Chirag Bangdel and other artists. Till January by Rashmi & Kitcha www.singma.foodcourt.com 15, Chai Chai Café, Jhamsikhel Band every Friday and performances by Shabnam Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar, the outdoor dining area & Cannabiz Band every invokes a great atmosphere for a night of drinks with friends Wednesday. 7.30pm and family. Thamel, 4701170 onwards, Absolute Bar, Hotel Narayani Complex, Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from Pulchok, Lalitpur, 5521408, a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Get a little spice in 5549504, your life with their pad thai or green curry. Thamel, 4701510 [email protected] Kakori at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kebabs, curries and Baja Gaja playing live at more, enjoy Indian food at its best. Everyday 7pm to Moksh. Every Tuesday, 10.45 pm for dinner, Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tahachal, call 7.30pm onwards, Moksh, 4273999 for reservations Pulchok, 5526212

Live Music by Sign band at The Corner Bar. Every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7.30pm onwards, The Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, 4411818

Screening of Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts. 7 December, 5.30pm, Lazimpat Gallery Cafe, Lazimpat,

Close-up 14th Hits FM Music Award 2067, Waffl es promotion at The Lounge from 12.30pm to an event to honour the best in the Nepali 4.00pm every day, Vegetarian Buffet at The Cafe every music industry. 7 January, starts 2.30pm, Army Tuesday from 6.30pm, and Arabian Nights at The Cafe Offi cers Club, Sundhara every Friday from 6.30pm at Hyatt Regency, Boudha, 4491234, 4489362 The Wedding and Gift Expo, wedding dresses, jewellery, gifts and mehendi sessions. Till 9 Café de Newa, try Newari delicacies like deep-fried buffalo January, 10am to 6pm, Exhibition Centre, tongue, brain and intestines. You will be blown away. United World Trade Centre, Tripureswor Next to Kathmandu Guest House, open everyday

Let’s talk about ART baby! a collaborative Irish Pub, not only does it feel like one, but it’s Irish all the solo from the series of Artivities by artist way down to the original recipes from the owner’s wife. Sujan Chitrakar. Till 27 January, 11am to 6pm, Ananda Bhawan, Lazimpat, 4416027 Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, 4218048 Everest Steak House, an old-school joint for everything steak. A sanctuary for meat. Thamel, near Chhetrapati ICT Info-Trade 2011, more than 80 brands chok, 4260471 of IT related products, new technologies, and attractive discounts. Till 9 January, 10am Saturday BBQ Brunch, enjoy mouth-watering Mongolian to 5pm, Exhibition Hall, Bhrikuti Mandap, BBQ at Gokarna Forest Resort. Every Saturday, Gokarna Exhibition Road Forest Resort, Gokarna, 4451212, [email protected], Rs. 1500 plus taxes Winter Art Collection, works by Japanese and Nepali artists. Till 24 January, 11am to 5pm, Comfort Zone, a decent range of cocktails and barbequed Sunday to Friday, Kathmandu Contemporary meats should keep you glued to the massive screen at one Arts Centre, Jhamsikhel, 5521120, end. Comfort Zone (rooftop of Bank of Kathmandu), Thamel www.kathmanduarts.org The Kaiser Cafe Restaurant & Bar, enjoy a pleasant BBQ AmarJyoti Foundation, provides support lunch in the ambient settings of The Garden of Dreams. through scholarships in art and sports, elderly Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm, Kaiser Mahal, Thamel, daycare and grief recovery. 9851023958 Rs 1,200 per person, 4425341 10 HAPPNINGS 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 Aspirin therapy needs guidelines

DHANVANTARI Buddha Basnyat, MD

spirin continues to impress. A study published in The A MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Lancet last year suggested that aspirin users have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Prime Minister Nepal presents a car on behalf of the 21 per cent less chance of government to NC leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai on his 86th birthday dying from cancer. The meta- at the latter’s residence in Bandegaun. analysis, which was a pooled fact, the above findings about aspirin’s perceived benefits study of more than aspirin therapy were a they were prescribing the 25,000 people who either by-product of an earlier drug for older people who took aspirin or a placebo study. had not had a heart attack (sugar pill), indicated that The original study was and were not at major risk there were greater benefits primarily designed to further either. But two years ago, with longer aspirin therapy. define the role of aspirin in definitive research revealed The study showed that patients who suffered from that the risks of aspirin, the aspirin group had less strokes and heart attacks. including bleeding ulcers in chance of dying from cancer Aspirin’s capacity to protect the stomach, outweighed compared to the placebo patients from cancer was the protection from heart cohort. Pancreatic, brain, a serendipitous finding, attacks for this healthy cohort lung, stomach and prostate common in biomedical of people. cancer were some of the research. Penicillin was also There has been a cancers that were prevented. discovered serendipitously. re-evaluation on the issue The study’s large sample size (A note about the Sanskrit- of ‘primary’ prevention lends weight to the findings derived word ‘serendipity’: of heart attacks with from Peter Rothwell and his Serendip was an old name for aspirin. Although popping colleagues at Oxford’s John Sri Lanka. In an 18th century inexpensive aspirin appears KIRAN PANDAY Radcliffe Hospital in the UK, play by Horace Walpole to be a highly cost-effective TALK TIME: Former Military Secretary to the palace, Bibek Kumar Shah, at but does this mean that we entitled The Three Princes way to prevent cancer, a program to discuss his book Maile Dekheko Darbar on Wednesday at need to start popping 75mg of Serendip, the travelling especially in a the Annapurna Hotel. of aspirin a day to avoid princes keep on making resource-poor country like cancer? remarkable discoveries Nepal, it may be prudent to Aspirin has long been that they are not really wait for proper international regarded as a drug that looking for.) guidelines that take the prevents and helps treat At one point some doctors recent Lancet publication strokes and heart attacks. In got so carried away by into consideration.

GREEN SCENE Green thumbs

together KIRAN PANDAY

children’s homes more homely rather TOUCH GENERATION: A visitor at the ICT Info-Trade 2011 in Bhrikuti Mandap than have them live in institutions.” One samples ZTE’s 7-inch Android tablet on Wednesday. The expo features of the three children’s homes that KC more than 80 brands and will conclude on Sunday. is involved with is called Hamroghar Children’s Home, meaning ‘our home’. “We want do away with the ‘orphan’ WEEKEND WEATHER tag and set up a home with small by NGAMINDRA DAHAL gardens, chickens and a compost pit so

the kids can learn how to become self- The major feature of this week’s weather is the reliant,” says KC, who rescued over 20 emergence of a thick layer of winter fog that has extended along the 2500-km long foothills of the children from an abusive orphanage Himalaya and the fl oodplains of the Ganga river operating until recently near Balkot. system. The fi rst round of winter rains last week generated adequate moisture that turned into foggy “It was like a business for him.” KC clouds and led to a drop in daily temperatures of believes that if he hadn’t acted most about 5 degrees. Fresh satellite pictures from Thursday afternoon indicate three things: the foggy of the children would have died of layer will remain for the next couple of days till a major westerly front brushes it away, the days malnutrition, conditions were so bad. ahead are likely to be windy due to the strong Maya Children’s Organisation was northerly winds, and western Nepal is likely to see MICHAEL COX another round of fresh snowfall over the weekend. set up, fi rst and foremost, to provide a Expect colder mornings, sunny intervals, and a ome of Kathmandu’s youngest green thumbs are safe living environment for children with nowhere to breezy weekend. getting a healthy dose of eco-friendly living. go. KC concedes that many of the children may not go A Balkot children’s home has ditched the to university as they started school late. Still, it doesn’t S KATHMANDU ‘orphan tag’, and replaced it with a ‘green tag’ in an stop KC and his charges from dreaming. “We’re on a effort to give Nepali children a more sustainable future. safe route on a plane, but now we’re looking for a safe ‘Big brother’ and chairperson of the Maya Children’s landing,’’ he says. Organisation, Bikash KC, says his ambition was to Green thumb and orphan Sagar Magar, 15, lives develop a home and a schooling system to support the in an Australian-funded orphanage called Meg’s home children from the ‘grassroots’. in Balkot. He’s been trying to set up a green club at FRI SAT SUN KC (centre, pic) has transformed a handful of school as a result of KC’s mentoring. “We are learning Balkot’s orphan children into some of Kathmandu’s how to manage crops and the green club will help in future green thumbs, by introducing them to a more recyling,” he says. “The degradable products will go sustainable lifestyle. “We’re trying to make the kids into a compost pit; plastic goods will be recycled.” 19-2 17-4 16-5 think greener,” he says. “We also want to make the Michael Cox SOCIETY 11 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

KUNAL TEJ BIR LAMA

his may be the umpteenth plus one Ttime you have read something about new year resolutions, just this year. But Old year we all know how difficult it is to be resolved enough to do what we gotta do. Giving up vices, inculcating virtues, reckonings getting things done for number one. So much so that we are equally habituated year past. It may be ironic vague, here’s how I do it. control, even when things KALAM to making fun of what’s not that his diaries reveal how Over the years, I’ve identified don’t quite pan out the way done, even before the year his homosexuality prevented the most important things I want them to. They often Rabi Thapa gets underway. him from writing (about to my life, in no particular don’t, of course, but knowing But what say the ghosts middle-class themes) from order: Work, Art, Love, and what’s off kilter helps. of years past? How 1924 to his death in 1970. (latterly), Health and Moolah. Of course, everyone has often do we actually But the principle stands. Who At the end of a year, or a their own design for life, to be Beware the stop to consider, at accounts for you? particular phase of life, I’m gauged by indicators perhaps the turning of the Oftentimes it seems wont to reflect on where I more concrete. And the busy, furious present year, not just which looking back is a luxury only stand vis-à-vis these markers. bustling new breed of Nepalis, and the anxious of the start-of-year the very old have, because Do I fall asleep at work on living under a neon-lighted, resolutions we (we think) they have so a regular basis? Does my billboarded vision of Naya future, the past succeeded or failed little to look forward to in writing send certain Nepali Nepal (new road really is that at, but just what we comparison, and in any case writers to sleep? Are my now, see above), is in danger awaits have accomplished they have not very much to Facebook friends more than of even forgetting to live in for ourselves? How be doing. If you think about profiles? Can I gear my cycle the present, let alone the past. has work, love, and life been? it, reminiscing of what was up the Hattiban ko ukalo and Beware the furious present. We’re not simply looking at and what might have been is still look cool doing it? Have The Welsh poet William trajectories to the top and indeed a luxury. But if one I stopped allowing Amrika- Henry Davies put it best when bottom lines, a perverse log life is all you get (or at any return friends to pay the bills he penned this ode to the joys applied to your own frame. rate all you remember), why for a night out? of simple contemplation: Was it a good year? All said not review it from time to Keeping these markers A poor life this if, full of and done, do you feel better? time? It’s something we can in some sort of a balance, care,we have no time to stand The novelist EM Forster do collectively, too, and not or at least being aware of and stare. was known to keep written just to lament where we have where I’m at with what’s When was the last time account of what he had stumbled. most important to me, makes you looked for ‘streams full of achieved at the end of the If this all sounds a bit me feel I’m in some kind of stars, like skies at night’? 12 INTERNATIONAL 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535

I don’t “ really know when we’ll get democracy ” ix weeks after her release from house arrest, Burmese pro-democracy leader Sand Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi talks about the prospects and diffi culties of bringing about political change in Burma with Mon Mon Myat of the Mekong series/IPS Asia- Pacifi c.

Mon Mon Myat: Is the major force for democratic change inside the country, or is it international pressure? Aung San Suu Kyi: I think force from inside is more important, but it doesn’t mean international actions are not important. I think there are more responsibilities for the inside force.

What is ASEAN’s role in pushing Burma for change? The role of ASEAN might be important. In South Africa, all African neighbours supported the African people. That is why their movement developed quickly and effectively. In the Burma situation, it is not the same. We have faced diffi culties in making progress with the

TIME MAGAZINE

of the administration,” forests have been victims says former secretary of the of political patronage since Ministry of Forestry, Uday the Rana days. During Sharma. One indication of the Panchayat years, the the anarchy in the forestry country’s forest cover sector is that even though dropped from 45 per cent in it has been the practice 1965 to 29 per cent in 1980, SURYA THAPA to ban all logging for four mainly due to government Neither monsoon months, this year sponsored transmigration the cabinet reduced that from the hills to the plains. period by half so more trees The Department of Forest’s he current political could be cut. Government- own survey shows that up disarray is resulting sponsored logging has got to 100,000 hectares of forest Tin calamitous worse since the RPP’s Deepak along the East-West Highway deforestation across the Bohara became Minister for have been encroached since country, and threatens to roll Forests, following which 1990. The deforestation got back Nepal’s internationally he handpicked his own worse during the war years acclaimed community secretary, director general and in the fluid transitional forestry success story. and District Forest period since the Smugglers in cahoots with Officers (DFOs). conflict ended in government officials, police, Former 2006. Dadeldhura and and members of forestry secretary at Salyan, for instance, user groups are responsible the Ministry of lost huge tracts of for heavy denudation in 25 Forests, Keshab native forests during hotspots in 16 districts. Trees Kandel, says the the war. are being cleared by illegal DFOs’ role is The Maoists loggers or squatters settled critical in whether are responsible for in government forests by a forest is saved or settling thousands political parties. destroyed. “The DFOs, police, of families in government More than 30,000 hectares civil servants, contractors, forests in Dhanusha, have been decimated in and some members of Sindhuli, Mahottari, the past year alone, and community forests are Udayapur, Kapilbastu, Dang, the country has lost three involved in the accelerated and Kailali. In Dang, the per cent of its forest cover deforestation we see today,” Maoists gave each family four in the unstable political says Kandel, “and the DFOs katthas of land. climate since the end of the and contractors in particular Meanwhile, in Bara, conflict, mostly in the Tarai. have an inside track right up Parsa, Rautahat, and Sarlahi, Environmentalists say the to the ministry and minister smugglers have carted off country needs at least in Kathmandu.” hundreds of tractor-loads of 40 per cent forest cover to Most of Nepal’s Tarai valuable hardwood timber maintain ecological balance, but this has now fallen to about 25 per cent. Nepal’s political disarray is “The key to protecting what is left of the forests destroying what remains of in this country is to have integrity in the leadership our forests NATION 13 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 The Lady speaks

movement. I think the support of regional with the government. If there is transparency, What would be your message to the there are different ways. As I have often governments and their pragmatic assistance people will know what the advantages and international community, including the been asked this question, I have often are vital for us. disadvantages are, and they can make a UN and aid agencies, and those who answered using Gandhi ji’s saying: decision. In some cases, we didn’t know how are ready to welcome the so-called new “Non-violence requires more courage, Many have said that political and economic things happened, how agreements were made government? more determination and it is harder ties with neighbouring countries cannot be between countries, what major things were Actually, it is no wonder that the international than using a violent way.” Although it is excluded. Likewise, economic sanctions included in the agreements. I think people community and governments acknowledge harder, it can go further. imposed by western countries created should be informed about those things. It is not the new government rather than welcome. If we use the violent way, we might stronger economic ties between Burma only because of our belief in democracy; there They have acknowledged the military reach our goal quickly but there will and its neighbours. How can China or India would also be fewer mistakes if people knew government as the de facto government. So be many wounds among the people help Burma? things. International aid agencies have been there is no difference. and for the country. It will take a They can do it if they really want to help us, providing humanitarian aid to Burma. There long time to cure those wounds. But but we can’t force them to do it. We need are also some civic groups that believe that if It is true that people in the country don’t if we use a non-violent way, it will to make it happen. At the same time, we more people could be involved in community think it is a change of government but take time to reach our goal but the need to be friends with the whole world as development work, this could initiate good in the outside world, they are preparing country’s rehabilitation won’t take a we are related. What I think is that our giant governance without a change in government. to repatriate Burmese refugees from long time. If we use the wrong way, we neighbours like India and China respect the Thai-Burma border. How long do may miss our goal. When leaders of stability in our country. They think that only a Is there any prospect that good governance refugees and exiled political groups need independent movements have become military government can sustain stability. We can be practiced without a change in the to wait to return home? the government, they have often have to try to change their view. We need government? I can’t say, as I’m not an astrologer. I want suppressed people more than colonial to make them understand that a democratic Let me compare this with the media situation. to do it as soon as possible. I don’t feel governments. government elected by the people can become There is not much media freedom in Burma comfortable that our people are living in the government, which can also guarantee the now but media space is getting wider to a insecurity on foreign soil. It is a desire for What message would you want to country’s stability. certain extent as there are more journals and those people to return home as soon as deliver to the countries in the region? magazines. It is similar with the civic groups. possible but the desire should not end as a What I want to say to the countries in What is your opinion on development As there are more civic groups now, some wish. As I always say, do not just hope but the region is that if Burma has stability, projects such as hydropower projects, gas progress can be made to a certain extent in work for it. development and union, it will benefi t pipeline projects or Asian highway trade practicing transparency and accountability the whole region. So we are the route projects? among those groups. Those groups have to try What do you want to say to those who forces who are trying to have stability, We don’t have any objection if those projects to make it happen. If journals and magazines doubt your non-violent revolution? development and unity in the country. can develop the country or the region, but the only work or write following the guidelines (set I think there are misunderstandings about Don’t consider us a stranger or an government that rules this country has the by the censor board), there will be no progress the non-violent way. Some might think that enemy. I would like to request them responsibility to make it advantageous for the but if they are trying to do better and develop non-violence means not doing anything and to please be in touch with us, work country. Some say that the Burmese people media freedom, there will be more progress accepting whatever suppression (comes). together with us and support us to build have not benefi tted from foreign investment. gradually. If they do nothing, then there will be It doesn’t mean that. Non-violence is a up our country. To avoid this, the main responsibility remains no progress. basic principle. Based on that principle, www.ips.org forests nor trees

across the border into India. or owned forests where the Rautahat has lost deforestation has been most 25 per cent of the sal forests serious,” he says. in its northern region. In the In October, the Indian town of Ghodasan, government set up a team there are signs that say in to investigate deforestation, Hindi: ‘Nepali Hardwood headed by former forest Timber Sold Here’. ministry bureaucrat, Sushil The deforestation is now Bhattarai. The Centre for the not just restricted to the Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Tarai. Hill districts have has named 14 DFOs as being also suffered because of the involved in deforestation, corruption and politics that but nothing has happened have seeped into community to them. Another team forestry user groups. National recommended action against forests are being cut down in the former director general the hill districts of Panchthar, of the Department of Forests, Kaski, Surkhet, Doti, and Madhav Acharya, but his Dadeldhura. Community resignation has still not been forests where user groups accepted. have been set up but don’t yet Which is why not much have control of the resource, is expected from yet another forests in charge of user investigation committee set groups that have not yet been up by the cabinet, headed by registered, and those that are former head of the Appellate controlled by corrupt local Court, Govinda Parajuli, and political groups have suffered former forestry bureaucrats. most. The team has been given Former president of the three months to come up with Federation of Community a report. Forest User Groups Centre for Investigative (FECOFUN), Ghanashyam Journalism Pandey, says the districts where community forests have been least effective nepalitimes.com are Sarlahi, Udayapur and Village forests go through Kailali. “But in general, it midlife crisis #509 is the government managed 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 “Himal is a Water, please!

conservative Prakash Dotel in Karobar, 3 January

mouthpiece” About 80 families from Pakwadi VDC of Syangjha have left their homes because of drinking water problems. Residents of Lakhudanda, Lafudanda and Bhirgaun have been forced to abandon their ancestral properties because they had to spend six Conversation between Maoist Chairman hours daily fetching water. Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Himal Khabarpatrika “Right now there are only fi ve families here, with only three editor Kiran Nepal, before the start of an youths,” says a local from one of the families that can’t afford to interview published in leave. “Those who had the means to move have left,” says Dhan Himal Khabarpatrika, 1-16 January Kumari Shahi. Pakwadi locals have to wake up at 2am every morning to get water. Even during the monsoon, they have to walk two hours to Pushpa Kamal Dahal: The media has tried reach the nearest source. Local social worker Krishna Shahi says to say that the Maoists didn’t have a role Kiran Nepal: Have you ever found us that they have petitioned local politicians but in vain. “No initiative in the country’s transition to a republic, being, in principle, against republicanism, has been taken even though we have complained to the leaders of political parties,” he says. inclusiveness, federalism, social justice, and federalism, inclusiveness or secularism? Even the primary school in Lakhudanda has been closed due proportional representation. This is not true. Or have you ever found us saying that the to water scarcity. “The school was forced to appoint an employee And in this Himal Khabarpatrika has been very Maoists are not a part of this transformation? just to bring two vessels of water a day,” says the principal of the one-sided. The Maoist role in these changes has school, Mukti Prasad Khanal. been minimised, and they have been portrayed Dahal: No, you are not ideologically against as only wanting violence. The role of those change, that is clear. But the writings, the who say they are big democrats, republicans understanding of Kanak Mani (Dixit) is a or agents of change are being highlighted even little different! though they were only tangentially involved. I don’t say it is wrong to criticise the Nepal: Kanak Mani is the publisher of Maoists, but you must also give fair coverage this magazine. But the rights or wrongs to Maoist viewpoints and accomplishments. of the content of this magazine are my Fill the vacuum Himal Khabarpatrika has really become a responsibility as editor. We have complete magazine meant only for those who want editorial independence. We are not anti- the Maoists to be attacked. You read like the Maoist, we are anti-violence. And the reason Editorial in Nepal Samacharpatra, 3 January mouthpiece of extreme conservative forces that the Maoists perceive Himal Khabarpatrika to don’t want societal transformation. I am not be against the party is that the Maoists have trying to question your right to comment on, or not yet abjured violence. UNMIN is leaving the country on 15 January. The parties in cover facts. I am just saying that it would the government feel that UNMIN is no longer needed while be more balanced if you accommodated our Dahal: Ok, Ok, I understand (Laughs.) Now Janardhan Sharma, a Maoist leader, has said that this decision views too. let’s get down to the matters at hand. will invite crisis in the country. He has said that although in UNMIN’s absence the Special Committee will manage, integrate and rehabilitate the PLA, there are other issues fi nancial assistance to pay their medical bills. of the peace process that need to be addressed. UNMIN’s KC earns some one hundred thousand rupees departure before the conclusion of the peace process has left Local hero from rent every month, all of which he spends the Nepali people in confusion. on his social work. Bimal Khatiwada in Nepal, 2 January KC has raised two orphan children as his own and has also been paying for the education of several other children. He has For the many disabled, poor and abandoned people also been providing fi nancial assistance of Rs in the city, Basu KC, 76, is the only hope. KC, the 10,000 per month to the family of Bal Bahadur fi rst person to set up a readymade garment factory Pariyar in Parbat to treat their six disabled in Nepal, has long been active in social service. He children. KC says he has no idea how much has donated millions of rupees worth of money, food, money he has spent on social work so far. and clothing to fl ood victims. Every day he scans the “Everyone has to die some day. I think it is our newspaper pages to fi nd people who are in need of duty to help the needy,” he says.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

In this regard, UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon has requested the government to fill the vacuum that will be created in UNMIN’s absence. He is worried by the inability of the political parties to forge a consensus regarding arms management and army integration and has requested them to address these issues. He has announced that UNMIN’s term has already been extended on the request of the government and the Maoists and that no further extension will be granted. UNMIN has been an objective player so far in analysing and reporting Nepal’s situation but time and again the parties of the government have questioned its operations. This has possibly hurt its pride. The time has come for the parties to take seriously the questions that are being raised nationally and internationally about the political deadlock that has affected the peace process. Even Ban Ki Moon has called for another comprehensive agreement among the parties, saying that no one can hope for victory by risking all that has been achieved to this point. The parties have to create an environment for consensus, understanding and respect to end the political deadlock and allow the peace process to be concluded. They need to independently solve the present problems and restore the people’s faith in them. Even though UNMIN is leaving, the UN has assured Nepal of its continuous support. It is Dahal: UNMIN! UNMIN! important that the parties move the peace process forward Chariot: Peace process as soon as possible. They should also make an effort to draft Water: Power hunger Batsyayan in Kantipur, 2 January the constitution on time. The main agendas of the country should not be overshadowed by the issue of government formation. FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 Elected vs selected

Letter to editor in Nagarik, 4 January

“Leave the post if you cannot work,’’ said Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to ministry secretaries at a function in Kathmandu recently. The PM told officials to report to him if they faced any political pressure, and encouraged them not to succumb to pressure. On the same day, SP Ramesh Kharel took a month’s leave and Shankar Prasad Koirala, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, got transferred. Both were known for their excellent execution of their responsibilities. Kathmandu locals have appreciated Kharel’s efforts to curb crime, while Koirala is highly regarded in the hydro sector. The PM has betrayed double standards by criticising high officials about their performance but penalising those who perform well. If those who perform well are not acknowledged, then only those performing badly will remain.

SHRUTI SHRESTHA/KANTIPUR

Politics and bureaucracy complement each other, but they have different modi operandi. Both should aim to make the country prosperous. Politics has the direct support of people (voters), which the administration does not have. The political leadership or ministers devolve power to the administration. The role of the bureaucracy or administration is thus important in delivering on promises that political parties make during the elections. Politics is transient. Bureaucracy is more of a permanent government. It is the institutional memory of the government. The government cannot implement its policies and programs without the bureaucracy. Political parties reach out to the public through the bureaucracy, due to which there is a need for decentralisation. Politics is individual-centric while the bureaucracy is mechanism-centric. The bureaucracy is not the place for elected representatives. It is not elected, but a collection of the selected. If the elected take pride in being elected, the selected are also proud of being selected for their capabilities and competencies. The real reason for conflict between politics and bureaucracy is their tendency to elevate their own importance. But they should understand that they need to complement each other to make things happen. Harihar Sharma, Kathmandu Being small

Prakash Chandra Lohani in Nayapatrika, 2 January

The plight of small parties is neglected by the big parties. The Maoists, UML and NC rule supreme. Agreements and understandings between these parties become general rules. Big parties are eating up small parties like big fi sh eat small fi sh. Nepali politics has become the world of fi sh. There is no other force to challenge the big three. The approach of these three parties is feudal. They think they are supreme. In other words, there is an autocracy of three parties and their diktats are in force. What we expect from them is that they seek our suggestions before they decide, so they can make national decisions. They don’t even do us the courtesy of informing us in taking decisions of national importance. There are four schools of thought in Nepali politics: NC believes in democracy, the Maoists believe in totalitarianism, UML vacillates, and then there are the nationalists. We believe in an inclusive democratic nationalism, which is the need of a country situated between two powerful neighbours. I am also a serious student of Marxism. It is a philosophy of humanity. In the name of advocating for workers, Lenin and Stalin developed it as a totalitarian and neo-feudal ideal, as communism. This imposes single party totalitarianism that rules the people and makes people work. The goal of the Nepali Maoists is to capture power. The revolution in Cuba led by Fidel Castro was for the people. Once he captured power, other voices were silenced for over 50 years. He handed over power to his brother. Kim Il Sung did the same. In fact, this is an extreme abuse of Marxism and an insult to Marx. The parties’ ideological differences have resulted in mistrust among them. The country is in trouble because of their activities. Big parties view small parties as worthless and incapable. Who can teach them that small things always have great importance? 16 BACK SIDE 7-13 JANUARY 2011 #535 they contain only guns and no ammo. We know ballots were stolen in the 2008 Hinji minji elections, but we didn’t know they also stole bullets.

o we bungle along in this country because PAC FG somehow. Or, as the Men sabotage every deal: An American Indiana Jones Sherpas would say, it’s MRP, GMR, Airbus, overhead is offering to buy up all the S www.nepalitimes.com a ‘hinji minji’ state of affairs. footpath at Baneswor. (Even World War I vintage .303s in The Ass would have advised getting two bahun netas, the cantonment containers fellow mules to make hay Dahal and Nepal, to officiate and auction them off on eBay. while the sun shines, but it the foundation stone-laying If there are 4,000 seems everyone is already of the footbridges didn’t do three-naught-threes, and if doing it. the trick.) The moral of the they can fetch an average They’re all raking it in: story: legalise corruption and of $10,000 each ($25,000 PAC, NAC, NOC, GON, MOF. let the kickbacks grease the for the muskets from the One of the ministers in the economy. Graft is good for 1847 Afghan campaign), the Titans between BRB and Vivekananda. We’d heard current cabinet has reportedly GDP growth. that should take care of the PKD will be reports filtering politics makes for strange stashed away 50 karod in FG severance pay for all the ex- back from New Delhi that bedfellows, but we didn’t cash made through lucrative guerrillas who need to be Comrade Laldhoj has been know it was going to turn out appointments, and the only The Maobaddies should rehabbed. meeting the Indian Foreign to be a steamy group orgy. honest ones remaining seem stop speaking out in favour Sec, Finance Minister, to be those who are a bit of UNMIN all the time, it FG National Security Adviser etc, FG too dim to be corrupt. The hurts the UN’s credibility Just as the Radia Tapes in when the Maximum Leader First it was Nepal’s business latest WikiLeaks revelations and reinforces the perception India have snared celebrity hasn’t even got an invite tycoons who all picked indicate that a widebody that UNMIN had a soft spot media personalities and back to Delhi. Paranoid as political parties and minister was aspiring to an for the comrades all along. exposed their wheelings and the comrades are about each represented them in the even wider body by spreading Must be pretty embarrassing dealings with the high and other, this is sure to take the CA. Now, it’s Kollywood the wealth around. Still for Karin that the only guy mighty, it looks like Bibek rift in the Baddies to breaking actors. After Rekha Thapa our muntris come nowhere who says anything nice about Shah’s book has also exposed point. Which must be why joined the maobaddies, and close to the kind of graft and her is Comrade El Duce. some journalists on the take the Fuhrer sent his trusted Manisha stuck it out with the malfeasance exhibited down As UNMIN gets ready to here as well as the names aide, Comrade Monsoon rajabaddies, it’s stuntman south, where bureaucrats are pack up, the Nepali staffers of Deep Throats who were Man, along with BRB to Delhi Bhuban KC’s turn to be a in cahoots with politicians are all scrambling for jobs, leaking sensitive military info to keep a close eye on who Unified Marxist-Leninist. who are in cahoots with but it is unlikely any of to the press during the war. he met and what he said. But Sorry, Rajesh, you can only journalists to make billions them are coming back to (See p 224-5, 235, 241, 278, even more intriguing than be a kangresi now. at a go on telecom and the NGOs or media they 391, 402 in Maile Dekheko all this is that the conference infrastructure contracts. India were poached from. At the Durbar). on Nepal is being organised is growing at 9 per cent, while cantonments themselves, the by a shadowy fundo group we are stuck at 2.5 per cent, Special Committee team that FG that is extreme even by BJP so there must be truth in the inspected the containers last The straw that will break the standards, besmirching theory that nothing gets done week was puzzled to find that camel’s back in the Battle of the good name of Swami ISSN 1814-2613 CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67