#482 25 - 31 December 2009 16 pages Rs 30

OPEN HOUSE: Following the Maoist announcement to end their obstruction of the legislature, politics returned to Parliament, pictured here on Thursday.

KIRAN PANDAY

politics. Soon after, the Maoists announced they were 2000-2009 lifting the six-month It’s the end of the Nepali noughties, obstruction of the House, and we’ve come further than most. raising (yet again) hopes that a Before you protest, we’d like to End on a high political settlement would remind you it’s not been downhill finally be reached that would all the way. The war’s over, we’re rollercoaster week of New Baneswor. Chairman hold direct talks with Delhi. pave the way towards the no longer a kingdom, and we’re recriminations and Pushpa Kamal Dahal then Amidst widespread completion of the waiting for a constitution. But there’s reconciliations began with delivered a fiery anti-Indian condemnation, the Maoist constitution-writing process. much more to the decade we’ve A lived through. Check out our back a three-day Maoist bandh marked tirade during which he labelled supremo weakly argued the But with the hardliners within pages for a trip down memory lane, by violence and intimidation the rest of the political following day that his comments the Maoist party still resurgent, 2000-2009. across the country. It peaked with leadership ‘remote-controlled were meant to be a ‘satire’ on the the prospect of an indefinite a massive Maoist assembly in robots’ who he would bypass to shape of things in Nepali strike looms large. z p7-9 2 EDITORIAL 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Rabi Thapa Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Circulation: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur Fax: 5251013 [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 Sound bites bite Plain speaking won’t win the Maoists DEALING WITH DELHI friends in high places Kathmandu’s talkerati is all abuzz with Maoist Chairman Pushpa s Prachanda walked up to last eight months. dispossessed rural peasantry and Kamal Dahal’s fiery anti-Indian tirade on Tuesday, followed by the the stage in Naya This fact of Maoist strength Dalits; the ethnic card will win sudden retraction of his statement with the explanation that he was Baneswor on Tuesday, he and their need to maintain it is over a broad-based segment from just joking. A surveyed the crowd – rough crucial in understanding why the marginalised elite to the semi- Everyone knows India is always the elephant in the room in Nepal’s domestic politics, but Dahal’s public utterance was estimates suggest there were more Prachanda said what he said, and educated youth in district inflammatory, provocative and irresponsible. The Chairman, as is than 20,000 people – and smiled its potential implications. headquarters and smaller towns; his wont, has tried to distance himself from his original statements broadly. Prachanda’s first priority is to but it is the anti-India card that by first saying he was quoted out of context, by blaming the In their subsequent maintain his primacy within the will win them the support of the messenger and accusing the media of ‘yellow journalism’, and speeches, both Prachanda and Dr party. He knows it is this massive Kathmandu hill-origin youth, the then saying he was just being ‘sarcastic’. Bhattarai reveled in this show of organisational apparatus and his lower middle class as well as the A few hours after calling Prime Minister Madhav Nepal a strength. “We wondered if the control over it that gives him older royalist conservative ‘puppet’ and ‘robot’, however, Dahal met him secretly to strike masses here are just our activists power. He will feel the pulse of constituency. By projecting the some kind of a deal. Nepalis have reason to be confused by these or ordinary citizens. If it the party cadre, and judge what Madhesi parties as having sold out contradictory words and deeds. he needs to do to keep the to Kathmandu because of pressure Some have taken all this as a sign of Maoist desperation, majority of the other leaders on from Delhi, they even hope to others as the hardcore of the Maoists raising the ante within the PLAIN SPEAKING his side. With three rounds of generate support in the Tarai. party. Whatever the reason, the outcome has been inexplicably Prashant Jha positive because it paved the way for the resumption of the House. agitation not delivering results, The third reason is that the We lost six months in pointless boycotts and street protests, and there was restlessness. Kiran and only way Prachanda can create there is a lot of catching up to do. But at least the supremacy of includes the common people, company, who want to scuttle space for himself within the party parliament has been reinstated. our opponents should get the any deal that would ‘betray the to deliver on any promises to the Populist ultra-nationalism in Nepal has always been the message. But if they are just our revolution’, were eager to raise the NC-UML or internationals is by recourse of scoundrels. We saw it during the 1990s when the NC cadre, is there any other party stakes. Prachanda decided he had sounding radical in public. and UML just couldn’t resist the temptation of stoking anti-Indian that has such a large number of to play along. Why else would he end the nationalism to garner votes. When the UML won the elections in activists in the capital?” The So why did he zero in on House obstruction a day after his 1994 and Prime Minister Man Mohan Adhikari went to India on a crowd roared with approval. India? fiery speech? The Maoists even state visit, he was grilled by the Delhi media about his party’s anti- The protest rally – organised Firstly, there is an element of agreed to discharge the India platform. His reply in Hindi was: “Aap log samajhta hai na, election mein to aisa karna padta hai.” within a day – was a measure of truth in what was said. The trust disqualified from cantonments Dahal’s speech on Tuesday was not as innocent as all that. Maoist organisational strength, deficit between Delhi and the before the third phase of their His incendiary words risked igniting a re-enactment of the so- discipline, and ability to channel Maoists is the single most agitationspeaked. One part of the called ‘Hrithik Roshan riots’ of December 2000. That ugly episode the energy of the crowds. important reason for the present Maoist strategy is to prepare for a should be a warning to the Maoists of how quickly ultra- Compare this to the NC and impasse. But Prachanda’s list of confrontation, communicate with nationalism can escalate into a pogrom. All the six people who UML, who have not had a single five bilateral issues is hogwash – multiple constituencies, paint were killed in two days of riots were Nepali. mass meeting in Kathmandu to the India-Maoist relationship did India-President-Army-PM as the The dominant theme of the fourth phase of Maoist protests that counter Maoist propaganda in the not go sour because of Kalapani pantheon of villains, and flag up is supposed to culminate in an indefinite strike or Susta, nor will it blossom the possibility of a right-wing next month is to ‘expose’ India. The Maoist with the resolution of those takeover. But they will also central committee decided on the anti-Indian issues. But his point about there cooperate and keep doors open for course, and a significant moderate faction was outvoted. By first declaring parallel ethnic being no solution without a deal a compromise. Both strategies go provinces and now stoking anti-Indian feelings, with India is spot-on. The rest of together, and by publicising the the Maoists are playing with fire on several the political class and the first, the leadership defuses fronts. mainstream media are angry with pressure from the hardliners and Also to blame is a resurgent right wing within him for blowing the cover on the creates space to work on the the NC and UML that wants to roll back the peace fiction of independence the second. What is certain is that process and are cornering the Maoists by giving Kathmandu establishment has Prachanda’s public stance will not them no face-saving exit. This is also dangerous assiduously cultivated. Nepal has win him friends in Delhi. There is because it is sure to drive the Maoist party into been and remains only a partly a sense in the Indian the hands of an extreme faction that isn’t happy sovereign country. Going public establishment that Prachanda has about the peace process either. only reveals that private India- failed to be a mature leader once One can understand Dahal’s frustration with sections of the Indian establishment. But he Maoist talks are going nowhere, again, and succumbed to the hasn’t done much to allay fears that his party is and that the Maoists feel India is hardliners – proving the Maoists bent on establishing a totalitarian people’s out to squash them. cannot be trusted. republic. If only he had been more of a statesman The second reason is that Prachanda’s nuanced analysis and less of a party apparatchik and publicly Maoists can sense that there is may have been partially correct. renounced violence and disbanded the YCL, increasing resentment against But it is unhelpful in resolving Dahal would have commanded much more India on the streets of Nepal. the present impasse and could respect at home and abroad. They calculate that land descend to mindless bigotry on issues will win over the the streets.

KIRAN PANDAY LLL ETTERS

CONSIDER THIS 5. Notice the only vehicles plying humanistic about donor Nepal,” writes Prashant Jha rubber stamp’, #481). Extreme 1. The leader of the main the streets these days with a full programs. They’re mere tools to (‘We’re with you’, #481). Actually, left and right wing ideologues opposition party is a joke, a tank of petrol have blue plates. meet a country’s foreign policy a lot of us are more worried about have created a vacuum in the man who has no sense of Someone tell me why even the objectives. Granted, you can events unfolding in New Delhi. country. Unless this vacuum political or personal direction. Maoists who blatantly torch make a qualitative distinction Gangalal is filled soon, Nepal will see 2. Our PM doesn’t have the ambulances allow them to between donor agencies if you more bloodshed and chaos, moral right to lead the function when the entire country like, but they’re still just XMAS? CHEERS! not to mention a deepening country, but he does. He gets is shut? Does anyone know what extensions of their respective Finally, an article that doesn’t economic crisis. the limo treatment and the first these missions even do foreign ministries. disparage Christianity (‘Xmas? Yanpras family gets free rides on anymore? Gyanu Cheers!’, #481). Being a Nepali taxpayers’ money. Noone 6. Lastly, notice the intelligent and a second-generation SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT complains. and smart people of the country, WE’RE WITH YOU Christian myself, I’m Junkets aren’t as bad as you 3. Girija Prasad is disillusioned young and old alike, lined up for What does it say about Nepal’s disheartened by the fact that so think, as they are an if he still believes he can solve visas outside the embassies? status among nations when, half few journalists in Nepal say economic activity in the political stalemate. As I see A new Nepal ? Yes indeed. a century after the defeat of white anything positive about themselves and generate it, he is the biggest hurdle in Prasanna K.C., Kathmandu colonialism in South Asia, the Christianity. To them, I ask: have employment (‘Sustainable Nepali politics. head of the Nepal Army goes to you met Christians or listened to development’, #481). Think of 4. Civil society is anything but INCLUDING THE EXCLUDED India and offers to open his them? Have gone to a church in the marketing skills that went civil. It is a biased organisation Affirmative action is another country for recruitment of Nepalis Kathmandu, and seen how helpful into taking 600 Nepalis to bent on giving the ruling parties debate, but the charge against into the Indian Army, to fight their people are to each other? Copenhagen. It’s a tribute to and the army a hard time donors couldn’t be truer battles against their enemies? our entrepreneurial skills and knowing well that they cannot (‘Including the excluded’, #481). “India is now deeply worried THE REGAL RUBBER STAMP it’s big business. beat them up. People forget there’s nothing about the unfolding events in CK Lal is spot on (‘The regal Jange NATION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 3 Beyond control

ack in 1986 at a meeting of Limbuwan and Magarat shows an representation in the national the CPN-ML, I proposed insecure minority mindset. legislature or federal councils Bthat representatives of Limbus will not liberate their that is proportionate to the ethnic groups be members of the people by asking for Limbuwan. ethnic composition of the central committee. My colleagues Magars will not be autonomous country. rejected this, saying it was in a Magarat. The kind of In a sense, most of us in ‘communal’. At the time the only emancipation we want is one Nepal came from somewhere criteria for being in the central which can bring together all 30 else to live here. We shouldn’t million Nepalis. We don’t want a waste time trying to figure out GUEST COLUMN territorial liberation because that who settled down where first. would mean explusion of those The important thing is for Gorebahadur Khapangi Magar not belonging to a particular one group not to behave like the group. The Maoists are lighting others do not exist. By not an ethnic bush fire that they will dividing up opportunities committee was having spent time not be able to control. equally, there is a danger that in jail. If they had listened to me Many say a federal state the struggle for liberation will then, the country would not have structure is the first priority for turn violent. We should drifted into the extreme ethnic ethnic liberation. For me it is address societal inequities chauvinism you see now. only number two. If federalism is before they turn violent. There I have always felt ethnic for decentralised development, it is still time to address the extremism should never lead to may still have some uses, but it problem of discrimination and the fragmentation of the Nepali is not enough reason to carve up inequality in a non-violent nation. Which is why we have the country along political lines. manner, we haven’t exhausted always tried to ensure progress The most we can do is have peaceful options. towards a proportional The proportional representation of ethnicities representation in the through elections. The legislature/constituent marginalisation of these groups “I hope assembly last year wasn’t a can be redressed peacefully mechanism to allow former through elections. But the never to prime ministers who lost Maoists hijacked this agenda elections to have a berth in the during the war and made the have to house. It was to allow the ethnic groups carry guns. Ethnic witness an marginalised and unrepresented groups that were moving ahead in groups a presence in the a peaceful manner were ethnic war in legislature. The question of sidetracked into violence. ethnic representation has to be The Maoists are being this country” addressed at the political level dishonest towards the Janajati within the chambers of the movement with their ethnic house. Lately, however, we see autonomous councils. It is the struggle spilling out into opening up a can of worms. the streets, and it is spinning Already, Bahuns, Dalits out of control of the political and Muslims are saying: forces. where are our I have never lived through autonomous councils? an ethno-separatist civil war It looks like the and I hope to never have to see councils will have it dismember my own hereditary chief motherland. z ministers from only the ethnic Gorebahadur Khapangi Magar is group represented. the acting chairman of the Limbus and Magars Rastriya Janamukti Party. The are majorities in their original version of this article areas, but following the appeared in Himal Maoists to declare Khabarpatrika, 16-30 December.

BILASH RAI 4 NATION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 Nepal 2.0 Subisu has led Nepal into the Internet Age

districts, and employs 300 people virtues, Parajuli and his team in the Kathmandu Valley alone. decided to set up a cable TV The company is an out-and-out service instead, hoping to build industry leader, having pioneered the infrastructure for a cable the use of several key technologies internet service some time in commercial success is a and teachers deliver diagnoses and udhir Parajuli, CEO of in Nepal, and even counts a few the future. commitment to help ordinary lectures remotely, through internet Subisu Cablenet, was born competitors among its clients. The plan worked. In 2004, people take advantage of the latest and telephones. S into a family of The path to its current perch Subisu received a license to in information and These inroads into the bureaucrats. So when he aborted a at the top, however, hasn’t been operate cable internet and in communications technologies. countryside aren’t just nascent but promising career in smooth. On the eve of the new 2006, data connectivity services Parajuli laments the humanitarian gestures, but part the civil service to become a millennium, Nepalis were still as well. backwardness of the Nepali and parcel of Subisu’s commercial businessman, he ran into using dial-up modems to connect Subisu has done so well countryside, where many don’t strategy. Subisu plans to reach at immediate resistance from his to the internet. Parajuli and his partly because it has been very have access to electricity, but least all district headquarters in relatives. peers reckoned that cable quick to identify and resolve believes that technology firms are the future, and is fully prepared to Today, Subisu is one of connections, which had already service problems. It has a record- well-positioned to help. invest in the necessary Nepal’s leading information and proven their worth in the west, setting Mean Time to Restore “Sixty per cent of Nepal technological innovations to communications technology would serve internet users better. (MTR), a measure of the time doesn’t have electricity, forget negotiate Nepal’s rugged and firms. Parajuli has no doubts Together, they started Subisu taken to respond to service about internet. However, being varied landscape. Subisu will also about his career trajectory. Cablenet in 2000 with the disruptions, within the in the field of ICT services, introduce digital television “It gives me immense pleasure to intention of introducing and industry. we have tried our level best to services in the near future. have grown from a person who marketing this technology “We study service problems change this.” A fully connected Nepal, of used to work for others to a in Nepal. our customers face very closely to Subisu has worked with course, remains a distant prospect. person who is leading an National regulatory bodies ensure they don’t happen again. NGOs to connect remote villages But with bright organisation,” he says. thought differently and didn’t Fast service delivery and to cable TV and internet, and stars like Subisu and Parajuli Subisu provides state of the allow Subisu to operate cable response to problems really sets distributed laptops to needy leading the way, we’re getting art cable TV and internet and data internet in the country. Unfazed, us apart,” Parajuli says. educational institutions free of there. z connectivity services across 33 and convinced of the technology’s Underwriting Subisu's cost. It has also helped doctors Suvayu Dev Pant Post-Maoist futures

JANAKPUR – There are Shiva temples here, there. Almost a decade before the Maoist but this is essentially a town of Vaishnavs insurgency made forced disappearances where the main Hindu castes have their routine, Dr Laxmi Narayan Jha was picked own kutis or cults that celebrate different up from his clinic by law enforcement aspects of the life of Sita and Ram. agencies, in June 1985. His remains are yet Many of these cults are in decline as to be found. Surprisingly, even though their landholdings have shrunk and Mahottary-Dhanusha has always been a NC pilgrims increasingly limit their visits to stronghold, almost all prominent the more celebrated temples. But the communist leaders have spent some time in this part of the country. Madhav Nepal stayed in Mahottary. Pushpa Kamal Dahal STATE OF THE STATE learned to handle guns in Dhanusha. C K Lal Ishwar Pokharel honed his debating skills at the local college. And Gore Bahadur diversity of faiths even within the Khapangi practiced his pre-royalist Vaishnav sect has bred a culture of dissent demagoguery in the surrounding villages. and tolerance that has defined the way of The Maoist leadership may congratulate life here for years. itself on being the first to grant Madhesis Though Tulsi Giri hardly ever visits his their long-cherished self-rule, but once hometown, locals still claim the hardcore again Janakpur is a step ahead of the rest of royalist as one of their own. Ramraja Prasad the country. At teashops and newspaper Singh may have been born and bred in stalls, people have begun to debate post- Rajbiraj, but when the avowed republican Maoist futures. A neo-con wave seems to be decided to fight an election in the 1990s, he DAMBAR K SHRESTHA sweeping through the hinterland, where came here to test the strength of his ideas. religion has once again become the main Whether it’s TMDP strategist Hridayesh composure. The soul of the settlement is Mishra challenged his own superiors in the mobilising force. Temples are being built, Tripathi or MJF ideologue Jayprakash alive even though the body of the town Nepali Congress by stressing the need for a mosques are coming up and churches have Prasad Gupta, the titans of Madhesi urgently needs some physical treatment. federal structure and inclusive polity. found place in the most innocuous politics feel that they are received more Perhaps due to the diversity of its During the early years of the reign of King of spaces – makeshift huts meant to warmly in Janakpur than in their home religious roots, Janakpur has prided itself Mahendra, Kathmandu was monarchical shelter cattle. constituencies. Despite the filth, crime and on positing itself as the ‘other’ of the and all that Biratnagar ever wished was to For the first time, Janakpur has a direct corruption, the one good thing about this national ‘self’. When post-colonial nation add the constitutional adjective to it. But it stake in the political contestations of the town is that it has managed to maintain its building was the main agenda, Ramnarayan was Durgananda Jha who actually lobbed a capital city, but nobody seems too bomb at the king in Janakpur, the only concerned about the fate of the first time in modern history a commoner president of the country. There is a deep Janakpur has a formidable attempted regicide. Saroj Koirala, too, suspicion above the intentions of all the thought that the monarchy had outlived its political leaders. The Maoist assessment political legacy, but the Maoists utility. Destiny may have had a hand in that rightwing assertions will end up choosing his acolyte as the first head of strengthening their political hold may be could be knocked out by the state of the Federal Democratic Republic theoretically correct. But whenever pitted of Nepal. against religion, political ideologies opiate of the masses Janakpur’s political legacy doesn’t end invariably crumble. z BUSINESS 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 5

voice heard as world leaders gathered for

Green customs the United Nations Climate Change ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Customs and police officials from India and Conference. Two hundred Climate Nepal met this week in Sravasti of India near Champions from more than forty countries the Nepal border in the first dialogue of its kind attended the COP15 in Denmark from 7-18 to address the challenges of illegal trade in December. environmentally sensitive commodities across the open border. The illegal international trade Fly high

in wildlife contraband and ozone depleting ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ substances, harmful chemicals and hazardous Flydubai, whose local promotion partner is wastes is a substantial and increasingly Universal Tours & Travels, inaugurated its lucrative business across the India-Nepal flights from TIA on 15 December. The airline border. India and Nepal will now cooperate in a is operating four days a week. Green Customs Initiative facilitated by UNEP, a new partnership of international organisations

and governments. UNEP says that based on the Hurry up! ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ history of ozone-depleting chemicals in South Morang Auto Works, the sole distributor of Asia, there is an urgent need to strengthen Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, has launched collaboration to monitor the trade and curb a scheme for Gladiator SS motorcycle illegal movement of such commodities. customers, offering a 0% finance scheme on purchases and a Rs 10,000 discount for

Dabur day customers making cash purchases. Offer ○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ valid till 15 January only. Dabur Nepal is organising one-day events such as the ‘Dabur Fun Day Out’ at various housing

complexes within the Valley. The event aims to The new Activa ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ entertain, promote healthy living and introduce Syakar Company has released a modified the public to Dabur products. Aptitude, the version of Honda Activa. It now comes with official agency of Dabur, is also coordinating the CBS (Combined Braking System), a system event. that automatically applies front braking force when the rear brake is applied. This

Moneymaker prevents slipping and skidding. The new ○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Activa also gives 15 per cent more mileage. Himalayan Bank announced its achievements in the last fiscal year: total deposits of Rs 34.681 billion, total loans and advances of Rs 25.519 Perfect six billion, operating profits of Rs 1.159 billion and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Cricket Association of Nepal proudly reduction of NPA to 2.16 per cent. announced Pepsi (Varun Beverages) as its sponsor and Standard Chartered Bank as the

Concrete plans co-sponsor of the senior national cricket ○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ team for one day and 20/20 national British Council Climate Champions, Kanchan tournaments. The Nepali cricket team is Shrestha and Amita Thapa Magar from expected to benefit greatly from this Kathmandu, reached Copenhagen to make their association.

On the web|www.nepalitimes.com

Is affirmative action the way to correct caste-based discrimination? Our readers said: The power structures are quite clear and transparent. Any person or groups who want to be in power or part of the political process can form political parties, persuade people to vote for them, get elected and into positions of power. Noone is excluded, either by law or by convention. What more is needed? Favouring one group, by any criteria, means discriminating against the rest. - jange

It’s not fair to blame all Bahuns and Chhetris for past discrimination. That was perpetrated by elites that contained many people from other castes who were within the royal circle. To be precise, people in Kathmandu of all castes were the ones who committed the grossest violations of human rights and dignity - Bibek Paudel

We all know that the caste system is immoral, but why continue using the phrases ‘high-caste’ and ‘low-caste’ to denote only certain groups? To me, non-Brahmins or Chhetris could just as easily, and justifiably, call themselves high caste. What stops them? - Sanjay Thapa

On the blogs|www.nepalitimes.com/blogs

The Brief: Provides news in a nutshell. Visit the blog everyday for a summary of all the headlines. My City: A look at 2000-2009, the most dramatic decade in our history, in photos.

HIMAL KHABARPATRIKA Cover: 16-30 December The Ethnic Trap Controversial Ethnic Autonomous Councils

Editorial: Constitution in 2011 Journalists on the Frontline

Public Opinion Survey: Who has Heard of Federalism?

Report: The Poor Live for the Rich Who are the Squatters?

Columns The Lesson of Cambodia by Durga Prasad Poudel Lack of Progress in the CA by Anil Kumar Jha Maoists’ Directed Democracy by Pradip Gyawali The 1960 King’s Coup by Himalaya Shumsher Rana

Constitution Supplement Parties vs Constituent Assembly Himal Interaction in Itahari, Sunsari 6 NATION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482

100 YEAR PLAN: Homnath Adhikari of Namsaling in Ilam at a pilot waste-water treatment plant that he helped set up. Ilam’s development model could be replicated all over Nepal.

Borders, which collaborates with NCDC in Ilam on a waste treatment plant, safe drinking water, telemedicine, latrine building, and projects to improve farm productivity. NCDC is also involved in biodiversity conservation and the revival of community forestry along the border with India, where there has been serious denudation because of poaching from across the border. It has even installed a giant fog collector in Danda Bajar to augment drinking water supply. Says Adhikari: “You could say Ilam is a model for other districts in Nepal, and although we are an NGO we work very closely with the district development committee. Our job is to complement the government’s own efforts, fill the gaps, and build the government’s capacity.” Indeed, district development committee officials and NGOs from Dolakha and Myagdi are trying to replicate Ilam’s experience. Another Ilam NGO is the Mahila Jagaran Sangh, which works with 9,000 women in a Look east microcredit scheme that generates income for KUNDA DIXIT families. The group’s ‘Khutruke’ program now has Rs 30 million in savings and lends KUNDA DIXIT in ILAM of the country showed the same management to women for small enterprises and dairy and skills as Ilam’s farmers, who have made The rest of the tourism projects while also investing in Nepal the world’s biggest exporter of community micro-hydro. hile the rest of the country is a cardamom, there would no national country has a NCDC’s partners include Norway’s political cesspool, Ilam shows food deficit. lot to learn Development Fund, ICIMOD, WWF, UNDP W visitors that the Nepali word Ilam is blessed with fertile soil, copious and SNV. NCDC with the Alternative Energy ‘eelum’ must stem from the inherent talent rainfall, and a temperate climate but that is from Ilam Promotion Program has installed nearly more of its inhabitants. Bhupi Sherchan noted this not why it is the most developed district in than 220 kilowatts of subsidised small hydro- long ago when he visited the district, hence Nepal. Proximity to Darjeeling and a for rural upliftment came when he was a projects. This has earned Ilam the moniker the famous verse: Nepal bhari ali ali Ilam traditional emphasis on education have given primary school teacher in Namsaling 30 years of ‘Peltric district’. The power supplied to chharna man lagyo...I want to sprinkle a little Ilam one of the highest literacy rates in Nepal, ago. “There was a Peace Corps volunteer who 203 households saves Ilam Rs 700,000 worth Ilam across Nepal. and there is a work ethic that takes the visitor got us together and told us to plan for where of diesel and kerosene per year and has Indeed, if Kathmandu had the same by surprise. we wanted Ilam to be in a hundred years brought down the cost of milling rice, commitment to waste disposal and water “If you think about it, I would say quality time,” Adhikari recalls, “and that got us reduced indoor pollution and increased treatment as Ilam’s municipalities, the education has been the single most important thinking about what kind of Nepal we wanted income, by allowing villagers to work at night. Bagmati would not be the sewer it is. If the factor in Ilam’s development,” explains for our great-grandchildren.” And, unlike Kathmandu where next week’s national power utility was as efficient as Homnath Adhikari, director of the Namsaling That Peace Corps volunteer was Barry six hours of daily power cuts are only a taste Ilam’s community micro-hydro network, Community Development Centre (NCDC). Bialek, who is now a physician in Boulder, of what is to come, Ilam’s villages have power there would be no load-shedding. If the rest Adhikari says inspiration to do something Colorado. He heads Engineers Without all the time.

We need more honorary Foster father consuls like Benard

idier Benard took a to travel in Nepal. Actually, you surprisingly open about the RNAC flight from Paris can trek at a low altitude, meet changes in Nepal’s urban D for his first visit to villagers and hang around in tea centres. “Kathmandu has Nepal in 1985. “As soon as I gardens.” changed,” he acknowledges. got on board, there were In 2007, Benard hosted a “The concrete buildings are beautiful Nepali ladies serving video conference from Phidim, sticking out like matchsticks. Nepali food, the interior was Ilam of such tea. Over 90 per cent Along the streets are telephone decorated with exotic photos of orthodox tea finds a market billboards blocking the of Nepal,” he recalls. “I just abroad, he says, and Nepali tea is temples, malls where people felt I was already in Nepal.” far superior to Indian tea because are shopping and suddenly Benard has been a regular the tea plants are much younger. when I was walking along visitor to Nepal ever since, His work has inspired a group of Darbar Marg KFC and Pizza Hut visiting the country every two French agro-engineering students appeared.” years since he was appointed to study orthodox tea, and 13 But he is optimistic. “This honorary consul of Nepal for students are visiting the tea is a sign of a rising new middle France in 1999. But it’s not plantations for a field visit this class. Nepal is changing. The because of his honorary January. situation is getting better for designation that he keeps Benard issues 150,000 tourist everyone. You don’t need to coming back – it’s because he visas per year, and he’s developed regret the past, but culture and truly loves this country. KIRAN PANDAY a website (http://www.consulat- tradition should get special His two children, after all, nepal.org) for inquiries and attention for the country to are from Nepal. During his pic) is now an engineer, and international adoptions. information about Nepal. It is prosper,” he says. first visit to Nepal, he adopted daughter Agathe Diksha Chhetri As a consul in France, he has listed by the French travel guide Bernard was in Nepal last his first child – a three- Benard is studying to become a gone beyond the call of duty to Routard as one of the ‘most week to scout out the “next month-old boy. Five years dental surgeon. Benard adopted promote Nepali tourism and complete’ sites on the country. travel destination”. He visited later, it was a baby girl. His them through the ODA Marseille, business. He is particularly drawn While he is relentless in the national parks in Chitwan son Aurelien Ram Prasad a philanthropic organisation that to the idea of village tourism: promoting Nepali culture and and Bardiya, and plans to Benard (with father Didier, helps prospective parents with “People think you have to be fit traditions, Benard is also promote them in France. BACK PAGES 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 7

AJAYA JOSHI 2000-2009 Politics peaceful’ although there were Royal massacre: On the night reports of intimidation and of Friday, 1 June 2001, King he first decade of the new Bhattarai was the prime minister and booth capturing. The Maoists millennium was a dramatic one that seems like a long time ago Birendra and members of his emerged as the biggest party, for Nepal in many ways. The because we’ve seen 12 governments family were killed in a shootout T country witnessed the spread of since. winning 240 out of 601 seats. in Narayanhiti Royal Palace. The the Maoist revolution, a massacre of That’s just the politics. The last ten The world’s youngest entire country grieved the death royals unparalleled in world history, a years were particularly good for banks republic: The newly formed of 10 royals at the hands of king’s attempt to reinstate absolute and mobile companies. Remittances Constituent Assembly passed a Crown Prince Dipendra, who was monarchy, and a pro-democracy skyrocketed. Urbanisation doubled resolution with near total believed to have turned on his uprising that took the country from Kathmandu Valley’s population. unanimity to declare Nepal a family due to frustration at not kingdom to republic. This is a look back at the most democratic republic on 28 May being allowed to marry the On 1 January 2000 Krishna Prasad dramatic decade in Nepal’s history. 2008. “Nepal shall remain a woman he loved. According to sovereign, independent and the findings of the government integrated, secular and inclusive inquiry, Dipendra carried out the country,” announced the then massacre single-handedly, then Home Minister Krishna Prasad turned a gun on himself. Still, Sitaula. This announcement also he was made king and died scrapped all the legal and whilst in a coma three days traditional privileges of the royal later. family, who became commoners Raging war: The massacre from that point on. The gave impetus to the Maoist resolution was passed by 560 of revolution. The Maoists attacked the 564 members present. the Royal Nepal Army base in Political impasse: After Ghorahi in November 2001, months of haggling over the post dragging the army into a war that of president and prime minister, till then had been fought by the the Maoists formed a government police. More people were killed on 16 August 2008 under the in 2001-2002 than in all leadership of Pushpa Kamal previous five years of the Dahal. Earlier, NC candidate Ram conflict. Human rights Baran Yadav had been elected the violations were rampant on first president of Nepal on 21 both sides. July 2008. The Maoist-led Royal takeover: On 1 government resigned on 4 May February 2005, King Gyanendra MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA 2009 when their attempt to sack dissolved parliament and took the army chief was foiled by the complete control of the direct intervention of the government, blacked out the through a forward-looking with the signing of the footing to develop their nation president. A coalition media and even switched off political outlet,” the agreement Comprehensive Peace Accord on after the elections of the government of 22 parties led by mobile phones. Fundamental stated. The Maoists thus entered 21 November 2006. Constituent Assembly.” UML was formed on 25 May. A rights were suspended and into an alliance with the main “Beginning today, the politics On 17 January 2007, the six-month Maoist obstruction of newspapers were censored. political parties. of killing, violence and terror will Madhesi people launched violent the House, mirrored by Mainstream Maoism: On Jana Andolan, Madhes be replaced by the politics of protests demanding an increasingly intense nation-wide 22 November 2005, rebel leader Andolan: The seven parties and reconciliation,” Prime Minister amendment in the constitution. protests for civilian supremacy Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the the Maoists launched peaceful Girija Prasad Koirala said. The Tarai region saw a surge in capped by the declaration of Seven Party Alliance signed a 12- pro-democracy street protests on 6 “This is the victory of the violence that continued for about Maoist ethnic autonomous point agreement brokered by April 2006. In 19 days, Gyanendra Nepali people and the defeat of six months as the government councils across the country, India to counter the king’s rule. was forced to reinstate parliament regressive elements,” Maoist addressed their demands on an ended just short of Christmas “It has become the need of today and step down. Ten years and chairman Dahal said, adding, installment basis. 2009. The constitution remains to establish peace by resolving over 16,000 lives later, the Maoist “The people will perform another Elections: The CA elections to be written ahead of the May the 10-year-old armed conflict insurgency finally drew to a close miracle by working on a war- of 10 April 2008 were ‘largely 2010 deadline. 8 BACK PAGES

Human rights bodies tried to shift the blame on food donors, but the long drought and delayed monsoons that contaminated water supplies were more likely culprits.

Business and technology Banking boom: Fuelled by remittance money, the banking sector grew exponentially and Nepal now has more than 40 commercial banks, 60 development banks, nearly 90 finance companies and several hundred cooperatives. There are 160 licensed deposit-taking institutions, and at least 24 financial institutions including five A-class BHIM GHIMIRE commercial banks are in the pipeline. On 1 January 2010, Nepal will have to allow foreign banks as part of its Society commitment to the WTO. Local banks may struggle to While political wrangling continued, the Nepali compete, but consumers will enjoy more choices. KIRAN PANDAY people showed unbelievable resilience to get on with their Housing boom: The remittance economy has also fed lives in the face of major hardships. a housing boom that has resulted in growth in the market now own a mobile phone. Mobile phone coverage is Kosi floods: Floods in eastern Nepal in 2002 killed for construction material. With more than $1.5 billion available in all 75 districts of the country, as well as the 445 people and left some 128,000 families homeless. entering the country in remittances every year and nowhere top of Mount Everest. Mobile phones were also crucial in Nearly half the country’s 75 districts were ravaged. Then in to invest but in real estate and housing, the second half of organising dissent during the royal takeover, forcing the 2008, the Kosi broke its banks and carved a channel of the last decade saw prices skyrocketing. Banks raced to king to clamp down on mobile services for four months destruction through Nepal and India. Over 70,000 people offer loans and now have over Rs114 billion invested in in 2005. were displaced by the country’s worst flooding in 50 years, housing and real estate, considered risky assets by Nepal Digital bridge: In 2007 Mahabir Pun, a teacher and a and five million were rendered homeless in north India. Rastra Bank. It prompted a 25 per cent loan cap on social entrepreneur, was awarded the Magsaysay Award in Far from home: On 31 August 2004, Islamic commercial bank exposure. The days of 'unreal estate' may recognition of his outstanding work in setting up the militants killed 12 Nepali migrant workers in Iraq. finally be over. Nepal Wireless Networking Project in his impoverished Politicians back home used the massacre to stage protests Mobile all over: Nepal Telecommunications and wholly disconnected village of Nangi. Pun that soon escalated into an anti-Muslim campaign. Authority auctioned off a private mobile telephone license leapfrogged poverty with computers, solar power and Organised attacks vandalised migrant recruitment offices in 2000, bringing cheaper, and somewhat efficient, phone wireless connectivity. Nepal’s internet user base has grown and media houses. It emerged later that most of the services to consumers. Nearly six million people in Nepal from 200,000 in 2007 to 499,000 this year, a feat made victims had contracts falsely promising them jobs in a possible by the decreasing costs of computer and internet five-star hotel in Jordan, but were diverted to Iraq by an services. American contractor, Kellogg, Brown and Root. Dark decade: Despite our much-touted hydro- Karnali highway: After 15 years, the Karnali potential, our energy crisis has gone from bad to worse to Highway linking Surkhet with Jumla was inaugurated in absurd, culminating in 16-hour-a-day power cuts in July 2006. Within 11 months, 20 people had lost their winter 2008. Nepal’s second largest hydropower project, lives in 40 road accidents. The army opened the pilot Mid-Marsyangdi, finally became operational in 2008. The track, but lack of maintenance means most of the highway wrangling over the gigantic West Seti continued through has since become impassable due to landslides. the decade. The future of our CFL bulbs may rest on Jajarkot epidemic: More than 400 people died from community micro-hydro projects. An example: Palpa a cholera outbreak in Jajarkot in mid-2009. The government district alone has 22 community hydropower projects that said it sent teams of doctors and drugs to Jajarkot but produce electricity at a tenth of the rates of the national locals claimed they'd seen neither three months later. electricity supplier. KIRAN PANDAY 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 9

Culture league, for instance, was inactive for years because of rifts Tales of conflict: Narayan Wagle made history with his between the Nepal Sports Council (NSC) and the All Nepal novel Palpasa Café in 2005, selling over 16,000 copies that Football Association. year. The novel won the Madan Puraskar and is said to Cricket, however, is a different ball game altogether. The have changed the reading habits of Nepali people. Kunda Nepali national youth cricket teams first hit the headlines Dixit's trilogy A People War was combined with a when they reached the finals of the ACC trophy in 2000, travelling exhibition seen by 350,000 people across the and went on to win the ACC Premier League in 2004 and country. In fact, it has been a pretty good decade for 2006, and the Plate Championship in the 2006 Youth writers, especially those writing in English. Manjushree World Cup. Such success was in large part the result of a Thapa's Forget Kathmandu: An Elegy to Democracy put concerted state effort to develop the sport, and perhaps her on Penguin India’s hit list, and Samrat Upadhyay NSC's Vision 2020 will change our fortunes. came out with three books. Young writers like Sushma Joshi have followed suit and the literary scene promises Media much. KANAK MANI DIXIT Journalists in the cross-fire: Whether working as Y Old and new music: Folk music is the most district correspondents in Maoist strongholds, or at popular music in Nepal and cheap recording technology Documentary capital: Kathmandu seems to have an headquarters in Kathmandu, journalists faced threats and and mushrooming tv stations have granted artists new- insatiable appetite for documentaries that is only whetted censorship, and 29 lost their lives on the job at the hands of found status. Twenty-seven-year-old Anju Pant's folksy by festivals like Film South Asia and the Kathmandu both the state and the rebels. Journalists were arrested right ballad "Na birse timilai..na paye timiliai.." was International Mountain Film Festival. Filmmakers like after the royal massacre, Maoists killed journalists like downloaded by a million people. Nepa-laya organised Kesang Tsetan, Prem BK and Mohan Mainali made Gyanendra Khadka in retaliations, and the army edited copy peace concerts across the country during the insurgency, impressive documentaries chronicling tales of the conflict in newsrooms during the royal takeover. Press freedom and continues to nurture uniquely Nepali talent through and the Nepali underclass. Tsetan and BK’s Frames of War continues to suffer. its regular sit-down jam sessions. Jazz and blues festivals was the biggest documentary blockbuster: it was seen by Mushrooming media: Despite the challenges, Nepali became a fixture on the Kathmandu circuit, and proved more than 150,000 across the country. Our commercial media has flourished. There are now nine privately owned Nepal is not quite a backwater. film industry, unfortunately, is too busy emulating broadsheet dailies and two broadsheets under state Hollywood scripts (badly) and lifestyles (with tragic ownership. There are 10 television stations and 22 others results). have been granted operating licenses. The growth of FM Life's a stage: We might not have Mamma Mia or stations has been phenomenal throughout the south Asian Billy Elliot, but we do get plenty of A Doll's House. Arun region: Nepal now boasts 200 FM stations, mostly Baral’s Pratiwimba and Sunil Pokharel’s Aarohan theatre community-operated, and 150 more are set to go on air soon. groups are the two pillars propping up theatre life in Nepal. In the last ten years, they have introduced classic foreign theatre to Nepali audiences with junkets like the Ibsen Festival. Sports: Nepali sports fans haven’t had much to cheer about. For the most part, our teams have fared poorly in international competitions. The national football team won a bronze medal in the 1993 South Asian Football Federation Cup, but has made early exits in most competitions since. Our martial artists haven’t done much better, winning several medals in regional tournaments, but none in the Olympics. Our national sports authorities haven’t helped. The top division of the domestic football DEEPENDRA BAJRACHARYA KIRAN PANDAY 10 REVIEW 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 Magical mystery tour Life is Simon Arthy’s Yak and Yeti will delight kids and adults alike smiling family were in the UK gave me the time I needed,” he recalls. t 73, Ambar Gurung is frail. He needs help to walk. But there is a twinkle in his eyes, and his heart still beats with “Painting for five hours every A the same deep love for the Nepali nation that stirred us evening after work and 18 hours all once with his song ‘Naulakha tara’ and more recently, the a day on the weekends. Eating country’s new national anthem. cold baked beans and rice with Here in Nepalganj last week, Ambar Dai ends his Paleti lots of mayonnaise.” concert with ‘Naulakha tara’. His voice frays when he gets to the Jack and Betty & the Yak and part ‘…niyali hera hamilai bhijeko chhaina parela’, but you can Yeti is a fantastical tale, yet it’s still detect the soothing textures of the famous voice that is imbued with a real sense of unmistakably Ambar Gurung’s. The haunting words take us all place. When siblings Jack and back to an era of innocent national pride, of diasporic longing for Betty tell their magic map they the motherland, and a time when life was simpler and violence want to go ‘to the top of the hadn’t torn the country apart. Two emotions bring tears to Ambar Gurung’s eyes. One is world’, they find themselves in the memory of youth and of friends who have passed on, triggered the bustling streets of when young musicians break into Aruna Lama’s ‘Samalera rakha’ Kathmandu. From there it’s off and ‘Pheri kali phulera’, whose lyrics he wrote 50 years ago. The on the top of a bus and into the other is the sorrow of war, and the fear of the fragmentation of mountains to encounter the nation – the nation he has devoted his life to uniting mighty yak, whose help they through music. enlist to tackle Mt. Everest. As the title suggests they also meet up with the not-so-mythical yeti. The level of detail and humour in the illustrations will delight children - and their KATY WILLIAMS He found himself striving to parents - while early readers and make his children’s life older kids will enjoy the rich experiences magical, by portraying descriptions and revel in the onflict advisor Simon every outing and holiday as a sense of adventure and fun. The Arthy has been living and wild adventure, learning magic initial print run of 1000 copies C working in countries in and doing shows for them by Kathmandu publishers conflict or emerging from war for dressed in outlandish costumes, Digiscan is extremely over 20 years. But when he’s not and making up new stories every professional. It will be at his day job he can be found night at bed-time. interesting to see whether For Ambar Gurung, performing magic tricks, singing “And with all the stories Arthy’s debut book is picked up with his Kathmandu band ‘Load flowing, I inevitably thought, by an international children’s unity rules Shed’… or writing and ‘why not actually write a story, publisher and, if that is the illustrating children’s books. His dedicated to the kids, so that they case, how they will treat this When he visited our People After War photo exhibition in debut book Jack and Betty & the can have it on their shelves for ‘product’ and potential spin- Nepalganj earlier that day, Ambar Dai lingered over a photograph Yak and Yeti is one for the the rest of their lives?’” offs like toys and cartoons. of a father being embraced by his daughter and son, who fought holiday season. In the first two weeks on opposite sides during the war. The cover picture of People Arthy’s inspiration for over 400 copies have been After War, taken by Charles Haviland, shows Maoist guerrilla this charmingly titled sold and the Arthy family Juna Rai and army soldier Bhuban Rai reunited with their father book is as practical as it is is now giving 100 copies at their home in Khotang after the war. free to Nepali schools. “In “Yo Nepali daju baini bich ko ladain rahechha,” says Ambar touching. The strain of dai. It was a war between Nepali brothers and sisters. He says he the coming month we will working in the conflict has been inspired to compose a piece dedicated to reconciliation sector has led him to explore how we can give between Nepalis. The man who put to music ‘Sayaun thunga phul focus on the positive the publishing rights in ka hami’, the lyricist who evokes such a strong sense of Nepali- aspects of each country he Nepali to one of the ness through his songs, is aghast that politicians are only talking has lived in – its culture, excellent foundations that about dividing rather than uniting. myths, identity and exist in Kathmandu,” says That evening, Ambar Gurung begins the concert with his ‘Ma history. With three the author. Ambar hun’, and then the soothing words and melody of ‘Ukali children, now aged eight, The new year will lagda pasina puchhne…’. His voice breaks, and he has to stop. six and four, this was all mean new projects for His student, Avas, steps right in to sing the missing stanzas. the more desirable. He Arthy as he embarks on a Nepa-laya organised his concert tour to coincide with follow-up book set in the Narayan Gopal’s 70th birth anniversary, and Ambar Gurung pays explains: “When you have tribute to the late great singer with a rendition of his ‘Gham ko Congo, and then perhaps children so much of life jhulka’, sung by the female vocalist accompanying him, Angela suddenly takes on a one set in Yemen, again Singh. She adds a delicate new dimension to Narayan Gopal’s magical quality; the little things In spite of working full-time using the map of the world as a trademark voice, and sings Aruna Lama oldies with great they do, the way they respond to Arthy found the time to pen his magic carpet of sorts for his sensitivity. the world, the way they love you debut, aided in no small measure child protagonists. Ambar Dai lets Avas sing ‘Jasai kesh timile phukayau’ and and how you love them so Kathmandu's traffic jams. He even smiles at the words written long ago about the simple sight of a unconditionally. Sure, there are took on the task of illustration, Simon Arthy’s Jack and Betty woman’s hair flying in the breeze that makes him marvel at the hard times too. But the magic is though he’d initially planned to & the Yak and Yeti is available joy of life: ‘Jindagi hera muskurayo…’. Look, life is smiling. there, it’s new and it’s use an artist. “Three weeks in at Pilgrim’s and Sherpa Kunda Dixit infectious.” Kathmandu while my wife and Adventure Gear. NATION 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 11

just recognising the legal vacuum and have drafted laws against the practice. But we are still a long way from actually having a law that fully addresses this problem. Witch-hunts However, Nepal has been a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All n November Jug Chaudhary, a 30-year- Forms of Discrimination against Women old mother of four children, was since 1991. This international convention I beaten up by her family members and has clear provisions against gender paraded naked around a village in Kailali. violence. The state is obligated to amend They dragged her out from her home, beat domestic laws to conform to the spirit of her mercilessly and then forced her to eat the convention, follow the convention to human excreta. Her mother-in-law’s brother the letter, or provide legal redress in cases had just passed away. She had been where rights have been violated. Nepal has accused of putting a spell on him that also signed nearly two dozen conventions caused his death. on human rights, all of which touch upon gender violence. So to say we don’t have laws in place is a cop-out, pure and INTERESTING TIMES simple. Mallika Aryal Witch-hunting is an extreme form of gender violence and the reason it is not taken seriously is because the victims are KIRAN PANDAY When Chaudhary’s husband, a labourer usually from marginalised communities. in India, returned the couple went to the Nepal’s gender movement has made police station but could not file a Medieval barbarity continues to amazing strides, but it has done little for complaint. “They said it was a personal this community of victims. matter, it should be solved in the blight the landscape of New Nepal Activists in Kathmandu can push for community.” Jug Chaudhary did not laws against witch-hunting while those in receive justice. She is living in the same Nepali sisters to go through what I did.” women actually talk to journalists and the field can work to spread awareness village, in the same Dalit community as Five other women from Dalit and file cases with the police. There are against the medieval superstitions that those who accused and assaulted her. other minority communities in Lalitpur, thousands of Nepali women who quietly target these women. The Nepal Police, too, Chaudhary made the journey to Saptari, Siraha, Kailali, Sunsari and bear the ordeal of being labelled a witch. needs to include a chapter on how to Kathmandu to talk at a public forum last Makwanpur also speak at the forum. Each The victims mostly belong to largely address crimes related to superstition in week. It is extremely difficult for her to was branded a witch and humiliated in illiterate, extremely poor Dalit their training manuals. talk about what she went through publicly. front of their communities. In each case communities, considered untouchables Three years ago in June, the interim She has to stop many times and her voice the perpetrators have been let off the in Nepal. parliament declared Nepal an cracks when she describes how helpless she hook. Noone has come to apologise to the Nepal’s legal system does not have ‘untouchability-free nation’. Such empty felt when she realised there was noone she women for treating them like animals. provisions to punish those involved in proclamations mean little to women like could turn to. They are awaiting justice, but living in witch-hunts. If a complaint is filed and Jug Chaudhary. This year, Prime Minister She has now decided to leave her four fear of being targeted again. “I can’t sleep the guilty apprehended they are Madhav Kumar Nepal acknowledged the children in the village and move to India because I am afraid they are going to come imprisoned for a short duration and state’s failure to deliver on its promises, to look for jobs. But she has this to say: back for me,” says Chaudhary. slapped with a fine. The Ministry of saying, “it is unfortunate that we haven’t “I came all the way to Kathmandu to talk These are not the only cases. But we Women, Children and Social Welfare and been able to implement this declaration about this because I do not want other only hear of those cases where brave Nepal’s Women’s Commission are only in practice.” z 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 Dahal invokes India Special Editorial, Nagarik, 23 December Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s announcement that he will talk directly with India, and not with its ‘robots’ in Nepal triggered even months after having to a flurry of comments in the Nepali language newspapers: S quit the government, a desperate Maoist party has openly asked for foreign Interview with Pushpa Kamal interference in Nepal’s internal Dahal, BBC Nepali Service, affairs. This has wounded Nepali 23 December self-respect and made the fluid political transition even more unstable. Dahal’s speech was Rabindra Mishra: In what unprecedented in Nepal’s capacity will you hold history, no other political party talks with India? had ever dared make such an Dahal: Having gone through irresponsible statement. It proves the media reports today, I just how insecure a leader who realised they did not was elected from two understand my speech constituencies has now become. yesterday. It was a sarcastic He publicly stated that India is Nepal’s ‘malik’ and made all political comment on the Nepalis hang their heads in political parties for not having shame. It also exposed the their own stand and waiting for hollowness of the Maoist directives from Delhi. It was movement as being one just to purely a political satire. Second, get back to power. Dahal’s Delhi also has its own problems extremist rhetoric was not just and therefore I pointed out the undiplomatic and provocative it need for talks with Delhi. also exposed the absurdity of a

political party of a country KIRAN PANDAY You say controversial talking directly with a foreign things then blame the country. And if India doesn’t diplomatic missions in Nepal Editorial, Kantipur, 23 December say in Nepal’s internal affairs is media for misinterpreting invite Dahal for talks, are the must also be bound by the Geneva not hidden from anyone. you. You have announced Maoists going to punish the Convention. There are numerous Dahal’s proposal to deal directly the beginning of talks with Nepali people with an indefinite examples of countries that have y publicly calling on with India now makes it easier Delhi from the podium. shutdown? Does he want to hold expressed their opposition and Bnegotiations with India to for India to do so. To be sure, The speech is not against the the Nepali people hostage? The even taken sterner action against end the political deadlock in India wants the Maoists to make spirit of dialogue with political Maoists need to urgently retract those flouting diplomatic norms. Nepal, Maoist Chairman Pushpa a ‘course correction’ by parties but it is against Indian such sweeping statements of Sudan recently expelled senior Kamal Dahal has linked domestic permanently renouncing interference. surrender and anti-nationalism. UN officials, accusing them of politics with external relations. violence, disbanding the YCL They need to stop calling for interference. In Nepal, attention Dragging India into the debate has and stop talking about ‘state The government holds foreign intervention and get back needs to be paid to regulate funds invited controversy. By capture’. But instead of allaying talks but if the leader of the to the work at hand: to write a brought into the country in the announcing an anti-Indian Delhi’s fears, the Maoists became opposition party says he new constitution through the name of development and clear protest starting this week, he has even more hardline and started wants to talk about the elected assembly. guidelines put forth about how descended to the level of dealing to cosy up to the northern such monies can be used. The directly with India. But today’s neighbour China, which led to 1950 treaty, will India take Rajdhani, 24 December government also needs to urgently priority is to find agreement Delhi’s hardened position vis-à- it seriously? respond to diplomatic bullying. between domestic players in vis the Maoists. All this is the It does not matter if they listen Prachanda’s public which an external force can only result of political disunity to me or not. I put forward these oreign interference in Nepal’s announcement that he’d talk help. Dahal’s threat risks giving weakening the state and issues when I was PM and I F internal affairs is growing, directly to Indian ‘masters’ to an entry point and too much therefore increasing the raise the same issues as an and this is creating a backlash. resolve Nepal’s domestic political importance to India in Nepal’s influence of outside players. If opposition leader. The real All political parties should take dispute is not just absurdly internal affairs. The fact that every political leader in this problem is the political parties this issue seriously. Foreign funny, but also objectionable. India wants an open and formal country starts looking beyond cannot seem to decide on their its borders for decisions, there is own. a danger Nepal’s sovereignty will be seriously eroded. We know you took refuge in India during the insurgency, visited the Nepal Samacharpatra, Indian embassy in 24 December Kathmandu, and we all say you hugg the Indian PM Manmohan Singh. ushpa Kamal Dahal accused The way you mix things up is P India of interference and wrong. I talked to India about said since the NC -UML and unequal treaties, water resources other parties were working and hydropower development under Delhi’s instructions he’d and directly rejected suggestions now talk directly to the Indians. offered to me which were Instead of being confined within tripartite negotiations, against the country’s interest. this statement has But I did not feel that I was the internationalised Nepal’s free leader of an independent internal problems. Such remarks country. from a senior leader aren’t just irresponsible they also put Nagarik daily says you bilateral relations with a openly called on a neighbour in jeopardy. Nepal’s neighbour to resolve our political parties should start internal conflicts and that seeking solutions to their lack of this was unbecoming of an mutual trust and not turn to an elected leader. Pushpa Kamal Dahal: “Will you restore civil supremacy or not?” foreigners. A neighbour will There cannot be an uglier obviously seek to further its misinterpretation of my speech. own national interest if we I only said I wanted talks but it Robin Sayami in Nagarik, 21 December allow it to mediate a domestic was distorted. This is yellow quarrel. journalism. CONSTITUTION 2010 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 13 Uncertainty rules

People are increasingly alarmed by the dilly-dallying of political parties in writing the constitution. “If the political parties continue to act like this, they won’t write the constitution and will endanger the country’s future,” said participants in an interaction program organised by Himal Khabarpatrika in Itahari. Translated excerpts:

On constitution-writing Tanka Prasad Neupane (professor): The political parties forgot the commitments they made in the CPA. NC and UML leaders are talking of a deadline extension already. The leadership itself is not clear on key issues such as state restructuring, language and ethnicity. Unless the Maoists that REEMA SHRESTHA waged the ‘people’s war’ and ran a parallel government in the past point out the obstacles in writing resources and social aspects castes to enjoy the provisions of federal set-up. If this happens, it are mainstreamed, the the constitution, we are labelled should be taken into account. autonomy, self-governance and will not be any different from in constitution cannot be written. regressive, secessionist and Creating federal units is a purely special rights. On the basis of ILO the past. communal. If they don’t write the technical issue in which politics Convention 169 and historical Ashok Tamrakar (Industries constitution on time, we are ready should not play a part. background, we have been saying DN Mehata (MJF-D): The and Commerce Association): to give an alternative. the districts east of the Arun and Madhes has been the victim of Industrialists and entrepreneurs Aiyebu Ansari (Nepal Kosi rivers should be part of domestic colonisation. The major fought for democracy and voted Laxmi Gautam (All Nepal Muslim Autonomous State Limbuwan. question is how to liberate it. in the CA elections expecting the Women’s Association): Our Council): No political parties Madhesi people should be new constitution to be written understanding of the CA was to have addressed the issue of the Keshab Dahal (rights proportionately represented in all and an economic revolution to write a new constitution first and 1.2 million Muslims living in 73 activist): We envisaged state mechanisms. There should take place. If the constitution is then to run the interim districts of the country, though federalism as a means to be an integrated Madhes Pradesh not written within the stipulated government but our political ethnic issues have been raised. eliminate discrimination and the and Madhesis should be given the time, the people who overthrew leaders seem to have understood domination of a particular caste right to decide on the number of the 240-year-old monarchy can just the opposite. Padam Adhikari (Federal in a unitary system. This was not states within it. easily overthrow the current Limbuwan State Council): aimed at curbing the rights of political leadership. On federalism We should find a balance between privileged castes and giving Miliram Chaudhary (Tharu Dipendra KC (NC): Nationality ethnic and historical backgrounds oppressed castes special rights in Welfare Council): Ethnic ratios Ashok Khudang (Federal should be at the centre in a federal and prevailing social structures in the name of liberation. Nepal is a should be the basis of federal Limbuwan Council): The system though the issues of creating federal states. States multi-ethnic and multi-lingual units. All castes should have Maoists, NC and UML are special rights and privileges should be given the right to self- country but we are talking about proportionate representation contesting for a constitution to within the federal units can be determination, not a particular giving special rights to particular and access at central, federal and suit their own interests. When we considered. Topography, natural ethnic group. This will enable all castes and languages in a new local levels.

“May not meet deadline” ‘Not optimistic’ Upendra Yadav, President MJF, Sunsari 5

Laxman Prasad Ghimire, Chief Whip, Is one reason behind the delay the fact What’s happening in the CA? NC Ramechap that the CA hasn’t got a quorum? Just a couple of days ago, the Committee on No. We were supposed to discuss the the Distribution of Natural Resources, Financial Rights and Public Revenue preliminary draft by the Committee on the finished discussions on its preliminary draft The CA is still working, Distribution of Natural and concept paper. The Constitutional right? Resources, Financial Rights and Council is considering revising the Eight subject committees have Public Revenue, but couldn’t schedule once more, and the State finished discussing their because of the Nepal bandh Restructuring Committee and the Committee preliminary drafts and concept called by the Maoists. However, on the Forms of Government are working on papers. All the committees were the parties have agreed that in their drafts. supposed to have finished the future the CA will continue discussing drafts by November- running during bandhs. After repeated revisions of the schedule, December. But the Constitutional there isn’t enough time for public scrutiny of the constitution, right? Council and the State How will you reconcile the With the deadline so close, it will take a lot of hard work to write the constitution on time. As a result, there’s isn’t enough time for the public Restructuring and Distribution of differences of opinion in to review the constitution, and we may break our promise to the people State Power committees haven’t the CA and parliament? to finish the constitution within two years. finished, which may force us to We have set up an informal revise the schedule once more. special taskforce to resolve these Why isn’t the party leadership more serious about the constitution with differences, which will so little time left? Will we ever complete the comprise the big three parties, The NC, UML and the Maoists are to blame. There are discussions constitution if the schedule the chief whips, and nine going on between them, but they aren’t concerned about anyone else. is repeatedly revised? CA members including We are determined to finish it. Radheshyam Adhikari, Agni Aren’t you participating in the discussions? But we have already cut down the time period for Kharel and Ekraj Bhandari. The taskforce will They haven’t consulted us. That’s why currently we’re pressuring them public scrutiny of the constitution from three also work with the other parties. Currently, to finish the constitution on time. We are also pressuring them to fulfill past agreements with the MJF. months to one month, and it still doesn’t look the State Restructuring Committee is the like we’ll write the constitution on time. biggest mess. Will the constitution be written on time? Well, so far it seems unlikely. If they don’t meet past commitments, the constitution won’t be completed. 14 CITY 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482

ABOUT TOWN Two friends [Madhavan and Sharman Joshi] EXHIBITIONS embark on a quest for a lost buddy. They ™ Marfa to Manhattan, exhibition of photographs by Kashish Das encounter a long forgotten bet, a wedding they Shrestha at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, till must crash, and a funeral that goes impossibly 31 December 11AM-5 PM, 4438979 out of control. Then another journey begins ™ People After War, permanent photo exhibition, every day through memory lane, as we are introduced to 11AM-4PM, Madan Puraskar, Patan Dhoka, for bulk school an old friend free-thinker, Rancho [Aamir Khan]. bookings call 5521393 The reason for his long-time disappearance

Entertainment unfolds with the story. EVENTS ™ Christmas Workshop at Assumption Catholic Church, Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal www.jainepal.com 25 December, Dhobighat, 5526732 Quest

MUSIC ™ HyJazz every Friday evening by Inner Groove at the Rox Bar, 4489362 sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd ™ Baja gaja every Tuesday at Moksh, Pulchok, 7.30 PM u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ onwards, 5526212 ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi ;"rgf ljefu Kitchen, Darbar Marg, 4227288 ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ™ Some like it hot, every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . Rai and the Sound Minds, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel, 7PM onwards, 4479488 ™ Happy cocktail hour, ladies night on Wednesday with live unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar, Thamel, 5-7PM ™ Nepali Ghajals and songs at D’Lounge Beijing Duck Weekly Internet Poll # 482 Restaurant, every Thursday 6.30 PM onwards, 4468589 Q. Who do you think is/was the best ™ Rudra Night live fusion music by Shyam Nepali every Friday, prime minister? 7PM at Gokarna Forest Resort, 4451212 Total votes: 5,020 DINING ™ Arabian Night, with bellydancers from Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, Megha Malhar Hall, Hotel Soaltee ™ Christmas French cuisine, veg and non-veg, Rs 2950+ and Rs 3900+ respectively, Chez Caroline, Baber Mahal Revisited, 4263070 Weekly Internet Poll # 483. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com ™ Jingle bell shaped pizzas, with Christmas punch, BBQ and Q. What do you make of PKD’s desire to gourmet fare, Aqua Java zing, Thamel, 4254809 talk to Delhi? ™ Christmas Turkey Dinner, till 1 January, K-too! Beer & Steakhouse, Thamel, 4700043 ™ German Food Festival, till 1 January, Irish Pub, Lazimpat ™ Christmas Cake shop, WWF European christmas pudding, chocolate Expedition Santa Claus, hampers and more at The Lounge, till 31 WWF-led Climate for Life December, 4491234 campaign ambassadors Apa ™ Lavazza Coffee and Baskin n’ Sherpa and Dawa Robbins, at Blue Note Coffee Steven Sherpa travelled all Shop, Lazimpat across Europe in November ™ Strawberry Étagère, and December, as strawberry flavours at The part of a European Expedition, Lounge, 4.30PM- 6.30PM, in an effort to raise the profile Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, of the Himalaya in the global climate debate. They travelled 4491234 WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL ™ Oriental Nights, all flavours and specialities of Asia every through Prague, Bratislava, Wednesday at The Café, 6.30PM, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, London, Rome, Geneva, Chamonix, Vienna, Brussels, 4491234 Unlike Europe, which has seen excessive snowfall in recent years, Paris and Copenhagen meeting ™ Live continental BBQ Fiesta, exclusive BBQ Dinner at Splash precipitation in the Himalayan region and South Asia has been Bar & Grill, Radisson Hotel, from 6.30-10.30PM everyday politicians, celebrities and dropping. For example, the Valley hasn’t seen its December quota people on the streets, talking ™ Chocolate, Coffee and Caramel, every evening at The Lounge, of rain for three straight years. Satellite images of Thursday afternoon 4.30-6.30PM, 4491234 about the impacts of climate suggest that conditions will remain dry through the end of the month. change in the Himalaya. ™ Wine and cheese, every Friday & Saturday at The Lounge, This weekend, expect partly cloudy skies and warmer mornings, as 5-8PM, 4491234 a thin layer of clouds will act as a blanket. ™ A cafe’s café, Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka, 5522113 Some of the prominent events ™ Jazzabell Café, TGIF, 10% discount all day, happy hour 6-8PM, of the European Expedition Jhamsikhel, 2114075 were meeting and ™ The Corner Bar, 5-7PM, 3-11PM, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, handing over an Everest Rock 4411818 and the Nepali Prime Minister’s letters to the ™ Al Fresco, for homemade pasta, steak and freshwater trout, KATHMANDU Soaltee Crown Plaza, 4273999 Presidents of Austria and ™ Kakori, for biryanis, curries and kebabs, Soaltee Crowne France, speaking at the Plaza, 7-10.45PM European Parliament, and at a ™ Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the climate change demonstration Middle East at The Café, Hyatt Regency, 4491234 KATHMANDU VALLEY at Brussels. Both Apa and ™ Teppanyaki meat items and garlic rice at Le Restaurant, Dawa also participated and Gairidhara, 4436318 Fri Sat Sun spoke at the Government of ™ Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat, Rs 600, 4412999 Nepal-organised Summiteers’ ™ Reality Bites, The Kaiser Café, Garden of Dreams, operated Summit in Copenhagen on by Dwarika’s Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM, 4425341 11 December. ™ Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-La with 21-6 20-5 22-4 live performance by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala Garden, every Friday 7PM onwards, 4412999 ™ Himalayan Rainbow Trout at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Darbar Marg, 4248999 ™ Tiger for Breakfast, breakfast everyday at 1905, Kantipath, 4215068 ™ Stupa View Restaurant, for vegetarian creations & clay oven pizza at Boudha Stupa, 4480262 ™ Gokarna Forest Resort for a variety of sizzlers at Tripti bar, 44512126

GETAWAY ™ Fly Away, Marco Polo Travels offers a 3-night package deal to Thailand for Rs 29000 pp on twin sharing basis, inclusive of air fare, a 4 star accommodation. ™ Escapade, one-night stay with Christmas gala dinner, cultural shows, Christmas lunch and drinks at Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Rs 3000 pp ™ New Year’s, The Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort offers an overnight stay with BBQ dinner, live band, champagne and brunch.

For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 25 - 31 DECEMBER 2009 #482 15

KIRAN PANDAY HOMECOMING: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport, back from the Copenhagen Climate Conference on Sunday.

KIRAN PANDAY CHAOS: A fire rages as police stand guard in New Baneswor following riots during the Maoist-called Nepal Bandh on Sunday.

SRIGAN GHIMIRE NOT SO FAST: Policemen recover around Rs 300,000 and IC 5000 worth of counterfeit money as the perpetrator, Jagir Sikh Adit, looks on in Lalitpur on Thursday.

SOHAN SHRESTHA THIRSTY: Culture Minister Minendra Rijal sipping Tongba, or millet beer, during the inauguration of the Nepal International Indigenous Film Festival on Tuesday in Dharan.

KIRAN PANDAY OUR GRANDMOTHERS: Five women, subjects of the Hamra Hajurama Photo Exhibition, at the opening at the Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, last week. The exhibition concludes on Friday at 6 PM. on aBanday Never, never 16 W ass(at)nepalitimes.com night walkerswereoutofbusiness. complained theycouldn’tcollecttheirusualkickbacks,andLazimpat’s couldn’t cheatpassengersattheairport,customsofficialsinTatopani ‘ at 8,butiswillingtoallowoneoffspring.Chinastillhasa and dotter,aretinueof19.Theembassyhascappedit entourage. Theprimeministerwantstotakealonghiswife Chinese embassyaboutthesizeofprimeministerial Stiff bargaininggoingontillpresstimebetweenthePMOand last decisiontoscrapthesepractices. gracefully retireafterthisChinatrip,butbeforethatheshouldtakeone movements. Makunayhasoutlivedhisusefulnessandshould insists onissuingaNOTAMclosingdowntheairportforVVIP AndCAAN corps havetotroopofftheairportsay‘bye’or‘hi’? gone from parking spacewhenflightsbunchedupintheevening.Wemayhave diverted, domesticflightswerecancelledandthentheairportranoutof summit, theairportwasclosedfortwohours.Internationalflightswere on SaturdayandnextThursday.Lasttimeheflewofftotheclimate should expectmonstroustrafficjamsbothonthegroundandinair The primeministerisoffagain,thistimetoChina,whichmeansyou the prize. more embarrassing:nominatingtheman,orGirjaactuallywinning GPK fortheNobelPeacePrize.TheAsscan’tfigureoutwhatwouldbe apologising profuselyinHinditosomeoneonhismobile. hoo. PKDmusthaveregrettedthatone,‘coshewaslateroverheard Nepal’. Ha-ha-ha.OtherstrampledontheIndiantri-colour.Hoo-hoo- jackets heldupabannerthatsaid:‘IndiansandDogsNotAllowedin couple ofYCLswearingtheirtrademarkblack can affordanotherremote-controlledrobot. humour. Boy,arewegladhewasjustjoking.Idon’tthinkthiscountry supposed tobesarcastic,revealedatleastonething:hehasasenseof warpath againsttheInjuns,andthenimediatelysaidspeechwas Chairman Awesome’smuch-malignedspeechinwhichhewentonthe ambulances weresmashedsothepatientsinsidecouldrestinpeace. peaceful manner.Journalistswerethrashednon-violentlyand Govt officeswereeithersetonfireorvandalisedinanextremely threatened to ransacked inacompletelynon-violentmanner,andcomradesmasks that daredopen.InSurkhet,theofficeofanaidorganisationwas streets ofPokharaLakesidethreateningtoburndownanyrestaurant goons nearlylynchedDSPChaudhari,peacefulYCLsprowledthe sure enoughitwasthreedaysofpeaceandtranquility.Non-violent The Baddieshadpromisedthatthebannedwouldbe‘peaceful’,and in theHimalaya. lives ofnearly500Nepalisandalsotemporarilyarrestedglacialretreat from January25onwards.Ifitlastsamonth,wewillhavesavedthe maimed werenot.Thisiswhywewelcomethe the livesof45Nepalis,andanadditional90whowouldotherwisebe accidents acrossthecountry,whichmeansthree-daybannedsaved An averageof15Nepalisdieand30areinjuredeverydayinhighway make thecountrycarbonneutralby2020. on tracktofulfillthePrimeMinister’scommitmentinCopenhagen Nepal’s carbonfootprintby1.4milliontonsofCO2,andputourselves in threedays,thusreducingourtradedeficitwithIndia,slashed envelope calculationrevealsthatwesavedRs600millionworthoffuel One childpolicy’ Why notlookonthebrightsideof The Cabinetalsoshowedithasasenseofhumourbynominating There wereothersignsofsophisticatedhumourattherally.A BACKSIDE did wasgrumbleaboutit.Taxidriverscomplainedthey handed usathree-dayforcedholidayonplatterandallwe e’ve alwaysbeenanationofwhiners.TheBaddiesjust kingdom torepublic gently breakthelegs . FG FG FG FG FG , butwhydoestheentirediplomatic ofanyonewhodaredgotowork. Bandays North Face ? TheAss’back-of-the- indefinite banned down CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 09/066/67 25 -31DECEMBER2009 #482

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