#211 27 August - 2 September 2004 20 pages Rs 25

eyebrows. “Girijaji rejected Media bark worse prime ministership under Article 127, but it looks like his than Maoist bite? followers are trying to convince him to take it,” confided Nepal Government officials and the Workers and Peasants’ Party travel trade have reacted angrily President, Narayan Man to what they say was a “massive Bijukchhe. Some of Koirala’s exaggeration” of the situation in colleagues are already rubbing Nepal during the Maoist Valley their hands in glee. blockade last week. They said it “It is now or never distorted the reality and spread for the Deuba false and harmful news about Nepal across the world. “The government,” NC’s reporting made it sound like Narhari Acharya there was a castastrophe here, as told us. “It will if the state was collapsing. This have to make was false and that is what hurt progress on peace. us,” government spokesman If it doesn’t, it will Mohammad Mohsin said during have failed in its a press briefing on Thursday. mandate.” One travel entrepreneur summed For optimists, this means it up: “It was a case of the that the Deuba government will media’s bark being worse than at least be forced to send feelers the Maoists’ bite.” to the Maoists. And there were SUBHAS RAI some silver linings this week: the blockade was lifted, the Weekly Internet Poll # 151 Maoist student wing formed a Q.Does the Miss Nepal contest degrade negotiating committee and the women? rebels have privately told the industrialists whose businesses they closed to persuade the government to agree to talks in exchange for lifting the closure threat. Total votes:1,109 Deuba’s spokesman Minendra Weekly Internet Poll # 152. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Should the government announce a Rijal says the government is still unilateral ceasefire ? trying to ascertain whether the Maoists are serious about talks. “We have been cross checking with various sources After the siege because we don’t want the rebels to use the ceasefire for In Kathmandu, politicians still don’t get it reconsolidating and regrouping like they did last time,” he says. The army is said to be concerned NAVIN SINGH KHADKA that the Maoists used Editorial p2 t looks like they’re taking one political insider. But do anything when they keep the blockade Shooting the turns to paralyse whichever party joins a royal trying to destabilise it?” asks as a diversion messenger IKathmandu. Even before the appointed government, it one exasperated UML member and will also use a future Maoists lifted their blockade seems there will always be a of the government. ceasefire to amass forces in the on Tuesday, the four-party rival trying to prevent it from Meanwhile, Nepali Valley. opposition announced a new restoring peace and earning Congress President Girija Information Minister phase of anti-king street the peace dividend. Prasad Koirala seems to have Mohmmad Mohsin says the agitations beginning Friday. So the party in power is too suddenly developed an government is moving There is despair among busy trying to prevent itself interest in the prime systematically to form a Peace those who say a political from being toppled to get down ministership. Although he has Secretariat that will forge an all- consensus is a prerequisite to to the main agenda: ceasefire said he will not accept the party consensus for talks. “We future negotiations with the and negotiations. Indeed, the office under Article 127, it is are trying to figure out exactly Maoists. vultures are already circling hard to see how else he could what the Maoists have up their “If only the constitutional Prime Minister Sher Bahadur become prime minister. sleeves,” he told us. As long as forces were on one side, it Deuba’s coalition, saying he Even some of his he is at it, he may also want to would have been much easier hasn’t made progress on talks. counterparts in the four-party find out what Koirala’s plans to deal with the Maoists,” says “How can the government alliance have begun to raise are. l 2 EDITORIAL 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Jemima Sherpa Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki, [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-5543333-6, Fax: 01-5521013 Ring leaders [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 01-5547018 SHOOTING THE MESSENGER The Valley blockade was just a test for bigger things to come

ost of us in the media never had any illusions about the Maoists’ t is difficult to think of a time goal of fusing a rural ‘people’s impact. India’s leaked warning Mdemocratic credentials. But we were willing to give their political agenda the Maoists have been the war’ with an urban uprising. To that it would air drop food in the benefit of doubt because most of their original 40-points for a I structural overhaul of Nepali society had merit. target of as much censure as put pressure on the government case of a prolonged siege was a We never agreed with their methods, however, and we have always said so. they have been in the past two to agree to its demand for message to the Maoists to lay off. No end ever justifies such wanton slaughter, especially when the democratic weeks. Negative public opinion constituent assembly, the In Kathmandu itself, they space (however flawed) was available. and Maoists had launched a new underestimated the public The Nepali media has fulfilled its professional obligations by airing the open phase of their ‘strategic defiance. However, this has Maoists’ political demands and making them a matter of public debate. And it has not shirked from exposing their gross abuses of human rights. This has been defiance helped them calibrate violence largely possible because of the brave and committed journalists in the field who of the GUEST COLUMN in a repeat siege: all it took this have risked their lives to get the truth out. Valley Puskar Gautam time was the threat of violence to Unlike the journalists in the capital who are relatively protected, district blockade keep most buses and trucks off reporters are vulnerable to threats, intimidation and pressures from both the forced offensive’ to militarily encircle the highway they didn’t even Maoists and state security. They have to tread a fine line while reporting human rights violations, and have often done that without sacrificing the truth. them to Kathmandu within a ‘Ring Area’ have to blow up anything. In the past year, the threats to reporters have increased in direct proportion to withdraw it and blockade the capital to The Maoists also want to the intensification of the conflict. There has been a lot of unnecessary after a week. create economic chaos. wage a dynamic war by harassment of journalists by security forces in the field, and the state has killed They have The Maoists have a Central institutionalising front more journalists in the past four years than the rebels. Krishna Sen worked for antagonised the Command under the organisations and their regional a Maoist mouthpiece and Dekendra Thapa worked for state radio, neither deserved to die. very industries chairmanship of Prachanda, yet political units. Combined with Even though the Maoist leadership pays lip service to press freedom from they targeted for they chose to announce the urban guerrilla warfare, this time to time, its field-level cadre do not waste time in such niceties. They tolerate extortion by forcing Valley blockade through their could be a way for the rebels to reporters only as long as their dispatches are favourable. This is a deliberate two- them to close down. regional organisation. This lends maximise their strength and track policy. The murder of credence to the theory that the minimise the army’s superiority By killing Dekendra Thapa earlier this month the Maoists showed that they don’t even bother with politically-correct rhetoric anymore. Their Talibanesque journalist Dekendra blockade was a rehearsal for a in numbers, armour and airborne threat to chop off the hands of other journalists who refuse to toe the party line Thapa has provoked bigger future offensive, and they capacity. is further proof of a dangerously fanatical streak. unprecedented fury. were trying to test the panic- The Maoists have faced major The brutal murders of unarmed village elders, elected grassroot leaders, Even for an organisation level of the Valley residents, the losses in the past four months social workers, teachers, businessmen, anyone who don’t agree with the that is so sure of its reaction of the international with the capture of 11 senior rebels or refuse to pay ‘donations’ are acts of cowardice. When a movement has to resort to such unconscionable cruelty it means it has revolutionary destination that community and especially India, leaders in Patna, the elimination lost the power of argument. Using such brutality to impose one’s will is it is past caring about public the role of the global media, and of their Special Task Force from not only immoral, it is also an incorrect interpretation of revolutionary opinion, there seems to be see what tactics should be the Valley, the split of the Tarai dialectics. uncertainty about what to do employed in case of a future Mukti Morcha and the Kirat The regional Maoist leadership in the midwest is reported to have next. A high-level meeting military attack in the Valley. Workers Party, and the killing by said that killing Thapa was a ‘mistake’ and it won’t do it again. That falls short of an apology. This contrition also didn’t originate from presently underway is They must be quite pleased the army of leaders of the ‘Ring the central leadership as it should have. discussing what the future with the way the international Area’. It has to be said, however, While the killing of one of our own has set off understandable course of action would be. and Indian media made a big that even with its added anger in the profession, we must add that it focuses our grief and The rationale for the Valley deal out of the blockade, intelligence the military hasn’t outrage even more at the senseless loss of thousands of other blockade was part of the Maoist overstating its extent and been able to inflict as much innocent Nepali lives in this conflict.

L ETTERS

HEARTS AND MINDS products than just rely on its training. For over ten years, the Sandinistas squandered their l Reading the statistics of Nice of you to translate Khim southern Big Brother. It should be electoral system has worked and victory and lost national elections. the number of people killed Ghale’s ‘Royal Nepali Army wins made clear that India will never the former rebels have emerged Nonetheless, they continue to (10,000+, #209) was shocking. the heart and minds. In Congo’ come with tanks or drop bread as the second largest political remain in the political mainstream Most of us know by now who are (From the Nepali Press, #210). over Kathmandu as happened in party. A parallel in Nepal would without going back underground. the culprits: the megalomaniacs Nepalis have great capacity to Sri Lanka some years back. India be the way our own NCP (ML) What scenario will be closest to of the Maoist movement. They work in troubled areas, and with appreciates Nepal, and Nepal used armed struggle in the early the Nepal situation will depend on are sucking our country dry even the troublesome people. The should learn to say thank you for 1970s in eastern Nepal, but later how well we plan for peace. One more than some of the corrupt congloese love the Nepali what it has done for Nepal’s own realised it wasn’t getting them thing is sure: there is no military political parties. The top Maoist soldiers. Only if the same could good. For instance, look at the anywhere and came into solution. It is better to realise that leaders talk about equality and be said about back home. Why is sudden rise of young Nepali mainstream politics. Peru, now before more lives are lost. The freedom, but kill anyone who it so difficult for the Royal Nepali MBAs in the Indian corporate Colombia and Guatemala offer military may suppress a rebellion, doesn’t agree with them or pay Army to sin the hearts and minds hierarchy, there is no discrimina- lessons as well in the costs of not but can’t eliminate the rebels. The them extortion money. What of their own brothers and sisters tion whatsover. But in Nepal? finding a solution or protecting a Maoists may even capture state kind of society are they trying to in Nepal? Why don’t they use Let’s not have hate, that is all. fragile peace. In Nicaragua the power by force but can’t retain it by build? The Nepali people are some of the peacekeeping skills India-Nepal Bhai Bhai Achaa insurgents defeated the the same means. If we can’t disgusted with the mass they show in the Congo in Rahe. government and captured state resolve this, we should let the murders, they want peace Nepal? These are very important Bing S Thapa, Mumbai power by force. But the United Nations do it for us. Why desperately, and are raising questions we need to answer, if we the delay? their unequivocal voices. Some are really serious to manage the PEACE NOW Q. If the Maoists renounce violence and free, fair Bhanu Parajuli, Pokhara reputed newspapers and conflict. The major cause of any Poverty, deprivation, injustice, elections are announced, which party will you magazines are showing their success is ‘attitude’. If our army’s inequality, and exclusion lead to vote for? l I hope the Maoist leadership predilection towards the attitude in foreign soil can be so rebellion and armed revolt, but a is following the Nepali Times Maoists. We cannot deny that positive, why can’t they be majority of people are against Nepalnews.com Internet Poll in the the security forces have also positive in their own soil and violence and conflict, as the past two issues. Nearly 30 percent been responsible for excesses, communities? I am not blaming results of two recent questions in of the respondents said they would but they have now realised they the army, just trying to figure out your Internet poll have shown. vote for the Maoist party if it gave need the people’s support. The why the army can’t do the same (#209,210). But how do you up arms and stood for elections, press must stop castigating the thing in Nepal that it is doing in convert the popular will into and although there was a sizeable security forces without investi- faraway Congo. actual progress towards peace? proportion of undecideds, it gating the matters properly. And Laxmi Bhatta, Singapore There are many lessons from showed that the political parties the politicians have to stop Latin America. One relevant to are way down in the ratings. Then squabbling and work together to INDIAN HANDSHAKE Nepal may be El Salvador where 81 percent said the Maoists should rid the country of the menace. Interesting article indeed on the conflict was brought to an end give up violence and enter Someone said it right, “What increased Indian aid evolution through consensus-building and a Should the Maoists give up violence and mainstream politics. You could say you throw comes back ten folds.” for Nepal by Navin Singh Khaka sincere implementation of the join mainstream politics? that internet polling does not And coming back to general (‘Indian handshake’, #209). agreement between state and reflect the ground reality, but the public, they can no longer be There are no shenanigans or insurgents. The insurgents were results tally quite well with mere bystanders. They have to strings attached to Indian coaxed back into the mainstream scientific nationwide polls taken by understand that the state is assistance to Nepal as of national politics and Himalmedia two years ago. The trying to save their freedom and Kathmandu’s intelligentsia and established as a recognised leftist lesson for the Maoists is quite they have the most vital part to media know all too well. However, party. Under this settlement, the clear. Most Nepalis agree with their play in it. Peace without Nepal would do well if it set rebels surrendered their arms and goals, but they almost completely freedom is of no use. Most about reforming its own national their cadres were integrated into disagree with their methods. Nepalis are oblivious to Maoist’s mentality and competing society as farmers, traders, police, Gunalal Shrestha, sick plan but once they globally with its various excellent and armed forces after necessary Kathmandu penetrate through its cruel NATION 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 3 damage as it could have because issued the Red Corner notice. of its own structural flaws. We have lost count of the To get over these setbacks, number of peace activists and the Maoists needed the blockade conflict resolution experts doing as a show of force and to use Peace by proxy the Colombo-Geneva-Belfast- psychological warfare against New York circuit, but it doesn’t the capital. On the military seem to have resulted in any front, they have decided to The only thing going for civil society is its name, it is unmilitary consistent vision for peace. combine their eastern and battle- he Maoists miscalculated. In Nepal, civil society has human rights guru Michael The most glaring deficiency hardened western divisions to It was apparent from day been even less effective than the Ignatieff writes: international has been a lack of common form a Central Command. The T one of their blockade: the government in cultivating a donors have created a climate of sense. Many in civil society bandas and blockades could just middle-class decided to endure culture of peace. To have any ‘capacity sucking-out’ by believe that an exit from our be diversions to ensure greater the hardship, the rich ignored it role in conflict resolution, civil inundating poor countries with Maoist-created mess can be mobility of their cadres across completely, the poor didn’t society needs to have the 4Cs of broad-spectrum experts from found in the offer of the good the mountains. Now, they are seem unduly worried. Even the successful mediation: well-endowed NGOs who begin offices of the UN secretary busy putting together the sensation-hungry Nepali media credibility, competence, by importing duty-free SUVs general. Politicians know better. training, weapons and logistics consistency, and common sense. and live deluxe lives with their Why else would they all be to back up this force. What they STATE OF THE STATE Unfortunately, Nepali civil First World salaries, and then trooping off to New Delhi at the are still uncertain about is what CK Lal society has generated quite a lot blame local politicos for all the same time: Khum Bhadur will happen if they do attack of heat about the necessity of ills besetting their host country. Khadka, Shailaja Acharya, Kathmandu whether it will played it down. Prime Minister negotiations without throwing Consistency is not one of Pashupati Shamsher, Madhab trigger an international Sher Bahadur Deuba was any light on how to go about it. civil society’s strong points. It Nepal have all done the trip and intervention. sufficiently unmoved to attend A hodge-podge of retirees, was the first to fete the Deuba is off himself next week The military’s strategy now the Guara celebrations at out-of-job politicians, ex- insurgents during the truce and with perhaps King Gyanendra could be to form its own outer Tundikhel. bureaucrats, professionals past began to call them ‘terrorists’ as soon after. So, how come the ring and a strong inner core to What was abnormal was their prime, and socialites soon as the government re- conflict resolution circuit trap the Maoists in their own how normal everything was. describe themselves as civil designed for our peace activists Ring Area. So far the army has For the spoilt citizens of the society and hog the limelight by by concerned donors only been constrained in fighting a capital who used to queue for alternating between overflies India? guerrilla war in the mountains, it petrol as soon as landslides inflammatory and conciliatory If we ever succeed in has been party-successful in the blocked the highways, the real statements towards the establishing peace in this plains and has achieved story this week was the lack of insurgents. The fact that many country, it will be inspite of considerable success in the panic. Try telling that to the of them share a common civil society. Since the Maoists Valley. If the military puts its parachuting international Panchayat past makes them have shown themselves to mind to it, there is no reason media. why this plan wouldn’t work. The fallout of the transporta- Since the Nepali Congress tion embargo was so negative has now come around to that Comrade Prachanda didn’t agreeing with the constituent even have the courage to own assembly, and the UML despite up, and got his regional honcho being in the coalition has given to say that the blockade was complicit with the regime of be even more inept than the its nod the Maoists only need to being withdrawn at the request oppression, and are therefore government and civil society, put pressure on the palace. l of ‘civil society’. If civil society severely credibility-challenged. prospects of peace look indeed played a role in making Had civil society been marginally better than Translated from the Nepali original. the insurgents realise their competent or less-donor driven, before the one week Valley [email protected] mistake, it must be top secret. we could overlook all that. As blockade. l

heart, they will see one mission: in disappearances, and extra- to establish a totalitarian regime judicial misconduct? Ignore the without mercy and freedom. killed, jailed, and beaten Reshivaa Nakarmi, journalists? What are western Kathmandu governments supposed to do? Maybe the Hotel Association of SIEGE Nepal thinks western govern- Re: ‘Jugular’ (#210). The ments should lie and tell their significance of the Maoist citizens all is fair throughout the blockade is that at last kingdom? Until the king, parties, Kathmanduites are feeling the and the Maoists hold successful pain that the rest of the country peace talks and begin to solve had to go through for the past the internal problems of Nepal eight years, especially in western without the interference of other Nepal. The media also seems to nations, the tourist industry, like be biased in the reporting the rest of the economy in because all it is interested in is Nepal will continue it’s slide bombs, bullets and battles. The toward collapse. hardships of the people of D Michael van de Veer, western Nepal were often Hawaii ignored. So Kathmandu now knows what it feels like. CK LAL Puspa R Pant, Dadeldhura Finally , CK Lal is not just criticising and criticising ADVISING CAUTION everything that he sets his sights It was amazing to read the upon but also has something reaction of the travel industry constructive to say. In ‘None of that travel advisories and your business’ (#210) he has not negative publicity hurts tourism only pointed out what is wrong in Nepal. (‘Advising caution’, with the generals becoming #211) So one must ask, what kind executives, but also offers them of publicity should there be suggestions for investment. the about Nepal? Should it ignore World Bank has decided that the thousands of Nepalis who the best rate of return on any have been killed by the RNA, investment in the developing police and Maoists? Should the world is to educate the girl child. publicity ignore the armed If the army spent its welfare police and army in the streets of money on opening quality Kathmandu? Should the schools all over the country it publicity ignore the bombs? would be doing this nation a Should the publicity ignore the much greater favour than by harassment and ‘taxing’ of tourist running banks. Especially by the Maoists? Ignore the because such opaque almost daily violent instituions should never be demonstrations, the Amnesty trusted with anyone’s money. report listing Nepal near the top Name witheld, Jawalakhel 4 NATION #211 Is oil Nepal’s next27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBERbig 2004

MARK WILLIAMSON production infrastructure in EDINBURGH A Scottish oil prospecting company is hoping to strike worthwhile. Speaking on the third day of oil in the tarai, but what will it mean for the Maoist blockade in fter an age in which Nepal these wetlands in Nepal? Kathmandu last week, after only ever earned a Maoists forced a dozen big A mention in British papers companies to closed down, in brief articles detailing the Watts, who has spent years latest Maoist attack, the working in countries like kingdom has been figuring Bangladesh, appeared to be unexpectedly large on business relatively unconcerned by the pages lately. security situation. “We’re News from Kathmandu on 11 conscious there are security August that Cairn Energy, a issues in Nepal like there are in Scottish oil and gas company, many areas where oil and gas is had agreed on a contract with sought and we will operate with the Nepal government allowing a cautious pragmatic approach.” it to explore for oil and gas in However, there is a risk huge swathes of the south exploration activity could be sparked a sudden renewal of disrupted either directly or interest in a new version of indirectly by political violence ‘Himalayan paradise’. (see that Cairn may not have ‘Cairn strikes it big’, #209) encountered elsewhere. Even if While the government in all goes to plan, sceptics Kathmandu was rubbing its surveying the oil provinces of hands with glee at the apparent the developing world could find endorsement of an oil-importing plenty of reasons to wonder country’s productive potential, precisely who would be the Cairn bosses were more ranks of stock market also-rans business. He was a classmate of images of an adventure in Nepal beneficiaries of exploration and circumspect, saying it could into the premier league. Valued future Prime Minister Tony Blair that could only end happily for production in Nepal. take years of scrabbling about at £560million in January, the at an elite Edinburgh school, all concerned. However, Cairn One British expert who asked before it was known if there was company is now worth £2billion Fettes College, where he has been relying so far on little not to be named noted Angola any oil down there. plus. All four of the finds that excelled at rugby before going more than educated guesswork and Nigeria as the most With hard-nosed investors powered the transformation on to play the sport for Scotland. in Nepal where the only well grotesque but not the only bidding up Cairn’s shares in were made on land the mighty Now with the company ever drilled found nothing, some examples of countries in which London on the day it confirmed Shell had not rated and had sold having discovered more than 36 years ago. A vast area needs the discovery of huge amounts the successful conclusion of to Cairn for just £4million. one billion barrels of oil in India to be studied using time- of oil had produced wealth talks, it was clear that optimism While Mike Watts, the he is sitting on a stake in Cairn consuming techniques like aplenty for the already rich and was not confined to the company’s wily exploration worth more than £15 million. As seismic surveys of the deeps to powerful, corrupt or otherwise, Department of Mines and director, first saw the potential the terms of the company’s help turn up leads. It could be but no end of misery for the Geology in Kathmandu. The in Rajasthan, Cairn’s feats have Rajasthan licence gave the years before any wells are sunk. poor. (see: ‘The resource curse’, Edinburgh-based company has ensured its chief, Bill Gammell, Indian authorities the right to 30 “We’re in the early, early #209) plenty of people who would be a star status in business circles percent of any area in which oil stages of exploration, of Activists say the powerless prepared to follow its bosses to match his glamorous is developed, the strikes promise transient operations, risk have been the main victims of anywhere. background. The son of a a bonanza for the country’s capital,” said Watts. When and huge environmental damage Helped by a series of massive wealthy oil financier, Gammell government. if drilling starts, Cairn could resulting from oil spills and discoveries in Rajasthan, an became friends as a child with Little wonder that for some easily fail to find oil or gas or other ills. Following similar unfancied area of western India, the future President George W the mere mention of Cairn not strike enough of the stuff to experiences across the globe, the Cairn has been lifted from the Bush while their fathers talked possibly drilling summoned up make installing expensive World Bank recently made Dateline Guantanamo uantanamo Bay, Cuba: If Nepal is the world’s only Hindu kingdom, The world is best when America sets an example, not when it hurts itself G In the 1990s, when the going was procedures from human rights groups and then this place is the world’s only were too far away. The first inmates to communist fast food paradise. Food and good, Bill Clinton’s government wanted arrive had to sleep in outdoor cells that decent governments around the world. the extreme left seldom go together, the to wind the place down. It was thought were little better than metal boxes. As the The Americans listened to some and hammer and sickle sit uneasily alongside too expensive and badly located. Also population got larger, more permanent improved their inmate handling. But capitalist icons like McDonald’s golden this little McDonalds-haunted paradise prison quarters were built. So were a what they didn’t do was treat their arches. was a magnet for migrants from Haiti, hospital, guard buildings and other ‘detained enemy combatants’ as they But this remote, arid chunk of Cuba, and of course, Cuba. structures. would like their own soldiers to be treated where Tens of thousands of them came here There were howls of outrage against if arrested by a hostile foreign power. This annually and had to be penned up while is the basis of self interest, not to mention HERE AND THERE the American military detainment arches their cases were processed. Gitmo, as the the rules of war. Daniel Lak loom base here is known in military slang, was Now the process of trying those alongside losing its lustre as an outpost of freedom. ‘enemies of America’ has begun and all KFC’s friendly colonel, the Subway sign Then came September 11th 2001, the I’m seeing so far is a lot of disorganisation, and Pizza Hut is only communist by American-led war against the Taliban ad-hocism and clumsy behaviour by proximity. Cuba owns the ground beneath and Al Qaeda, and the worldwide security forces. Also, at least one inmate our feet, but the American military walks campaign to stamp out militant terrorism. has a vigorous and courageous defence on it. As US forces went into action around the attorney who is fighting hard on behalf of Guantanamo Bay was first leased to world, they rounded up many a Muslim. his client, even risking his own military the United States in 1903, when Cuba Some were handed over by their own career as a lawyer in the navy. This is was a newly captured colony. So ‘lease’ countries, others nabbed on the field of good, but not good enough. is probably a bit too lenient to the battle. In all, close to a thousand were Sooner or later, I hope America American government. ‘Given’, detained, perhaps even more, but we realises that the world is best when it sets ‘delivered post paid’, or ‘snatched’ might were never really given a number. an example, and doesn’t do things that be more to the point. This 85 sq km of A lot of that group ended up here in give rise to anti-Americanism that hurts real estate on both sides of a magnificent Gitmo. Who could forget the first TV us all. They could start by putting the natural harbour remains in US hands to pictures of dismal captured Muslim men men at Gitmo Bay before their own justice this day, despite Fidel Castro’s revolution being lead across steaming tarmac, system, and not some invention from the and years of hostility between confused or defiant, angry or Second World War that didn’t even work Washington and Havana. frightened who could tell? The cameras at the time. l NATION 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 5 bonanza? Oil and water don’t mix support for a pipeline linking what the exploration will do to Chad with Cameroon conditional the India-Nepal Tarai Arc on measures to guarantee Chad’s Landscape project, which aims newfound oil wealth would be to protect jungle corridors for used for poverty reduction. tiger and wild elephant “But initial returns are not migration. encouraging and even though While the terms on which the oil money is flowing, there Cairn will look for oil have not are no structures in place for been disclosed, there are said to distributing it back to the oil be provisions of jobs and producing region,” said a training for 300 to 400 Nepali The Indian environmental website, Cairn’s concession map for Nepal, showing the development expert. staff during the initial survey indianjungles.com has raised proximity of the tarai national parks in Chitwan, In the case of Cairn oil period. “If we ever get into concerns about oil exploration along Bardiya, Sukla Phanta and adjacent areas of the industry, sources say Nepal can production we’ll be doing Parsa wildlife reserve.Tthe historic Lumbini/Tansen probably be pleased that it is community issues like we do in the environmentally sensitive India- area are also included as well as contiguous dealing with a company that has parts of India,” Watts said. Nepal border regions. Indian wildlife concessions in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which has the a record of pioneering in However, with Cairn obliged to author and photographer, Valmiki nature reserve. countries like India. Bigger prioritise the interests of its Nirmal Ghosh writes: players might throw their weight shareholders, the country’s around more. ministers and officials will have urrently, Maoist rebel activity in many of these pressure groups, but in general drilling has Following warnings about responsibility for ensuring an oil C areas will probably delay progress of these plans. dramatically affected habitats. But far more damaging possible environmental damage and gas business for which they But in the long run, there is no telling how much than actual forest clear-cutting (for wells/pipelines) has resulting from exploration in the have scarcely any experience. damage they will do. At the very least, they could been the immediate increase in bushmeat hunting Nepal tarai, Cairn has been Years of complaints about render plans to restore and conserve the Tarai Arc and poaching by native workers shipped in from urban quick to relinquish rights to mismanagement by self- wildernesses in Nepal as well as India, a crucial areas, the usual effects of better roads etc and a quick component in north India’s river systems-an exercise in drop in water/aquifer quality (and fish catches) due to explore all designated national interested politicians and futility. poisonous effluents and leakages. park and wildlife areas on its bureaucrats will have left few in While Cairn is currently the darling of the London In general Cairn does have slightly better green acreage in Nepal, including the country confident that stock exchange, having risen three times since January credentials than the mega-majors, but as firms grow, Royal Bardia Park. officialdom can meet the via four Rajasthan finds, they are a smaller they tend to become less green, for obvious reasons. The company says it will challenge. l ‘independent’ firm by global standards and will be For now, despite their finds in Rajasthan, Cairn is explore only in consultation unable to go it alone for too much longer and may be largely pumping gas and oil from offshore. Most of with local communities. bought out in the next 2-3 years by a mega-major their onshore fields will take 2-3 years to start pumping, Mark Williamson is a business journalist companies like Shell or BP, which could lead to a vast given the lead times, need for new pipelines etc. As However, there is concern on The Herald in Scotland among environmentalists about [email protected] increase in their ability to influence government and for the Bangladesh reserves, perversely, their spend even on more exploration. resentment/suspicion of India has prevented the I’ve had a chance to observe the effects of drilling construction of pipelines to India, has had the effect of in Amazonia, and it’s not pretty. There have been protecting their environment including the

Business proactive against closures some improvements due to heat from the usual green Sunderbans mangrove delta region.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Industrialists and the business community have been organising rallies and issuing press releases urging Maoist rebels and the government to create an environment that allows them to open businesses. Their main argument is that politics and the economy shouldn’t be mixed up. “It does not work that way,” says Binod Bahadur Shrestha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). “The political issues should be solved politically and the economy should be allowed to follow it own course.” The business community has been concerned following the closure of a dozen business houses under Maoist pressure, including some of Nepal’s most prestigious firms like Soaltee Crowne Plaza and Surya Nepal. Many FNCCI board members said it was not just about the ones presently forced to close. “Today it is 12 of us, tomorrow it could be all,” they argue. There appears to be an arbitrariness in the Maoist threats. They have told American businesses to stay away, but also forced the closure of the Middle-Marsyangdi hydropower project in Lamjung which is funded with German official development assistance. “A thread running through all these closed companies is that they defied Maoist extortion threats, and that goes for the Marsyangdi contractor as well,” explained one business source.The rebels suspended the blockade after a week and the student wing of the Maoists have formed a team to hold talks with the government on education issues. But the trade union arm of the rebels that has pressured the business houses to close down, has not made any move. In fact, their stance has hardened after the arrest of two of their comrades in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The Maoist-affiliated trade union has been arguing that business houses exploit workers. “The workers are being exploited even during normal times, we are fighting for their liberation,” said federation chairman Shalikgram Jamarkatel. But trade unionists affiliated to political parties dismiss these allegations, saying the strike is actually anti-worker. “It takes away their jobs and they can’t feed their faimilies,” says Binod Shrestha, general secretary of the UML-affiliated trade General Federation of Nepal Trade Union. FNCCI’s Shrestha believes dialogue is the only answer. “We have been discussing problems the (Maoist) trade unionists have raised, and we believe it can be resolved through dialogue.”

Truly Asia

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tourism Malaysia and Marco Polo Travels have announced a ‘dream holiday package’ for Nepal residents at a gala event on Friday at the Hyatt Regency. The six-day holiday package, the first of its kind in Nepal, is available for Rs 45,000 per person and covers airfare on Qartar Airways, accomadation and meals. “Given the exisiting rate of airfare to Kuala Lumpur, the package is not expensive,” says Subodh Rana of Marcopolo Travels. Rana is also happy that this is the first national tourism promotion done by any country to tap Nepal’s growing outbound market. Tourism Malaysia also organised a weeklong Malaysian food and cultural promotion in Kathmandu and a similar event will take place at the Fulbari Hotel in Pokhara till 28 August. Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, deputy director of Tourism Malaysia says: “There is a lot of potential for tourist traffic between the two countries.” 6 NATION 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 The legends still live Twenty-five years later, Kathmandu’s Shangri~la Hotel shows that the mystique of Kathmandu is still alive

SRADDHA BASNYAT

wenty-five years ago, herds hotel garden, later called the Doig in Calcutta. Utpal came up of hippies roamed Shambala. Inspired, Doig moved to Kathmandu and started to T Kathmandu, the valley was to Nepal and even as the work on promoting the hotel. It an emerald jewel in the lap of foundations of the Shangri~la is said, in Utpal’s books you the Himalaya, and there was Hotel were laid, he threw were either for or against the peace and tranquillity all over himself into the garden of his Shangri~la, and if it was the the land. A couple of Rana dreams—a garden which was latter, then Utpal had no time palaces converted into upscale not even part of Panday’s for you. lodgings and the first few blueprints. He and Doig used their BIKAS RAUNIAR budget lodgings were just Then, in 1979, the contacts to build up the springing up in Thamel. Shangri~la Hotel, inspired by Shangri~la image worldwide. Nepal was a true shangrila James Hilton’s novel of the same Sengupta even pulled his wife Namaste or not? and it needed a hotel for a new name, opened its doors. “Seeing Caroline, who he met at the breed of clientele: not quite it first,” Hilton wrote, “it might Shangri~la, and his mother-in- Handshakes are more egalitarian than namastes hippie and not quite globe- have been a vision fluttering out law into helping out at the trotting billionaires. Shyam of that solitary rhythm It was hotel. Caroline’s fine French Bahadur Panday decided to take indeed a strange and half- food and her mother’s famed ixing with people from other societies or cultures, one is the gamble. incredible sight.” That is what cordon bleu hooked many a immediately struck by the differences in social behaviour and M Panday had earlier decided visitor. Utpal and Caroline today practices. For example, why is it that in some cultures people to break with family tradition run Chez Caroline at Baber shake hands when they meet, while in others they rub their noses or exchange kisses on cheeks or they keep at arms length and do and not follow his father’s Mahal Revisited. namaste? footsteps into the army. Perhaps Doig only lived a few more Is it something to do with unwisely at first, he invested all years to watch the hotel grow. his savings into property in Sengupta was general manager NEPALI PAN notions of equality and hierarchy, Lazimpat near the big for 20 years through the tourism Rajendra Pradhan intimacy and distance? When we shake hands, are we not saying embassies. He got a hotel boom years. Today, as the that we are equals, as compared license and decided to start ambience of Kathmandu is to saluting or namaste-ing? Until as recently as the 1970s, people in construction. “I had to finish it eroded and the conflict affects rural Holland still used to doff their caps to the upper classes in in time for my children’s careers tourism, the Shangri~la is still greeting. They would certainly have been rebuffed had they dared to take off. I could not have an oasis of calm in a frantic city. offered their hands to be shaken. Handshakes also symbolise them ready to work before the And in the middle of that oasis friendship, even among unequals, or signal the end of hostility and hotel was ready,” recalls Panday is a tranquil garden called the forgiving mistakes. The simple, friendly act of shaking hands has whose two sons are now Shambala, where you can almost multiple meanings both simultaneously and serially, differing according managing the hotel. imagine Desmond Doig sitting to context. Luckily, Panday met a group on a garden chair, puffing at a In the age of economic and cultural globalisation, the handshake of multi-talented Himalayan pipe, watching the rose- has also become globalised. In Nepal, more and more people are now specialists led by the famous coloured sunset of a Kathmandu beginning to shake hands, especially on formal occasions, such as renaissance man, Desmond Doig, monsoon evening, and sketching prize-givings and after speeches. It is also increasingly common for who shared his vision. Doig was away on his notepad. Nepalis to shake hands as well as doing namaste. Nepalis are now a journalist with the Calcutta Panday wanted his hotel to be, Panday’s eldest son Prasidha less hierarchical than they were, say 20 years ago. But shaking hands Statesman, but had become and the Shangri~la became is now managing director, now signifies not just friendship and equality, but also sets one apart something of a Himalayan Doig’s canvas as well. Here he younger son Pravine is executive from the more traditional (‘backward?’) compatriots. specialist, as conversant on brought to life the designs, director and Daman Pradhan is The namaste (or namaskar) is a form of salutation also practiced by Indians, Sri Lankans, Thais, Burmese and other groups influenced Bhutan as he was on Sikkim. But plans and visions he sketched CEO of the Shangri~la group of by ‘Indic’ cultures. One rational scientific explanation for the evolution he had a special affinity for out on the small pad he carried hotels and the Shangri~la of this form of salutation is to avoid spreading germs and dirt. Nepal. Perhaps owing to his everywhere. Guided in design Holidays travel agency. So what Traditional Nepalis frown upon shaking hands and that other ‘dirty’ time as a Gurkha officer, school only by Hilton’s imagery and his is it about Shangri~la that practice of kissing, because it is not hygienic. But as an apprentice days in Kurseong among Nepali own deep passion for everything invokes such total involvement? anthropologist, I am tempted to explore beyond just the rational to speaking students, or even as far high Himalayan, the hotel Dubby Bhagat, Doig’s friend and social, cultural and political-economic roots of the namaste. back as his Nepali nanny, Nepal would become one of his a self-professed chronicler of the Given the hierarchical social structures in India and Nepal, the was always special for Doig. masterpieces. hotel’s history, says: “Perhaps namaste fulfils the need for men and women and people of unequal Panday met Doig one Although everyone agreed it it’s the spirit of the old Raniban social status to maintain physical distance. Traditionally, what is evening at a bar in Thamel and a was charming, the first year was forest that it was built near that important during the namaste procedure is who initiates the greeting, friendship ensued. Perhaps it less than smooth sailing for the consumes them, or perhaps it is how low one bows while doing it to a priest or elder, for instance, and was that very night, as Panday Shangri~la. Utpal Sengupta the kind of Kathmandu that how long you stay down. People of higher social status only respond shared his dream with his new worked for the Junior Statesman, drew us all here. l to the namaste, and don’t do it themselves first. friend, that Doig envisioned a a cult youth magazine started by www.nepalshangrila.com Let’s analyse the much-publicised handshake between the leader of a party once classified as terrorist and the helpless head of government at a nonpolitical function during last year’s ceasefire Desmond Doig (above) and the Shangri-la’s period. It signified a (temporary) cessation of hostilities, equality Shambala Garden that he designed. between the leaders of the two powers, a shift to a new (western? global?) way of interacting with the opposition and a new symbol of conflict resolution. A namaste would have meant status quo and support of the traditional ways of doing things. Besides, who would have offered his namaste first? In the wider global universe, doing namaste as a form of greeting culturally marks us as Asians. When abroad, if you greet another Nepali or Asian with a namaste you signal an affinity to a vague sense of ‘Asian culture and identity’ and thus a shared culture and closeness in contrast to people of other cultures. The greeting you get while boarding most Asian airlines is a namaste. In the hospitality business, what sells is culture packaged with its unique traits and the namaste has come to fulfil this role as well. The form of greeting or salutation used displays social and cultural meanings, those of closeness or distance, hierarchy or equality and also of being modern or westernised. By switching from one form of salutation to another, one switches the meaning of the interaction and social relations. l

Rajendra Pradhan is a Kathmandu-based anthropologist. 7 NATION Buddy, not27 AUGUST bully - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 Indian media has become more mature and objective in coverage of Nepal

could be affected by the fallout, journalism has shed its the shift. Although the India can only wish Nepal ideological baggage, it has reporting was alarmist, at least it well.’ become much more woke up the Indian officialdom All this is surprisingly professional,” another media and the public about the fact objective by past standards. analyst told us. “My only that Nepal is in crisis. As the People in Kathmandu remember complaint is that Nepal is still a Economic Times wrote: ‘India the Indian media’s simplistic blind spot and they have must severe links between the and inaccurate reporting during underestimated the seriousness insurgents in Nepal and the so- the IC813 hijacking debacle in of the insurgency here and its called Maoists of domestic December 1999 and the Hrithik potential for a spillover into vintage.’ Roshan riots that stigmatised India.” India’s business press has Nepal as a hotbed of ISI Political scientist Dhruba also drawn attention to the activity. Kumar at Tribhuban University Maoist closure of companies in

ECONOMIC TIMES, NEW DELHI, 24 AUGUST Recent reporting about the cautions against overplaying Nepal with Indian investment Kathmandu blockade on Indian this change. “Since Nehru’s as well as threats against other television may have been time, the Indian media has businesses. “The Indian media NARESH NEWAR exaggerated, but atleast the op- openly supported the country’s is seeing a generation change. It ed pages didn’t parrot the foreign policy towards its has moved away from grey- ndian officials last week interests to champion official line. Is this a sign of neighbours. That link still exists. celled academia and retired leaked to the New Delhi democracy in the changing times? We just see hints of a softening bureaucrats to young and open Imedia that India was neighbourhood without active “If the editorials are any journalists who aggressively these days,” Kumar told us, considering “bread bombing” interference in other countries’ indication, the Indian media adding, “this doesn’t mean they question the conventional Kathmandu if the Maoist internal affairs,’ wrote the has finally got over its Cold War are totally liberated from South wisdom of New Delhi’s grand blockade got worse. Economic Times on 23 August hangover,” says Yubaraj Bloc.” promenade,” said another Back in the old days, such a (see clipping above). Another Ghimire, editor of the However, coverage of the Kathmandu-based India- leak would have resulted in a editorial in its sister Kathmandu weekly Samaya, blockade was one indication of watcher. l slew of sponsored editorials in publication, The Times of India who worked in for various the Indian press on 24 August echoed this view Indian media in New Delhi for enthusiastically endorsing and even went on to diverge 20 years. “It also shows that official concern about Nepal from the official Indian stance they are willing to recognise and echoing its geo-strategic on UN mediation by saying the international peace efforts in interest in Nepal. It is an world body should be allowed to Nepal.” indication of how much things ‘take an active role’ to mediate This is a view shared by have changed that editorials in peace talks in Nepal. (see box) other India-watchers here, who the main Indian papers the next The Indian Express, which is have noticed that the Indian day warned the government to edited by India’s foremost media’s coverage of neighbours stay out of Nepal’s internal geopolitical expert, Shekhar has graduated from patronising affairs. Gupta, makes its stand quite preachiness to factual and non- ‘It is in India’s longterm clear: ‘As a neighbour that ideological reporting. “Indian Nepal Under Siege

(Editorial in The Times of India, 25 August) be made by both sides. The point is—which party or parties are best suited to play the honest broker? Considering India’s close economic, social and We have long warned that the situation in Nepal is cultural ties with the Himalayan kingdom, New Delhi fast spinning out of control. Recent events suggest would seem to be ideally suited for the role. But that in fact things might get worse than we thought. India has, for far too long, been seen as a big bully, New Delhi repeats that it is ‘watching the situation not only by Nepal but by other smaller neighbours carefully’. But it is becoming increasingly obvious as well. Any talks held under the obvious auspices of that a more energetic engagement needs to be India would be doomed to failure. So, what are the made by India in this strategic and sensitive alternatives? The present situation obviously backyard. The grapevine has it that India has stepped cannot be permitted to continue. On their part, the up supplies of arms and materiel to help the Maoists, splintered as they are, have said they Nepalese forces combat the Maoists. There must would be willing for a UN-monitored process. New have been back-door diplomacy to try to bring the Delhi and other friends of Nepal should try and contending parties to the negotiating table. However, persuade the palace to accede to this request. The so far a solution has remained elusive, with the rebels donor agencies and NGOs, whose presence in insisting that a total ceasefire and the calling of a Nepal cannot be wished away, could also play a constituent assembly should be the precondition for positive role by endorsing such a move. Insurgency talks. has brought Nepal’s tourism-driven economy to a The palace would be reluctant—to put it mildly— grinding halt. The prospect of India being saddled to liquidate itself. However, some concessions have to with another refugee problem is not exactly remote. 8 ECONOMY 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 “When it has been proven that the manpower companies sent people to Iraq, which is prohibited, why can’t the government arrest the agents?” Open secret asked Sudarshan Khadka of Lele, elder brother of Ramesh Khadka who is one of the 13 hostages. Moonlight Consultant has Everyone, even the government, knew Nepali refused to meet family members. Moonlight told us it sent 17 workers were going illegally to Iraq workers to Jordan, including Ramesh and eight others who are now in Iraq. “We completed all due processes and sent them to Jordan on 3 June,” says Moonlight’s director, KB Rana. “We had sent them to Morning An Indian tv crew interviews Ramesh Star company in Jordan, but Khadka’s family in Lele on Tuesday another company called (left), while his father and sister look on (above) Besharath and Partners are said to have taken them to Baghdad to rebuild hospitals.” three Indian agents in town But Deepak Rijal, a Nepali coordinating between the journalist in Jordan, told the BBC agents here and the employer Nepali service on Tuesday that companies in Iraq,” he said. the deal between Moonlight “To know what is going on, all Consultant and the Morning Star you need to do is flip through company in Amman was in fact the pages of newspapers and to send Nepali workers to Iraq. see the advertisements seeking “Morning Star has confirmed Nepali workers for these this and so there is no reason for countries.” Moonlight to offer false An added complication is explanations,” Rijal says. that many Nepalis are going to An official at the Association India on their way to Iraq and of Foreign Employment Agencies being duped by middlemen. MIN BAJRACHARYA in Kathmandu admitted labour Some 10,000 Nepalis have been NAVIN SINGH KHADKA companies have been sending stranded in Mumbai because people to Iraq, while officially the agents promising to send hen news came last Department of Labour official they will have to submit the stating that they are going to the them to Iraq took their money W week that 13 Nepalis asked. report as soon as possible,” Gulf. “If a manpower agency and simply disappeared. The had been kidnapped in Minister of State for Foreign Minister Pant told us (see says it is sending workers to Association of Foreign Iraq, it was no big surprise for Affairs, Prakash Sharan Mahat, interview, pg9). “We will take countries like Jordan and Kuwait Employment Agencies has sent the Ministry and Department of has appealed for the hostages’ action against companies that these days, you can be sure they a team to Mumbai to find out Labour. Officials had known all release through Al Jazeera are found responsible by the will end up in Iraq,” the official the extent of the problem, but along that Nepalis have been television in Doha. But so far report.” told us. as many of them work hand-in- sneaking into Iraq from Kuwait there has been no response from But according to the hostages This is not something the glove with Indian agents, it and Jordan. the kidnappers who belong to in Iraq, who were made to speak government does not know. But doesn’t look like the swindled “It has been an open secret the shadowy Ansar al-Sunnah in front of tv cameras at none of the series of Nepalis will ever get their that thousands of Nepalis are in group. Government officials gunpoint, the manpower agency governments of late have money back. Iraq,” admits Labour Minister have also corresponded with that sent them should be held corresponded with any of these Officials say the demand is Raghuji Panta. their Iraqi counterparts to secure responsible. “We were kept as countries’ manpower agencies or so great and there is such The insurgency, the release of the hostages. captives in Jordan first and they with the Nepalis missions to desperation here, it would be unemployment and poverty back The government has formed did not allow us to return home confirm if Nepali workers are better to regulate migration to home have made young Nepalis a three-member committee to and forced us to go to Iraq,” all actually wanted there. prevent exploitation of workers so desperate for jobs that they probe how Nepalis end up in 12 hostages shown on the tv One of the agents whose and ensure that Nepali are willing to take the risk of Iraq. It is coordinated by Labour footage said. “Moonlight clients are among those taken middlemen can be held working in a war zone like Iraq. Ministry Secretary Narayan Consultant’s Pralhad Giri is hostage in Iraq admitted accountable if something goes Government officials admit the Prasad Silawal, but until responsible for all this. The anonymously that more and more wrong. Says one official: “The push factor is just too strong. Thursday the committee had not government must take action manpower companies are worst aspect of this is that “What can we do when the state even started work and does not against him and the manpower working in partnership with crooked middlemen in India are of the country compels people to have a deadline. “They will company.” Indian agents to send Nepalis to swindling desperate Nepalis of go to such places?” one senior begin work at the earliest and Family members are enraged. Iraq. “Even now there are at least everything they have.” l

remaining applications as we don’t want to Gulf region,” says Laxman Karki from take anymore risk,” the owner of the Biratnagar, who is on his way to Dubai to overseas manpower agency told us on work as a security guard in a supermarket. Dreaming of Iraq condition of anonymity. Many like Karki are applying for work “We all want to go to Iraq. The visa in Dubai, Qatar, Oman or Kuwait and government is more scared than us,” says then apply for jobs in Iraq through local Shyam Jha from Janakpur, who came all the manpower agencies when they get there. “Iraq is not safe, but neither is Nepal.” way to Kathmandu to apply for a job in Iraq. Promises of Iraq’s high salaries don’t just Looking at the list of selected candidates, he attract poor farmers and labourers— NARESH NEWAR gets impatient when he does not see his Nepalis with good incomes are tempted too. name. “I’m sure it will be here in the next list. Karki is a wholesaler and owns a number rem Lama knows the dangers of as well. “Even children are well cared for. I can’t return home with nothing,” Jha says, of shops. P working for the US government in There is a swimming pool, tennis court and sounding desperate. Syamden Tamang, originally from Iraq but seems completely unfazed. a small DVD theatre. We feel quite secure Nepali manpower agencies have come Solukhumbu, has already worked in the US, He has been working as a janitor at the US working inside the military barrack,” says under severe criticism, and are often Japan, Korea, Dubai and India but has now military base in Baghdad this year and is Lama. accused of tricking and knowingly risking set his sights on Iraq. “In fact we don’t care eager to return. Currently, he is home on Lama was sent to Iraq by a the lives of workers by sending them to Iraq. where we get jobs, but Iraq sounds sick leave with a severe case of jaundice. Kathmandu-based overseas manpower The agents, however, say they are not the promising,” says Tamang, who is applying “Everyone knows there is a war going agency run by a group of young only ones to be blamed. “As long as the job for work as a car mechanic, adding, “The on and we are not safe, but it’s the same in entrepreneurs in their mid-20s. A source is safe and secure, people don’t complain, government is not ignorant and it already Nepal, too, isn’t it?” says 22-year-old from the agency told us that there is but when something goes wrong we get all knows that people are not tricked into going Lama. Lama says he is not too worried growing demand from young Nepalis who the blame,” says KB Rana from Moonlight to Iraq.” about the kidnapping of 13 Nepalis. “I’m a also want to go. Consultant. According to several manpower Gurkha. Why should I be afraid?” says The agency is processing more than “Everyone knows the risk and I don’t agencies, more than 10,000 visas for Iraq Lama with defiantly folded arms, his well- 700 job applications for Iraq this year. The want to just point my finger at the agencies,” were processed in the last three months built body dressed in American military source also said there are other agencies says Ram Khadga from Jhapa, who is now for Nepalis and most of them are waiting for shorts. He is proud that by working in Iraq helping Nepalis find jobs in Iraq as applying for Iraq after being rejected for a air tickets to fly to Iraq through Oman and he has managed to pay for his family. construction labourers, security guards, security job in Qatar by Moondrop Agency in Qatar. l Besides a monthly $275 salary, Lama cooks and technicians. “I will stop Lazimpat. “The money is very good in Iraq, says he gets other benefits and facilities recruitment after we have processed the more than double than the pay in the rest of (Some names have been changed on request.) ECONOMY 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 9

BIZ NEWS Double digit summit

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A business alliance for peace The Confederation of Nepali Industries(CNI), in association with the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom, the Nepal’s businesses need to stop vacillating and be pro-active for peace World Bank and the Asian Development Bank is organising the CNI Partnership Summit 2004 for 2 and 3 September around a central theme epali businessmen, of “Can Nepal achieve double digit growth?” Participants will include especially the ones dignitaries such as Malaysian former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad N masquerading as and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Jaovisidha. macroeconomists on tv, know how to lose friends and alienate Noodle wealth people. After the October 2002

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ royal takeover, instead of 2PM’s innovative marketing strategy has turned out to be a jackpot in withholding judgment and more ways than one. So far, over 75 lucky winners have had the double thrill of generous cash prizes handed over by 2PM’s charismatic brand waiting to see how things pan ambassador, Rajesh Hamal. Under the ‘2PM jackpot’ offer, 70 people have out, a number rushed to publish won Rs 10,000, four have won Rs 100,000 and Anish Aryal was handed a messages praising the king’s stunning Rs 500,000 at a function at Hotel Bluestar. move, casting him as the ultimate savior. True, that action

Good service did make a couple of them KIRAN PANDAY ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ministers for a while, but the businesses and their customers. freedom, which values Nepali Hyundai fans are in for a treat as Hyundai has upped its level of collective loss has been greater. The most FNCCI and others could competition, ends up setting the service and after sales benefits. These now include a three-year warranty The businessmen’s actions at do were half-hearted rallies stage for corruption, arbitrary and 12 free servicings, plus a buy back guarantee should the customer that time has continued to cost requesting the Maoists end the political meddling and harmful want to resell their vehicle. These, added to existing service from AVCO, them the trust of political blockade. Instead of swinging monopolies. Surely that is not the 24- hour Hyundai Mobile Service for emergency breakdowns and parties. back and forth like a pendulum what our business leaders want. easily available spare parts should make that motor purr. Then, in the spring of 2003, and forever blaming politicians, Business leaders say that they some business leaders went could Nepali business leaders want peace. Yet they seem Celebrating excellence overboard according rock-star start doing something concrete content to let the donors and

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ treatment to the then- and credible for peace? others pay for peace-building Hard work paid off for the 16 top students from the 2060 SLC exams at the aboveground Maoist rebel This would need a change of efforts. Isn’t it time for them to Tuborg Excellence Awards, held on 9 August. The top three, Bishal Khanal, Prasanna Piya and Shashank Bajimya got Rs 100,000, Rs 30,000 leaders. Indeed, the business mindset and of tactics. No matter start putting money where their and Rs 20,000 respectively. The others, including Pratistha Gyawali who community was rapturous after how much they yearn for an mouth is? A change of tactics had the highest grades among the girls, were awarded Rs 10,000 each. the Maoists announced that, orderly autocracy a la Singapore, would require that instead of notwithstanding their own business leaders must learn to finger-pointing, business leaders

Designer diplomas aspirations for a Stalinist see democracy as a friend of come together and take the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ economy, they too were “for free longterm economic growth. Most initiative to create something On 14 August, close to 50 students received diplomas from the Exterior- market”. This showed that the prosperous countries have been like Nepali Business Alliance for Interiors campus in Kathmandu. The international interior design institute business community, despite its democratic for a long time, with a Peace. Funded and managed by has been working for over 18 years with campuses in India, America, Sri self-proclaimed importance, vibrant press and multiple Nepali businesses for collective Lanka and Bangladesh and is the only organisation in its class to have could boast neither intellectual outlets for civil society concerns. welfare, they could start by received ISO 9001:2000 certification for its one-year diploma program. nor moral consistency. Talking about economic looking at El Salvador and South Any remaining hangover of freedom as something distinct Africa, where businesses played Power package that euphoria has evaporated in from political freedom may be crucial roles in building peace.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ past weeks as Maoist rebels comforting. But as the Maoist Unless the Nepali business National Hydro Power Co. (NHPC) has produced 7.5MW of electricity on forced the closure of several top blockade has shown, when community takes a pro-active the Indrawati river to contribute to the NEA’s national grid. The Indrawati- businesses and imposed a seven- political freedom remains under stance and does its bit to address III is located 75km east of Kathmandu at Jyamire, Sindhupalchok. Considered a model hydroelectricity project, NHPC has signed a 25-year day-long Kathmandu blockade. assault, economic freedom starts the present crisis, its complaints power purchase agreement with NEA and will receive Rs 287,900,000. Hurt in the process were many to wither. And economic freedom alone will help raise neither small, medium and large Nepali in the absence of political sales nor profits. l “A ban on going to Iraq is not a deterrent.”

Nepali Times: Is the government going to allow Nepalis workers to go system, how are you going to enforce it? to Iraq? We have asked Lumbini Overseas to adopt the lottery system Raghuji Pant: The foreign ministry has prohibited Nepalis from going within seven days. If they do so, things will move smoothly. But if to Iraq, but thousands of Nepalis are there already. Some have gone they defy us, they will have to face action. through illegal channels via India, while others first leave for Kuwait and Jordan and later enter Iraq. We have set up a probe committee Will this be for South Korea only, or for all countries? under the coordination of the secretary at the Labour Ministry. Once We had to introduce the lottery system for South Korea because the report comes out, we will decide what to do. there were too many applicants for a few posts. There aren’t such big crowds for so few jobs in the case of other places where Nepali So you haven’t ruled out the option of allowing Nepalis to go to workers usually go. If the number of the applicants increases Iraq. significantly, we will have to introduce the lottery system for other We have not ruled out any option. But that does not mean that we markets also. Our decision on the lottery system came from the have already decided. Certainly, a ban on going to Iraq doesn’t seem recommendation of an official report. to have deterred Nepalis from going there. Does this mean you will also be changing the law? What would you like to happen? We are amending the Labour Act in which we will also include We will have to make the entire process scientific. We must make provisions for the lottery system. We have already amended the sure that all Nepalis going for foreign employment should fly from the draft, which is under discussion. Tribhuban International Airport and that the manpower agencies they go through pay their taxes. There have been many lapses in all these Manpower agencies claim that bureaucrats in your ministry processes. Many Nepalis are being exploited, there are illegal agencies and the Department of Labour had pocketed hefty operating here. commissions from them but after you came in, they could not get work done the way they wanted. Shouldn’t you at least prosecute the agency that sent the 13 I can take action against such bureaucrats only if there is proof. A workers to Iraq? minister is not Hitler, he will have to follow rules and regulations. We can take action only after the probe committee comes out with its findings. Have you initiated any investigation on such alleged scams? What I know is that the ministry and the department are both all Won’t that be too late? out to implement the idea of the lottery system I have introduced. As I said, a committee has been formed to look after all this. We do The officials in both the agencies are cooperating fully. MIN BAJRACHARYA not know yet which companies are involved in this racket. What also There has been hardly a dull moment for needs to be cleared is whether our people in Iraq were sent directly What are the prime markets for Nepali labourers? there by the manpower agencies or if they entered Iraq after they Malaysia has emerged as the top market. Then follow Gulf Raghuji Pant since the former journalist reached other Gulf countries. Therefore, talking about punishing countries like Qatar and Kuwait, among others.The government became minister for labour and transport manpower companies at this point of time is premature. does not have the exact figures, but there are 450,000 registered workers in these countries and we believed about 1.2 million two months ago. Hardly had the dust What about Iraq-bound Nepalis stuck in Mumbai? Nepalis are working in different foreign countries. That in itself is settled from the controversy over the I am told that there are around 10,000 such people in Mumbai. We an indication that foreign employment is an area where there are lottery system for overseas workers, then hear horror stories about the exploitation and misery they are subject many irregularities. Many Nepalis have suffered because of to. That is why we need to reassess the entire issue. fraudulence by manpower agencies, they have had to bear 13 Nepali workers were taken hostage in exploitation and hardships in foreign countries. This is the Iraq. Pant spoke to Nepali Times about Now that the government has won the Supreme Court case to country’s major source of income now, and that is why we have to make manpower companies select workers through a lottery streamline it. the crises. 10 TRAVEL Mustang in the mo

Travel into the Himalayan rain shadow in the rainy season

SOPHIA PANDE

ink fields of buckwheat from Kagbeni and is mostly started with great verve since Don’t make the mistake we fluid hands. But with help from P blossoms that look like flat, but involves wading across the goal was to reach Lo did. Stay a few extra days in Lo locals, two Italians have cotton candy, wild streams. If this doesn’t appeal, Manthang by evening. Not only Manthang to explore the holy undertaken the task of chipping mushrooms that grow as big as you can hire horses or even pay were we acclimatised and fitter sites and imbibe all the away plaster that covers some of your head and tastes just like one of the diminutive but wiry by then, but we had also made ambience of the Tibetan plateau, the old paintings, cleaning and chicken when sauteed, scenery people to carry you across. friends with the horses, cargo while still in Nepal! The restored finally retouching them with that looks like Marlboro Undignified though this latter mules, horse-keepers, mule- Thubchen Gompa, and the three carefully mixed paints to restore country—all this is Mustang in method may be, it makes for driver and Min Bahadur, a storeyed ‘god house’ or Jampa the jewel-like reds, blues and the monsoon. wonderful pictures and you will trekking guide-cook-companion- Lakhang, contain stunning wall greens. Just 15 minutes from Pokhara be providing the local people storyteller and raiser-of-spirits paintings dating back to the 10th In addition, there is the by plane to Jomsom and then on with a little extra income. all rolled in one. century. These have been Tsechhen Shedrubling Monastic foot into the Himalayan rain The magnificent Kali Tsarang is the lunch spot damaged by damp weather, School that houses monks from shadow, Mustang is even more Gandaki keeps you company for with delicious momos filled earthquakes and the ravages of their initiation onwards and enchanting in the monsoon. the first two days, past Chele, a with fresh green spinach and of time, but the American teaches them the traditional art The flight is not just the most beautiful little town nestled course the ubiquitous garlic Himalayan Foundation (AHF), is of being a monk, as well as the Lo spectacular on earth as the tiny right above the river which soup which is also the local funding a heroic mission Kunfun Traditional Herbs plane flies up the Kali Gandaki boasts of glorious views of the remedy for altitude sickness. to restore these Medicine Clinic, which teaches between Annapurna and Niligiri and Tilicho peaks. The Like all towns on the trail, paintings to their young children to become fully Dhaulagiri. It is also a journey route can be a little frightening Tsarang has its gompa, which former beauty. No qualified amchi traditional into a whole different world. in places since the ‘road’ is dominates the settlement. Right mean feat, since healers. You leave the monsoon narrow and winds in and out of across from it is a five-storey the paintings are Then its time to retrace the clouds and the rain behind in the rocky, sandy cliffs. The Tibetan style fortress, made in all route back to Jomsom, and take Pokhara for an arid landscape of approach to Chele in the soft the quintessential bright earth very intricate another look at the magnificient organ pipe mountains, traders evening light makes the already colours of Mustangi and were landscapes, the sweeping vistas on ponies galloping along the rosy rock faces glow with architecture. painted with and the dramatic cloudscapes river banks and a sky a deep wonderful warm red tones. Four-and-a-half hours of skilled and that you rushed past on the way shade of cobalt that brings tears The second day, from Chele plodding and you are in Lo up. l to your eyes. Due to the lack of to Ghemi, is rough. The first half Manthang. The pass just vegetation, you can see the of the day is a very pleasantly before the descent into foundations of the mountains: stimulating walk, not too the city is so notoriously the crumpled and folded rock gruelling. Stop at a gem of a windy that it is called strata that gives us a geological village called Samar and the (what else?) ‘Windy Pass’ record of the genesis of the Hotel Himali with its hot strong and it offers a breathtaking world’s highest range. tea. After Samar you need to view of the walled capital of The trek to Lo Manthang is dismount during the downhill Mustang. four days from Jomsom and four stretches. Ghemi is situated days back via more or less the amidst amazing blue and red same route. However, doing it in cliff faces that are seven days (three days there, typical of the three back and one full day in sedimentary rocks of Lo Manthang) like we did is not the trans-Himalaya. recommended, since it means The next day we walking for about 10 hours each day. The normal route starts 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 11 onsoon

MIN BAJRACHARYA 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 Murder of a media man

Editorials from Nepali national dailies all quarters of society. The rebels in India have not received this cooperation from the Indian press. The Indian media has always Muzzling media downplayed incidents related to the rebels. But in Nepal,

the press has always been there for the rebels, be it

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kantipur, 19 August through news reporting or columns. In doing this, the press has antagonised the government and has as a result come By murdering a journalist and threatening to kill 10 others, under attack time and again. But what does the Nepali the Maoists have once again tried to establish themselves as press get in return for all the free publicity it has given the terrorists. This action has also exposed their unreliable rebels? Death to journalists. The rebels must understand nature to the international community. Following the that the Nepali press is also for change. But the difference restoration of democracy, one area that saw vibrant growth is that the media tries to bring change through peaceful was the mass media. But by attacking it, the Maoists have means, whereas the rebels have taken a path of violence dared uproot the achievements of the popular 1990 and destruction. In continuing the violence, if the rebels that anyone who writes against them faces a similar fate. movement. believe that they can obliterate opinion from society by Following the international outcry against the Maoists for Despite being sandwiched between increasing hostility killing and kidnapping journalists, they are grossly mis- executing journalists, the leaders have expressed from the Maoists and growing pressure from the government, taken. commitment not to repeat such incidents again. They say journalists in districts across the country are doing their best. that killing journalists is against their party policy. But there There may only be a few such dedicated journalists, but it is Boycott is no guarantee that the Maoists will adhere to them. Not

long ago, Baburam Bhattarai had said that it is not Maoist ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

due to their responsible reporting on the nationwide ○○○○○○○ rebellion that the urge for peace talks has become the Nepal Samacharpatra, 19 August policy to close down industries, but less than six months later national agenda. It is their reports that inform the he has done just that. The Maoists are not so naïve that international community and shape outside cooperation for Just because a reporter does not advocate the Maoist cause they don’t understand that this affects ordinary and low peace talks. and does not write reports the way they want could mean a income Nepalis more than the industrialists. This makes it But now the Maoists are talking about chopping off the death penalty for him. That was the fate of Dekendra Raj clear that military power has overshadowed their political hands of those who file these reports under such hostile and Thapa, a Dailekh-based reporter for Radio Nepal. And this ideology and that their political values and principles are difficult circumstances. By making such an announcement, deplorable act by the Maoists has exposed them like never already becoming weak. This has led the Maoists to become the Maoists have not only shown that they fear the media but before. This is not the first time a Nepali journalist has been more distanced from the Nepali people. The road blockade, also that they are not interested in talks. A force that is afraid killed, though. In the nine-year insurgency, so far the rebels educational strike and similar incidents have all targeted of information cannot win national and international trust have already killed six journalists and nine others have been the ordinary people, especially those who live on everyday when it comes to peace as the sole agenda. Their campaign killed by the state. The rebels have also kidnapped dozens of wages. to wipe out the correspondents in the districts means that journalists, and many have still not been released. they would like to keep the information business under their When reporters and correspondents are killed or threatened, Sorry again

control. This is essentially a totalitarian concept. The rebels the entire publication house comes under stress. As a result of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ have a slogan of accepting multiparty competition and the increasing violence journalism has had to face, more and Sanghu, 23 August giving shape to the capitalistic system. But quite more media practitioners have chosen other professions. This contradictory to that statement is their strategy to displace does no good for the professional growth of the media. Dekendra Thapa is the sixth journalist that the Maoists have journalists and make the media their slave. If the Maoists continue to antagonise the media, the press killed so far. The state has already killed nine journalists. will have to boycott all of their appeals, press statements and Neither side has been able to provide proof for the Ungrateful opinion articles and instead begin a campaign to expose their allegations that they used to justify executing the members

violent activities. And once that begins to happen, the rebels ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of the fourth estate. During the emergency, the Rajdhani, 19 August will have everything to lose. government arrested and inhumanely treated more than 500 journalists. When Krishna Sen was killed in police

The murder of journalist Be free custody, all Nepali journalists staged a countrywide ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Dekendra Raj Thapa, who was ○○○○○○○ protest against the state, an action for which the from a very poor family, has Nispaksha, 24 August Maoists expressed their gratitude. Unfortunately, the proved that the Maoists don’t Maoists themselves followed suit and killed two report- practice what they preach. Dekendra Raj Thapa is not the first journalist to be brutally ers. This is deplorable. The killed by the Maoists. Last year, they beheaded journalist Killing Thapa was a total violation of the Geneva Maoists have also proved how Gyanendra Khadga in Sindupalchok. There is confusion over Human Rights convention, and this has already projected a ungrateful they are. It is the the political goals of the Maoists, who consider killing and negative image of the Maoists around the world. That the Nepali press that helped their abduction to be trivial matters. Journalists who hesitate to Maoist leaders realise this is apparent from their recent press call the Maoists terrorists have themselves become victims statement admitting that they should not have killed Thapa, insurgency gain the publicity “No, comrade, it’s not so of terror. The killing of two Nepali journalists implies that no matter what his crime. The Maoists still have time to it has today. The rebels have bad. They just say that we the independent press is now threatened by both the state correct themselves. But if they keep on admitting their no communication media of are ’criminals, terrorists, and the Maoists. The rebel leaders know very well that the mistakes and saying sorry after each killing and do not their own to reach the people. murderers’. They mustmean journalists bear the responsibility of reporting facts without any stop now, they are bound to lose all faith even from the It is the Nepali press that has it as a compliment.” always taken their message to fear or bias. It is clear that the Maoists are sending a message few who are sympathetic to them. New Maoist strategy

Drishti, 24 August

The Maoists have indicated that they will further stiffen the embargo they have imposed on the Valley to make the situation more chaotic and unstable. According to our Rukum correspondent, Narayan Shah, the attack in Jumla was carried out within a week after top Maoist leaders including Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) and Nanda Kishor Pun reached Rukum in order to commence a special new campaign. The just- concluded politburo meeting of the Maoist party has decided to begin a new wave of attacks from next month. The Maoists have suddenly gone quiet on talks, and have stopped calls for a ceasefire with UN mediation. The Maoist politburo meeting decided to further intensify the strategic offensive phase, and if this was not enough, to start fresh recruiting campaigns across the country. Right now the assumption is that the Maoist leadership is currently engaged in preparing for another major attack. The embargo has been fairly easy to enforce without a big deployment because of the use of terror as a tactic. The blockade could be diversion for centralised military activity in Makwanpur and Sindhuli. It is speculated that the Maoists, who appear dormant in eastern Nepal, could be making plans to attack a district headquarter. They are also planning to increase their militia strength Let’s make our war successful to 60,000, according to sources. This is probably why they aren’t really Nepal, 29 August interested in talks at the moment. They are telling their grassroot cadre: “A revolutionary regime can’t be obtained through talks, a decisive war QUOTE OF THE WEEK is necessary and that it is imminent.” They are also waiting to gauge the mindset of the Indians, Europeans, Americans and the UN. The rebels “I constantly opposed [the Maoist leaders’] idea to advance the movement by are under extreme pressure to chose between whether to continue individual executions.” fighting or hold peace talks. Our sources say the Maoists have decided to announce their new program within a few days. That should break the mysterious and eerie silence from the Maoists. It is necessary to Shyam Shrestha, leftist intellectual, in Desantar on 22 August. know where they stand. (Nepalnews.com Translation Service) SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 13 Rape raids plan to recruit nearly 400 female

fighters. Before, the Maoists

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepal, 29 August used to include two females in each section of 13 members. An raging wave of rape has Critics have often claimed that gripped Sunsari. In the past six the inclusion of females in the months, more than 16 girls and Maoist rank and file is to satisfy women have been raped, two the sexual desires of their male were killed after being gang fighters. But female rebels deny raped. A government probe such charges. “Under our committee formed recently under revolutionary discipline, the Home Ministry has found the party has always tried to incidents are rising due to the maintain the gender balance,” negligence of the police and said Maoist activist Bijuli. But their compliance with the she says female guerrillas have rapists. Some policemen even problems like marriage, rape the victims who come to pregnancy and child care which them for help. On 6 August, a 13- have always hindered their year-old girl was brutally raped growth. “Our party believes in by Sub-Inspector Sanubabu equal opportunity and Rajbangsi of the Debanganj police participation, but there are office. She had been raped the practical problems that have not day before by local businessman allowed us to reach the Narayan Shah and was in police leadership level,” says Chetana, protection. Shah had lured her a member of the Maoist eastern from her home in Morang, bureau. “But now that the promising to marry her. He took battalion is being created, this her on a cycle and brought her to will serve as a platform for our Sunsari’s Subba Tol. Local growth.” The formation of the villagers found her bleeding, and female battalion appears to be a took her to the police for help. response to the recruitment of The same night, a drunken female soldiers into the Royal Rajbangsi raped her, despite Nepali Army. But not all the protests from other police staff. female Maoists have joined the When they tried to stop him, he female battalion willingly. threatened to shoot them. They Sapana Magar was forced to join were forced to stand by and listen the Maoists and recalls: “When to the painful cries of the child they came to my home, my in the next room. She is now father cursed them and so they under the care of an NGO in took me with them by force. Biratnagar. The businessman has Now they want me to join the been arrested, but the policeman battalion.” She says girls like disappeared. This was not the her are being forced to join the first time for Rajbangsi, he had unit. Comrade Chetana is recently tried to rape a female defensive: “To borrow Mao’s police colleague at gunpoint words, people are herd of sheep when he was drunk. No action that can be controlled only was taken against him. through power.”

Silent parties Royal visit to India

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Samaya, 26 August Janastha, 25 August

The major political parties are Even before the prime minister sitting by as dumb spectators started planning an official visit despite the Maoist road blockade to India, the palace was already and closure of industries. While preparing for the king’s the ruling parties have been of no departure. But sources say the help in the government’s royal visit was postponed as it weaknesses, the agitating parties coincided with Indra Jatra. The are also just onlookers, delighted king is now going three weeks that the government is now after Deuba’s tour. It has become loaded with more problems. tradition for Nepal’s leaders to “Although the Maoists are acting visit India and get blessing irresponsibly by calling on the whenever a new government is road blockade, the government is formed. Girija Koirala was there equally to blame,” says former last month, Madhab Nepal and deputy prime minister and UML Pasupathi Rana have just leader, Bam Deb Gautam. Nepali returned. While the visits were Congress also blames the officially for discussing government for the industry resolution of the Maoist closure. But the parties do not problem, their intentions were offer solutions. “Our party does to find help to restore their own not have any official view about power in governance as the this,” says NC spokesperson, Maoists still pose a major threat Arjun Narsingh KC. The closed to all parties who form the industries provided revenue of Rs government. 5 billion per day and employed This is not the first time the over 4,000 Nepalis. king is visiting India since he assumed executive power. But this upcoming royal visit on

Female battalion invitation of Indian president

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Dristhi, 24-30 August Abdul Kalam is not just another ceremonial meeting, but will Female cadre will no longer be centre on Maoist conflict. just showpieces in the Maoist India has always taken military wing. The rebels have advantage during Nepal’s intensified recruitment of women political crisis. When the to create a separate female army people’s revolution of 1990 was battalion. In their first selection in full swing, India managed to phase, they have taken 75 get support to build the dam in females from across Rukum. Tanakpur. It also succeeded in There are four more selection ratifying Mahakali Treaty during phases to go and by the end they the hung parliament in 1994. 14 ASIA #211 India’s 1.5 Billion27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 Managing India’s future mammoth population needs to start now

ndia’s population is now a the poor. Unless recent trends treatment capacity. At the same I little over one billion. It will can be reversed, the growing time, India’s growing population almost certainly surpass 1.5 economic and demographic will make increasing demands billion by mid-century before it gulf between India’s north and on water supplies—mainly for stops growing. This actually east and its south and west agriculture, which absorbs over represents a considerable will pose a serious political 80 percent of all fresh water threat. India consumes. If the The environmental impact population grows by 50 percent, COMMENT of 1.5 billion inhabitants forms the country will need to grow 50 Robert Cassen the other major challenge. percent more food. But there Smooth retreat India’s past population growth won’t be any more water. In fact, demographic slowdown: has been accompanied by there could well be less water India’s population more than improving health, education than there is now, owing to The planned withdrawal of US tripled during the past sixty and economic welfare. But the pollution and climate change. years. Moreover, the economy environment has been So India will need huge troops has everyone nervous is growing much faster than suffering. increases in water efficiency. before. So will India be able to Our study concludes that Here, too, there are examples he United States’ planned withdrawal of troops from Asia, which provide a comfortable home for India can have faster economic of improvement. But there is T President George Bush announced on 16 August, need not harm 1.5 billion people? and industrial growth, higher also far too much populist peace and stability in the region. But a key condition for a smooth I recently co-authored a rates of energy consumption politicking, with promises of redeployment of US troops is close consultations by America with its study that concludes, with and a cleaner environment. But free water for farmers. Doing allies, something it has not done well so far. modest optimism, that while this is not what has happened what has to be done to ensure South Korea and Japan need to have their views taken into serious account if this now inevitable withdrawal is to succeed. By contrast, India can manage its so far. Air, soil and water sustainable water supplies— unilaterally announcing the population growth, it also pollution has been growing, controlling pollution, withdrawal—and then unilaterally faces a number of major causing hundreds of thousands encouraging conservation, ANALYSIS implementing it—may harm the difficulties. of deaths every year. regulating and charging where Byung-joon Ahn very purpose that the remaining US troops in Asia are intended to serve: assuring deterrence, stability and nonproliferation in Asia. The withdrawal plan is causing countless worries. In Japan, there are concerns that it will make the country America’s frontline command post in Asia, possibly beyond the scope of its bilateral security treaty with the US. One result is that China feels nervous about the implications of any expansion of the American-Japanese military partnership. But the impact of America’s planned troop withdrawals is felt most keenly in South Korea. In June, the Bush administration revealed its plan to withdraw some 12,500 of the 37,000 US soldiers stationed in South Korea by the end of 2005. The US Defence Department justifies this as part of the so-called ‘Global Posture Review’ to provide more flexibility and mobility in deploying troops to more urgently needed places. But the unilateral nature of the announcement and the abrupt timing has incited alarm in South Korea that withdrawal could pose serious risks to the vital role that US forces have performed in deterring another war in Korea. South Koreans genuinely fear that the plan may weaken deterrence by sending North Korea—which is demanding a US military withdrawal while refusing to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions—the message that intransigence pays. Indeed, it should not be forgotten that North Korea maintains an army of 1.1 million troops. Moreover, the manner in which the Bush administration unveiled its withdrawal plan has weakened the US-Korean alliance’s credibility. America’s unilateral announcement has fuelled rumours that withdrawal must have something to do with the rising tide of anti-Americanism in South Korea, especially with the country’s reluctance and delay in dispatching an additional 3,600 of its own soldiers to Iraq. True, poverty fell in the The key to a clean future is necessary—is politically tough. The Bush administration tries to rebut these charges by saying that 1990’s, while literacy rates and clean technologies. Sometimes Eventually, however, India has the plan will not weaken the deterrence capabilities of American forces, school attendance rose. But these technologies pay for no choice: there are already for America’s far more powerful air and naval presence in the area will be maintained. Moreover, the US plans to strengthen South Korea’s own they did so unevenly. Most of themselves and will be sporadic riots over water forces by supplying some $11 billion worth of high-technology equipment India’s big poor states—Bihar, adopted. But Indian producers shortage, while over the next five years. Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and transporters will not invest water tankers move under armed Militarily, this argument does make sense. Politically and Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh— in them if they bear the costs guard in some cities and psychologically, however, the method raises questions about the ongoing suffer from a combination of while the public at large virulent conflicts arise between viability of the US-Korean security alliance, for the alliance now seems relatively slow economic receives the benefits. In these communities over water-sharing. adrift, without a common purpose and with little direction from either side. growth and rapid demographic cases, the government will But one fears that something Yet the Bush administration insists: “The US views South Korea as a growth. Only Rajasthan’s have to provide incentives or more dreadful than the daily strong and steadfast ally. We are committed to South Korea’s security and economy has kept pace with regulate and tax. misery must occur before India’s to our alliance and partnership with Seoul.” If Washington is serious about the rest of the country. The Unfortunately, when the main politicians decide to act. Three this, it should transform this commitment into a longterm and other four hardly benefitted beneficiaries are the poor, national water surveys all comprehensive alliance that can survive the current estrangement—and continue even after Korean unification—by making a joint declaration from trade and regulatory corporations are powerful and conclude that India can have a with South Korea’s government at the highest level. liberalisation. governments are weak or satisfactory water future. As It is necessary for the US and South Korea to reaffirm their common Similarly, states where corrupt, good environmental with the other challenges posed interests and values in pursuing deterrence, nonproliferation, stability, birth rates fell earlier, such as practices are far from by population growth, the issue and democracy on the Korean peninsula and across Asia. It should be Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are guaranteed. is not whether the future can be possible for responsible officials to work out guiding principles for already enjoying shrinking Nonetheless, there are managed, but whether it will be. concrete security cooperation. America must treat South Korea as a full school-age populations, success stories. Delhi’s barely India may or may not be the partner with its own voice in making decisions that affect its security whereas school-age numbers in breathable air has become world’s next economic wonder, interests. As an American ally for 51 years, and as East Asia’s third-largest Bihar will still be rising until tolerable, following a big move but it will have to solve its economy, South Korea is entitled to be fully consulted on such decisions. around 2025. But the majority to compressed natural gas in age-old problems, as well as its Despite anti-American sentiments among some South Koreans, a of children in Kerala and public transport, retirement of new ones, if it is going to be a majority of the country’s people wants American forces to remain as a stabilising force. Securing a peaceful and nuclear-free Korean peninsula, Tamil Nadu are already in old vehicles and higher good place to live for the vast a place where the interests of China, Japan, Russia and America directly school, while in Bihar they are emissions standards. Delhi’s majority of its citizens. l intersect, is one of the most important security goals anywhere on the not. cleaner air hasn’t cost much, (Project Syndicate) planet. For this reason, America and South Korea must restore a strategic These five poor states yet other cities have been slow vision for the future. l (Project Syndicate) contain 45 percent of India’s to follow suit. Robert Cassen is Professor of population and 56 percent of The biggest problem is Economics, London School of Ahn Byung-joon is Visiting Professor of International Relations at the its poor. In 20 years, they will water pollution, with Economics, and editor and co-author of 21st Century India: Population, Economy, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo and a account for more than half the discharges into canals and Member of Korea’s National Academy of Sciences. Human Development and population and 75 percent of rivers growing faster than the Environment. 15 INTERNATIONAL After Arafat27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 It’s a question of what, rather than who, would be needed to replace the ageing leader

from it. I am afraid the reason for the failure to resolve legitimacy than Arafat escape Palestinian people will still be the Israel-Palestinian or Arab- this justification of violence? suffering even after his death.” Israeli conflicts. Given Arafat’s Entire groups—Hamas, Islamic Arafat’s departure will leave a stature and control, he could Jihad, Fatah’s al-Aqsa Martyrs’ vacuum that no one will be able have downsized the Brigades—owe their power to to fill. Indeed, Arafat has had Palestinians’ goals to their willingness to kill Israelis, several roles and in each his acceptance of a state in only the ultimate measure of stature has been unique. While part of historic Palestine. But he political virtue. Any effort by nominally the Palestinians have never took the leap and the Palestinian security authorities a collective leadership, the major issues remain unresolved. to put down these groups by reality is that Arafat has Even if future Palestinian force would lead to far more overwhelming control. He has leaders want to resolve the violence. Arafat’s refusal to been the Palestinian issues that block peace with take sides ideologically helped movement’s sole leader almost Israel, doing so will be far more create an illusion of from the day he founded it in difficult than it would have Palestinian unity, with 1959. Other contenders, like Abu been for Arafat. Under Arafat’s everyone dedicated to a single Jihad and Abu Iyad, were long rule, whole generations of Palestinian struggle. He assassinated and Faisal al- Palestinians have been achieved this consensus by Husseini—the only major leader indoctrinated with the belief devaluing statehood as an end to rise to prominence—died that only total victory is in itself, building political young. Arafat alone has the acceptable. Indeed, Arafat has unity on the myth of an asir Arafat appears, once could provide for a smooth power to make everyone obey constructed the Palestinian idealised pre-1948 Palestinian Yagain, to have held off transition, develop new leaders, him, even if he often decides movement’s dogmatic and society that could be challenges to his rule. But mediate disputes among not to exercise it. uncompromising intellectual “recreated” on the basis of the his latest victory does not competitors or check the power Some argue that an obvious and psycho-political style. “right of return” and Israel’s answer the question of what will of a future dictator. alternative is democracy. But Arafat’s legacy is thus a disappearance. These aims are happen when he finally does But at some point, Arafat the more likely outcome is an political culture in which a never going to be realised, but leave the political scene. will depart. He is 74 years old unstable and ineffective leader may portray a disastrous they also have never been and cannot be described as collective leadership, a division tactic, strategy or outcome as a subordinated to “ending the of power into fiefdoms or a high ANALYSIS healthy. Arafat’s ability to victory and be believed. So no occupation,” so they form the symbolise the Palestinian cause degree of anarchy. In a post- political price is ever paid for glue of Palestinian Barry Rubin throughout the world has worn Arafat situation, it will be much continuing wars that cannot be nationalism. In today’s divisive When Arafat was seriously thin in recent years, but any harder for successors to impose won or making demands that circumstances, the emergence ill in 2003, Palestinians were successor would be more discipline and hierarchy on the will not be met. The acceptance of a new Palestinian leader will near panic. Ahmad Dudin, obscure. Palestine Liberation of violence without limit will most likely take years. During former Fatah leader in Hebron, So what will happen on his Organisation (PLO), the PA or be the most devastating feature that interregnum, we should said, “The Palestinian Authority demise? The best way to address Fatah. of Arafat’s legacy. Many expect deadlock, anarchy or has always been a one-man that question is to focus not on Nor will Arafat’s departure movements throughout history civil war. l (Project Syndicate) operation. Arafat never really who, but on what, would replace revive hopes for a political have used violence, but few agreed to share power. That is Arafat. In a certain sense, Arafat settlement with Israel. True, have so thoroughly justified and Barry Rubin is director of the Global the problem.” Not only does is the Palestinian Authority Arafat’s refusal to compromise romanticised it. Research in International Affairs Arafat have no designated (PA). As a pro-reform Fatah on such matters as Israel’s This problem will not go (GLORIA) Centre, editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs, successor, but he has crippled official put it, “This is Arafat’s legitimacy and Palestine’s away when Arafat does. How and co-author of Yasir Arafat: A the creation of institutions that narcissism. We are all suffering borders has been a critical can someone with less Political Biography.

balance, a strategy that prompted uproar from development campaigners and economists. Structural adjustment also came under fire for Lending reforms ignoring individual differences between countries and regions. In announcing its new approach, the World Bank admitted some shortcomings of the old EMAD MEKAY in WASHINGTON The World Bank has patched its policies, policy, which it had long denied. “I think, however, the bank got too prescriptive and, in he Washington-based World Bank, the but there may still be holes fact, was presenting a one-size-fits-all T world’s largest public lender for (approach) to governments,” Adams said. “In development, says it is replacing its moving away from that, we are emphasising our controversial “adjustment lending” with a new desire to see the governments set of rules more attuned to poverty reduction develop policies. This broader approach will in developing countries. These will put more form the basis for bank support.” emphasis on what it calls “development policy The bulk of policy lending will now come in lending”, or DPL. the form of loans for certain programs for But watchdog groups say the bank’s activities already completed, rather than for fundamental approach to the lending, achievements promised. That means the lender including imposing conditions on borrowing will be able to provide funding based on project nations to advance policy changes, performance, even if the measures achieved determining if a nation’s macroeconomic were not precisely as promised. framework is “appropriate” and close Adams says the new approach will also give cooperation with the International Monetary countries more ownership of their economic Fund (IMF) remains mostly unchanged. development strategies, a long-time demand of World Bank Vice-President James W Adams borrowing nations and development groups. said the new policy would give borrowing Unlike the past approach, DPL also refers to the nations more say in devising their own importance of vetting the bank’s efforts to economic plans and will have a longterm ensure that the possible environmental or social development focus. “We’re moving away from a effects of its lending are properly reviewed. very prescriptive list of policies that were part of But watchdogs say the scheme lacks the early adjustment lending—focusing largely sincerity and may be an attempt by the bank to on fiscal constraints, trade policy reforms, transfer responsibility for its policies to pricing reforms—to a much broader range of borrowing governments. issues,” Adams said, adding these include finances specific projects. economy and allowing multinational “This is a huge sham,” said Rick Rowden of health, education and environment. Recently, structural adjustment has been a companies to compete with local firms. ActionAid USA. “This is a way of relinquishing The World Bank gives out two types of controversial aspect of the former because it Government policy in many nations across responsibility from their own accountability and loans: ‘adjustment (now ‘development policy’) imposed conditions that forced changes such the globe, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, saying, ‘oh, it’s all on the borrowing lending,’ to influence governments’ economic as cutting spending for health and education, adopted the cutting of programs aimed at the government. Don’t hold us accountable’.” l policies and ‘investment lending’, which privatising public assets, deregulating the poor as the route to restoring economic (IPS) 16 REVIEW #211 http:// www.childtrafficking.com27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 Everything you wanted to know and share about trafficking worldwide, now in one comprehensive portal

t a time when war is being scientific foundation”. waged worldwide against www.childtrafficking.com A the trafficking of men, presently has close to 1,000 women, boys and girls, the documents, all related to the global community has often felt trafficking of women and the need for more information on children. This makes it the the issue of human trafficking, largest compilation of web its history, its present, its future links on human trafficking and and its links with countless related issues such as the other issues that affect people. sexual abuse and exploitation of children, HIV/AIDS prevention and ethical REVIEW considerations. The website Archana Tamang presently hosts more than 200 studies and compilation of Numerous studies have been national and international conducted, thousands of laws, instruments, policies and conferences and seminars have practices. been held and dozens of An interesting aspect of the proposals to work on the issue of site is the effort made by the human trafficking are floated editors to collect first hand each day. Sometimes the accounts of the experiences of magnitude of the events and ground level activists and publications actually seem workers across the region. larger than the issue. Almost “What we want is to allow ‘real’ everywhere, the need for sharing activists to share their knowledge, exchanging good experiences through this practices and information website. Whether their write dissemination have been ups are grammatically and emphasised. linguistically correct is not There are several human important,” explains Fichtl, trafficking information who is also coming up with a databanks globally and in Nepal related interactive CD-ROM in efforts have been made to create the near future. information pools, housed either In our race against time, we by the government or activist need information to be NGOs with support from the UN avaliable easily, effortlessly and other agencies. and quickly. For some of us And then there’s Nepalis working against human www.childtrafficking.com. This trafficking in small ways, it is website was conceived in Nepal worrying to see the distraction and is the brainchild of a host of and dilution of the real issues Nepali and international anti- caused by a lack of THOMAS KELLY trafficking and anti-exploitation coordination and effort. The website contains many pictures and testimonies of trafficked women and children. This one from Nepal activists who dared dream of Academia, researchers, (left) is of a young Tamang woman was rescued from a brothel in Mumbai. “My mother sold me when I was 13 to creating a platform for the journalists, practitioners, an agent down the road from our house. He took me to Mumbai. I didn’t know what was happening. He told me public to learn and share government agencies, NGOs, he was taking me to get a job in a glass factory.” In the brothel, she was raped repeatedly until she complied information in order to bring the UN and just about anyone with the wishes of her new madam and became a full-time working prostitute. After being forced to service as about much-needed change else who cares and wants to many as 50 men a day for the three years she was in sexual servitude, she was sent back to Nepal infected with HIV. She now has full blown AIDS. In spite of her ill health, however, she participates in a border surveillance against trafficking and rights make a difference will be able program, keeping a lookout for traffickers and their victims. abuses and violations. to come together on common (right)“Former victims of trafficking can recognise those being trafficked,” says the director of an organisation Reinhard Fichtl of Terre Des ground via dedicated to assisting the victims of trafficking. Receiving assistance from the police, young girls rescued from Hommes, one of the website’s www.childtrafficking.com. Log the brothels are eager to provide surveillance at the border and conduct the interrogations of possible victims. editors, calls it “a ‘people’s on! It’s worth every second of Some of these girls are terminally ill with AIDS. One says, “I know I don’t have long (to live), but stopping the website’, based on a solid your time. l traffickers is my revenge—the only one I have.”

BOOKWORM

Secrets of Manang Clint Rogers Mandala Publications, 2004 Rs 550

Clint Rogers explores the entrepreneurial Manang community and their rise to economic success. With an in- depth view of their emergence as prominent international traders in the 1960s and later as tourism entrepreneurs in the 1990s, Rogers writes comprehensively and his illustrations provide a compelling picture of the history, landscape, culture and economy of what is perhaps the most enchanting valley in the Himalayas.

Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 4227711, [email protected] SPORTS 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211 17 Taking aim The Olympic babel There is a new event in Athens: the language hurdle

Correct alignment is essential for improving your game PETER BERLIN in ATHENS

magine wanting to reach a distant goal and then taking a stance that he press conference after points you somewhere else. Just like this happens in life, so it does in I the men’s doubles table sports as well, and this is almost always a recipe for inconsistency.To T get away repeatedly with such inconsistencies using sheer luck, forget tennis finals spun into being a good sportsperson—instead, choose a career in pretending to chaos more dramatically than serve the public. the slice shots in the match. One of the first fundamentals taught in target-oriented sports is the Chinese winners Ma Lin and proper adjustment of the body and Chen Qi had modestly equipment in relation to the target. I downplayed their own TEE BREAK have found that beginners and even contribution, praised partners Deepak Acharya average golfers are almost always and coaches and then fallen deficient in this respect. silent as the translator rendered Poor alignment is why you often see amateurs hitting the ball on a their words into English. Then straight flight path right into trouble. If club golfers would just align properly, their game can quickly improve. came the silver medalists from A major factor that needs to be understood for achieving consistent Hong Kong. As Hong Kong-born alignment is that the clubface has to be in line with the target before Li Ching started, a journalist aligning the body or feet. A common mistake amateurs make is aligning began shouting. This rapidly their feet first and then trying to adjust the clubface in the right direction. turned into a chant taken up by An alignment technique that some people use is the image of half-a-dozen of his colleagues. railroad tracks, with the outside track being the target line and the inside After a brief exchange with the track being the line of the feet. A problem with this method is that since translator, Li smiled and started you have to rely on the image in your head, you cannot be sure that it will to speak again. This time there What made the Euros so Portuguese translator whispered provide consistent results unless you spend hours of practice honing your were cheers. interesting is that it was the EU shyly until his audience grew visualisation skills. The Hong Kong media at play. And it strongly impatient. Then he told them There are several other methods on how to align properly. One is that while practising on the driving range, you place a club on the ground near wanted Li to speak Cantonese. suggested that the European that he wasn’t going to shout your feet parallel to the target line. This helps ingrain a sense of proper The translator only spoke nations will never be able to talk just so that they could hear him. alignment and builds confidence in your set up. However this method is Mandarin. Li chattered away for clearly to each other. There are other translation just for practising, and cannot be used on the golf course. five minutes. When he had As in Athens, the agreed handicaps. At big events, the Here are some tips on building up a routine that will allow you to finished, his partner, Ko Lai common press conference IOC has installed the full consistently and comfortably point yourself in the right direction. Chak gave a monotone two- language was English. The Brussels quota of translators and minute translation into French, of course, turned up issued radios which can be Mandarin. Then the professional without a translator and were tuned to the required language. translator gave an English fined. They borrowed a UEFA After the men’s cycling road version, his sulky manner official who bewildered race, an Italian journalist contrasting with the happy journalists by translating impatiently shouted questions sentiments he was expressing. ‘dechets’ correctly but without waiting for the He took less than a minute. The unintelligibly, so coach Jacques microphone. All that could be Greek translator then offered her Santini reportedly said that his heard over the headphones from version: one sentence. team’s bad passing was the French translator was an Then a Dane called Finn ‘leftovers.’ He meant a waste. irritated commentary on the started speaking in English. Giovanni Trapatoni said he amateurism around him. “ I That’s when a German journalist wasn’t going to change his team, can’t hear him. Make him use stood up, saying: “That’s but the Italian translator happily the microphone. How can I enough. Too many languages.” reversed his meaning and told translate if they won’t use the In its babel of languages, the the non-Italian speakers he microphones.” And so on. l Olympics are Euro 2004 cubed. would change his team. The (NYT) NEW BOOKS IN TOWN

Ropeways in Nepal: Context, Constraints and 1. While taking aim, always first stand behind the ball on the target line Co-evolution (the line that runs from the ball through the target) and pick a point on the Edited by Dipak Gyawali, Ajaya Dixit and Madhukar Upadhya, ground no more than six inches in front of the ball. the book consists of policy and planning reviews, case studies of 2. Approach the ball from the side and address it by placing your feet success and failures, and analyses of what an alternative trans- together. From this position, align the clubface towards the line of the port future for Nepal might look like. The authors in their chapters point that you’ve picked in front of the ball. Don’t look towards the target argue that gaun besi ropeways would provide impetus to rural while trying to align the clubface—focus on that immediate point only. development by reducing drudgery, making markets accessible 3. Once the clubface is correctly positioned, adjust your stance so that the and diversifying livelihood opportunities for marginal farmers. line of your feet is parallel to the target line (90 degrees to the bottom of g g g the clubface). For consistency, line up the clubface to the reference point Adaptive Capacity and Livelihood Resilience: Adap- and then concentrate on the feet. Also make sure your hips and shoulders tive Strategies for Responding to Floods and Droughts in South Asia. are parallel to the target line. 4. Finally, without lifting your upper body or turning your shoulders, turn Edited by Marcus Moench and Ajaya Dixit, the book you head and look toward the target. If you lift your head or rotate your attempts to understand and disaggregate the factors which body you will alter your mind’s perception of where the target lies. Look at enable communities to adapt to floods, droughts and cli- the target only to verify your alignment. matic variability by examining the courses of action house- You should know that even tour professionals have to work regularly on holds actually take during flood and drought events. l Case studies of Gujarat and Rajasthan for Droughts; and alignment, since it is one of the keys to consistent shot making. Nawalparasi, Rautahat and Gorakhpur for Floods have been used to broaden the knowledge base in these Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Golf Director at Gokarna Forest Golf context. The book is an outcome of a unique collaboration between local grass-root Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected] organizations, regional non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and inter- national organizations working across South Asia. 18 CITY 27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004 #211

ABOUT TOWN Dhoom reinvents the classic cops and robbers tale and JAI NEPAL CINEMA st FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS brings it into the 21 century. Kabir (John Abraham) and his v Charcoal drawings by Youdhisthir Maharjan at Indigo Gallery, until gang are a group of slick, mean, fast riding bikers who 29 August. 4413580, www.asianart.com/indigo commit daring robberies and then transform into v Contemporary Expressions from India Various artists celebrating inconspicuous pizza delivery boys. Jai Dixit (Abhishek India’s 58th Independence Day. Until 30 August at the Bachchan) plays the honest cop who is brought into catch Siddhartha Art Gallery these speed demons. He ropes in Ali (Uday Chopra) a happy- v Gaijatra on Hitsfm91.2, 31 August. Includes ‘Gaiko geet, goruko katha’ go-lucky mechanic and prodigious bike rider to help him. special, 3-4PM and 10-11PM And so the chase begins… EVENTS Bookings open v Salsa at the Latin Quarter, Babar NOW SHOWING Mahal Revisited. Every Friday, Call 4442220 for show timings www.jainepal.com 7PM onwards. Special Carlsberg ‘buy two, get one free’ offer on 27 August. KATHMANDU AIR QUALITY CLASSIFIED v Friday Forum with Narayan The unbelievable has occurred—over the last week, Putali Sadak actually Shrestha, founder and president of Visit Femilines, the Exclusive Helping Hands Health Education, at the American Centre, Gyaneshwor. maintained average PM10 (particles small enough to enter the human Lingerie Store for ladies 3PM on 27 August. body) levels of less than 100, well below the national standards of undergarments, nightwear, v Salsa nite at the Rox, 7:30 PM onwards on 28 August. Rs 300, includes 120mg/m3. The rest of the Valley did just as well, with pollution levels bathrobes and more. Ladies staff. drink Opposite Sajha Yatayat, Harihar v dropping in every one of the six monitoring stations. As usual, Matsyagaun Movies 2PM onwards at the Alliance Francaise: Les anges de la nuit, Bhawan, Pulchowk. Tel: 547428 29 August proved the healthiest with a crystal clear PM10 concentration of 12. v Discussions at Martin Chautari: Current politics, 29 August at 3PM LIVE IN STYLE! Arcadia Apartments v St. Augustine’s (Kalimpong) School Day Celebration @ Hotel Nirvana, in the heart of Thamel. Centrally Thamel. 5.30 PM on 28 August. Tickets Rs 200 for 1996 batch & later and Good < 60 15 - 21 August in micrograms per cubic meter. Source: www. mope.gov.np located, fully furnished apartments Rs 400 for everyone else. 9851022090 Ok 61 to 120 at unbelievable rates. For details: v Surviving in culture Support the Blue Diamond Society. 31 August, 981026903, 4260187 12 noon to 2PM, starting at Tridevi Marg. Includes candlelight memorial at Unhealthy 121 to 350 Hanuman Dhokha for AIDS deaths last year. 4-443350, 4-445147. 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Musician’s night with open mic after 9PM Tuesdays its moisture, and another low Duty paid. $5,200 USD. 552-9990 and Tri Groove on Fridays. 7PM onwards, free entry. pressure area over Bangladesh is or 98510-828228 heading our way from the Bay as DRINKS this satellite picture taken on Elegant CELTIC HARP, 29 Strings, Thursday at noon clearly shows. v Island Bar with DJ Raju, Abhaya and The Cloud Walkers. The Rox Bar, includes Korg Electric Tuner, Tuning The monsoon is therefore not yet Hyatt Regency. 4491234 Hammer, both long and short legs, over and we will have another bout Free drink deals at Red Onion Bar, Lazimpat padded canvass carrying case, of rain into the weekend. August v Monsoon Wine Festival at Kilroy’s, Thamel. Rs 150 per large glass. instructional video. $1,200 USD. has been drier than average, with 4250440/41. 552-9990 or 98510-828228 v only 170 mm of rain so far, much Lychee Martinis and latest club hits at Rox Bar, Hyatt Regency less than the average 300 mm. Kathmandu, 4491234 HOUSE ON RENT: At Panipokhari, Ditto for central and western Nepal. opposite the American embassy, FOOD Expect bright sunny mornings, behind the petrol pump station. 1 humid afternoons and brief night v Malaysian Food Festival at the Hyatt Regency, until 27 August master bedroom w/t attached bath, showers. 3 bedrooms w/t semi-attached bath, v Delicious barbecue dinner Fridays at Summit Hotel. 5521810 v drawing room, dining room kitchen, Friday Nights at Subterrania Club Kilroy. 4412821 KATHMANDU VALLEY v store-room, puja room, watchman Farm House Café Nature with your meals at Park Village Hotel. 4375280 room, an outhouse and garage. Total v Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Café Bahal Newari and continental cuisine under the giant Cinnamon tree area of compound 7500 sq. ft. For at Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel. 4700632 details contact mobile no. v Vegetarian Creations at Stupa View Restaurant. 4480262 9851024874. v Splash Spring BBQ Wednesday and Friday evenings, 6PM onwards. S S S Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu. 30-20 29-19 28-19 29-19 30-20 A newly constructed 2 storied v Executive Lunch at Toran Restaurant, Dwarika’s. 4479488 furnished house on rent at Civil v Sunny Side Up Weekend BBQ at Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu. Homes Bhainsipati 4273999 For details contact Sekhar v The Beer Garden at Vaijayantha, Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 9851041293 v Dwarika’s Thali Lunch at the Heritage courtyard. 4479488 A modern bungalow with 5 rooms, GETAWAYS 5 bathrooms at Comfort Housing, v Summer in Shivapuri Birdwatching and great views at Sivapuri Heights Sitapaila with community facilities Cottage. [email protected]. 9851051780 of Security Guard, Swimming Pool, v Wet & Wild Summer Splash every weekend at the Godavari Village Health Club, Squash Court. Resort. 5560675 Contact: 9851024437 v Pure relaxation at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. 01 4361500 v Bardia National Park with Jungle Base Camp Lodge. 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arely does Kathmandu get Upadhyay, Sheila Makhrijani, express about their country. Rto see an art exhibition of Chandra Bhattacharjee, Anand The materials they have such range and variety as Panchal, Manish Chavda, Santosh chosen to express themselves in the ‘Contemporary Expressions More, Hema Upadhyay, Sanjeev is varied and unique, ranging from of India’ displayed at the Simpimpare, Suryakant Lokhande, Santosh More’s symbolic scrolls, KIRAN PANDAY Siddhartha Art Gallery to mark Vinita Gupta , Satish Wavare, concentric circles and dots to DEUBA DOES THE DEUDA: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba taking India’s Independence Day last Sobha Ghare, Jitendra Singh Hema Upadhyay’s use of photo part in the Deuda Dance Festival at BICC on Monday. week. Art aficionados would Baoni, Datta Bansode, Anand cut-outs of herself as the visible have had to travel the length and Mali, Beena Pradhan, Sudarshan protagonist in her work. This is a breath of that vast nation to see Shetty and Rajendra Khapse. All display of a wide range of artists all the work on display, yet here are accomplished painters and who are individualistic in their you have them all under one roof. have won various awards. expressions and it is a treat to The exhibition showcases 20 “I want to define the distance view such a spectrum of artistic artists from various parts of India, between this two visuals, the talent at one go. from three generations and using seen and the unseen. The visible, As Vibhuraj Kapoor from different modes, genres and which is in front of our eyes and Mumbai’s Gallery Beyond says: expressions. “It is a diverse and the invisible which is on the other “This is the beginning of a unique work that reflects the side of our eyes,” says Vanita dialogue, the furthering of cultural spirit of a multicultural nation Gupta, summing up her own work exchange.” l (Aarti Basnyat) celebrating 58 years of its as well as those of her fellow political and cultural artists from India. The common Contemporary Expressions of India is independence,” explains the thread running through the works on at the Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber gallery’s Sangita Thapa, who is the deep feelings the artists Mahal Revisited till 30 August.

KIRAN PANDAY brought the paintings to Nepal. PEACEFUL DISCUSSIONS: A discussion organised on Wednesday by The artists on display are Pramod Civil Soladarity for Peace focused on immediate peace talks at Kumar, Buwa Shete, Chintan Chamber Bhawan in Jamal and included (from l-r) Mathura Prasad Shrestha, Madhab Nepal and Arjun Narsingh KC .

MIN BAJRACHARYA TALKING TOURISM: Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director of Tourism Malaysia (second from right) takes the mic at a press briefing on the company’s new tourism package deal with Marcopolo Travels, on

Friday at the Hyatt Regency. MIN BAJRACHARYA

KIRAN PANDAY UNHOLY MESS: Garbage piled up in front of the entrance to Naag Pokharki directly across from the Narayanhiti palace, on Sunday, the final day of the three-day Naag Pokhari festival.

KIRAN PANDAY HEAR THIS: Members of the Maoist Victims Association bang plates as they call for peace and reiterate their demands at Ratna Park on Sunday. 2 0 #211 Alive from Kathmandu27 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER 2004

e’d like to welcome our viewers intrepid correspondent who has walked leader is in the pink of health. back to this specially exaggerated into the jaws of death with such Addressing a press meet in this Wedition of EmpTV’s 25-hour-a-day unconcern for the safety of herself and dacoit-infested town, Koirala said

Breakneck News. Let’s now go live to her near and dear ones. yesterday regression would not be truly www.nepalitimes.com Kathmandu where our parachute over until the king nominated him correspondent, the one-and-only As I said, we will be trying to track prime minister. “I will go down fighting, Khubsurat Dutt, is standing by in the Khubsurat down later in this news and I’ll take the country down with me,” relative safety of the newly-opened J bulletin, that is unless she has switched he said amidst applause from delighted Bar in off her mobile and is swimming at the dacoits and other VIPs in the audience. Thamel Hack & Yeti, or shopping at Dalbhat Also speaking on the occasion, a with Bhateni. leading human rights activist denied UNDER MY HAT the there were informal talks going on with Kunda Dixit very And now, to give you an idea of just the Maoists. “How can there be secret latest. how bad things are in Kathmandu let me talks when I haven’t been asked to Khubsurat, let me ask you first, are read you some news reports from this facilitate them?” he asked no one in you OK? Do you have enough nibbles? morning’s Nepalese newspapers: particular. Shall we airdrop you some dalmot by DHL? Nepal Goes To India Army Announces “Kasto bekuf raichha, Hindi ma po KATHMANDU—UML General Secretary Top Secret Offensive bolchha, hoina bhanya, wrong number Madhab Kumar Nepal has joined kya.” counterparts from other parties to pay a NEPALGANJ—The Western Division visit to New Delhi. Speaking to reporters Headquarters today announced a top Sorry about that, we will try to track before departure, Nepal said the trip was secret invasion of Maoist strongholds in down Khubsurat dead or alive in the to take a stock on things and stock up on National Security Adviser J N Dixit told a Binayak in Achham beginning 0700 Nepal capital in the course of the day. provisions. “You never know how long close-door meeting, and promptly leaked hours on Friday morning. The last we heard, she had a late night at the blockade is going to last, so it is best his remarks to the press as soon as it was “This is a surprise attack, and we the casino and has gone sightseeing to to be prepared,” he told scribes at the over. hope to catch the rebels completely Bhaktapur with her dad, Pappu, mom, Triumverate International Airport. “The people in Nepal need help, unawares,” the army spokesman told a Ammi, hubby, Aniruddha, and sister, and it is our duty to undertake a packed press conference here. Mumtaz, who have all taken the perilous India Comes To Nepal fullscale media bombardment so they journey to the besieged Nepali capital. can carry on with their normal lives.” As you can see, ladies and Brave people. NEW DELHI—India has warned in no gentlemen, things in Nepal are in a uncertain terms that if the situation in state of flux. I’m told we are trying once As Khubsurat told us yesterday: Kathmandu continues to deteriorate it Girija Not In India more to contact our Star Reporter, “When will I get a chance to see may have to send reinforcements by CHANDRANIGHAPUR—NC Supremo Khubsurat in Kathmandu. Khubsurat, Kathmandu with my whole family?” And paradropping more correspondents into Girija Koirala isn’t in India, according to can you hear me? Hello hello that sums up the selfless professionalism the Nepalese capital. sources close to him. This has lead to “Sorry, network busy. Please try and remarkable nonchalance of this “We won’t take no for an answer,” wild speculation that the octogenarian again next year.”

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