#52 20 - 26 July 2001 20 pages Rs 20 Happy #52Birthday

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Koirala is out of sight, but not out of mind

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Having finally○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ succeeded to get the army out to One year young rescue police in Rolpa, Koirala was buoyant last week, and thought he could hang on a little longer. resolve the Maoist insurgency. TheNepali Times is one year old Impatient with a boss who wouldn’t step down, with this issue. In that short time it “He had made up his mind to leave longDeputy ago, Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel quit has truly become Nepal’s top but he was waiting for the right moment,” lasta senior week. Poudel will now be among the newspaper. We said last year we EXITAfter vacillating for months and afterNepali Congress minister told us. That momentwannabes along with Sher Bahadur Deuba and would aspire to be a reflection of surviving one crisis after another, Primewas the brouhaha over Koirala’s off-the-cuffforeign minister Chakra Bastola. Even Krishna speech at the FNCCI meeting on Tuesday Prasadin Bhattarai thinks he can do a hat-trick. our times, a journal to record the Minister Girija Prasad Koirala finally decided life and times of Nepalis in the which he said in Nepali: “Today, Nepal has The parliamentary party will now meet to elect to step down Thursday. It took the combinedreached a stage where it could become a decades ahead. A newspaper a new prime minister who will need at least 57 effort of powerful dissidents within his ownplayground for foreign powers…let’s not be needs a set of values. In a society votes. The paradox is that Koirala was the only party, the opposition led by the UML, andforced the to seek foreign help to solve our problems cursed with extreme inequality, one who could muster and keep the magic 57 Maoists to bring him down after more thanjust six because we can’t do it ourselves.” some of those values are fairly through thick and thin. Even though he is no longer months of trying. The reason they wanted him obvious: to speak for the last, the By itself the remark needn’t have been primeso minister, as party president, Koirala will still out: Koirala was getting just too powerful. lost and the least. And we have to contentious, but the opposition seized on it.be Evenkingmaker. say it in English so that the To be sure, Koirala failed in all three ofthe the RPP and Sadbhabana, which have often sided concerns of those who matter can tasks he had given himself when he toppledwith Koirala during his hour of need, joined the be read by those who chatter. We Krishna Prasad Bhattarai in March 2000:opposition in parliament. have been fair and independent.NARENDRA BASNET streamline governance, control corruption and We have striven for the truth. Thanks to you, our loyal readers, we have today reached a circulation of 15,000. Our Internet edition gets 6,000 hits a day from almost the entire Nepali diaspora. Thank you for appreciating us, for all the valuable feedback, for making this an interactive project and keeping us on our toes. Still quiet on the western front Thanks also to our well-wishers BINOD BHATTARAI Officials say the army is tightening its in the business community, who○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Singh Thapa told us (see p.7). In hindsight, have trusted our reach and he heavy-lift Mi-17 helicopter packed the restraint could also have been military But for how muchsiege from longer? three garrisons in Karche, influence. An official news blackout was with commandos in full battle gear fromcommon sense. They didn’t want a messy ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Gairagaon and Jugad (see map) and We, the publishersNepali of tthe Royal Nepal Army’s elite firefight in hostile terrain, bad weather, declared by executive order, so the troops are already guarding strategic ground situation remains murky. The entry and exit points in the neighbouring Times, Himal Khabarpatrika, Bhairabnath Battalion descended through uncertain supply lines and the possibility of Wave andHimal South Asian hundreds of civilian casualties. The Maoistsinformation in this article has been districts of Salyan and Dang. monsoon clouds over the village of Karche collected from a dozen sources close to hope to build on this partnership.in Rolpa last Friday. What the pilot did notreportedly used villagers and captured A senior police source told us the policemen as human shields during the earlythe security forces, government and Maoist gathering at Karche-Nuwagaon know was that he was coming in to land Maoists. The Home Ministry issues terse, smack in the middle of what appeared to bedays of the standoff. may have been a big meeting to declare a The first-ever encounter between theshort statements daily, and the Maoists regional government. “We think at least a Maoist victory parade. have countered with their own The Maoists were as startled as the Army and rebels in Nepal’s six-year seven senior leaders may have been propaganda. Since journalists have not present in the village,” he said, among commandos. As they clambered off the insurgency has therefore settled down to been allowed in, most Nepalis must them: Ram Bahadur Thapa (Comrade hovering helicopters, rebels started a classic siege. The Maoists are choose between the official account of a Badal, an explosives expert) Poshta shooting, seriously wounding the co-pilot extirpating militia and weapons out of disciplined army trying to avoid casualtiesBahadur Bogati (seniormost Maoist and two others and damaging the aircraft. their base in small groups under cover of and the Maoists’ account that the army isleader in the west), Krishna Bahadur After a tense stand-off and the arrival of darkness through secret jungle paths, at their mercy and has been “advised” Mahara (former Rolpa MP), Comrade use original hp army reinforcements, the Maoists withdrewwhile the army is waiting for a break in to desert. Ananta (political commissar) and Comrade inks and paper into their nearby holdout. They had been the weather to fly in reinforcements to tighten the noose. By the middle of this week, the army Pasang (head of the People’s Army). preparing for a celebration during which the strength had neared 2,000 troops 69 policemen captured the previous day at deployed into the surrounding hills, and Holeri would be paraded, and possibly the those in Nuwagaon had been shifted to a Maoist “regional peoples’ government” more strategic position near Budagaon. declared. To boost the morale of their cadre, hundreds of Maoist militia from surrounding districts had also been brought in to Nuwagaon and Karche. See p. 7 Deployed for the first time on a search Ö and rescue mission, the Army had thought this would be a quick commando action against the estimated 400 rebels who had captured the police. But on landing at Karche they found themselves facing armed Maoists double that number, and villagers Always Clear largely sympathetic to Maoists. Heavy Always Sharp monsoon rains ruled out air support, and the only supply route was the road to Dang

which is vulnerable to ambushes. MIN BAJRACHARYA AND BILASHRAI “The army exercised tremendous restraint. First by not blazing away with * Stay away from imitations and refills their machine guns when the helicopter was Authorised Distributor: attacked, and later by not attacking the base in force,” retired Lt Gen Krishna Narayan ComputerLand Building, Ramshah Path, Kathmandu Tel: 431199, 431746, 430858-9 Fax: 430641 Email: [email protected] The Total Solutions Company 222 EDITORIAL 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES

Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, ChiefKunda Editor: Dixit Editor:Anagha Neelakantan,Design: Swosti Rajbhandari, Kiran Maharjan STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com been waiting in the wings—daggers Advertising: Sunaina Shah, Anup Adhikary [email protected] drawn—to take advantage of the numbness Subscription:Anil [email protected] Sales:Sudan Bista [email protected] that comes with intense pain. Slandering Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur the king, vilifying the prime minister and GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-543333-7, Fax: 01-521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press: 01-521393 instigating the army to mutiny were all Work in progressclearly intended to create confusion. And then came the panic caused by banner- Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; bombs randomly hung at crowded public The ceremony of innocence is drowned; places. Leftist intellectuals lapped up OVINGWITHTHETIMES Maoist propaganda about regicide and M The best lack all conviction, whilemob the protests, worst pillories or even lynches its served up their bluff as the hidden truth. hate-objects. But surely you would expect Day by day, week by week, a year has passed since we started on Arethis full of passionate intensity. - W B Yeats With society in disarray, insurgents could project. The idea was to chronicle, analyse and explain the enigma wrapped the educated elite to be different? In the have got away with murder, and they nearly in a riddle that is Nepal—sometimes even to ourselves. And what a roller- first few days of Hrithik Roshan episode, wedid. Even after the merciless mass murder of coaster it has been. The news has been flying thick and fast: not a weekrom has a base-camp named hope, this saw all-pervasive prejudice of the most column started as a trek. After a year of nearly 50 policemen and abduction of gone by without some dramatic event or other shaking the nation. News is primitive kind in the minds of the another 70,the Valley’s prevaricators the adrenaline of media but sometimes, as Nepalis, we wish the pastf great 52 tribulation, it appears as if the Kathmandu elite. Writers, professionals, weeks hadn’t been so newsy. journey is yet to begin. The country is still in were still debating whether or not to journalists and academics celebrated the mobilise the army. From Maoist massacres, hotel and school strikes, bandhs, Hrithikthe valley of despair. These are trying times,“spontaneous outpouring of patriotism” as Roshan riots to a chronic display of political myopia. And then, just therewhen is gloomwe . But press ahead we must. the country burnt in the self-destructive fire At times like this, the biggest challenge thought things couldn’t get any worse—the royal massacre. The eventsTime does not stand still, and turning backof rage over a rumour. is to save one’s sanity. Writing commentary brought out the best and the worst in Nepalis. We showed how easilyis not we an option. Afraid to face the real devil of escalatingbecomes a test of tenacity. It is even more can be swayed by rumours, how gullible we are to political manipulation,The first serious national issue that I had complex when a weekly column has to how cynical and jaded we have become as a society. But we also Maoist violence, media deluded itself by gather available facts and sharpen the truth showed fortitude, patience, dignity and faith in to confront on this page last year was the railing at the ruling party and its leaders. Citizenship Bill. It is an indication of with a point of view. The purpose of ourselves at a time of an unimaginable national Nauseating dissection of vulgar airline commentary is to transform the reader from calamity. Conclusion: Nepalis still don’t have the uncertainty in leasing deals drove the aware away from the leaders we deserve. a passive consumer of facts to an active the country that stink of mainstream politics. This had the analyser, and thus enrich public debate. The But time does not wait, the story moves on. This the question of unintended effect of glamourising the balance is reached by sharing editorial space week to the rugged and remote hills of Rolpa where a statelessness of extremists. Sanitised reports of hacks back with other points of view. potential turning point in the Maoist insurgency is Nepalis of tarai from guided tours ofinsurgent held areas Commentators can’t be fence-sitters. murkily playing itself out. There is now no doubt that origin is yet to (as well as eulogised publication of the nation’s priority is to come to grips with this crisis be resolved. The written interviews) made Maoists look They are there to administer controlled because of its implication on development, on Citizenship Bill like angels on the verge of delivering doses of ideological tonic so that they governance, on the future of democracy and press persuade and prod the pace of change in freedom, and indeed on the future independence of has done the utopia on a platter. rounds of both society. Reporters hold the mirror to this nation itself. Ravishing reports about thousands of society, but it’s the job of a commentator to There are lessons for us in media from all that has happened since 1 houses of villagers attending Maoist camps didn’t parliament, lift society by the scruff ofits neck and June. Our scriptures say there is only one truth, but it has many faces. A reveal the bodies behind the head-count, several ministries force it to examine its reflection. It is a mere listing of facts does not necessarily bring us closer to the truth. In fact, and the blood didn’t show in the cold thankless job because punditry is by facts often distort reality. Facts, if they are selective, can lie. Silence,of too, thegovernment, is a and the advisory words of menacing dimensions screaming definition preachy. lie when the truth needs to be told. We also learnt that a press freedombench of the Supreme Court. However, from the op-ed pages of national dailies. guaranteed by the constitution doesn’t mean much if it is taken to meanits fate stillthe hangs in the balance inside The nation had lapsed into a state of It has been a year full of the crises freedom to deliberately propagate untruth, to self-censor, or to ignorethe thatroyal palace. dementia.When Maoists went on killing of a society in turmoil. But then the freedom. The press can only be as independent as it wants to be. But you The Bill brought out the paranoia of sprees, massacring policemen like Dasainconstruction of an inclusive Nepali identity don’t counter lies by jailing liars, you tell the people the truth. is still underway. Modern Nepali society is We in the media often blind the public with journalism that focusessections of society to the surface. The fear goats, Kathmandu’s insular elite pre- of being deluged with the population tended not to notice. It blithely contin- still a work in progress. This is the chaos of exclusively on the operational strategy of politics. We hesitate to take a step overflow of the Indian plains is so strong inued to pursue the resignation of the a construction site. back and see it as a power-game. We see politics as an end in itself, as if it “When written in Chinese,” said will make any difference at all that one crook resigns and is replacedthe bypsyche of our elite that even championsprime minister instead. another crook. Politics should be about effective management of theof human rights willingly sow the seeds of In a society rotten to the core, the John F. Kennedy in a stirring speech in machinery of government, allowing resources to be invested to guaranteecommunal hatred by dangerous harangues Narayanhiti carnage was waiting to happen. 1959, “the word crisis is composed more decent lives for Nepalis. Politics is just a mechanism to find onout the who “risks of Fijikaran”. We learnt that it Along with the king and his immediate of two characters. One represents can do that most honestly and efficiently. is a small step from protecting human rightsfamily, the beliefs and value systems of danger and the other represents A public conditioned by media’s obsession with politics alone becomesto a chauvinistic fear of being outnumbered.Nepali society crumbled in the 1 June opportunity.” Dangers we have jaded, and is not interested in the truth. Soon it only seeks the informationTime may heal the wounds of riots thatmurders. The mass grief that faced with great fortitude, and that feeds its own prejudice. And when the truth becomes an official secret, ensued over Hrithik Roshan, but its scar followed was as much due to the survived. It is opportunity now. the public has no recourse but to resort to rumour. On this week that we death of faith as the demise of an complete our first year of publication, we reassert our commitment willto remain forever with all those madhesis The summit is in sight. professional and independent journalism. We will use our freedomwho to behad fair.to face the wrath of enraged idolised royal family. crowds on the streets of insanity in All this while, Maoists had December. All my dreams of peace died in that harsh winter of hatred. A mob is just that—a mob. Composed of individuals who have very little self- esteem and perceive low personal risks, a

 SALIL SUBEDI,HEMLATA RAI,SUNAINA SHAH, ANUP ADHIKARY, SWOSTIRAJBHANDARI,KIRANMAHARJAN, MINBAJRACHARYA, RAMYATA LIMBU FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ANAGHA NEELAKANTAN, KUNDA DIXIT, BINODBHATTARAI, SUBHAS RAI,CKLAL, ALOK TUMBAHANGPHEY, SUBHAS RAI SUBHAS NATION 20 - 26 JULY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 333 FEEDBACK by HARI ROKA Sorry, Comrade, this is not Marxism The kind of society that Comrade Bhattarai envisages in Nepal post- genuine communists were needlessly killed? now in the WTO, allowing it to benefit from The foundations of socialism do not become trade with Europe and the US. The world has

revolution does not need a destructive peoples’ war. stronger because they are laid on mounds of changed, comrades, but your minds have not. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ corpses. Dr Bhattarai’s party uses human Modern Marxists have to reconstruct what omrade Dr Baburam Bhattarai in his The Nepali Congress (NC) and the quietly just hand over power to him. And he is shields in its attacks on police posts, isn’t this Marx wrote for his time. A weakness of written interview in this paper (#51) Unified Marxist-Leninists (UML) are the two will talk only if they are willing to do so. This an example of sacrificing the people for the Marxist constructions to date, however, have c has laid out the Maoist party line on best organised political entities in Nepal today. defies logic. Can victory over a civilian police peoples’ war? Is this the ethics of armed been their insufficient cognition of the important issues like the human casualties of They may be wallowing in despair and apathy, constitute a total victory of the peoples’ war? struggle or the Geneva Convention he often dialectical relationship between two parts of the peoples’ war, the new-born republic, but they have an organisational presence in By painting itself into a corner, the Maoists appeals to? Did Mao ever use such tactics? No. the capitalist universe: the metropolis and the human rights under the New Democracy. every village and their support among mature have shown they are not interested in Shouldn’t our aim be to convince the masses Third World. Just look at the how the Allow me to respond to some of his points. Nepalis has not waned. Then there is the compromise. It is total power, or nothing. This that communists are not cruel and blood- proletarian revolution has fared in the Ever since Maoists stormed the police post monarchy. We can only guess at the popularity will take the party and the nation away from thirsty, but are more humane and creative? metropolises, and in the longevity and integrity and looted the local bank in Dunai last year, (or lack thereof) of the monarchy among the socio-economic and cultural transformation to Instead of trying to compete with the French of revolutions in the Third World. those in power in Kathmandu have felt the youth, but the bigger political parties have direct confrontation. How can such a strategy, Revolution in body count, shouldn’t we be Let’s be clear about this: the kind of growing power of the peoples’ war. Since then, already pledged to support the continuity of which alienates sympathetic forces who do not trying to find less violent and brutal methods of society that Dr Bhattarai envisages in Nepal the Maoists have killed hundreds more the constitutional monarchy. Proof is the want full-scale war, be considered even social transformation? Dr Bhattarai couldn’t be post-revolution does not need a peoples’ war. policemen, looted police armouries, overrun waning discontent since King Gyanendra’s remotely Marxist? more removed from Marxist thought. Political pluralism offers space and is a viable the sub-periphery, and held sway over the ascension to the throne, in which the bigger In his interview, Dr Bhattarai states that By talking about “construction after alternative: it would guarantee human rights people still there. They have used force and parliamentary parties played a moderating millions may die in a genuine revolution. What destruction” the leaders of Nepal’s peoples’ (not just political, but economic and social fear to curb social evils like alcoholism, role. True, the parties are raising questions is a genuine revolution? The kind of revolution war are bending Marxism to make it a theory rights) and a capitalist mode of production. gambling, instituted peoples’ courts, and tried about the palace’s power, the rules of the Maoists are waging was successful only in of destruction rather than a creative scientific Most Nepalis would vote with the left if it was to redistribute land. They have involved succession, and there is disagreement within China. But the reason for that victory was the theory. Nepal’s socio-economic conditions are united. The constitutional path still provides women and indigenous groups in the struggle and tried to empower them. After the royal massacre two months ago, Dr Bhattarai’s party has seized on popular shock and dissatisfaction and the government’s own confusion and indecisiveness to declare that the Peoples’ Republic of Nepal has been born, that the revolution would achieve its success sooner than expected. How logical is this? Does Marxism accept such a hasty conclusion? Certainly, the Maoists have OS extended their organisational reach in the past the parties about the role of the split between forces of international imperial- no more dominated by a semi-feudal, semi- opportunities for peaceful transformation, land six years. The political, ideological and cultural constitutional monarchy, but not about the ism during World War II, with Japan and colonial production relationship in agriculture, reform, addressing social justice and inequity, bankruptcy of the parliamentary parties, need for a constitutional monarch. Germany on one side, and the US and Britain industry and trade as Dr Bhattarai argues. and even changes in the constitution itself. In entrenched social inequities, have pushed For his part, Dr Bhattarai maintains that on the other, with the Soviet Union support- Nepali society is now economically linked by fact many of the parliamentary parties are also disaffected Nepali youths into the Maoist fold. the Nepali monarchy has “collapsed under its ing the Chinese revolution. Today, interna- trade and investments with the outside seeking constitutional reform. But how political is this sudden surge of own weight and under the pressure of tional imperialism is a monolithic entity lead world—and not just with the US and India. Dr Bhattarai: you don’t need violence support? Is there an ideological underpining? imperialist and expansionist forces…” How by the US. International financial capital is Nepali household economies are run to a large and killings to achieve your revolution. We How disciplined is it? Is the support valid is this? How strategic and Marxist is it to helping imperialism take root in the farthest extent from remittances provided by a have now become a part of the changing sustainable? Can the leadership cope with the casually brush aside the objective reality of a corners of the world. Instead of the interna- globalised labour force in the Gulf, Japan and means of production in the global economy. future demands of an impatient people who potent force and declare it impotent? Ignoring tional proletariat uniting, it is international south-east Asia. This money already exceeds Isolation will not develop this nation, it will have been promised utopia? the unity of all parliamentary parties behind capitalists who are uniting. After the failure of the government’s revenues. These jobs will be lead us to destitution. That is why, It is traditional in Nepal’s left to be the constitutional monarchy and exaggerating the Shining Path in Peru, what direction is the jeopardised when employers in the Gulf and comrade, I cannot accept a revolution built attracted to the most extreme and polarised its own organisational capacity, Dr Bhattarai revolution going to take in Nepal? While elsewhere are spooked by reports of an on the corpses of millions, and if that is your views, and then to split due to personality claims: “Our openly stated goal is total state experimenting with revolution, how can escalating war and that Nepali workers could New Democracy then I’m sorry to say it has differences. Such rigid either/or political power for the oppressed masses. Nothing Marxist theory ever be used to justify a million be militants. drifted a long way away from Marxist structures can be easily put together, and more, nothing less.” deaths? What are the comrades trying to do: What the comrades should be thinking is doctrine.  equally easily demolished. But does Marxism What he is trying to say is that the repeat the Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian and how can we use these global changes to the Hari Roka is an independent left analyst. recognise such instant and ephemeral power? parliamentary parties and the palace should Cambodian revolutions where thousands of country’s benefit. Mao Zedong’s own China is

LETTERS BABURAM BHATTARAI going to do it? By a strategy of point check-list: justifying Paras’s actions and Thanks to you, Baburam Bhattarai grab-and-loot? By the massacre of z A national comprehensive vindicating him. I did not expect comes across as a coherent and innocent people who find people are going to be let down impending national catastrophe? programme to deal with the such a ridiculous and preposter- rational person to explain the themselves in a situation they have one more time. Andrew Duncan Maoist movement that includes ous article in Nepali Times. policies of the NCP(M) (#51). not created for themselves but (Name withheld on request) Nairobi, Kenya time-bound negotiations, or [email protected] However, the fact remains that the which they have been forced into? Manila, Philippines even the declaration of Maoists have been behaving in By threats that instil fear rather The problems in your young emergency if necessary RIGHTS AND WRONGS an almost criminal manner in than support? No matter how well As a frequent visitor to Nepal over democracy are related to the lack z Improving the law and order Human rights activists have been recent times. Your questions to Mr the supporters of this so-called the past 23 years, I have viewed of political knowledge on the part of situation by active community raising a hue and cry over the Bhattarai were rather lenient. He “People’s Movement” may be able with alarm the deepening political both the leadership and the vigilance. Public Security Regulation should have been asked why he to justify their actions, the hard crisis. It seems to me that the CPN people. Particularly, I am really z Agreement by political parties (Letters, #51). They fail to and Mr Dahal should not face truth is: this is a very (Maoist) are politically more concerned about the growing not to resort to bandhs for a few understand that the public is fed charges of crimes against mature than many of the violence caused by Maoists. It is an years. up of having its human rights humanity, for mainstream political parties in at illusion that things can be z Equal status to underprivileged violated by political parties who conspiring to kill, or least having an agenda to which negotiated. Revolutionaries, moved castes actively enforced force bandhs and strikes on us. not taking adequate they have adhered. But some of by ideology, will not stop before country-wide. Do Padma Ratna Tuladhar and steps to prevent Baburam Bhattarai’s statements they will consumate the revolution. z The Anti-corruption Bill, and Daman Dhungana think they are indiscriminate killings in your paper (#51) are But knowledge of what communism Political Party Bill pending in the only ones who have human of innocent policemen extreme. I particularly find their really is can help to resist their the Parliament to be discussed rights? Don’t involve us in your even after their attempts to internationalise and propaganda. August 31 marks the and passed soonest. politics. surrender. You left it to noble cause politicise the most tragic deaths of 21st anniversary of the end of Himalaya S Rana Dil Prasad Mr Bhattarai to put forth gone astray because the end does His late Majesty King Birendra and prolonged strikes in the Gdansk Kathmandu Pokhara his own agenda. He even boasted not justify the means. And that, I his family distasteful and Shipyard which resulted in the that under the Maoists, Nepalis feel, is the greatest tragedy of all. unpatriotic, and find their disregard forming of Solidarity in Poland. KING GYANENDRA DESMOND DOIG will enjoy unprecedented [email protected] for human life nothing short of The presence of the theoretical Saubhagya Shah’s “King It has been a pleasure to read democratic privileges. What a criminal. However, without at least concepts of Marxist-Leninist Gyanendra’s burden of living” (#51) Desmond Doig once again in your load of rubbish. Baburam Bhattarai’s flaccid logic attempting to open a dialogue, the philosophy was the source of is fraught with paeans to the present paper (“Saving Faith”). For those of Suresh K Kafle and fossilised dialectic is a government is condemning the injustice in Poland. monarch. Although he tried to be us who are from Calcutta, Desmond Manchester, UK throwback to the 1970s, I have now Nepali people to a long, protracted Dr W J Korab-Karpowicz confident and persuasive Shah is Doig holds a special place in our lost the little faith I had that the and bloody civil war and possibly Department of International wanting in sincerity, honesty, and hearts. But I do wonder how many Equal opportunities for all, equal Maoists were up to something good inviting foreign intervention which Relations judgement. At times he appears of your readers have heard of Doig access to education, health, and to create a New Democracy in can only result in a loss of Bilkent Universi, Poland ludicrous, like when he compares or know about him. My generation all the basic necessities of Nepal. With jargon that thick it sovereignty. King Birendra could King Birendra and King Gyanendra does but you may like to consider life, the upliftment of the poor sounds like the New Peoples’ Army see this and had the foresight to Given the dire situation the country to Ram and Bharat. He also tries to doing a piece on Doig. He gave a and downtrodden. What goes to the Himalaya. What is he establish his own channel of is, civil society should not shy away exonerate Paras Shah from all his lot to Nepal and to Kathmandu. the Maoists stand for is truly just trying to do, spoof the Sendero communication with the Maoists. from saying enough is enough. sins by pointing out that the Like he gave a lot to Calcutta, to and noble. Where the Luminoso? The interview is proof of What more fitting tribute could the Political squabbling should be “hijackers” and “headhunters” of Delhi, to Bhutan, and to me and government has failed to deliver, just how hardline and out of touch government and people of Nepal stopped and a national consensus yesteryears have been accepted as my generation. the Maoists have tried to take the the comrades are. They will never give their late King than to take this reached on the present crisis. political leaders. These examples Amit Dasgupta initiative. But just how is Baburam learn from history. The Nepali example and expand it to avert an Let’s move ahead with this five- cannot be used as reasons for Bansbari 444 NATION 20 - 26 JULY 2001 NEPALI TIMES Negative attitude towards ALL PHOTOS: HEMLATA RAI

A man from Kailali with full-blown AIDS with his four-year-old son and five-month old daughter. The battle against HIV in western Nepal is waged in isolation of larger development processes. Children and women are the hardest hit.

Sunita, with her seven-year-old daughter.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ALL PHOTOS: HEMLATA RAI HEMLATA PHOTOS: ALL ○○○○○○○○○

IN KAILALI ○○○○○○○○○○

HEMLATA○○○○○○ RAI net and social organisations are migrant workers, sex workers, new community mobilisation were supporting is alarming. All dramatically. Both his parents unita, the widow of a reluctant to provide care or intravenous drug users, rickshaw programme, the Kailiali District were married and on an adult are bedridden, and now the 14- migrant worker from Doti support to orphans, Sunita’s pullers and truck drivers. But Red Cross office estimates that woman here has four children on year-old school dropout must s district, lives in a rented worry is not unusual. School is a many worry that such one in 32 wives of migrant average. not only care for them, but also one-room, disgraced and fantasy for her four surviving undertakings, which cost millions workers from the district could be As for children, there are no feed his five younger siblings. friendless. She is waiting to die. children, aged seven, eight, 11 of rupees, are doing more harm HIV-positive. That figure could reliable statistics or even His elder brother Hari, 15, has When we met Sunita last and 14. Sunita is desperately than good. Their approach shoot up if more comprehensive estimates of how many are already migrated to India, month, she had not eaten for three poor. “I am dying without even appears to be reinforcing the studies are conducted and affected by HIV/AIDS. Children following his father’s footsteps. days. She had a terrible stomach being able to repay the loan I misconception that only people reluctant wives are persuaded to of the sick have not been tested He will have access to a larger ache and had lost her eyesight a few took to buy a shroud for my belonging to certain specified volunteer for tests. Red Cross and there are no training or job market—and to the country weeks before. But more than her husband two years ago,” she says. categories are in danger of data shows that sexually awareness programmes on how to with the largest absolute number fast-deteriorating health, Sunita Here in Kailali district, HIV/ contracting HIV. Infected people transmitted disease (STD) take precautions. All families with of HIV-infected persons in the worries about the future of her AIDS is a taboo topic, and largely are reluctant to seek medical help prevalence in the district is a identified AIDS deaths in Kailali world. Medical prescriptions for children. She lost her husband and regarded as a disease that kills because of the stigma that fairly high eight percent. related to us stories of younger Hari and Prakash’s father state two children to AIDS, and health only “bad” people. The continues to be attached to the Save the Children UK, which children in their families dying. clearly that he is HIV-positive. workers doubt if she will live for government’s National Centre for disease, and communities are find runs a community mobilisation None of them was tested for Their mother, however, has not much longer. AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) it hard to accept that any one of programme in Achham to prevent HIV. been tested, as the family is too “I don’t know what will and about two dozen national them could be in danger of the spread of HIV/AIDS, has And no one has the time to poor to afford the Rs 34 bus fare happen to my children when I and international organisations contracting the virus. recorded over 160 HIV/AIDS- think about the care of AIDS she needs to travel to the nearest go,” she sobbed. In a country are working with different, Such attitudes affect women related deaths in the district. The orphans. Prakash, also of Kailali, hospital in Dhangadi. In the where there is no social security specifically targeted groups— and children the most. Under its family structure the deceased men has seen HIV change his life house next to theirs, Man

HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK Nepal is on its own The worsening problems of one little Himalayan country don’t mean a hill of beans in this crazy world. TORONTO - Here on the far side of the world, they’re not talking about Nepal others. Those highly tuned discrimination dectectors were switched off during anymore. They were, at the time of the palace massacre. It was a global soap the Games debate. opera with a bloody finish, and that was that. But now, as the kingdom’s rough With few exceptions, Canadian journalists painted China as a monolith of patches get rougher, no one knows, or cares, about the place. worker ants, dutifully following their leaders and waving red flags in unison every In Canada’s largest and richest city, all is gloom and doom. I daresay Nepalis time a show of strength was necessary. Even the celebrations in Beijing, which I would welcome the opportunity to get depressed about something so seemingly saw as a generation of young Chinese ecstatic that their country was getting some trivial: Toronto’s failure, for the second time in a row, to convince the world’s international recognition, were, it was reported, staged, mannered, slightly stiff sporting elite to stage the Olympics here. It was a jolly little romp, the attempt and stilted. There was no reporting from the white-hot business capital, to get the games. Toronto and the Canadian taxpayer reportedly coughed up Shanghai, little effort to talk to youth or Chinese athletes, no perspective on how $78 million, putting together a bid, wining and dining International Olympic China is changing under immense social and economic pressure. And none of this Committee members and generally lobbying like mad. All the while ignoring the is to say that human rights and liberal values don’t matter; they do, but every steady momentum that was building behind Beijing, Toronto folk deceived picture has a thousand stories, to paraphrase an old Chinese proverb. themselves into a future full of sport and significance, even better Canada is also threatening to increase its foreign aid than the magnificent Sydney games last year. budget. I say threatening because my views on the topic of There were laughable moments. Toronto’s brash and promiscuous development spending by rich countries are well sometimes unwisely outspoken mayor put his foot in it. He told known to readers of this column. If the Canadian Prime a reporter that he was looking forward to a trip to Africa Mininster were to ask my opinion of his plan to improve his although his wife wasn’t. “She has visions of us simmering in a country’s reputation with higher aid budgets, I’d offer one or cauldron of boiling water while the natives dance around, two thoughts. Send fewer “experts” to developing countries, to getting ready to eat us,” he said. On the surface, it’s a racist live their lives at the expense of the taxpayer and the locals. statement or at least a perpetuation of a ridiculous stereotype Listen to the aid recipients before showering them with and it may have helped more than a few developing countries decide not to back promises, aforesaid experts and projects that benefit a tiny slice of the the Canadians. I prefer to believe that the mayor meant no harm but must really population, usually already at the top of the social ladder. But he hasn’t asked, so work on getting his sense of humour in step with the times. I haven’t told him. Far more pernicious was the Toronto media’s subtle racism in their One thing that’s clear to me, here in the materially rich West, is that the one-dimensional view of China as opponent for the Games. Now understand worsening problems of one little Himalayan country don’t mean a hill of beans in that all—or nearly all—is fair in the tussle for the right to host the Olympics. I this crazy world, not to those who live here, in great comfort and general have no personal problem with talk of human rights records and air pollution in ignorance. Aid spending, global soap operas and occasionally Beijing, as ways of leveraging your own bid. But the liberal elite in Canada is overbearing neighbours aside, Nepal is on its own. Which isn’t a bad place often insufferably smug in its political correctness and quickness to spot racism in to start...  NATION 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES identified as HIV-positive, 5calling55 not change. As the government them “bad social elements” and extramarital sex. Virtually all heads towards the end of its cautioning the community to knew of condom use as a “Strategic Plan for HIV and “keep away” would be the best preventive measure against HIV AIDS in Nepal 1997-2001”, the way to prevent the spread of the infection, but only a third used bureaucracy remains insensitive. virus. Some local governments them regularly, and another third,Stigmatisation and victimisation have tried to include communities occasionally. A quarter of those are rampant, even among AIDS and people with HIV/AIDS in attitude towards positive peoplesurveyed, mainly the unmarried control officials. A government their fight against the virus, but young men, said condoms were representative on the Kailali they seem to have virtually no simply not available. District HIV/AIDS Co- access to the policy-making level Kumari takes care of her five It is obvious that all the good ordination Committee suggested in the central government. grandchildren, all AIDS intentions and action plans will to us that “exposing” people orphans. be useless if public attitudes do The government ignores this disturbing data and the official count of HIV/AIDS deaths in the country lingers at 143, with 1,940 individuals (1,382 men and 558 women) identified as HIV-positive. Government says NGOs exaggerate the figures to justify their presence in the districts. The huge mismatch between the official and unofficial tallies is a sign of just how disengaged the efforts to combat the epidemic have been in Nepal. Contrary to the stated intentions of the official strategy against HIV/AIDS, the problem is still treated in isolation from other development issues and practices like basic health services, economic upliftment and community mobilisation. The majority of people living with HIV are from the productive age bracket of 20-29 Man Kumari nust now take care of her years—1,084 of the official five grandchildren, AIDS orphans. count of 1,940 HIV-positive signs of HIV/AIDS. people are in this age group. Nepal has all the socio- counselling or trained in economic characteristics that aid Apex College When young, able-bodied people die, the burden of precautions. Mahesh Sharma, in the rapid transmission of maintaining families falls on the Country Programme HIV—low literacy rate, poverty, young children and old people, Manager for the UNDP-funded gender inequality, poor access to pushing Nepal’s development a HIV/AIDS programme, said utilities and unavailability of generation back, and having since care and support health services. But the well-off tangible effects on the national programmes require a long-term and privileged also are at risk. economy. commitment and show results “Most of the boys in my class It’s not just the government slowly, organisations are have sex regularly with their girl- that is to blame. Charity hesitant to take up the task. friends and sex workers,” a ninth organisations undertake And even raising awareness grader in a private school told us awareness-raising activities only, takes time. “I could have privately. and care and support packages recovered by now, if only the A 1991 study conducted by for infected people and their daktarsab had given me the Resource Centre for Primary families are almost non-existent. injections,” says Tika Ram, who Health Care (RECPHEC) in the We found that most people with believes his ailment is nothing nine districts where the UNDP- HIV were unaware about the more serious than tuberculosis. funded Participatory Planning status of their health and their Health workers believe that he and Management of HIV/AIDS sexual partners had not been must have contracted the virus programme is implemented, encouraged to go for check-ups at least four years ago, and he revealed that 20 percent of and testing. Infected people and has had regular sex with his wife young people, across class and their families were not provided since—their youngest child is caste lines, engaged in premarital only four months old. His sex and eight percent in wife, now the family’s breadwinner, does not yet show

Krishna Prasad Pant, 69 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ It was a moment of grief, and yet relatives of senior advocate Krishna Prasad Pant felt a sense of fulfilment as they came to bid him final goodbye. Unlike Hindu funerals where the cortege leads to the burning ghats, the senior advocate’s funeral ended at the gates of the Teaching Hospital’s mortuary. That’s where the family of this extraordinary lawyer bid him goodbye to respect his wish that his body be donated to science. Krishna Prasad Pant had extraordinary wit, intelligence and legal acumen, but it was his decision during his final days to let the Teaching Hospital’s medical students use his body to learn from it that set him apart. He must have known that such a decision would rub against traditionalists in this conservative society. But were he alive, he would have scoffed at critics with a witty repartee. “He led a very unique life, and he’s left the world with a unique last wish,” said his daughter, Anju. Trying to convince his family about his wish, Krishna Prasad Pant had said: “I want my body to be of service to mankind. Please do not let it be consumed by fire and turned to ashes. There is a lot students can learn from my body.” He suffered from diabetes, hypertension, failed kidneys, a by-passed heart, and gout. As per his wish, Pant’s sons, Dinesh and Rajesh, grieve for their father without the traditionalkriya and barakhi rites. He had told them: “Do whatever you can for me while I am alive. I do not believe in rituals to appease the dead.” 666 NATION 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES

VILLAGE VOICE byDR ARUNA UPRETY Women are dying in the far-west collect the money and hire an ambulance to take her to the closest hospital—a seven-hour drive away. Then, local health workers But after assessing the patient’s explain to the family the surgery in condition again, the gynaecologist, their local dialect. Finally, the DrVeena Rani Shriwastav says, mother is convinced that her “Even if we could arrange the daughter will be able to bear more money and ambulance, it is not children (sons). She says, “Do as advisable to send her to Dhangadi you like, but please save my girl.” hospital as she is really in very Within half-an-hour, Kamala is undergoing the surgery she needs. BOTH PICS: COURTESY DR UPRETY BOTH PICS: COURTESY serious condition. It would be better if we could do the surgery Though very weak, she is finally right away.” out of danger and we are happy. questioning who is to blame for So Kamala does not go to We congratulate Dr Shriwastav, women’s appalling status. Dhangadi Hospital. She is not who took a great risk to save When I discussed the harmful Kamala’s life. walk, a woman in Achham—as in cultural practices of keeping women operated on that night either, as the most far-western regions—starts to lights in the hospital are out. We This is only one of the many sad in chaupatiand in cowsheds with stories of women in the remote work. She will work until the last local political leaders and health pray that she survives the night. In dayWomen of her life. line Women up for the here health are camp in Doti the morning, we are happy to see areas of far-western Nepal. Even workers, I asked them if their wives though all over Nepal a woman’s lucky if they do not die in labour oralso follow this practice. They all that she is still alive. Dr from postpartum complications, or Shriwastav says, “Now I will status is much less than a man’s—in answered, “Oh yes, they do! We all matters, familial, social, cultural,due domestic violence and countlessknow that it is not a good practice operate on her. I know it is a risk, other preventable reasons. but if all of you support me, I am political and legal—in the far- but if our wives do not follow ready to take the risk.” western regions, it is even worse. A In many regions in the far-west, these rituals, we will be ostracised Time passes. At ten in the woman’s life is valuable only if she women must go to a cowshed or to by society. People will stop an outside room, calledchaupati a morning, I asked Dr Shriwastav gives birth to sons and is fit for coming to us.” So no political about Kamala’s condition. She arduous work. Many times she has (usually a small bare room with no parties, no government employees replies, sounding very sad: “I have to give up her life to make her windows), for labour and delivery, and no health workers have come not operated on her because her family and society happy. At others,and during menstruation. When sheforward to talk openly against mother did not allow me.” I was she sacrifices her happiness and has her period, a woman is this practice. surprised and angry. health to the will of others. “polluted” and must isolate herself. How long will the mothers, Because of such “pollution”, she I go to find Kamala’s mother; The human development index daughters and granddaughters of (HDI) in Nepal is one of the worst must also stay in the cowshed for 11far-western Nepal continue to die she is feeding her two grandchildren days after delivering a child. Even if rice and salt. I ask her, in a mixture in the world and the far-western and suffer in the name of culture, region has the lowest HDI in she suffering from heavy bleeding orreligion and social norms? We in of local dialect and Nepali, “Why infection she is not touched or did not you allow the doctor to Nepal. Although no one is actually Kathmandu talk a lot about safe healthy here, the burden of disease treated, and many times, simply operate on Kamala?” The old dies. Her death is not recorded and motherhood and make grand plans woman looks at me with sad eyes tends to be heavier for women, and programmes to reduce the because of lack of access to health the government does not know that Kamala in Doti Hospital, slowly recovering and starts crying. “I do not know a woman has had a maternal death. country’s maternal mortality rate by care. Not only because there are half in the next five years. We give what to do,” she says, “Kamala’s We were told many sad events, The woman was more worried abouthusband is not here. She has five fewer health personnel and fewer presentations in regional and girls and only one son. If you will health posts and hospitals, but also recounting times when women died national workshops, but we never an unborn grandson than the life of operate, you will take out her because they face traditional taboosin thechaupati because of health think about the fact that mother- her own daughter. uterus and she will have no more based on cultural practices and problems just because no one dared hood can never be safe if woman- children. Her husband will be religious beliefs. In Achham, where touch a polluted woman. After hood remains in danger. ○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ very angry with me and will the female literacy rate is only nine spending three weeks in Doti and leave Kamala.” percent (according to government Achham, and discussing with DOTI - March 2001. I am in Doti cannot even open her eyes. statistics, which generally try to I am confused. I wonder why women about their lives, I started district, one of the most remote A senior gynaecologist examines paint a rosy picture), a woman’s life she needs more children, after six. areas of Nepal, about 700 km west her and says, “She has lost a lot of are valued less than that of a mule. Then, with a shudder, I understand of the capital. I am coordinating a blood and has an infection. We From the very day she learns to what this woman means. She is health programme organised by need to transfuse blood immedi- saying “children,” but she does not GTZ, the German international ately, but it is not possible here. It mean children, she means sons. development organisation. We are would be best if we send her to How pathetic it is to hear such running a special gynaecological another hospital where transfusion logic! The old woman was more camp in the Doti district hospital, facilities are available.” We research worried about an unborn grandson designed especially for women of the cost of an ambulance and than life of her own daughter. I the far-western region . discover it will be around Rs 1,700. collect myself and explain to her We discuss this with Kamala’s A woman is brought in. Her that we will not take out the uterus brother and mother. They answer, brother carried her to the hospital, and that after she heals, Kamala can “We do not have money to take and her mother and two small have as many children as she wants. children accompany them. Her her to the hospital. If you can name is Kamala. The family reports treat her here, please do so. that seven days ago, Kamala had a Otherwise, she will die here and spontaneous abortion. She has beenwe will not blame anyone.” bleeding continuously since then. We doctors talk among Kamala is pale as a sheet. She ourselves and decide that we will Française Alliance

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THE INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE & ACADEMY Ghattekulo, Dillibazar, Kathmadu (next to SM College) Tel:435417, E-MAIL : [email protected] Website : www.ielca.org NATION 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 777 OPINION byLT GEN (RETIRED) KRISHNA NARAYAN SINGH THAPA “Negotiate from a position of strength...” tremendous pressure to so the rebels don’t have a free fed the insurgency. If we blame exercise restraint. Using force hand, and focus on the democracy of the last 12 don’t blame anyone for beinginvolve minimum use of force.they can finish such operations development. It should carefully years for doing nothing, the confused about the groundThe army hasn’t been deployedin hours, but that could lead toThe army doesn’t want to massacre fellow Nepalis. coordinate○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ security work by ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ blame for five years goes to reality in Rolpa. You hear theto hunt Maoists. Their mandatehigh is casualties. With the i to free the 69 hostages and forming a coordinating council, the Maoists. army has been deployed, yet it blockade, the rebels could run with more administrative, is not taking action as many disarm the Maoists. They areshort of basic supplies. This wll their responsibility because The Maoists seem to have information-sharing roles. expect it to. It is the duty of civiltrying to block escape routes.put pressure on them to they lacked moral strength. Thatcommitted, educated leaders. authorities to provide internalThe Maoists are using humannegotiate, while we are in a The government does not is the only confusion— They would be much more security. If the situation shields, a very tactical move.position of strength. I don’t thinkhave a paramilitary so it has tootherwise things are absolutelyeffective working under the escalates and they cannot The army seems under they are prepared to take on relythe on the army. The Nationalclear. Personally, I would haveconstitutional framework, they address it, they may request Royal Nepal Army. The Security Council spells out thepreferred to use the army whencould even change the army help. Such operations government has to tighten task and commanders decidethe police failed and needed constitution. The didn’t need security in other Maoist areas,operational modalities. I don’t help a long time ago. violence to get what they want. If that had happened, the think there is any confusion Wars are fought to bring about who deploys the army, situationthe would have been peace. We need peace for elected government or the different by now. development. Even the Maoists monarch. The prime minister There is no doubt about it: would need peace if they were chairs the security council, and the action in Rolpa is justified.in charge, and needed to it recommends deployment. In a The Maoists have to realise rebuild the country. We should constitutional monarchy, the king they cannot have a clear runbegin negotiating now because ratifies decisions of the council anymore. It is time to talk witheven if the army is able to, it of ministers. In our case, our them, since the issues they wouldn’t want to massacre politicians failed to carry out raise are of national fellow Nepalis. importance: poverty, illiteracy, unemployment. The present polity is corrupt and mismanaged, and that has exacerbated the situation and

The Army’s Mi-17 takes off from Dang for Nuwagaon on Tuesday. MIN BAJRACHARUYA

and to help hasten the primeminister’s departure. And now, they won’t even have him. From p.1 STANDOFF In the short term, the Maoist strategy could be to prevent the further Ö deployment of the army at all costs. They are cosying up to the king and possibly Most military analysts we talked to said it would be logical for the rebelseven to talking to his emissaries, while maintaining the propaganda war to try to slip out of the net, and this would be fairly easy to do. “You need a soldierdemoralise the army over Rolpa so that the generals will think twice before every five yards to make it airtight, and the Maoists know this terrain very well,committing it themselves to another adventure. “They know that a search and is one of their main bases,” said one retired army major. Military officials admitrescue can easily be turned into a search and destroy,” said an army source. For some Maoists may have slipped away, but add that the majority are still aroundthe moment, Maoists will continue attacks on police posts and government “hiding behind the women and children”. The army has superior firepower, targets in other parts of the country, but they will try to minimise the casualties training and air support, which could be decisive if it comes to a confrontation.so as not to provoke army retaliation. “Even if they have escaped they cannot get too far,” a military source told us. For the moment, though, police morale which had hit rock bottom is “We have a mission to accomplish and until then, we will remain around.” beginning to recover. The government called all senior police officers to Seven human rights activistsreached Nuwagaon on Wednesday to try toKathmandu earlier this week for a meeting to rally the force, but without better broker the release of the hostages. They were given 48 hours for the visit.weapons and support it is unlikely the police is going to be a serious deterrent. The team had the government’s nod and also word of safe-passage from The government is hoping that its Integrated Security and Development Package the Maoists. A failed attempt by them would justify use of force by the (ISDP) which has been extended to four more districts (Dailekh, Dang, Surkhet government. and Dolakha), bringing the new count to 11, and a new paramilitary force will The new home minister, Chakra Prasad Bastola denies that there is anyprovide the necessary backup. confusion between the army and the government on chain of command andWhat the military brass will not say, and what is increasingly evident, is that rules of engagement. “We have given them a clear mandate: free the unless the politicians in Kathmandu stop bickering and muster the political will hostages and disarm the Maoists.” The army brass is said to be giving nearlyto reach a consensus and deal with the Maoist crisis, the army cannot really do daily briefings to the prime minister, the home minister and the defencemuch more than it already is. minister. The prime minister was said to be in close touch with the king on the issue until he resigned Thursday. As the stand-off continued, the government in Kathmandu looked shaky once more as pressure on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to resign mounted from the opposition and dissidents within his own party. The Maoists added their bit: Chairman Prachanda wrote WednesdayKantipur in that there would no talks until the prime minister stepped down. Many in Kathmandu would have been hoping that once the army moved into Rolpa it would quickly decimate the Maoist force at Nuwagaon and rescue the hostages. But the military’s involvement has many ramifications. The army’sM.M.M.M.M.M. Sc.Sc.Sc.Sc.Sc.Sc. (E-Business)(E-Business) own image is at stake, so it cannot conduct its first operation without a clean and clear-cut victory with minimum casualties. The army cannot let Rolpa degenerate into a messy Vietnam-type guerrilla war with civilian casualties. “If the army came out of this with its tail between its legs, that would be the final disaster, and a windfall for the Maoists,” said one military source. The Maoists don’t have it much easier. Since the start of their peoples’ war, the rebels have been on a roll. Especially in the past two years, they haven’t really had an enemy and have resorted to butchering policemen who have no will to fight. “For the first time, they are worried,” says one leftist analyst close to the Maoist hierarchy. And this worry shows in the softening of their stance on talks, and the dramatic turnaround in the way they have dropped all mention of King Gyanendra from their slogans and statements. After the army went into action in Rolpa, there has not been a single mention of the ubiquitous “fascist Gyanendra Shah-Girija Koirala clique”. The entire focus of their attack has now shifted to Koirala, in part to satisfy the Maoists’ own cadre

Godavari 888 NEPALI ECONOMY 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED Public enemies ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepal’s public corporations have become a permanent drain on the economy. Most of them only have balance sheets which show losses, and many have not audited theirWhy books since the euphoria? the early 1990s. The situation of most is so bad that even privatising them is no longer an option, especially because of the cost of employee payoffs that need to made should the corporations be privatised. The annual review of the performance of public enterprises, published by the Ministry of Finance, tells the rest of the dismal story: It is too early to get excited about the budget.

z Total number of enterprises: 43; government has updated statistics for only 39 he Beed has been asked by many creating funds is hardly encouraging. I see no point applauding until it is z Total investment (shares and loans) up to 1999/00: Rs 71.24 billion readers to explain the The Power Development Fund has completed. Handing out subsidies Investment (shares) up to 1999/00: Rs 19.94 billion t euphoria—quite different from not kicked ineven five years after its through the Agricultural Development Investment (loans) up to 1999/00: Rs 53.29 billion one’s own reaction—in the business ambitious conception; many labour-Bank on interest rates for tea growers is great—so long as people who really z Total earnings in 1999/00: Rs 357 million, or 1.9 percent of investment. community regarding this year’s related welfare funds have not budget. Our trade bodies are found administrators. Such need the subsidised loans get them. z Net profit in 1999/00: Rs 2.39 billion (25 percent lower than the year before) showering praise on the Finance examples abound. Analysing the various trade z Total employees: 47,178, an average of 1,210 per organisation. Minister. Readers of last week’s Business is also feeling optimistic bodies’ reactions to the budget over z The most bloated enterprises: Nepal Electricity Authority 9,289 staff; Rastriyacolumn Banijya will not be surprised that the Bank, 5,809; Nepal Telecommunication Corporation, 4,674; and Agricultural because the sanction limit for foreign the last five or six years, one trend is Development Bank, 4,628. Beed differs. At the risk of sounding investment per joint venture that the clear. We support any budget that The estimates for 2000/01 are not very encouraging either: even monopolies like likethe a repetitiveNepal Oil naysayer, I offer a Director General of the Department cushions and protects domestic Corporation and Nepal Television (which the government helped to borrow money fromcautionary NTC word to to the wise. of Industries (DOI) is allowed to industries and touts the promise of set up satellite broadcasting) are expected to have operational losses. The only companiesOne of the major items in the approve has been raised. The new subsidies. Our notion of doing expected to do reasonably well are the Citizens Investment Trust, the Janakpur Cigarettebudget Factory,that has been commended is business is latching on to profits and the Nepal Stock Exchange and the NTC. The Ministry of Finance’s review has all thisthe data, government’s but interest in pushing losses back to the govern- leaves the basic question untouched—why have the corporations at all? rehabilitating sick industries. Yes, the ment. The Hotel Association of provisionsounds good. And no, we Nepal’s request to the government to cannotknow that it is good until the lower interest rates for the industry is process is set in motion. The form- a perfect example of this attitude. Hydro growth ation of a committee will be the first This Beed wonders how trade ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ of many formalities. Then we will bodies can push for subsidies and Electricity and gas, which comprise about two percent of the GDP, have to set out what constitutes a sick protectionism on the one hand and on emerged as the highest growth sectors in fiscal 2000/01. The growth the other ask the government to in this group was over 19 percent and the trend is expected to remain industry, what criteria a company will bullish as new hydro-projects begin to supply to the central grid. Of have to meet, and what the screening liberalise, liberalise, liberalise. What is the projects under construction, the 144MW Kali Gandaki project is process will entail. limit of Rs 1 billion—double the old the difference, ultimately, between expected to come on line later this year. The government says it will offer amount—may seem exciting, but it is State-Owned Enterprises and the Meantime the Khimti I Hydropower Project (KHP) completed its rehabilitation loans at a rather interesting to know how such moves private sector if the government is play out in reality. Last year two first year of operation on 11 July. The KHP (60MW), the first private tempting 7.5 percent. As in the case of made to fund the losses of both? investment in hydro, is a project of Himal Power Ltd (HPL), a all subsidies, there will doubtless be a multinational companies went berserk I say again: the credibility of the Norwegian-Nepali undertaking, which has a 20-year Power couple of percent that will have to be trying to get their joint ventures government is at a low and most Purchase Agreement with the NEA. Butwal Power Compnay is the doled out to ensure the file-shifting through. Though the formalities at changes it promises have to be Nepali investor in the project. mechanism works satisfactorily. And the DOI were complete, the ministry brought about through legislation. Khimti sells electricity to the NEA at a little over 6 US cents (about Rs 4.5 ca) per kW,there willamong be many perfectly healthy withheld approval at the behest of a Just ask how many undisrupted the best prices a private company gets in Nepal, for all electricity generated—includingindustries flood and business people playing couple of domestic players. It took thesessions of parliament we have had energy during the monsoons. HPL says the high cost is because of its cost of funds—almostsick. The Beed 70 fears this grand plan companies a year to run around all recently, how many laws our percent on loan. The NEA says Khimti got a “good deal” because it came at a time wherewill be just there another money-spinner forpossible government agencies and representatives have enacted. were no other means to meet the increasing demands after the World Bank cancelled the finally get their ventures approved. controversial Arun-3, the only project under development before Khimti came along.the insidious politican-bureaucrat- businessman nexus. Similarly, the hype about the The government’s record of technology park is old—five years old.

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SUBSCRIBE FOR ANOTHER YEAR §543337 [email protected] 101010 ARCHITECTURE 20 - 26 JULY 2001 NEPALI TIMES The Valley’s new building new structures or taking a garment factory and turn it into a but owners of hotels built in the fresh look at existing semi-elegant and modern structure 1970s with just concrete and glass constructions—façading. This is, that respects traditional Newari have realised that putting a new quite simply, putting a face to a architecture. Industrialist traditional Nepali exterior adds building that is not structurally Gajananda Vaidya wanted to economic and aesthetic value to required. This can, of course, often ensure that while the building has their property. be disastrous, like the all the modern amenities a business One of the people who make incomprehensible practice of Doric house requires, it would have a such work possible is Tirtha Lal columns on Maharajgunj mansions, markedly traditional exterior. Maharjan. Friends and relatives or even worse, the faux lattice “They’re doing it in Japan, Korea, thought he was wasting his windows on the RNAC building. in England, maintaining old resources when, in 1980, he Such insults to the urban dweller’s façades. You can’t be modern decided to set up a business intelligence are why the entire without maintaining your culture,” manufacturing traditional bricks. practice gets such a bad rap. says Vaidya. Despite the extra time “They thought I was crazy investing But it isn’t all bad, if you think and money his project requires, in a business that had little scope, about it. Obviously it is impossible Toyota hopes to not only impress in trying to revive a technology that to tear down buildings that offend, foreign clients, but also set an was ancient and outdated and that and the convenience of modern example for other business houses. people weren’t interested in design is undeniable, especially in The building will have a traditional anymore,” says Maharjan, larger office spaces. This is where brick exterior that experiments proprietor of Om Shree facading steps in—to restore some with textures and patterns, and be Machhindra Nath Brick Industries traditional beauty and harmony to interspersed with simple, attractive in Dadikot, Thimi. the architecture of the city without wooden windows. Inside the But Tirtha persisted and today,

LIMBU Sometimes, appearance is about more sacrificing convenience, having to Toyota building are all the with his brothers Hira Kaji and than a pretty face: the Toyota building spending obscene amounts on trappings of a modern structure— Bikki Maharjan, he runs a brisk structural changes, or simply hoping well-lit office space, lobbies brick manufacturing business.

RAMYATA RAMYATA against hope that somehow your spacious enough to withstand the “People have had to eat their ○○○○○○○○○○ RAMYATA○○○○○○ LIMBU accommodating aesthete. Even new building will have an foot traffic of a large organisation, words,” smiles Tirtha. He is now weren’t so keen on dacchin appa and ncongruous. Soulless. Ugly. recognising that things, including interesting, appropriate and functional cubicles. hard pressed to keep up with plaster and cement were in, I tried Cement nightmare, concrete our built environment, change and attractive modern front. Façading is catching on as orders of dacchin appa, the to encourage prospective clients to i jungle, architectural disaster. that restoration is not and cannot An unlikely candidate for a increasing numbers of hotels, traditional Nepali bricks, that, use traditional material by It is easy to describe walking always be an option, there are few traditional façade with intricately private homes, and business houses together with the jhingati or local accepting payment in instalments,” through the streets of Kathmandu glimmers of hope for the future of designed oil bricks is a symbol of all realise the need to be modern clay tiles, and wooden lattice says Tirtha. Although he comes in these gloomy, disjointed phrases. our cityscape. that is sleek, modern, and without giving up tradition. Most windows make up Kathmandu from a farming family in Patan, The experience, after all, is much And yet. And yet. industrial, the Tin Kune Toyota new hotels like Dwarika’s, the Valley’s traditional look. Tirtha was with the Archaeology like that—without continuity, and There is one route people are building. It is possible to take an Hyatt, the Phulbari in Pokhara are It wasn’t always so rosy, Department for 15 years before he with much to offend even the most starting to go down, whether in ugly cement block designed to be a designed with traditional looks, though. “Initially, when people quit in 1991. He had a sinking

Shangrila Pepsi 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES ARCHITECTURE 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 111111

buildings blend with the surround- ings. The husband-wife architect’s alley’s new façade fadteam of Chandra Lekha Kayastha have designed numerous structures be as practical in terms of how the business.” over the past 25 years: corporate space is used, lighting, and other

offices, government and private SALIL SUBEDI Making the bricks is a delicate modern requirements.” buildings ranging in style from Critics might argue that process. The handmade bricks are postmodern, to neo-classical, and pressed, dried and burnt, façading is an eyewash, because it now, traditional. The firm designed does not actually preserve individually wrapped in straw. 75 the Kathmandu Tourism Service out of 100 bricks survive the entire traditionalSometimes, a architecture, building’s worth only is the suma of its bricks: Tirtha and Hira Kaji Maharjan Centre in Bhrikuti Mandap. “If few building techniques. Strictly process intact. “The bricks, built dacchin appahad been more easily conceiving and defining according to Malla period speaking, this is true. But it has available then, we would have “traditional” and “modern”. technology, are not of a uniform its uses, one of which is giving the probably used it for the exterior Few modern buildings in size. The varnished surface makes city a new vocabulary of built of the building,” says Kayastha. them water resistant, cool in the space. A modern building, with orthe Valley can hope to match Her firm is currently working summer and warm in the winter,” without a traditional façade, has the Rastriya Banijya Bank with Maharjan and his team of says engineer Laxman Kisiju, chief clearly recognisable modern building—its playfulness sends artisans to cover the old ncreteco of planning with the Bhaktapur contours, but is out of place in up the ponderousness most of Municipality. at the Narayani Hotel in Pulchowk inner city Kathmandu, Patan or us imagine lies behind the gates with a traditional façade. of Singha Darbar, and although Kisiju and other municipality Bhaktapur. Put a traditional face Kayastha herself would like to on it, and suddenly the structure cheeky, it is an appropriately officials are trying to encourage has continuity, its appearance placed symbol for Nepal’s new, locals to build façades in the core see form and content being more acts as a bridge between the past mercantile culture. It has lots city areas by offering subsidies on complementary. “Façading should and the present, and quietly of steel, and large glass wood, tiles and brick. Since the not just be an afterthought, or an add-on,” she says. “While tradi- schools us in new ways of windows, but its red brick municipality started the subsidy exterior places it in a certain programme as an experiment, ten tional structures are appropriate for tourism purposes, they might not context—though only families have applied for tenuously connected to subsidies. This year, the munici- MIN BAJRACHARYA traditional Valley construction, pality is offering 75 percent it is nevertheless a reminder of A facelift can greatly improve old concretesubsidy on wood and 100 percent it. In the absence of more such with traditional facades. “Initially on tiles andbrick. Says Kisiju: innovative design, façading is as buildings:such work Hotel may cost Narayani more and take “Bhaktapur is a largely agricultural good as it is going to get. longer to build, but in the long area, so people probably still don’t feeling about the Valley’s fast- term it is more economical—it’s know about the subsidies. Also, disappearing heritage. Pragmatic as more weather resistant, you don’t they might be thinking the he is, he understood that people need to repaint the building and municipality expects them to repay outside the field of conservation maintenance costs are lower.” the amount. But we’re hoping it would realise that they, too, could Most of the hotels or houses will catch on.” contribute to preserving the city’s he’s supplied bricks to have a four- Recognised as one of the old flavour if the raw materials to inch façade covering the original world’s ancient cities, and lauded as do so were more easily available. structure. Laying the bricks itself is a brilliant example of architectural Conversely, it would start painstaking and delicate work, conservation by UNESCO, making better business sense to and Maharjan also supplies Bhaktapur wants to make the most produce those materials once the trained stone masons to lay a of its cultural cache, and tourism is sphere and appeal of traditional solid, uniform foundation before the town’s best bet. The façades broadened. they lay the bricks. municipality uses funds from the And so, with his brothers When Dwarika’s Hotel, local development tax, internal Tirtha Maharjan combed the resources and tourist entry fees to Maharjan’s first big client, drew provide the subsidies. Architects Valley, looking for artisans who artistic acclaim after its knew the trade, learning more estimate that a small house in the completion, he was immensely core city area would cost Rs about it and recording the many satisfied. Dwarika’s Hotel is much patterns the bricks come in. “Some 300,000-400,000 to build and a more than its façade, but even just traditional brick façade would add Hattiban resort senior people at the Department of its appearance is a superb example Archaeology were extremely another Rs130,000. “You can’t of what commitment to continuing enforce legislation without offering encouraging and told me it would traditional practices can achieve. pay off one day. Others like John some kind of alternative or Says Tirtha: “Dwarika Das incentive,” says Kisiju. Up to a Sanday taught me the technology,” carefully collected traditional Tirtha recalls. He experimented third of the houses in Bhaktapur’s pieces over a period of time. He city core now have cement with designs and brick-burning also ensured that I always had techniques. Today his firm offers exteriors, and the municipality an order of bricks so I wouldn’t hopes to provide incentives for 300 varieties of bricks, plain and get discouraged and fold up ornate, ranging from Rs 6 to Rs them to add a brick façade so the 150 and they are used in most new buildings coming up in Kathmandu 121212 TECHNOLOGY 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES By the wayside on the information highway “Few girls come to the cafes because they are shy and don’t Women Internet users in Pakistanfeel are secure,” few, said Benish despite Masood, an aggressive IT policy. a university student who prices. Still, a large number of theoccasionally visits an Internet ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ city’s youth spend many hours○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ in shop. She believes more girls will Internet cafes losing themselves in visit cyber cafes if separate for instance, eight Internet shops the cyber world and chatting. An facilities are set up for them. have opened in the last two years. hour of Internet use in a cafe costs Saima Shaheen, who teaches A national survey, reported in PRs 20-25 (around 35 US cents). computer science at a private the newspaperThe Newson 11 But for women, who form institute, points out that the June, says that there are some nearly 50 percent of the male-female gap is true not only 450,000 Internet users through- population, the Internet still of Internet surfing, but also of out Pakistan. The average remains a forbidden fruit. computer usage. “This is so because number of users for large Internet “Women are more likely than there are few opportunities for Service Providers (ISPs) is about men to lack basic literacy and working women.” 25,000-35,000 whereas the computer skills which would Analyses of new media suggest number for smaller ISPs ranges enable them to take advantage of that the content is male between 2,000-4,000. the new global communication dominated. The representations Peshawar has five ISPs. opportunities,” states the UN are “frequently sexualised and publicationThe World’s Women According to a rough estimate the often sexist,” says the UN report. city of 1.7 million locals and 2000. It points out that women This is backed up on the streets more than 500,000 Afghans comprise 64 percent of illiterate of Peshawar. “Generally Internet (NWFP borders Afghanistan) has adults globally while girls make clubs are looked upon as an around 12,000 Internet users. up two-thirds of the school-age indecent place where spoiled This is far less than other major children in the developing world brats go for cheap entertainment cities of Pakistan. Still there has without access to basic education.and watch pornography. This been a 20 percent increase in the In Peshawar the number of keeps girls away,” says Tariq number of ISP customers over thewomen users are few and far Khattak, an Internet club owner. last one year. between. Shaukat Habib, Country-wide, no more than This explosion in the executive director of NetZone, a 10 percent of computer users are popularity of the Internet stems local ISP, said, “Female Internet women, the survey inThe News from the ruling military regime’s account holders are next to nil. said. The UN study warns that pursuit of an aggressive IT policy.Most women don’t have their lack of access to these new Since taking power in October own net accounts. They normally technologies may broaden existing 1999, General Pervez Musharraf use their brothers’ or some other gaps between women and men, has adopted an IT policy aimed atrelative’s.” Zahid Mehmood, in different areas of the world boosting Pakistan’s economic owner of GenerationX, the and among different social biggest Internet cafe in Khyber modernisation and creating an groups. exportable software industry. Super Market, added, “We get 50 to 60 regular customers daily and But Peshawar lags behind the women form only three to four rest of the country—it has fewer percent of them.” Internet users because of comparatively less computer usage, fewer business and job opportunities and high computer

(GEMINI) MARK HAKANSSON/ PANOS MARK HAKANSSON/ can accompany her. Kakar visits the NADEEM YAQUB Internet cafe every other day. Still Most others struggle to keep pace IN PESHAWAR ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ when she spends more than an hourwith the changing times, reflected itting in a dimly lit wooden at a time, her father walks up to thein the growing popularity of the cabin Halla Kakar taps cafe to see if everything is all right. Internet among young people. saway on the computer Welcome to Peshawar, capital Peshawar has undergone a keyboard, busily dispatching e- of Pakistan’s North West major Information Technology mails to her friends and relatives. A Frontier Province (NWFP). In (IT) revolution in the last few college student, Kakar is allowed bythis conservative and male- years. Dozens of Internet clubs her parents to visit a neighbourhooddominated society Kakar’s father have sprung up in every nook and Internet cafe to use the computer—belongs to the educated minority.cranny. In Khyber Super Market, a but only when her younger brother newly established residential area,

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Shaligram Free CD Apartment Hotel every Free swimming and week sauna Free Bouquet WIN STUFF EVERY WEEK - LOG ONTO: WWW.WAVEMAG.COM.NP - LOG ONTO: EVERY WEEK WIN STUFF WORLD 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 131313 ANALYSIS by VACLAV HAVEL friendship imaginable without Domino effect candour? Unlike many Western ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○ politicians who insincerely placate UNITED NATIONS - A slowdown in the US and Japan is Russia, supposedly in the interests of threatening the fragile economies of Africa, Asia and Latin democratic society rather than cling topeace and friendship, I believe America, a new UN report warns. The study says US import Know thyself,Soviet-era Russia resentments. friendship with Russia is served best if demand, which grew at a double-digit pace over the past The possibility of change lies in we act towards it as equals and tell the few years, registered a significant decline in the first Russia’sFor good, identity, friendly its self-understand- coexistence,truth to its face,candour unpleasant is asessential. this quarter of 2001. “As a result, many economies that have ing.○○○○○○○○○○○ Despite Russia’s remarkable○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ may be. It is my profound conviction close trade connections to the United States, such as those in the Americas and Southeast Asia, face a progress towards democracy and a that Russia does not deserve to be slowdown in their export demand,” says theThe report, market economy, it is still grappling treated like a leper, an invalid or a World Economy in 2001. US growth rates are expected to with a problem that has burdened it child who requires special treatment for most of its history—where it and whose whims, no matter how decline from 5.0 percent in 2000 to 1.9 percent in 2001, and Japanese begins and ends; what belongs to its dangerous, must be understood and economic growth is domain and what is beyond it; where tolerated. Such an attitude strengthens expected to slow from it should exercise influence and from Russian misconceptions and leads 1.7 percent in 2000 to what point it cannot legitimately do Western statesmen toward hopeless 0.7 percent this year. so. Russia compensates for this lack ofand unseemly compromises. But both economies self-confidence, this uncertainty about Russia has a new quest to discern should recover its identity and boundaries with somewhat next year, its true self, to define its position in says the report. The presence and displeased at seeing it imperialist rhetoric and nationalist today’s world, to determine its very Lenin may be dead, but enlargeSoviet mentalityeastwards. livesOne reasonon. is the impact is already bombast. We know it from people mode of existence. This may take being felt. Export persistence of the inert Soviet mode oflike Vladimir Zhirinovsky, but it long. But that is no reason to tiptoe eace, partnership, and thinking, where NATO was portrayed growth in leading appears in a more cultured form on a around it. All the world’s regions have Asian economies, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong cooperation are imaginable onlyby the totalitarian regime and its pamong people and nations who much wider scale. I find it absurd that problems—Russia with self- Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea, has fallen from media as the Soviet Union’s arch- know who they are. If I do not know such a large and powerful country understanding; Africa with poverty, a combined averageDonor-aided of more than projects, 20 likepercent this one in in the first enemy. To a certain extent, this was should be alarmed by three small famine and tribal wars; the West with half of 2000, to the singleBangladesh, digits could in bethe in trouble.first quarter of this who I am, who I want to be, what I valid: Although NATO harboured no year. Industrial production has stalled, particularly in areas want to achieve, where I begin and democratic republics on its border— whether it will allow the civilisation it aggressive intentions—and was Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania— related to information technology. “Lower stock market where I end, my relations with my gave, and sometimes imposed on, this prices, rising unemployment in manufacturing, and unwilling even to help European joining a regional grouping it does not neighbours and the rest of the world, planet to destroy itself or to find in the weakening consumer confidence are expected to curb countries invaded militarily by their control. It is meaningless to insist on adepths of its knowledge and con- will inevitably be tense, suspicious andSoviet “ally”—it was open about its private consumption in many Asian countries,” the report burdened by an inferiority complex that cordon sanitaire when transcontinen- science a renewed sense of respon- says. The only exceptions in Asia are China and India— aim to contain communism and its tal missiles could destroy Moscow sibility. We are not in a position to with outlook for both countries remaining positive. may be hidden behind pompous perception of the Soviet Union as its bravado. Distrust of oneself and from Nevada, New York from the reproach one another or be less than Economic growth in Western Asia, fuelled by rising oil strategic adversary. Urals, in minutes. frank with each other. Russia needs prices in 2000, is expected to slow down in 2001, because uncertainty about one’s identity The situation is completely of sluggish global demand, much of it from the US. generate distrust, imputation of evil My thinking does not emanate and deserves no less. intentions to others and, eventually, andifferent now. The Soviet Union and from aversion to Russia or any feeling aggressiveness that may result in forcingthe Warsaw Pact are gone, and of superiority—or from fear of how one’s domination upon them. NATO’s objectives are different—it Russia might respond to NATO’s even desires partnership with Russia. This is, unfortunately, a fair further enlargement. I am simply But Russia appears to fail to trying to call things by their right description of what underlies the understand or take notice of this. This relationship between NATO and the names and express my concern for can change only if Russia’s new ruling good, friendly coexistence. Is (IPS) Russian Federation. Unlike Mexico, forces opt for realism, not populism; Sweden or Austria, which aren’t nurture common sense, not nationalist members of NATO but have commonpassions; look for friends rather than borders with it, Russia—larger and enemies; and build an open more powerful than all the Alliance’s other neighbours combined—is (Project Syndicate) consistently disquieted by NATO’s Vaclav Havel is President of the CONGRATULATIONS Czech Republic.

COMMENT by JOSEPH STIGLITZ An agenda for G-7 his month, leaders from the G-7 will assemble in Genoa, concerned aboutproperty regime that put the interests of producers ahead of users, including the slowing global economy. They will commend America’s Federal Reservethose in the developing world. Pharmaceutical companies insisted on their # 52 t for taking forceful action to fight this, and avoid mentioning its “rights” even if this condemned poor AIDS victims. Civil society won here, but responsibility for the downturn. They will hint at expansionary action in Europe,the intellectual property regime remains unchanged. Other battles loom. Some Let’s grow together but won’t tread on the European Central Bank’s toes. Japan will renew its new trade and investment agreements propose to go further, allowing domestic commitment to structural reforms, and though these commitments will now laws, whatever their merits, to be set aside to promote international flows of have more credibility, all the leaders will slide over the negative short-run goods and services. Under such a regime, attempts to protect children from consequences of these reforms, especially if done quickly and forcefully. tobacco, even with mild measures like restricting advertising, could be struck Short-run concerns should not distract the G-7 from long-term issues. down! Village Resort Coordinating economic policies between north and south is the most The irony is that while the G-7 pushes the trade agenda too far in some important—this is not a short slowdown, but a long-term crisis. But first let medimensions, they don’t push it far enough in others. Here is something rich first say bravo for the debt relief provided to more than 20 countries at last year’scountries could do overnight: open markets completely, immediately to all goods G-7 meeting. It has paid off handsomely. For years the IMF dragged its feet onand services (except guns) from the world’s poorest countries. Of course, there debt relief. Last year’s work will make a difference in the lives of millions. will be some initial costs, but the world’s richest economies are strong enough to Many countries still need debt adapt. G-7 countries will benefit in the relief. The world’s rich countries need long run, and they will undermine the to keep up the pressure. Equally charge of hypocrisy levelled at them by important are deserving countries that developing countries. In multilateral do not meet the current standards for economic institutions, some voices are relief. Should Indonesia, say, get relief heard louder than others. So: only if its income keeps falling? Surely, democratise the IMF and World Bank the IMF bearssome blame for where special interests and those of Indonesia’s predicament. IMF policies rich countries are dominant. Within pushed Indonesia into depression. A G-7 countries, when economic misguided attempt to restructure the matters are debated, not just finance financial system led to a run on banks. ministries and central bankers speak. Cutbacks in food subsidies led to riots. Labour, commerce, consumers are also Capital market liberalisation exposed heard. The multilateral economic the country to the volatility of short- organisations must also hear from all term capital. Often lender and The G-7 summit needs move on debt relief,concerned parties. Most G-7 leaders borrower are equally to blame: who are committed at home to balancing bears the losses from a water project haltedand when making it was discovered itself to affect more aan overbearing democratic. state and laissez faire economics. The multilateral economic rare toad? The poor borrowing country,○○○○○○○○○○○ or the lender who failed○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ to conduct anorganisations often depart from democratic principles—in allocating voting environment impact assessment beforehand? Framing a sound debt relief policyrights, is in representation, and in the lack of transparency that pervades much of difficult, but essential. what they do. Yet they freely interfere with democratic processeswithin The global trading system is also in trouble. Free trade is preached as gospel,countries they are supposedly trying to help. We all have much to lose if the G-7 but rich countries don’t hear their own message: their markets remain closed failsto to address these issues, because these problems will determine the future of many developing country exports; they subsidise agriculture massively, makingthe it global economy. impossible for developing countries to compete. G-7’s message seemsDo to be as we say, not as we do. Special economic interests reign supreme, putting aside the careful balancing that marks economic and social policy in successful (Project Syndicate) democracies. The 1994 Uruguay Round, for example, established an intellectual Joseph Stiglitz, professor of economics at Stanford University is a former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to U.S. President William J. Clinton and Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank. 141414 ASIA 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES OPINION byRUDI DORNBUSCH recession worse, crimpingKoizumi’s popularity. A weak constitution What can stabilise public debt? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ COLOMBO - Government and opposition in Sri Lanka are Japan’s budget needs to shift to debt battling for the hearts and minds of voters ahead of a snap Can Koizumi saveno such measuresavailable. Japan?reduction by 10 percent of GDP—in referendum called on 21 August by President Chandrika A big depreciation of the Yen a recession economy! What would be Kumaratunga to see if the people want a new constitution. Last would stimulate trade, but because the impact of cleaning up the balance week, Kumaratunga and her ruling People’s Alliance (PA) faced Japan is a very closed economy (like sheets of Japanese banks? Estimates a possible no-confidence motion. Her response: suspend Europe and the US), it will also suggest a one or two percent extra dip parliament until September and call for the referendum. This is quickly incite bond and stock market in growth rate with no certainty that only the second time Sri Lanka’s parliament has been pro- rogued and a referendum called. Analysts say the move is crises, raising interest rates and higher growth will ever follow. These undemocratic, designed to buy the PA government time. Next causing Japanese finances to are not politically successful month’s referendum question—“Are you in agreement with the deteriorate even more. Private measures. Far more likely than proposal that the country needs a new constitution which is investor/business confidence might fallKoizumi undertaking sustained bold nationally important and an essential requirement?”—has with the prospect of inflation, as action, we will see a master at stumped the opposition, which must exhort people to answer might consumption. A devaluation communications and marginal “yes”, same as the government, as the need for a new constitu- strategy will be a huge blunder. That reformer shift money from tion is undisputed. Amendments needed include scrapping the seems to be the Bank of Japan’s view, construction (the sector supporting executive presidency with its unlimited powers and decentralising power to the provinces—satisfying minority Tamil which is fortunate for the rest of the Koizumi’s political adversaries) to demands for regional autonomy. world, because corrective measures high tech, where all Japan places its This is a blow to already-faltering business, and the would be taken quickly if Koizumi’s hopes. Much financial restructuring reforms cause recession to plummet will only involve moving the business community has called for a joint government of national unity for three years. Economic growth in the first quarter into depression. furniture—shifting responsibility for of the year fell sharply to 1.3 percent from 6.6 percent in the Even “bold” reforms are unlikely to What other flexible measures debts from one institution to same period last year, dampened by a recession in the US, Sri work, and in any case will be unpopular.might there be? Massive public works another. As for the Yen, we will see Lanka’s main market for garment exports, and falling weakness but barring world ○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ programmes, but that is good for jobs, remittances from Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East due to not the budget. In any case, it is economic problems, not collapse exchange fluctuations. Meanwhile, the Norwegian-backed peace apan poses the great threat to worldimprove public finance, clean up the unlikely that Koizumi will get the any time soon. So no big boost will process is on the backburner for the second time in eight months with the government preoccupied elsewhere. financial stability. Again, its private financial infrastructure and chance to pursue the five or 10 year come from exports. jeconomy is in recession, its budget open up the supply side? If he can, reform program necessary to return Japan will likely remain a great deficit huge, and public debts worse Japan can rely on its human capital the Japanese economy to normal risk for the world economy. It will than any other country. With over- and high adaptability to get out of growth. Koizumi’s political mandate take a few years to reach a frightening regulation unchecked and the private trouble. But these are difficult tasks tois not enough, and public enthusiasm level of crisis, but Japan seems sector mired in debt, entrepreneurshiptackle in an economy mired in for his programme has failed to determined to get there. There won’t (IPS) can’t be relied upon to stimulate recession and a political establishment recognise that, at the start, it will be growth and Japan’s finances will change. If Japan were an emerging adamantly opposed to reform. deliver higher unemployment and no keep deteriorating from today’s levels, economy we’d be looking for collapse Koizumi is running on high growth. Investment in businesses in which government paper has junk Dangerous dissent and the IMF to move in. But Japan is octane. He has wide popular support that create new jobs comes much bond status. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ no Argentina or Turkey, it is the and the central scenario is that later. America went through a lot of PENANG – Malaysia has made it clear it will not tolerate dissent, pain in the 1980s, and only in the especially criticism of its harsh Internal Security Act (ISA). This world’s third largest economy. Why tightening the budget during a month nine student activists, including the president of the aren’t we more alarmed? There remainsrecession will slow (but not arrest) the1990s did the new jobs of the new University of Malaya’s Student Representative Council, and a belief that the impressive Japan of thegrowth of debt relative to GDP and economy start showing up. We are seven student activists protesting the ISA at Kuala Lumpur’s past 50 years cannot be a basket-case. that other reforms will help create an seeing this pattern in Japanese National Mosque, were arrested under the act, which permits It may be troubled, like IBM once was.improved business environment. corporations that have started indefinite detention without trial. The last major ISA swoop America was dysfunctional in the earlyKoizumi recognises that in a recession restructuring but continue to against university students and staff was in the 1970s, when 1980s, but cured its ills to boom in theeconomy these steps are difficult and retrench on investment. Opening jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was a student leader. 90s. A comeback is certain with the up the economy will make the The hard-line Education Minister at the time: current Prime risky. He says that if Japan’s economy Minister Mahathir (Project Syndicate) right measures. deteriorates sharply, in part due to his Mohammad. In 1975, the Can Japan’s popular, reform- reform measures and budget cuts, government introduced minded new prime minister Junichiro he will take “bold flexible Rudi Dornbusch is Ford Professor of amendments to the Koizumi turn things around? Can he measures.” The trouble is, there are economics at MIT and a former chief Universities and economic advisor to both the World University Colleges Act to Bank and IMF. curb political activity on campus. The resultant decline in political ANALYSIS byMUSHAHID HUSSAIN consciousness continued until Anwar’s dramatic ouster and imprisonment in September 1998, which unleashed “reformasi”, a clamour for wide-ranging reforms. Talking through the deadlockMahathir profiles student activists as typically ethnic Malay. But there is a growing number of Chinese student activists, which analysts say is differentMalaysian from Prime the Minister pre-reformasi Mahathir era. The ISLAMABAD - In the most media Pakistan on the first day of the summit ethnic polarisation between Malay and non-Malay groups on hyped summit in recent sub- still stands, and both sides say the two campus remains, but student bodies representing them are continental memory, and the most leaders will meet before year-end. now more willing to cooperate as seen in recent protests. televised, Pakistan and India came Some unanswered questions Toh Kin Woon, head of the Penang state’s education portfolio close, but remained far apart on the remain. The Pakistanis initially is worried about the arrests. “If students cannot have indepen- formulation and the path to pursue on accused the Indian “bureaucracy” of dent minds, it is a cause for concern,” he says. Toh recalls that an agreed bilateral roadmap to undermining the agreement said to be student leaders—some in government now—in the 1960s and normalisation and resolution of the arrived at between Vajpayee and early 1970s enjoyed a lot more freedom, and believes the contentious Kashmir dispute. Musharraf in their one-on-one talks. biggest culprit is the University and University Colleges Act, which he feels has to be reviewed or done away with. The summit seesawed, starting That sounds inexplicable, because such with optimism, turning into realism decisions are taken at the highest and ending on a pessimistic note. In political level and bureaucrats only the end, both sides agreed to disagree. implement what their leaders tell them The muted blame-game and the to do, they can’t reverse decisions. And relative absence of a shrill “war of if the talks were such a big “failure”, words” that normally follows such an why would Vajpayee still agree to go to impasse underscores a mutual desire The summit may not have been successful, but Islamabad in the next few months or (IPS) to continue the dialogue, and not turnIndia and Pakistan want to continue dialogue the two sides agree to carry on the a deadlock into a point of no return. On○○○○○○○○ Sunday, 15 July,○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Day One of the dialogue? If they could not “reconcile basic approaches to bilateral relations”, summit, Pakistan responded to a comment by Indian Minister for Informationwhy didn’t they agree to do what the Americans and the Chinese did when they and Broadcasting Sushma Swaraj, who omitted reference to Kashmir while listingfaced a similar situation during President Richard Nixon’s historic journey the issues being discussed at the summit. Pakistan responded with its standardto China in 1972? Despite their fundamental disagreement on Taiwan, they formulation about the centrality of Kashmir to any enduring settlement betweendecided to draft a joint communiqué with each side setting out its respective VACANCY the two countries. On Day Two, Gen Musharraf held a televised breakfast formulation, instead of trying to force an agreement on semantics while meeting with Indian editors, where he reiterated Pakistan’s point on Kashmirdiffering as on substance. Himalmedia seeks applications for the post of Marketing the “core” question, and criticised the Indian Information Minister for her For the future, there will be intense media speculation and scrutiny of every Executive for its English language monthly magazine, Himal statement. Eight hours later, the Indians came out with their formulationmove of in the summit, and everyone is aware that the stakes are high, with both South Asian. The applicant must have the ability to formulate Prime Minister Vajpayee’s opening summit statement, a checklist of issuesbeing nuclear powers. As for Kashmir, on Day Two of the summit, 90 people and implement appropriate marketing strategies, solicit India sees as “outstanding”. were killed in fighting there, illustrative of a conflict that has a dangerous capacity advertisements, identify and tap new market segments in South Musharraf, military man-turned-politician, and Vajpayee, poet-turned- to escalate with a high human cost and dangers for regional peace. Pressure from Asian countries, manage subscription campaigns and run politician, struck up a good rapport during their six hours of one-on-one talks.the world community will be on both sides to continue the dialogue and ensure international distribution. Excellent communication skills, flawless English, wide experience in marketing and a willingness Pakistan accused the Indians of going back on their committed draft at least that the impasse does not lead to renewal of tensions. to learn about the South Asian market are essential. Salary three times, and the Indians accused the Pakistanis of not accepting their The best part of the summit has been its transparency and openness with the negotiable. Apply with curriculum vitae by 27 July, 2001. formulation on “cross border terrorism.” But despite this, neither side wisheshighest to ever number of Pakistani media (over 100) and over 50 academics and call the summit a “failure”, implying a desire to keep talking. Going by officialactivists visiting. This, plus the fact that through television, millions of people on statements on both sides, there are areas on which there is apparent both sides of the border were able to see each other’s points of view, debate and convergence—whether the situation is an “issue, problem or dispute”, whetherdiscuss it these, and have a kind of human interaction on the summit’s sidelines, is is a “core or central” or plain “issue”, whether Kashmir is the principal roadblockunique for the people of these two adversarial neighbours. to any normalisation of relations. This issue will have to be addressed from whatever angles, but it is the main marker on any future roadmap to peace. And, above, all, the acceptance by Vajpayee of Gen Musharraf’s invitation to visit (IPS) Email: [email protected] Mushahid Hussain was Minister for Information in Nawaz Sharif’s Himalmedia, PO Box 7251, Kathmandu governmentgovernmentgovernment Saptahik Janadesh, 10 July

FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 151515 THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI LANGUAGE PRESS King’s businesses NC wrangles The two were quite close. Acharya putPunish Baburam, ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ in his papers after Sushil Koirala went Maoist frontal organisationsBudhabar Saptahik,11 July Tarun National Weekly, 9 July public opposing his views on the issue of the royal heir apparent. Acharya hadPrachanda ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ through a newspaper made his party’s The Koirala government, it seems, is Sources say the prime minister had Jana Aastha National Weekly, 11 July opinion public. It is known that Prime unsuccessful in protecting the various nothing to contribute to the 14-point …The Maoist party has provided guidance to many organisations Minister Koirala does not like a working alongside the revolution. It is the policy of the partyindustries to the present monarch owns programme he recently made public. person who thinks independently, is After the 1 June incident, Prachanda organise people in such organisations. In this respect, especiallyor holds shares in. In the build up to The architects of the “grand design” clever, capable and intelligent. Acharyaand Baburam in their numerous and in the western parts of the country, different such groups thehave bandh called by the Maoists earlierwere Pradeep Nepal, Sushil Koirala was a victim of this. The party now separate statements praised King been formed. Organised groups will be the main source thisof month, itappears they targeted and Mohan Chapagain. Birendra to the heavens. They said he strength in the people’s war … accepts Koirala’s position. factories owned by His Majesty. Pradeep Nepal has sullied his was liberal and understanding, had a In the background the of historic peoples’ revolution, the most The credit for bringing Acharya This is the first time the Maoists leader Madhav Kumar Nepal’s name positive opinion of the peoples’ war striking progress has been the growth of women’s organ- into the limelight goes to Ganesh Man have targeted any facility owned and disgraced his party. It is known and stood his ground against Indian isations, and awareness of their strengths. Half the population, Singh, who made sure he was made a by royalty. Why are they doing that Koirala and Pradeep used to meet forces. This is all fine, but that is always discriminated against on the basis of gender and class, member of the Upper House in 1990, this now? in the house of the controversial exactly the opposite of what they said is slowly revolting. They are raising their voice and this has jolted although Acharya preferred the According to sources, the Upper House MP Mohan Chapagain, about him at their second national the ruling class and other exploiters. This has given a boost to company of Koirala. Sushil Koirala did the revolution. Their courage, sacrifice and bravery are com-factory of Surya Tobacco in Bara, a royal nominee. In helping Prime convention a few months ago. not like this. Congress leaders have mendable and have ensured the revolution will be successful.in which His Majesty owns The convention’s documents were repeatedly said that Sushil does not Women have had to face more problems than men and,shares, despite was attacked a few days recently made public and though they being exploited by men, have proved to be very courageous and like anyone else getting too close to ago—the Maoists lobbed a do not directly accuse the late King strong. They have raised the prestige of women throughout the the prime minister. Sushil had been pressure cooker bomb on the Birendra of being India’s stooge, they country… History has shown that the key to any successful trying for a long time to get rid of premises. Luckily, it did not cause place the 1989 agreement at the same revolution lies with the women of that society. According to Marxist Acharya and this was his chance. a lot of damage. The company has level as the 1950 agreement, in which principles, this is a measure of the increasing awareness of the Earlier, a follower of Sushil, Gopal proletariat, and the party will take direction from it. It is thenot party’s released an account of the India played a major role. Rai, publicly humiliated Acharya at policy to recognise that it is women who will uproot all thedamage. ills of the prime minister’s residence. Is this comparison apt? If they society and will help in After setting off the bomb, the think both agreements are similar, why the formation of a Maoists manhandled a security are they saying Birendra never bowed republic. guard, and took away his down to Indian imperialists, but to the Another important communication set. Surprisingly, wishes of the Nepali people? They factor that will give the they have not yet taken should clarify this. party direction will be Mobiles, briefcases responsibility for the event. A few ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ Similarly, Baburam said in a recent an analysis of Nepali Minister Koirala, Pradeep Nepal is days later, the Maoists exploded a statement that there were only three history, which has to directly helping the Maoists. The Drishti Weekly,10 July bomb on the premises of Sipradi nationalist monarchs in the history of be blended with word in political circles is that Trading. His Majesty owns a certain modern Nepal, Prithivi Narayan, Marxist-Leninist-Maoist Pradeep was involved in drafting the It has been known for a long, long theories. Such a percentage of this company too. The Mahendra and Birendra. This too, is 14-point agenda. UML heavy weights,time that Nepal Bank and the Rastriya Maoists attacked the company’s against the official party statement of history will be the basis of policies for the development and KP Oli, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bank are rotten to the core. Now this upliftment of different castes and classes. premises in Satungal and set afire some the second national convention. Subhas Nemwang were also in direct has more support—Nepal Bank’s buses imported from India for the Bhattarai says that although Mahendra Development of the exploited classes is a central feature of contact with the prime minister and mobile phone scandal and the Rastriya Armed Police Force. Four were was dictatorial, he took many steps party policy, so that they can utilise their rights to the maximum, helping him out. Clever Pradeep Bank’s briefcase fracas. damaged. Sipradi has not released a that proved that he was a true are empowered and never again exploited. This policy makes drafted a 14-point programme Sources say that at an April 1999 clear the objectives of our party. The coming together of thestatement on damage done. A nationalist. Meanwhile, the statements acceptable to all political parties. A meeting, the board of directors of exploited and their empowerment will greatly raise their statementstatus. released by the company of the second convention say that serious problem has arisen within the Nepal Bank decided that the bank Under the leadership of the party, various organisations recentlyhave said His Majesty does not Mahendra was not a nationalist at all. UML because of this. would pay a minimum monthly charge been formed to this end—this has greatly aided the revolutionown shares in the company, either That statement further argues that and will definitely benefit people who will help in the development for mobile phones used by its directly or indirectly. The role played by Chapagain is Mahendra was the chief architect of of the new republic. directors. Now it comes out that the worth noting. The Maoists are bent the 1960 coup and he concentrated all It is party policy to give equal thought to the different platforms bank has been footing the entire bill of upon countering all moves of His power in his hands. Hetook the help of students, labourers, intellectuals, teachers, etc. As in all Majesty and the prime minister. They all the directors. Bank sources say the revolutions, here too students have played a major role. The party bills of Sushil Pant and Ram Babu of the landed gentry and forced the have said repeatedly that the royal nation to accept the Panchayat wants to tap in to their resources for helping the revolution. They, palace massacre was a joint plan of thePant easily exceed Rs 10,000 per too, are essential to take the revolution to the national level. They month. The bills of other members, regime. How could the incident of 1 bring new thought, energy and powers of reasoning. Their recent prime minister and the new king. June change the Maoist analysis of New Guns Koirala and Chapagain are equally including Bhawani Devi Sharma, are bandh closed down all educational institutions for a week○○○○○○○○○○ shows ○○○○○○ in excess of Rs 5,000 per month. Mahendra at the second convention? the power they wield. Also, they are the reserve forces of the responsible for sullying the reputation How could a person, who was called Jana Aastha National Weekly, 11 July Managing director of Rastriya revolution, and its future leaders. That is why our party has of the new king. The monarch and the an anti-nationalist before 1 June, special policies for them. They have a historic role to play in monarchy can only be stronger if it Banijya Bank Anant Ram Parajuli is now become a nationalist? strengthening bonds with the farmers too. Last week the new king gave punishes the corrupt prime minister. raising hell on his turf. He recently According to regulations passed The party is forming policies whereby unionised workerspermission will for the G-36 gun to be made the bank buy him a Rs 22,000 by the second convention, a person come forward to help in the class struggle and help bringimported about fora the army. The weapon briefcase for personal use. Employees true workers’ revolution. Once the workers get together, therehas been will at the centre of controversy still line up to eye his very expensive who acts or thinks against the be a complete union of the farmers and the factory workers,and His Late Majesty Birendra had briefcase every time he passes by. official party line can be demoted, which will unleash their true powers. As it does with the notstudents, appeared to be in its favour. In the There’s more, say our sources. Parajulisent for re-education, expelled from the party will also work to unite these workers and fight forfirst their stage 5,000 guns will be imported. last week tried to bully the bank the party or have any punishment wellbeing. The total cost will be about Rs 380 chairman Punya Prasad Dahal into meted out to him that the party Cultural organisations are another vital pillar of the party…million. A single gun costs $800. Narahari’s exit buying him a luxurious new vehicle, thinks fit. It is clear that both Depending on the requirements of the revolution, the partyThere will are other cheaper and more ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ but Dahal put him in his place. Dahal Prachanda and Baburam have gone pay special attention to these various other bodies and seeefficient that weapons on the market, but Ghatana Ra Bichar, 11 July told Parajuli that he himself was against the official party line. People they grow properly… the G-36 is still being given prefer- satisfied driving a cheap vehicle and are curious to know whether any ence. This has raised a lot of questionsAnother person who has detached there was no reason for Parajuli to be action will be taken against them - and controversy is now synonymous himself from the Koirala family in the dissatisfied with the vehicle he was or not. with the G-36. The army’s Com- past decade is Narahari Acharya. A using, which in any case was much mander in Chief, Prajwalla Rana, teacher before he joined politics, more expensive than Dahal’s. recently returned from a trip abroad, Acharya was a Koirala-follower and reportedly for the gun deal. Many feel supporter from the day he became the British-German G-36 is not the involved with the Nepali Congress. right weapon for this country. A section of the army is also rumoured to be unhappy about this decision.

Establishing state power is a lengthy and arduous process. The momentary and attention-grabbing activities of QUOTE OF THE WEEK the Maoists are not sufficient to establish a people's state. - Bam Dev Gautam, CPN (ML) General SecretaryJana in Astha Weekly, 18 July.

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu. Tel : 411818, 423888 www.radisson.com/kathmandune www.visitnepal.com/radisson “Welcome, Civil War” Owned by Oriental Hotels Ltd. Budhabar Saptahik, 18 July, Budhbar 161616 SPORTS 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES CronjeCronje campaigncampaign gathersgathers momentummomentum it softens its position on Cronje, it could incur the wrath of the As it looks at the moment, the Hansie Cronje is doing allInternational he can to Cricket persuade Council the can ill-afford to further alienate a UCB will be damned if it does South African cricket board(ICC). and public that he South African public which has grown to sympathise with something about Cronje, and thatshould so far-reaching be allowed is his back,ban that at Ifleast truth be as told, a publicthough, the Cronje’s plight. damned if it doesn’t. itcricketing prevents any figure. of his attempt to ICC’s attempts to fight match-fixing rehabilitate○○○○○○○○ himself○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ by, for are now viewed with increasing example, coaching schoolchildren scepticism, if not outright cynicism, or club cricketers. in South Africa. The failure of the Cronje claims while he has ICC’s anti-corruption commissioner tried to negotiate with the UCB, to come up with a single concrete this door has been shut in his case of corruption since his face, leaving him no option other appointment has left many in South than litigation. Whether this is Africa convinced that Cronje has Stretching a point actually the case is debatable, but his been made a handy scapegoat. The view is that Cronje has been position has not been harmed by the Since it apparently does not affect body shape, flexibility is often a public statements of UCB president punished for confessing his misdeeds while the denials of a host of former forgotten element of fitness. But it is as important as aerobic efficiency Percy Sonn who at one point said that and strength. Flexibility is measure by the range of motion (ROM) of Cronje should not even be allowed to Test captains have simply been your joints. Athletes focus on ROM to enhance their performance, but it play beach cricket. accepted with very little argument. is important for all of us, simply so we can perform daily tasks efficiently. The merits of Cronje’s legal To a very great extent the Cronje case has become a battle People of all ages can retain a high degree of flexibility provided they challenge are also a matter for exercise and stretch regularly. debate, but it has emerged that of perceptions and public within certain sections of the relations. And in this regard The first step towards increasing flexibility is relaxing. Muscular UCB there is concern that the Cronje and his legal advisers tension is not conducive to effective stretching. Get into a comfortable ban will not hold up in court. At seem to be well ahead of the stretching position and relax. Breathe deeply and stretch a little farther, least part of the challenge will UCB which, as far as can be but stay relaxed. When the stretch becomes a strain, ease up. You should focus on the fact that Cronje was ascertained, has been caught hold each stretch for 20 seconds. Muscles respond best when a slow not allowed the opportunity to completely flat-footed by this gentle pressure is applied at an elevated tissue temperature. This is why make representations in mitiga- turn of events. it is best to warm up and then stretch. It is also important to work the tion, as opposed to the procedure With South Africa preparing muscle through the complete range of movement, especially when weight adopted when Herschelle Gibbs itself for a major summer—tours training. and Henry Williams were banned by India and Australia, and a Many aches and pains are caused by muscular tension and can be battle, Cronje has started to re- for six months for their parts in tour to Australia over Christmas eased by greater flexibility. Improved posture and symmetry also play an emerge in public life with the affair. Indeed, the ban was and the New Year—the UCB ansie Cronje’s bid to increasing frequency. important role in preventing backaches, muscle soreness and injury. rehabilitate himself, at least rushed through by the UCB’s in the eyes of the South He has spoken at functions general council last year at a time h when the then managing director African public, gathered pace last organised by the Charles Glass of the organisation, Ali Bacher, week as indications of a carefully Society, an organisation with was out of the country. plotted strategy to diminish the close ties to Castle Lager, the effects of his life ban from cricket official sponsors of the South If Cronje’s ban is overturned African Test side; he has written aon a technicality, the UCB will continued to emerge, reports the Sanjiv S Soreng cricket website cricinfo.com. column for Jonty Rhodes’ find itself trapped between a rock website; and last Monday, he Manager, Clark Hatch Fitness Centre Cronje was banned for life by and a hard place. If it seeks to Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu consented to a radio interview in reimpose the ban by following South Africa’s United Cricket which he expressed contrition andmore appropriate procedures, a Board (UCB) last year after remorse for his actions. substantial section of the South admitting to accepting money His lawyer, Leslie Sackstein, African public will see it as both from bookmakers and offering incompetent and mean-spirited. If inducements to his team mates tohas made it known that even if underperform. the court challenge is successful, Cronje has no intention of trying He intends to challenge the to play for the country. The Admission Open allegedly toldreporters. ban in court in September and, inthrust of Cronje’s argument is what seems an attempt to whip Even in retirement, Samaranch, as For Sept-2001 up sympathy ahead of the legal honorary president for life, will attempt to wield his influence at IOC executive committee meetings, he said. “It is quite clear that Samaranch will try to administer IOC Admission forms available 23rd July onwards affairs from behind the veil. He backed Rogge in order to continue to control the IOC even after stepping down as president.” However, Lord of the rings Dick Pound, another losing candidate from Bachelor Degree Programmes Canada, dismissed such fears. “There’s an Business and Information Technology Juan Antonio Samaranch has been accusedexpression that says there’s nothing as past Mass Communication of interfering in the International Olympic as a past president,” Committee’s presidential campaign by losing Pound said. Human Resource Management candidate Kim Un-yong, says South Korea’s Kim said his campaign national news agency, Yonhap. Un-yong went Business Administration public with his allegations last week after a was hurt when Beijing won Administrative Management meeting with reporters in Moscow. the 2008 Games last Friday and “European IOC Marketing Manangement Belgium’s Jacques Rogge won the race members spread an to replace Samaranch, and Kim is alleged to opinion that Asia should have announced that the not walk away with two Classes conducted through Liquid Crystal Display campaign was less than victories.” In an analysis of Job Placement for the most deserving graduates fair. “Samaranch the IOC election on systematically blocked my Tuesday, the Yonhap campaign,” he reportedly agency said that, with Kim’s defeat, “the IOC’s said. “On the eve of the Exams conducted by Eurocentric and white-dominated fortress election day, he leaked a proved to be impregnable.” South Korea’s University of Cambridge groundless allegation mass-circulationDong A Ilbonewspaper against me.” Kim apparently Local examination also accused Samaranch of said in a commentary that Kim lost the Syndicate & National Computing Centre plotting to extend his power election because he could not overcome “the and influence into Rogge’s hurdles of racism and Samaranch.” The daily presidency. “I felt helpless because Chosun Ilboalso said Kim failed because he Programme time table Samaranch lopsidedly supported Roggecould to not demolish the “wall of racism.” make him president,” the agency reportedRogge won the election to succeed full-time: 7am-12:30pm Kim as saying. Samaranch with 59 votes. Kim finished Part-time: Evening 5-7pm Kim, a South Korean, was embroiled runner-upin with 23 votes, ahead of Pound with Weekends: 7am-10am controversy 24 hours before the vote when22. itHungarian Pal Schmitt was fourth with six was reported that he had promised membersand American Anita DeFrantz was eliminated (Every Saturday & Sunday) at least $50,000 a year in Olympic-relatedin the first round. expenses if he were elected president. The IOC ethics commission dismissed the THAMES Business School case after Kim denied the reports—but the damage had been done. “Samaranch Battisputali, Behind Dwarika Hotel called IOC members, who were friendly to Tel. No: 473219, 472672 me, to his room yesterday and today to persuade them not to support me,” Kim e-mail:[email protected] www:sajilo.com/thames

THAMES- The Best Business School CULTURE 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 111777 SAVING FAITH byDESMOND DOIG NEPALITERATURE byMANJUSHREE THAPA Toya Gurung’s Kathmandu’s highestTAUT AND HALLUCINATORY VOICE Jung Bahadur, is believed to have ridden his horse up the narrow steps of the tower and jumped from the top. Poet and Member of the Royal Nepal ○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Academy Toya Gurung adopts a taut, hallucinatory language to spin out escribed in an early guide book poems that suggest rather than tell, as ‘Bhim Sen’s greatest evoke rather than explain. Some of her erection,’ a nine-storied most bracing work comes in the form d of long poems—like the wildly minaret with an imposing gilded finial experimental poemChha or her book- is Kathmandu’s most prominent length poemDhoopi . In these she is landmark. It was built in 1832 by one less restrained by the narrative drive, of Nepal’s greatest soldier statesman, and more uninhibited in playing with collage and pastiche forms. Bhim Sen Thapa, who virtually ruled Her tone is often wry, playful, and ironic, unlike much of Nepal’s Nepal as prime minister, when he was poetry, which tends towards being emotionally wrought. shamefully killed by his enemies at The first poem translated below contains some of the freshest court, who had much to revenge. The and most energetic aspects of Gurung’s style. It takes on a small British resident in Nepal, Brian scene—a girl and boy playing on a rooftop—and shows us Hodgson, wrote to the governor something of the quirky character of the human heart. general in India, Lord Moira, “thus has perished the great and able statesman who for more than thirty years had ruled this kingdom with AFTERNOON more than regal sway.” Lines of warmth and heat The tower apparently was built city roofs—roofs city the sun-roof atop roof after roof only roofs to serve as a lookout post and from if a tile loosens the boy will fall the girl will fall which buglers sounded alarms. But Warm afternoon I wonder if Bhim Sen Thapa, who as though there’s nothing in the sky but sky to bother them commanded his Nepali forces most The art of directing traffic with one child, with the other valiantly against those of Sir David a drama of blowing a whistle mid-street Ochterlony in the 1814-16 Gurkha a member of the occupying family. Then again on that roof an exhibition of judo and karate Wars, wasn’t simply building a We entered a small gate, walked through a crumbling courtyard and what will happen if a foot slips triumphal folly on Kathmandu’s me how once he and his mother came the basket of dried grains steps on the ledge what will happen parade ground, Tundikhel, just as a at dawn to wash in a nearby tank. groped our way down a maze of if with that basket a foot slips similar minaret was erected on narrow, low passageways that led to Bahadur survived. An old Nepali Suddenly, bright blue flames flared Calcutta’s Maidan in honour of Sir from the serpents’ mouths, causing a gallery overlooking what had once Then without a word he lays a wooden pillow Ochterlony. professor friend of mine assured me been a large lily pond surrounded she lies to one side and the other checks her pulse that Jung Bahadur used an them to run for their lives. “Several looks for her veins—makes to place an injection with a needle One of Bhim Sen’s illustrious people have seen the fires,” he said. by rose gardens. Close to where we umbrella. stood, the gallery descended in a tapping and rubbing the vein descendants, the first Rana prime and lying on his arms raises her Almost immediately below In the three years since I first brief stairway leading to a closed minister Jung Bahadur, is believed to sketched the temple, it has grown a door. “This is where they brought have ridden his horse up the narrow Bhim Sen’s tower which is And again another drama begins fair forest below its dome and modern the prisoners,” explained my host, dozing off sleepily he falls flat on the roof steps of the tower and jumped from surrounded by a pseudo-Gothic construction has encroached to within“and behind there is where they screaming, the girl aims at the stomach and butt the top. The horse died but Jung screen, is an ancient sunken public bath fed by clear water from carved feet of it. Lorries park among adoring were executed.” and kicks him with her feet fountains. The place is always images of Hanuman and Bhairab. I never discovered who the Where a wing of Bhirn Sen’s palace In a recent interview on Radio Sagarmatha, Gurung mentioned crowded. Where the abundant prisoners were or why they were that poetry is not merely the expression of emotions; the poet water comes from or where it goes once stood are now piles of rubble. It is rumoured that a new five-star executed because the young man must also reflect his or her times through poetry. In keeping with is unknown; my professor insisted it with a distinct touch of the morbid this statement, Gurung’s poems do take on larger social themes, came from ‘the holy mountains.’ hotel, named after a famous British often indirectly, and sometimes, as below, more directly. prime minister, will one day occupyhad other horrors to unfold. “Up This is one of Kathmandu’s few there,” he said, pointing to a public springs still in use. All over the spot. What is left of the palace, once known as Bagh Mahal, and window in a tower, “was where the Valley, beautifully carved stone Bhim Sen was imprisoned and MIN BAJRACHARYA and gilded fountains are dry becauselater Hari Bhavan, is occupied by an Indian mission. Interstingly, the driven to suicide. His tormentors apparently the underground water told him that his wife was being level has dropped. name Bagh Mahal commemorates the time when cages of lions stood made to walk the streets of My sketch of the minar, known asby the gates to the palace. Kathmandu, stark naked. In great anguish, he broke a window pane the Bhim Sen Stumbha or Dharahara, I was once shown around the shows a temple to the god Mahadeva and slashed his wrists.” History says HISTORY CAN’T LAST IN THIS COUNTRY which Bhim Sen apparently had built. now demolished wing of the palace he used akhukri conveniently left in As I sketched the Muslim-inspired by a young man who claimed to be the room by his guards. One is obliged to call them peace-seekers dome, over which writhe four golden though one may not wish to Plunging me into another, older What meaning does a watch have for those and plumed serpents, a small boy told courtyard which was built about a who wander the city to sell freshly made curd Dharahara towers over even new shrine, my guide told me how an who walk loaded down with kharpanbaskets concrete structures. unidentified prince had himself shut who arrive withainselu and kaaphal berries in the temple to meditate. Before who have never seen more than one city the heavy doors were closed behind who carry fresh mushrooms and bamboo shoots him the prince cautioned his wife who bear gifts for highly esteemed dignitaries that he was not to be disturbed for What meaning does a watch have for those a certain number of days and not at who throng to watch traditional festivals all if she found proof of his having and who come to stage such spectacles achieved eternal bliss. When she returned at the stipulated time New years greetings to all there was no answer to her calls, to statues but from under the door was a to dharaharaa tower to the golden taps at sundhaaraa trickle of blood. When the door to ghantaaghar’s clock tower was opened, the horrified Rani and to trees that have fallen on thekhari oldtree Admissions Offered for: BEIT, BCA her retinue found only the idol wet to Asan, Indrachowk, Patan and Bhadgaon Eligibility: with blood. This small courtyard to all the valley has been left standing and because to vast plains outside BEIT : 10+2 or equivalent in Science. of its sanctity will probably be to hills spared. to snow mountains BCA : Intermediate from any stream. to sky Application forms are available at college premise. When all else is swept away, to earth one hopes the handsome minaret Entrance Exam: Saturday, August 4, 2001 will remain as a monument to Yet the sound of the mid-day cannon couldn’t act as a greeting for Promoted by IT Companies - Unlimited/Seagate. a great, if ruthlessly ambitious man. you You couldn’t become history *Technology *Education *Career For some reason history won’t be able to last any more in this country

THE FUTURE IS HERE These and others of Toya Gurung’s poems can be read in her poetry collectionsDewal Ghumepachhi. Nepal College of Technology Phone: 244220 Thapathali Email: [email protected] Opposite of Nepal Rastra Bank URL: www.neptech.edu.np

(Excerpted with permission from In the Kingdom of the Gods, Harper Collins, 1994.) 181818 CITY 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES ABOUT TOWN BOOKWORM

Bhutan: Decentralization and Good GovernanceDhurba P Rizal MOVIESMOVIESMOVIES Adroit Publishers, New Delhi, 2001 Nepali and Hindi moviesonline ticket booking at www.nepalshop.com Rs 280 An analysis of the various dimensions of decentralisation from Shabdung Thuchen EATING OUTOUTEATING Nawang Namgyal until today. The study delves into the pseudo-efforts of the king and Peking Duck And other Chinese delicacies by Chef ruling elite to make the system appear democratic to outsiders, especially donors. Tiyong Fan from China. Tien Shan Chinese restaurant. Hotel Shangri La. 412999 The Himalayan Journal Harish Kapadia, hon. ed. Breakfast with birds Lunch with butterflies, dinner The Himalayan Club, Bombay, 2000 with fireflies. Traditional Nepali, Indian and Chinese Rs 450 cuisine. Farm House Café in the Park Village Hotel, Essays on the world of climbing, skiing, mountaineering training, and its prominent Buddhanilkantha. 373935 figures and expeditions. Also included are expedition notes and book reviews relating to Barbecue at the Ropes Barbecue for lunch and all matters Himalayan, including politics, climbing, tourism, culture and memoirs. dinner. Over 20 dishes to choose from, view of the Himalayas. The Sky Terrace, Hotel Everest. Reservations recommended. 488100 Procuring Water: Foreign Aid and Rural Water Supply Curry Factory Veg and non-veg curries. Dessert of the day. Rice, naan, salads, and one in Nepal Sudhindra Sharma draft beer or soft drink free. Special rates for vegetarians, groups. 7pm-10.30pm. 15-22 July. Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Kathmandu, The Fun Café, Radisson Hotel 411818 2001 Rs 400 Friday night Sekuwa(BBQ) Appetisers, momos, salads, main courses and desserts, What is the provision of water by the state all about? Although the official reason for one complimentary beer. Rs 699 per head. Throughout the monsoon at Dwarika’s Hotel. involvement in water supply and sanitation is to ensure adequate supply, sanitation 479488 coverage and service levels, this book argues that in the hills and the tarai, the Weekend swimming and Familylunch of four—Rs 900. Aroma Sports centre, Sanepa. rationale for external support is different from the established convention. 521516, 98103-0859 Rox Restaurant and Family-styleBar dining, cocktails, desserts, music. Happy Hour The Tibetans: A Struggle to SurviveSteve Lehman and Robbie Barnett 6pm-9pm. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 491234 Virgin Books, London, 1999 LaSoon Restaurant and VinothequeLunch, tea and dinner with European and American Rs 1,800 food, fine wines. Pulchowk. 535290 Lehman’s photographs capture the splendour and ruin of contemporary Tibet Wet and Wild Summer Swimming in a cool pool and a buffet lunch. Saturdays at from 1987 to 1997. Barnett’s essay provides historical and political perspective. Godavari Village Resort. Adults Rs 600, children Rs 350. Taxes extra. 560675, 560775Jampal Tsering, a prominent grassroots independence activist offers a first-hand Mango Tango Exotic mangoes desserts Hotel de l’ Annapurna. All food and beverage account of key events in Tibet’s pro-independence movement. outlets. Exotic Nepali Food.Mongolian Restaurant and Bar. Exotic Nepali food, dhindo, gundruk, good family environment. Putalisadak, 425454 Courtesy Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] Saturday splash Swimming and brunch. The Cafe & Poolside, 11am onwards. Rs 555, Rs 299 for children under three ft. Everest Hotel. 488100 CLASSIFIED

MUSICMUSICMUSIC K-Too! Beer andteakhouse S not the ○○○○○○○ transmission. In good condition. Rs For The Love of Rock! Re-scheduled 2 July concert. Old tickets still valid. 25 percent “longest”, “highest”, “first” or any other 100,000. 223 040. discount on tickets bought at Suwal, New Road and Lazimpat before 15 July. Scout superlative. Just a relaxed, easy-going bar Headquarters, Lainchaur. 3pm, 21 July, Rs 200. and restaurant with the coldest beer and Alfa UV Water Purifier100 percent Himalatte Café Live acoustic music by Dinesh Rai and Deependra every Friday,juiciest 7.30pm- steaks this side of the moon. By the pure and safe water for you and your 10pm. Free. Thamel. 262526 Kathmandu Guest House. 433043 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ family. For more information contact

The Upstairs Jazz CadenzaBar plays every Saturday night. 7.30pm-10pm. Rs 200 OSCAR TRADERS, 428576, [email protected] EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS Mountain Biking HMBFull workshop, repair facilities, all models. Pick up, delivery, Dwarika’s Anytime Escape Overnight accommodation with afternoon tea, cocktail, six- professional mechanics. Bike clothing, Home Line Creations For exclusive course dinner, breakfast, massage and yoga. $130 per couple. Dwarika’s Hotel.spare 479488. parts, accessories. Hire, buy, sell, home décor, gifts, decorative Contemporary Jazz Dance Classes at the Alliance Française by Meghana Thapa.new Thrice and second-hand bikes. Himalayan accessories, ceramics, wrought Mountain Bike. www.bikingnepal.com. weekly. Alliance Française. 241163, 242832 ironand imported brilliant fabrics and 437437 Weekly cocktail, monthly Buy beer one get one free. The Radisson Corner Bar. 411818 table tops. Add colour to your life. Club OasisTennis on Astroturf courts, a spa treat or a workout in the city’s best gym. Exclusive showroom: opp. Tri-Chandra Car for sale1970 Ford Maverick. White, six College, Darbar Marg. 222482 Hyatt Regency Kathmandu cylinders, 2200 cc, 50,000 miles, automatic August Affair in Pokhara Two-night weekend package includes meals, live music, extra bed for children under 12 years, meals , airport transfers. Mango festival. Hotel Shangri La, Pokhara. 412999 For insertions ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. Nagarkot EscapeWeekends in cottages, views of valleys and forests. Special rates for Nepalis and resident expats. Hotel Keyman Chautari. [email protected]. 436850, 423128 YAK YETI YAK by MIKU

MEETINGMEETINGMEETING Friends of the Bagmati RiverMonday, 16 July, 3pm at Dwarika’s Hotel. New membership is open to all. 479488 Medical CampSecond free St. Xavier’s School medical camp. Interested medical alumni welcome to volunteer. 28 July 10am-5pm, St. Xavier’s Godavari. Dr KD Joshi. 527262

For inclusion in the listing send information to [email protected]

NEPALI WEATHER byNGAMINDRA DAHAL

The present low pressure belt along the northern Ganga plain is favourable for the monsoon to pick up and rebuild its flagging strength. The on FM 102.4 satellite image taken Wednesday evening shows a stormy Bay of Bengal indicating additional supply of moisture-rich winds which will head our way next week. Because the low pressure trough is shifting eastward from its location around Mon-Fri 0615-0645 BBC World Today DSES- 18-07-2001 1000 GMT eastern Uttar Pradesh last week, central and eastern Nepal will receive concentrated rainfall Sat 0615-0645 BBC Science in Action while showers will be sporadic in the west. Last weekend’s monsoon wave dropped rain to semi- parched paddy fields—especially in the tarai Sun 0615-0645 BBC Agenda and inner tarai. The next wave may not be as favourable to northwestern Nepal. The humid Daily 2045-2115 BBCg] kfnL ;]]jf]]] and warm climate will continue with daily variation of temperature of up to 10 Daily 2245-2300 BBCg] kfnL ;]]jf]]]

oC in Radio Sagarmatha Kathmandu.

P.O. Box 6958, Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal KATHMANDU Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681 Fax: ++ 977-1- Fri530227 Sat Sun Mon Tue E-mail: [email protected] www.radiosagarmatha.org /]l8of ] ;u/dfyf 30-20 30-21 28-19 29-20 28-20 ADVENTURE 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES 191919 OFF THE BEATEN TREK

can become a game of catch with the Thesun. You climb facing north, and magic lake behind you the mountains on the south keep changing colour. And that’s the charm of it—when you break to rest, you see the amazing swiftness with which the climatic conditions and views change at this altitude. As you near the peak, clouds start to curtain the peaks. The view is still remarkable. It is essential to camp on trance-like state it is so easy to Q-cho, somewhere near the lake achieve here—yak bells, sometimes palace of the gods inside the lakes. the distant fluttering andsplashing preferably, if you want to see a The catch is, you have to gaze at it breathtakingly crystal morning. But if of migrating ducks, and Pegasus-likeSALIL SUBEDI upside down. Many claim to have white horses appearing suddenly out you are a good trekker, no worries— actually seen this underwater start from Manang at five in the of nowhere to drink from the lake. wonderworld. And if you lie with It is only while descending that Manang is magic, and there’s no better way to catch morning.it We did at six, and there your head sloping down, southwards Manang is magic, and there’s no better way to catchwere it still wonderful views aplenty. …well, there’s certainly something you realise how high you’ve come. thanthan walkingwalking upup thethe lovelylovely Q-cho.Q-cho. The northern flank of Q-cho in the story. The Annapurna range The villages of Bhraga, Manang and didn’t matter. There are birds on the Tenki look like miniature models. SALIL SUBEDI SALIL also has a rather curious feature. appears to simply grow out of the wing and blue sheep, yaks and horses About two-and-a-half hours up, youlake, and on a calm day, the water is It is nice that hardly any trekkers SALIL SUBEDI ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ minute climb gets you to a small dotting the mountain slopes. A pair come across a small lake, a pond like finest silvered glass. No wondercome here, but this is the best way to arly morning climbs up Q-cho shrine perched on a hillock. Love- of HImalayan falcon and their almost, about 150m wide, with the that many believe prayers and understand the lay of the land and also are enchanting. It is a magical stricken couples are known to make hatchlings allowed us to stop and curious name of The Sister of Q- offerings made to Q-cho are always to acclimatise before attempting the ecombination—the light offerings here before eloping. If you stare at their nest, tucked away in a cho. If it is too shallow for your rewarded. Thorong-La. And then there is the morning breeze, fresh dew on the grassreally want to get away from it all, the small bush. The high altitude slopes taste, well, its big sister is just a Q-cho is one of the many gems tranquil lake of magic to transport you and the sight of Lamjung, Annapurna real climb begins here. The trail windsabove the trails are also migrating quarter of a km away. Residents of anywhere in the universe. slowly up through a deserted village routes of snow leopards. of Manang. Here you can I, IV and III, Tilicho, Gangapurna’s the area say the little lake was contemplate everything your heart Go here. The spirits will bless glacier and heart-shaped lake, peaks with ruins of stone houses. Along the If there is one feature of the formed when the larger one burst. you. I know, I felt it. way, you encounter shepherds desires. The sounds of the place glistening across the Marsyangdi gorge walking that stands out, it is the soft Every summer, young and old never intrude, but only enhance the on the southern side of Manang. On huddled behind small rocks, making grassy trail that yields as you tread on visit this holy lake in the belief that the north are Pisang, Thorong and fires and cooking as their Tibetan it, cushioning your every step. An during this time one can see the Chulu (I and II). And under the Mastiffs glide around majestically. early start ensures less time under the snow line of the mountains are We surprised a little pup into scorching sun. But eventually, the evergreen pine forests, home to barking violently. hills appear, one by one, and walking finches and pheasants. The climb is gradual, sure, but the The Q-cho, at 4,200m, a good track never levels off. Still, don’t worry 1,500m lower than the lower trekkingabout getting tired—the landscape is peaks, is on the north-east side, a rejuvenating, and inspiring. During gradual three-hour ascent from the this time of the year, there is a riot of villages of Bhraga or Manang. Starting yellow, violet and red Himalayan from Manang village, an easy twenty- flowers, blooming as if tomorrow

HAPPENINGS PRADEEP SHRESTHA PRADEEP

SLC RESULTS: Police baton charge students waiting outside the Gorkhapatra office on 16 July for a copy of the paper containing their school exam results. Only 31 percent of the more than 200,000 students who took the test passed. Duracell

BANGDEL’S PROTEGES: Artist Lain Singh Bangdel casts an approving eye at the work of participants at the “Mother Needs You” childrens’ painting com-

petition organised by the Green Team of the Soaltee Crown Plaza on 17 July. MIN BAJRACHARYA MIN

YOUNG HANDS: Children pushing a rickshaw delivering a steel gate along the main street in Gorahi in Dang District on 17 July. 222000 20 - 26 JULY 2001NEPALI TIMES Under My Hat NEPALI SOCIETY couldn’t say straight, they by Kunda Dixit could say in an inventive and he sees himself as a fairly allegorical way.” naïve, youngish, foreigner not As a spin-off of Himalayan quite aware of the factions, Voices, Hutt published a allegiances, and social modern literary reader for A voice ofundercurrents Nepal that marked the advanced Nepali learners. Panchayat era. “The literature Other publications includeArt Get rich quick Reader in Nepali andbetter. Fortunately, Hutt doesthen was quite stark, really,” Himalayan Studies atknow people who know moresays Hutt. “But it was and Architecture of the School of Orientalabout mahouts. Adds the important because what poetsKathmandu Valley, a coffee ome good news at last: Nepal has a British academic on a more table book written in leap-frogged by 15 points in and African Studies (SOAS) in London, Michael Hutt’sserious note, “Sometimes it’s collaboration with other sinternational poverty phone often rings with a big responsibility. People writers, and Nepal in the rankings. Instead of being the queries about the country.expect you to know things you 1990s, a collection of essays 144th poorest country in the “Every year, a foreign journalistdon’t. What worries me is that by various commentators. I’m not Nepali.” world, we have now zoomed to discovers the Kumari,” says Hutt is currently in Nepal Hutt, referring to the most- That didn’t keep Hutt from 129rd, leaving laggards like to complete research on a often asked question. His writing his 1984 doctoral study of ethnic Nepalis in Burkina Faso, Chad and advice to interested dissertation on the history of Bhutan. Guinea Bissau trailing far, far individuals—read The Cult Nepaliof and how it became the behind. This is indeed a Kumari, by Michael Allen. “I national language (later remarkable achievement, and doubt if they do, though.” published as Nepali: A National full credit must go jointly to the total Others want to know about Language and its Literature), or hands-off policy towards governance of mahouts. “I’ve sat on an from putting together Himalayan the ruling party, and the extremely effective elephant. I know what the Voices in the summer of 1988. standstill policy of the opposition. back of an elephant looks like.An anthology of translations of But that’s about it,” says HuttNepali poems and short It is a matter of simple arithmetic: the rate at which we are moving up UNDP’s who first arrived in Nepal as a poverty ladder, Nepal will catch up with Nauru in the next five years, max. In fact, the stories, the book is aimed at raw and romantic 20-year-oldpeople who know of Nepal but observant among you will have already noticed signs of our new-found prosperity. in 1978. not much about the country’s Notice the new multimillion rupee welcome arch to the fair city of Patan at Bagmati Then a student of literature, and features works of Pool which has been under construction now for the past four months. Notice the modern Hindi literature atmainstream Nepali litterateurs. ambitious southbound Tundikhel perimeter road, which one day, when constructionthe SOAS, he was looking for“Though it does include finally winds down in the middle of the next century, will be an eight-lane highway. traditional Nepali handmade Look at the oodles of gadgets you can win by simply purchasing a packet of Buy-Buy Parijat, it doesn’t hold enough paper to write on, and on progressive writers,” says instant noodles. decided he liked Nepal Hutt. Looking back, he says, There is so much cash lying around in Nepal that the country has become a magnet for reputed global investment bankers and mutual fund managers who want to advise us on a sound investment portfolio in international equity markets. But these are fly-by-nights . Don’t believe them. Put your trust instead in gentlemen of honour like Mr John Okon, Manager of the Orient Bank of Nigeria, Lagos, who has just sent us an attractive investment offer: he will deposit $12 million immediately to our secret bank account anywhere in the world, no questions asked. If your first instinct is: “Where do I sign?” your first instinct is right on. When you get an offer like this, you take it and run. Mr Okon reminds us gently that we may first need to deposit a nominal amount of, say, $100,000 in the Orient Bank of Nigeria as earnest money— peanuts compared to the prospect of swimming in 12 million cool smackeroos. Investment bankers like Mr Okon tried hard to convince businessmen in Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan about what a foolproof way to get rich—quick!—this was. But he found them cautious and unwilling to take risks. So he has moved to Nepal where he has come across a fine can-do attitude of enterpreneurship, a heartening spirit of capitalist enterprise and a willingness to believe there are plenty of free lunches in the universe. Nepali investors have needed no convincing, they know a good deal when it is staring at them in the face. The other get-rich-quick plan offering Nepalis fabulous earning potentials is the lucrative Pyramid Scheme. After its spectacular success in Albania, where pyramid investors turned the once destitute Stalinist economy into an even more destitute capitalist country with no economy, the scheme has at last been introduced to Nepal. About time, too, that the world noticed the investment potential that is Nepal’s emerging market. With the pyramid scheme, Nepalis now have a foolproof opportu- nity to double their investment, all you need, to start with, is to recruit three other suckers like you and get your money back! Now that the Nigerians and Albanians are here, our economy is headed towards boom time. It is only a question of time before Nepal overtakes Luxembourg in the UNDP’s Development Index.

Get it before others do. At a bookstore near you. To order, call 543337 or email: [email protected] Thompson

Under My Hat

Kunda Dixit