#475 6 - 12 November 2009 16 pages Rs 30

UPENDRA LAMICHANE “Stop the slaughter” inside

ith only two weeks to At an ecumenical function on well as chickens, pigeons, ducks go before the mass Saturday in Bara, Bomjon and even rats are sacrificed. The W sacrifice of animals at (pictured, above) urged that the event is held every five years and Gadhimai in Bara, calls to stop ritual sacrifice be stopped. “The this year will take place over two the slaughter for once and for all animals are killed cruelly for the days on 23-24 November. Netbooks are growing. notion that wishes will be Indian animal rights activist in Adding his voice to the granted. I urge everyone to stop Maneka Gandhi has also spoken campaign is Ram Bahadur the slaughter,” he said. out strongly against the sacrifices, Bomjon, the ‘Boy Buddha of The Gadhimai sacrifices have writing a letter to Prime Minister p8-9 Bara’ who gained world renown been opposed by animal rights Madhav Kumar Nepal urging him after he meditated in the hollow groups in Nepal, but this year to ban the festival. But of a tree, ostensibly without food there has been unprecedented preparations are going ahead and water for six months in international attention on the regardless. 2006. He disappeared gruesome ritual in which half a Gadhimai is a transnational mysteriously then, and is now million buffalos and goats as festival, and most of the pilgrims living in the jungle near as well as the animals being Ratnapuri. sacrificed come from across the border in India. p13 More pictures at Mouse in the middle www.nepalitimes.com India-Nepal-China 2 EDITORIAL 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Rabi Thapa CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur Fax: 5251013 [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 Plains prescience The late Gaige’s work on the Tarai is as ULTRA-VIOLENCE relevant as it ever was Whatever the slogans on the streets about ‘civilian supremacy’ it is now clear that the current phase of Maoist street protests are he fact that Frederick H later. Gaige travelled to villages Gaige’s study has limitations aimed at saving the party from itself. Gaige’s ‘Regionalism and across the Tarai in a Land Rover, because he was thinking of these The torch rallies, the dancing in front of municipality buildings T National Unity in Nepal’ armed with copies of the census issues in a monarchical set-up, and the ‘capture’ of Dhankuta are all showcase activities to (1975) remains the single most bureau district maps, sleeping and could not cross certain lines. say, “We’re here”. But much more sinister is the escalation of important work on the politics of on foldout canvas cots, and But reading these violent attacks against opposition figures, attacks that remind us the plains is a testament to both cooking on a pump-up kerosene recommendations, and their of the conflict years. The only difference is that guns are not its pioneering and prescient stove. His dissertation got striking relevance today, makes being used. nature, and the sorry state of published as a book. one wonder what would have But it is the time-tested Maoist method of enforcing obedience English language scholarship on Gaige runs through the happened if the regime had by terror tactics. A Maoist leader this week reminded everyone that the Tarai. entire gamut of issues that undertaken such transformations the party still had guns stashed away and could use them anytime. marked the Tarai’s troubled earlier. The kind explanation for all this is that the Maoists are just buying time for a face-saving way out of the corner they have relationship with the Nepali Soon enough, Gaige’s book PLAIN SPEAKING state: its intimate links across was out of print. Researchers and boxed themselves into. The unkind explanation is that they are Prashant Jha intent on state capture by escalating the protests into an urban the border; the perception of the journalists looking for a basic uprising, removing all those in opposition and instituting totalitarian plains people as ‘Indians’ and overview of the plains struggled rule, as Baburam Bhattarai candidly explained to the World Gaige first got interested in its implications in a polity that to get a photocopy from libraries. Peoples Resistance Movement last week (see p13). None of the Nepal after hearing the thrived on generating anti- Social Science Baha and Himal Maoist actions so far convince us that the second option is not formidable Nepal hand, Leo Rose. Indian sentiments; the region’s Books filled the gap earlier this their real end game. He subsequently enrolled in a geopolitics and economy; and year by bringing out a new By rejecting a post- semantic compromise on a PhD program, won a Fulbright the politics of citizenship and edition to inaugurate a series on parliamentary resolution that offered everyone an honourable scholarship, and flew into Nepal language. ‘Classics in Nepali Social escape clause, the Maoists proved that this is all about getting in 1966. A US embassy officer In the last and most Sciences’. back to power by hook or by crook. Indeed, to see it from their side, the Maoist leadership is afraid of greater attrition from the rank and suggested to him that at a time prophetic section ‘on the Before that, publisher Deepak file and perhaps even a split in the party if it doesn’t get into when other scholars were drawn problem of national Thapa, aided by US-based scholar government soon. to the mountain region, he could integration’, Gaige declares Mahendra Lawoti, had to launch The question is how. The UML-NC coalition is unlikely to focus on the Tarai. Gaige was dealing with the problem a massive hunt to find Gaige, agree to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal stepping down, and excited, and asked himself the ‘through the elimination of who had disappeared from the the Maoists will not settle for anything less than prime question we are still struggling minority groups’ is entirely Nepali academic radar. A Baha ministership. The street protests were necessary because the with today: “how Nepal, as a unrealistic. India would not representative, academic Bandita Maoists realised they don’t have the numbers in the house to oust young and struggling nation, allow it; and the economic Sijapati, met Gaige last year in the government, and their strategy of splitting parties to garner would pull together all the power of the plains would New York. He was retired and those numbers failed. disparate ethnic groups and prevent any such move. bedridden, had only visited The desperation has led the Maoists to play an even more regions into a stable national If the Nepali state could not Nepal once in all these years, and dangerous game by declaring autonomous ethnic federal councils this week. When nothing else works, the Maoists have always entity”. He felt that the Tarai integrate the Tarai into the had spent a major part of his life fallen back on stoking ethnic and caste tensions: not to liberate the “represented both a very national framework by force, the as an academic administrator at downtrodden, but as a political weapon. A Maoist leader’s important region of Nepal and ‘realistic alternative would be Penn State Berks. He readily gave explanation this the one most difficult to draw the plains people into the his consent for a new edition. week that the integrate into a national structure through Gaige passed away on August ethnic units are national participation in the nation’s 25 this year. He did get to see a just ‘symbolic’ framework”. political life’. He recommends copy of the new edition, though just doesn’t wash. He visited certain policy changes – removal he was very unwell by that time. The comrades Biratanagar, of discriminatory clauses in the The Tarai, and Nepal, owe must know that , Birganj citizenship law and simplifying Gaige a huge debt for his mixing ethnicity and Nepalganj, citizenship procedures; outstanding work that with politics can only lead to the most ensuring that plains people are questioned existing assumptions. the fragmentation politically not denied sources of The fact that he got to see what of the country. If volatile cities livelihood; recognising Hindi as his work meant to generations of so, does it mean when the Madhes an associate language; and Nepali scholars, and that Nepal is they don’t care if rose in hiring plains people as slowly on the path to that happens? opposition to the government administrators, accommodating the people of the Nepali state police and army officers plains, is the best tribute we can thirty-two years through quotas. pay him. RSS

oliticians don’t go to their Gopal, Tara Devi and Mira Rana dominated constituencies anymore. Mainstream the Nepali music scene for much of the parties have almost abdicated the era. Unsurprisingly, the Pcountryside. From Marchabar to Manang, the What is your harmonium and flute were their main only political activists who can be seen in the accompaniments – there is nothing like a districts are the Maoists. More often than not, wind instrument to create an aura of calm it’s to gherao something. and completeness. The Maoists are usually decked out in song, comrade? The Maoist insurgency inspired two their new uniform: grey tracksuits and simultaneous changes in musical tastes. Chinese sneakers. They will stay with Country music and devotional songs came supporters outside the district capital, as they into vogue once again. (It has since become still prefer haunts where they found shelter There is a relationship between de rigueur for retired generals to cut bhajan during the underground years. UML cadres, discs.) The other: poetry readings became politics and music popular. STATE OF THE STATE The Maoists are busy turning swords into guitars. But music, and the arts in C K Lal Their days also end differently. A wing of the party, when they burst into a general, are areas where the Maoists have Kangresi will head for the local watering full-throated Nepali version of ‘The East is a lot of work to do to rise above their usual on the other hand, gatecrash government hole if he is not carrying his own bottle. Red’. King Prithvi warned that songs could exhortative socialist realism. Which is why guest houses when they do venture out. And And as the night wears on, yodelling old enfeeble the soul of a warrior. The Maoists have the song and dance outside DDC buildings if an NC leader leaves the district Bollywood hits is the order of the day. UML taken the counsel of the Great Gorkha this week failed to rouse onlookers. Public headquarters, he will immediately look around operators are more comfortable in the conqueror to heart. protests can be carnivals of the people for a hotel or lodge. company of nationalist capitalists and civil The politics of music is difficult to define rather than spooky torch processions On arrival, the NC cadre begins the day servants and when happy, prefer the tunes and impossible to quantify. But a gross that persuade no one except diehard with puja at the local temple. The UML fellows of MaBiBi or Chandani Shah. generalisation would show that some kind of supporters. are late risers. The Maoists go to the police But most intriguing is the way a Maoist relationship does exist between music and station to assert their presence and then spends the evening. From a side pocket of politics. Ballads, blues and laments tend to This column is in memory of French interrogate the VDC secretary on what the backpack emerges a plastic-covered induce fatalism. String instruments tend to anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, who contracts are ongoing and which parties are notebook. It is opened gingerly and the encourage pacifism in their players as well as argued that music had the ability to bidding for them. No wonder the Paris Danda ferocious warrior of yesterday begins to their audience. represent the conflicting forces and ideas honchos are so well informed about politics read poetry. Surprisingly, few Maoists sing Patriotic and love songs are conducive to that lie at the foundation of society. Prof. at the grassroots. unless they are affiliated with the cultural conservatism. Dharma Raj Thapa, Narayan Levi-Strauss passed away on Friday. NATION 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 3

LLL ETTERS

WHEELING AND DEALING PEOPLE POWER soft targets rather than trying hard to decay...A wave of religious, political and I read your well-written update (‘Deal When you distrust the community fight the scourge that is sure to economic criticism that was pathetically or no deal’, www.nepalitimes.com) (‘Demonstrating democracy’, #474), you destroy them when it gets its first uncritical of its own dogmatic standards with great interest. Although I am not are undermining the power of the chance? swept over the intellectual centers....” an avid supporter of the Maoists, in individual. When you want government It also reminded me of a comment Biswo Poudel, from my view they are the only legitimate to give you a free ride, you are historian Schumpeter made about www.facebook.com/nepalitimes party to lead Nepal: they won the essentially killing that natural instinct of ‘liberal’ French elites just before the elections fair and square. the individual. Perhaps one has French Revolution of 1789 in his REAR VIEW Now we have a government forgotten how and what brings success classic ‘History of economic The Ass is not a comedy page, it is being led by the biggest losers in the in life: hard work and perseverance, analysis’: an editorial, which appears to the elections. How will ‘New Nepal’ find which are best played out in the “French society in particular was untrained eye as a gossip column. direction if we do not even start on a markets. rapidly disintegrating, but as yet felt Shankhar Ranjit legitimate footing? The Maoists may Anjan Panday perfectly safe. Like all disintegrating be playing games, but they are only societies that don’t want to face their The Ass’s request to hold a climate following the lead of GPK who loves SOFT TARGET danger, it delighted in protecting its summit on Everest (Out of power, out of playing chess with the entire I was upset by your editorial this issue enemies and thus provided a milieu of mind, #475) seems to have reached the country. (Presidential conduct, #475). Is it a sign unique charm that will attract even concerned authority. Abhishek Bhandari that our media houses are now aiming at those of us who sense a flavor of A Bomjon 4 INTERVIEW 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 United Nations for the nation

Tamrat Samuel is the director of the Asia and the the UN has any different agenda or that UNMIN wants to stay be a roll-over of the mandate? Pacific Division, Department of Political Affairs at on in Nepal. We are not looking for any additional business. I’m sure the Security Council will be grappling with the the United Nations. He has been actively working But anything that spurs progress is welcome. To maintain issue of the future of the mission this Friday. It is up to on Nepal since 2003, and served as the deputy head the cantonments indefinitely, under UNMIN’s light the parties to decide the nature of UN assistance they of UNMIN in 2007-08. In the run-up to the UN monitoring arrangement, while political tensions and the request. The PM had given strong and encouraging Security Council meeting to discuss Nepal on possibility of confrontation increase, is definitely not ideal. indications that after the Dasain and Tihar holidays, there Friday, Samuel spoke to Prashant Jha of Nepali While UNMIN’s monitoring has been an important factor would be maximum effort to make progress on integration. Times in New York. and no serious breakdown has occurred, this arrangement There is time, and while it may be physically difficult to was designed for a different period when parties shared greater complete the process by January, with trust and confidence, Prashant Jha: What is the UN’s assessment of the mutual trust and confidence. The sooner there is progress on progress is still possible. present political situation in Nepal? integration and related aspects and cantonments can be closed Tamrat Samuel: The current situation is one of stalemate. the better. What would you say to the Maoists, who have We recognise efforts are being made to resolve the stalemate. just started an agitation? Unfortunately, as the Secretary General stated in his report, The Secretary General’s recent report says that a Our consistent message to all parties has been to adhere to we can’t say that the commitments made in the 7 July letter national unity government is desirable. There has solemn agreements, implement commitments, utilise the by PM Nepal to him have been been criticism that this constitutional and political mechanisms available to them implemented. This is marks disrespect for to resolve problems and to refrain from taking extra- regrettable, including from UN’s “We are not looking for Nepal’s domestic political constitutional steps that would impede rather than point of view. UNMIN’s processes. facilitate progress. This is the responsibility of all parties, mandate was framed in the any additional business” The criticism is not justified in and this is what we continue to say to the Maoists. context of the period before the any way. The report actually says Constituent Assembly elections. It has been over a “remains desirable”. All the major Nepali actors have Have you been talking to India about the stalemate? year-and-half since the CA elections took place, and the emphasised that a national unity government is important. Do you think neighbours can play a more mission is carrying out the residual aspects of the original In fact, PM Nepal told me in June that he was trying to get all constructive role to turn the situation around? mandate under significantly different political the key parties into government. All the report does is reflect Nepal’s neighbours are of course key partners, and India is circumstances. What we would like to see is that agreements the general desire of the parties, and it is consistent with a major player. Our consultation with them is quite are carried out, integration is completed, and the constitution what the Secretary General has repeatedly said in the past important. They know our concerns about the present drift is drafted in a timely manner so we can finish the job we about governance by consensus, maintaining the unity of the in the peace process. They have a closer engagement with were given. parties, etc. The report does not make any suggestion about stakeholders in Nepal. Our position is that the the specifics of such a government. That is obviously for the international community, including India, should send a So do you think a new mandate, that reflects the parties to decide. To interpret this positive encouragement message to Nepali actors that the peace process enjoys the changed political context, would help the UN in the direction of a commonly held ideal as being a partisan support of the international community, that the fate of perform its role better? view is not acceptable at all. the peace process is in their hands, and whatever the It is up to Nepal, the parties to the peace process, and the international community does is to support the peace Security Council to determine that. As the UN, we respond January is two months away, and there may be process and not to undermine it. There is complete respect to the needs of the country. There should be no sense that another request for UNMIN’s extension. Will there for the national ownership of the process. BUSINESS 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 5

Commencing IATA

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ IATA/ UFTAA diploma course is finally available in Nepal. Zenith Training Institute (ZTI) at Hattisar is the authorised training centre. Bipalis galore

MBA degree Nepal is where Nepalis are

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KFA has launched a two-year ‘MBA in Banking & insurance’ program in Nepal in affiliation with the Vinayaka BOSTON: This Beed estimates US, is building. The Asia Center by such groups are always Missions University of India. that the number of Nepalis living at Boston University has hosted interesting. Some, ‘parachute in the United States has crossed speakers who have eked out a consultant’ types who think they

Super slim the half-million mark, with a living in conflict-torn Nepal, and know everything about Nepal, ○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○ high concentration in the east a group of students from Harvard need constant reminding that Using super-shrink technology, coast. More and more Nepalis are Business School is coming to migration is by no stretch new Samsung has developed the seen on trains, in restaurants and Nepal on a trekking cum exposure for Nepal. Many Nepalis migrated world’s thinnest LCD panels for visit. Everyone, it seems, is to Assam and Darjeeling as far TVs. interested to know more about a back as the mid-nineteenth ECONOMIC SENSE country uniquely situated century. India and China, which

European way Artha Beed between two galloping economies. receive the highest number of ○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ For the bipali community migrants and remittances Orbit International has introduced BEKO, a premium brand of home appliances on college campuses. There are from Europe, with air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, televisions and microwaves, two distinct kinds of Nepalis among other products. living abroad. There are the older set who ask for your surname and home village, claim to have

New branch powerful connections and read

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Bank of Kathmandu opened its 32nd branch in Urlabari on 28 Nepali news portals instead of the October. With 32 branches and six counters, the bank now New York Times or the Wall provides services in 38 locations in Nepal. Street Journal. They are as fatalistic as ever and despite having spent decades here and

Sky scraping still love to tell you why Nepal ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ has no hope. Then there is a fresh set of young Nepalis who aren’t keen on opportunities in Nepal. From the here, the issues haven’t changed. globally, have stopped talks at the Washington Nepal Many play out the Nepali contemplating its merits. They Forum in Washington DC to penchant for politicking in realise that in a globalising world rd The 23 AGM of Standard Chartered Bank convened on 4 Harvard to Brown University, it is associations, but others are less political boundaries are losing November. The Bank’s Operating Profit and Net Profit for fiscal refreshing to see Nepalis who do interested in becoming an relevance. year 2008/2009 was Rs 1.51 billion and Rs 1.03 billion want to understand Nepal from a association president than getting The success of the European respectively. perspective that does not involve work done. For instance, Union and now talk of an Asian politics. the Chalphal Group in Boston Economic Union show that as

Hassle free For Nepalis, migrating has continues to help the Nepali communication becomes easier,

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Everest Bank started its SMS bill payment service for NTC been way of life. They have been community there interact with cultural differences will mobile users. Customers can make monthly bill payments or doing it for over two centuries, visitors and scholars from Nepal, dissipate, and a homogenous recharge their mobiles by texting 5677. mainly because they see no hope and is successful largely because culture that relies heavily on in Nepal. Politicians, bureaucrats it is informal and unstructured. technology will grow. Nepal will and businessmen alike often The same goes for the Washington slowly become where Nepalis

Money transfers prefer their children to stay out of Nepal Forum, which continues to are and it will be immaterial

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ United Remit and Everest Bank have tied up to the country they themselves have host interesting programs. where a person resides. provide money transfer services to Money Gram. helped shape. However, interest Perhaps more such efforts are So welcome to the building of in Nepal, especially among required. Nepal in the United States. second generation Nepalis in the Debates on migration hosted www.arthabeed.com Good ad sense Michael Maedel is president of J. Walter Ad agencies are often perceived as making ads that Thompson (JWT) Company, the global business win awards for themselves but do not necessarily communications company. Nepali Times caught up help their clients. with him when he was in Kathmandu earlier Our clients know that money spent on ads is money spent this week. on making an investment to sell their products. They track results for themselves, and see what works and what doesn’t. Nepali Times: As a global company operating in Though recognition is nice, as our work for Nokia and Kit Kat almost 100 countries with about 200 offices, how in the competitive Asia Pacific market has demonstrated, do you maintain relations with all your clients? well thought-out creative ad campaigns do lead to more sales. Maedel: Our company has been around for 150 years. Yet there has never been a time that is as competitive as today. In recent years, billions of ad dollars have moved This means our professional standards have to be very high. online. Companies like Google are eating your Our standards have to be the global standards. lunch. What is your ‘Google strategy’? Though we have been pioneers in using new technologies The Googles of the world can best be described as ‘frenemies’. and getting into new markets, we find that our clients are Because of their technological sophistication, they capture MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA ahead of us. They keep us on our toes. Though we are a and analyse data in real time in such a way that clients have global company with offices around the world, we have come a much clearer idea about who’s viewing the ads online in architecture’ company. This means we are open to good ideas to see ourselves as a network of talents that’s there to serve what manner. But we have to understand that when it comes that come from any part of the company, and this has helped our clients. Our clients do not want generic business to creating or ‘ideating’ an ad, just having it on Google does us ramp up the creative value that we add to boost clients’ communication solutions. They want customised solutions not help clients. It’s the high-end creativity in which our product sales. and our job is to deliver. company produces value for our clients to sell more of their products. JWT’s Nepal office has been running for 10 years. How do you do that? How has political instability affected your Our relationship with clients is based on trust, openness But what worked in the past in terms of ideation work here? and candour. Our clients view us not as a communication may not work in the future. When we are in a developing market, we take a long-term partner, but as a business partner. We approach clients with Yes. That is why we have invested time and resources to be a view. Nepal is no exception. But when we see that there are a mindset that their success is our success. For this, we take network of talents to serve customers. For this network to be many clients who take calculated risks to produce goods and a pro-active stance to help them sell more. Their success strong, we have to attract and retain talents from all over the services valued by their customers, we stand ready to help strengthens our relationship with them. world. We are also redesigning our company to be an ‘open them be successful through our efforts. 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475

should have already been discharged from the cantonments. The Maoist House obstructions have delayed the Decision under pressure constitution-writing process, although they claim otherwise. The parliament is part of the CA, not a separate body. The Maoists should let the House operate freely. It’s completely unreasonable to hold the House hostage to Daman Nath Dhungana in Nepal, 8 November their demands. The Maoists seem to have decided that if that are not leading the government, they will be on the streets Willingly or not, our political leaders are polarising the protesting it. But there are good reasons for them to come country. Maoist leaders launched the current street protest to the table. One way to end the political deadlock is to because they were under pressure to do so from the form a national government that is unopposed in parliament. majority of party members who supported the idea. The peace process hinges on the integration of Maoist The political leadership isn’t focused on safeguarding fighters and completion of the constiutition. For this, the the historic changes we’ve achieved in the past couple of political parties ought to moderate their rhetoric. years. A consensus government is necessary to end If the Maoists form or join the government, they will be political confrontation which, in turn, requires that all past forced to stand up for the constitution-writing process. They agreements, including the 12 point agreement, be reviewed might have thought that they could push their issues if without scrapping old agreements. they led the government. The threat of resurrection of A new, reviewed agreement should mandate a national insurgency is neither practical nor logical. Therefore, if

unity government and forbid any opposition. A common KIRAN PANDAY the Maoists are committed to democracy, they should allow mechanism should be developed to resolve the political the House proceedings and initiate a parliamentary disputes and misunderstandings to help run the government The current situation is the result of short-sighted political process to form a national government. The other parties smoothly. The same mechanism can decide the forms of leadership. The integration of the Maoist fighters should have do not oppose this. This will be an opportunity for them to the government. been completed before the CA elections. The combatants take national and international players into confidence. “Two-facedness has caused uncertainty”

Gorkhapatra’s Ram Prasad best short lived. As the biggest party in the democratic parties haven’t Acharya spoke to former United Political parties should CA, the Maoists should be more behaved democratically either. It’s Nations Deputy Secretary General understand that people are fed responsible and create an time they sorted out their own Kul Chandra Gautam on 31 up with violence and will shun environment conducive to problems instead of blaming October about the country’s anyone who tries to sow consensus. Instead, they have each other. political situation: communal discord. disrupted the House, protested We need honest politicians. This isn’t the time for on the streets, all in order to The Maoists claim they want conflict. The parties ought to impose their ideology on others. peace but have a finger on the Violence and armed struggle will cooperate to write a constitution They talk of a People’s Republic trigger. This is nonsense. We never bring about peace and that addresses ordinary people’s with their cadres but express a should renounce violence prosperity. No political party can aspirations. The constitution commitment to democracy with for peace. succeed through armed should eliminate past the international community. To make a country democratic, revolution, which in any case has inequalities, discrimination and This two-facedness has caused peaceful and prosperous, the become an obsolete idea. The misunderstanding in order to greater uncertainty. political culture should be fruits of armed revolution are at empower the people. The other so-called democratic and progressive first. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA In the mood to resign Tarun, 26 October

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Defense Minister Bidya Bhandari aren’t talking to one another because of differences over a proposal mooted by Bhandari to revise the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The PM has refused to lend the proposal official government sanction. The agreement, made when the monarchy was still extant, places many limitations on the army. Bhandari and every political party except the Maoists want these limitations removed. However, the PM has not given her the permission to put this proposal to the cabinet. The PM ended cabinet meetings prematurely on each of the three occasions Bhandari attempted to do so. Flustered, Bhandari is now considering resigning. But under KP Oli’s advice, she has held off doing so for a couple of days because there are fears that the PM may go softer on the Maoists after her resignation. A few days ago, when PM Nepal toured army headquarters with Sujata Koirala and Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, the Defence Minister wasn’t even informed. According to UML sources, Bhandari will resign whenever the Crowd: “Don’t be afraid, he’s our brother. He was released to help make the constitution.” talks between KP Oli and party president Jhalnath Khanal conclude. Tiger: “Protest” Khanal (who left for Delhi on Tuesday) and Oli have had several Batsan in Kantipur on 1 November secret meetings. There are rumours that they are looking for someone to replace PM Nepal from outside of the Maoist party. CONSTITUTION 2010 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 7 “CA politics Pandora’s box is strange” Renu Chand (Bhatt), Maoist CA member, Baitadi-2

How much of the constitution has been written? I spend a lot of time in committee meetings. Work is moving along but we haven’t done as much as we would have liked to.

Why not? First, because of political disagreements and second, because there isn’t a mechanism to reconcile different viewpoints.

Don’t you think the Maoists have delayed the process by focusing on issues such as changing the flag? Some think the flag should better

DAMBAR K SHRESTHA reflect Nepal’s diversity, but others don’t want it changed. I think it should be changed. Himal Khabarpatrika’s basis should provinces be designated? worker): A secular state is the need of Himmat Singh (senior advocate): It the moment. Perhaps the Maoist obstruction of constitution caravan should be All Madhes One Pradesh. The parliament is to blame? reached the southern constitution can have provisions to maintain Hasim Ansari: The Muslim community When the legislature is obstructed, the Nepal’s territorial integrity. does not favour either a secular or a Hindu CA will certainly be affected. That’s city of Rajbiraj recently. state. We only want religious freedom. If we why the legislature needs to be run Hasim Ansari (National Muslim had a Muslim majority we would dream of properly. Front): We Muslims don’t consider an Islamic state. So if the Hindu majority in Himal Khabarpatrika: What are the ourselves Madhesis, even if we live in the Nepal desires a Hindu state then we would challenges to overcome before the Madhes. The Muslim community of the 10 not oppose it. constitution can be written? districts where there is a Muslim majority Ashok Chaudhary (advocate): All the says: under no condition will the demand Himmat Singh: Since Nepal was declared parties have not accepted the political for One Madhes One Pradesh be granted. a secular state by the interim constitution, changes wrought by the Jana Andolan and people should be able to vote definitively on the Madhes movement. Because we don’t yet Yukti Lal Marik (Dom Upliftment the matter. have an environment for languages and Society): There will be no place for Dalits cultures other than Nepali, the basis for a in One Madhes One Pradesh. We need How should we decide on language balanced constitution is not in place. proportional representation and rights? participation in all parts of the country. Yukti Lal Marik: The national language Amarkanth Jha (professor): When the should be Nepali. Whichever language is South African constitution was written, Suman Raj Pyakurel: There are no predominant in particular regions should be political parties and constitution experts majorities in any part of the country, so ethnic the language of government there. were in agreement on how to go about it. We federalism doesn’t make sense. Provinces too need to have a common political should be designated on the basis of whether Bhogendra Chaudhary (MJF- mechanism. they can survive in the long term. Democratic): The main thing is that we should understand one another. Research MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Raju Paswan (rights worker): There can Shiva Hari Bhattarai (journalist): should be conducted to determine which Will the constitution be written on time? Madhesi parties are playing politics with the language is the most spoken and understood Maybe not, but it must be written at be no constitution without political some point. agreement. We have to address the demands idea of One Madhes One Pradesh and there is so it can be declared the national language. a lack of trust between the state and the Mother tongues and regional languages for ethnicity based provinces. The What are CA politics like right now? government needs to hold talks with the Madhesis. should be designated federal languages and As Lenin said, sometimes politics armed groups in the Tarai and address included in primary education. seems like simply a platform for Madhesi grievances first. Kishore Kumar Yadav (student chatter. Other times it seems like an leader): Madhes students want a Madhes Surya Nath Yadav (UCPN-Maoist): excuse to enjoy the sun. Parliamentary Suman Raj Pyakurel (UML): The state with the right to self-determination. If Language is related to development. politics is strange. There is a need for constitution can’t be written while the the Constituent Assembly doesn’t fulfill our Whichever language unites the country, is reform. We’re also very young, it’s Maoists still have an army. This needs to be demands then there will be another the most developed and easier to access strange to have these old members of sorted out before we move ahead. revolution. education in will become the national parliament come up to us and address language. If English is spoken the us as ‘honourable member’ – they must have children as old as us! What do you think of the demand for Hindu state or secular state? most tomorrow then it could become the One Madhes One Pradesh? On what Sabita Koirala (women’s rights national language. “I know 5 or 6 gay CA members”

Sunil Babu Pant, UML CA member, Gorkha What has the CA done to help your cause? The Committee to Protect Minority Rights recognises gay marriage How do you spend your days now that the CA is suspended? and allows positive discrimination in favor of gay people. There is no regularity. I begin the day with yoga and attend lots of committee meetings and, occasionally, visit my constituency. Otherwise, How interested are you in the issues of the ‘People’s Assembly’, I’m in LGBT (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) rights group Blue parliamentary control over the judiciary, the use of Hindi as an Diamond Society’s office until 11AM. official language, replacing the national flags, etc? It is not wrong to have these issues under discussion. But the focus Have there been any memorable moments since you became a CA is only on the present, and not on the future. I don’t think we can member? have an independent judiciary under the Maoist’s justice system I got a lot of attention from people. Female CA members would ask proposal. And, I would rather change the country’s backwardness openly about gay and third gender issues. Men were a little embarrassed than change the flag. and would as about it in private. Who do you think is responsible for obstructing the constitution- Are you the only gay CA member? writing process? I am the only one out of the closet. But I know 5 or 6 gay male and The big three parties are obstructing the process since they want to female CA members. remain in government and write a constitution that suits them. KIRAN PANDAY 8 TECHNOLOGY

The

KIRAN PANDAY digital life

P Kasthamandap’s to spend that little extra to computer servicing cultivate a digital persona, station in which they exhibit in social Kumaripati, a Dr. networking accounts, blogs, HFrankenstein den of busted gaming avatars and elsewhere. motherboards and meticulous Indeed, local distributors of repairwork, is at the heart of a laptops have banked on people new trend sweeping through like Sameer for the last six or Kathmandu: the emergence of the seven years, in which period super-personal, customisable laptops have boomed in laptop. popularity. “We sell about 500 Take 20-year-old engineering laptops a month. The price of student and football fan Sameer, notebooks has gone down who has spiky hair, a bookbag significantly,” says Rajan Man slung over his shoulder and a Tuladhar of CAS Trading House. blue HP laptop bearing the “Part of the reason why Manchester United insignia laptops have done so well is The personal computer just got more personal

tucked under his arm. When that it is trendy to have the Sameer ordered his laptop, he latest models,” says Sanjay asked for specs – techie lingo for Golcha of Neoteric, which computer specifications – that distributes Apple, HP and would enable quality video Wipro laptops locally. gaming, including special video “A Macbook will be carried and graphics cards and a large around with a lot more pride monitor. than some Chinese model ,” “I’m crazy about computer adds Bibhor Agarwal of IT Trade games and football, and I’d like Revolution. everything I own, including this New models hit the Nepali computer, to reflect that,” he says. market every 3-6 months, which “Sure, custom laptops are a little is about the global average. pricey, but they’re definitely “There are already 12 models of worth it.” Japanese Fujitsu laptops in People like Sameer are willing Nepal”, says Amit Agrawal of 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 9

SHTC International, sole private companies often prefer because they are cheap and easily When you buy the genuine declares Kabindra Jhonse of distributer of the brand in laptops with smaller monitors customisable. Fake laptops are article you have peace of mind Mercantile. Nepal. and modest but robust hard also cheap but have few other because you have a high- Optimism about laptop sales, Laptops have also profited drives. In comparison there are virtues, yet dominate as much as quality product with a however, should be tempered by from Nepal’s taxing load- few laptops in government 50 per cent of the local market. warranty,” says Niraj Thapa of the reality that laptops aren’t shedding schedule. “Laptops offices, but demand there is You can recognise them from Harati Computer Services. quite as popular here as they are pretty much became popular picking up as well. their names — a ‘compak’ A warranty and the extra elsewhere. “Although laptop among young professionals when But branded laptops face a instead of a ‘compaq’, for service cost a significant Rs sales are rising, desktops sales loadshedding started as they can stiff challenge from assembled instance. 2,000-5000, but sales figures will also increase, especially in usually last through electricity computers and the grey market. “I have had so many suggest many believe it’s worth banks where data security is cuts,” explains Sujit Malla of HP Assembled computers were the customers coming back to us and the money. “We repair any extremely important,” says Sujan Kasthamandap, which distributes first computers to appear in buying the genuine product after hardware problems of Acer Mool of World Distribution HP merchandise. Workers in Nepal and remain popular they have tried fake products. computers within four hours,” Nepal. 10 ENVIRONMENT 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 Bardiya boom

Fading light

ore people than there are tigers in Nepal’s dwindling wilds massed at the Soaltee last week for a round-robin of M meetings, workshops, press briefings and declarations. Their mission: defining actions to save wild tigers from extinction, with the immediate goal of doubling the population of wild tigers in the next decade. Their motto: saving tigers is our test, if we pass, we get to keep the planet. The global tiger workshop was the first of its kind, and laid the groundwork for the Year of the Tiger, 2010. It’s about time. It hasn’t quite been the Century of the Tiger. In the last 100 years, their numbers KALAM have plummeted from about 100,000 to 4,000 today, thanks Rabi Thapa to human encroachment into tiger habitats, misguided enactments of masculinity, and the ignoble pretence range states like China maintain in allowing illegal tiger farms to flourish. It’s culture, it’s medicine, insist advocates of tiger farms, and we could reduce the demand for wild tigers by farming them. Bullshit. It’s not culture, it’s not medicine, it’s their economy, stupid. What was the Cultural Revolution for if not to root out practices that threaten the wellbeing of society? It was for the little red book, perhaps, not the ever-expanding IUCN red list. So is the tiger then a useful member of our earthly society, beyond fuelling the Chinese obsession with dismembering endangered species? We’re told it’s a keystone species, an apex species, meaning it has a disproportionate effect on the health of the ecosystems within which Being a goddess it lives. Currently, 121 breeding tigers prowl the confines of Chitwan National Park. But if the tigers were to go, if Chitwan were to go, what would it mean for you and for me? PRANAB MAN SINGH The South African did not disappoint, but nonetheless betrayed a superficial understanding he show was raw, spontaneous and of local culture, a trend that seems to be too No tigers in my captivating. It was everything one easily forgiven in contemporary (dare I say ‘post- T would expect from a Tracey Rose modern’) art. garden, thank you performance. Her slightly disturbing, sonically Tracey Rose’s performance at Moksh on wild video installation, currently being Sunday embodied the satire and irony of being displayed as part of the international art an artist, her role as a guest artist, and the festival, ‘Separating myth from reality – status touristic nature of her presence in Nepal. These One can debate the pros and cons of tigers to local communities of women’, provided a reasonably accurate very real, very personal experiences that are a part living around national parks such as Chitwan, but it’s clear the teaser. of her being in Nepal came out as genuine and disappearance of this species would be damaging to sub-tropical captivating. However, in terms of an . Economics aside, it’s perhaps this tourism that understanding of Nepali culture and traditions, explains what it is the tiger means to us. Tracey Rose she reiterated the standard schema of western Let’s face it, the tiger is a celebrity, plain and simple. The smallest of chances to view the planet’s most powerful terrestrial predator reaches for the sky pseudo-intellectualism that backpackers and draws crowds to enclaves such as Chitwan. Alas, his domain is development workers alike tend to adopt. much diminished. Local communities have had to bear the This could have been intentional, but given consequences. Six children were killed by tigers in the run-up to the the sincerity of the performance, it is highly workshop. We may not suffer the same in Kathmandu, but most of us unlikely. However, in failing to understand have heard of leopard sightings in the Valley. what it means to be a goddess, she does Some of us more than others. A few months back, a friend told capture the essence of the modern day hyper- me how disappointed he was, not that a leopard had appeared in real televised goddess. Bishalnagar, but that it had been shot before he got to the site. An During her time in Nepal, Tracey Rose will be adult female and two cubs had been cornered, and the mother playing out the role of the goddess – not the attacked zoo staff, leaving the police with no choice. The cubs fled, mythical eastern goddesses, but the mythical and one was picked up close by the following day. Almost a whole week later, the other cub showed up in my garden goddesses of the silver screen – Paris Hilton and in Dhapasi. Terrified by our tibetan mastiff, it scrambled up a palm Nicole Richie. tree and waited for the zoo to turn up as hundreds of locals peered The simple life came to the third world and and pointed. After almost five hours up a tree, the leopard unsurprisingly didn’t understand it at all. was tranquilised and brought down safely…and whisked off to Tracey Rose tried to be a goddess and for Jawalakhel Zoo. 15 minutes on the sunken stage in Moksh she It was all very exciting, of course, but sad and worrisome in became one, but not the kind she was looking equal measure. What on earth was a leopard doing in my garden? for. But it is perhaps the irony of her failed quest One only needs to look out from Dhapasi towards Tokha and up to that made the performance worthwhile. Shivapuri to find the answer. The urban waterline laps ever higher, Undoubtedly a gifted performer, her and poaching in the forests continues apace. And so a mother and dedication to her role as an artist is her strongest her two cubs ventured out in search of greener pastures. I’ve never seen a wild tiger. But I’ll die happy even if I never do, asset. A performance like hers is a rarity in Nepal if only I have the knowledge that they can stay in the wild, for some and those who missed it missed a display of the true potency of art. portion of eternity. KAILASH SHRESTHA ENVIRONMENT 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 11

SURESH RAJ NEUPANE beneficiary of Chitwan’s closures. come back.” SIT BACK AND RELAX: Tourists in BARDIYA Bardiya has only 22 rhinos and 19 Conservationist Ramesh came to this resort in Bardiya tigers and a dozen or so wild Thapa of Bardiya National Park National Park because Chitwan elephants, but wildlife viewing is says the park sees a lot of repeat was closed. Tourist numbers here said to be easier here because of tourists because of its unique could double if the government invested more in infrastructure. hitwan’s loss is Bardiya’s the sparse undergrowth. habitat. “Also, Bardiya is not as Bardiya National Park's extension gain. Going by the tourists “Last year this time we had 40 crowded as Chitwan, and the on the Surkhet-Dang border (left). C thronging to Bardiya these per cent occupancy, this year we park is really wild,” he explains. days, that is the way it looks. are fully booked,” says Gauri More than 500 tourists came Chitwan is a world-renowned Mallakar of Tiger Tops Karnali, a to Bardiya in August-October, national park and has become branch of Tiger Tops Chitwan. compared to only 350 at the same synonymous with wildlife She adds: “Tourists love this time last year. But hoteliers like safaris like Kenya’s Masai Mara. A key role has been played by resorts like Tiger Tops, which Bardiya reaps rewards from have promoted Chitwan internationally since the 1970s. Chitwan resort closures However, Tiger Tops and

seven other resorts inside SURESH RAJ NEUPANE Chitwan have been closed since place, it has a unique ecology.” Mohan Aryal of Forest Hideway early this year because of a Indeed, these days flights to Hotel and Cottage says Bardiya “We also need more safari government move to re-evaluate Nepalganj are full of tourists on could do much better if the elephants.” the impact they are having on wildlife safaris to Bardiya, most government invested in Tiger Tops’s Mallakar says park ecology. The dispute has of them British and American. infrastructure. tourists booked to Chitwan came been complicated by rivalry Nancy Reid from the United “Electricity, telephones, to Bardiya instead and loved it. between resorts inside and States, getting off an elephant direct flights, and bus routes The resort brought some of its outside the park. after a safari, was breathless with from and Kathmandu staff to Bardiya too. Maybe they But 450km away, Bardiya excitement: “It was incredible, we would double the number of need to bring the safari elephants National Park has become a saw rhinos up close, I’m going to tourists coming here,” he says. along too.

of forest would be included, while the remainder would be part of a buffer zone. Thirteen VDCs of Dang district will be included. Some Gift to the earth 50 additional staff, including army personnel, will be needed to manage the enlarged park. At the inaugural session of the Global Tiger Workshop held last week, Back in 2000, the then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Deepak Bohara announced pledged to double the park’s size as a ‘gift to the earth’, but the the government’s plans to add 898 square kilometres to Bardiya deteriorating security situation put the plan on the backburner. National Park, effectively doubling its size. Under the proposed plans, Minister Bohara is confident that this time around there will be no Bardiya would extend east towards Dang, taking in hilly terrain (left), such obstacles as the groundwork has been done and funding is with the Mahendra highway as its southern border. At 1866 square available. kilometres, it would become the largest national park in Nepal. Bardiya National Park is home to about 30 species of mammals The expansion of the national park could be a significant boost to including the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhino, wild elephants, tiger conservation efforts in Nepal. An additional 549 square kilometres swamp deer and black buck.

KUNDA DIXIT 12 INTERNATIONAL 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475

ver the last few weeks, I’ve evident that all men are created been bombarded with equal.” Yet throughout the O questions about my country’s short history race has thoughts on President Barack divided America and resulted in Obama winning the Nobel Peace its greatest social challenges. The Prize – so much that I’m starting to Civil War (1861-1865), fought feel like I’m defending a relative. between the anti-slavery North My first reaction is to say I’m and the pro-slavery South, very proud. He’s certainly remains the nation’s bloodiest deserving of the Nobel conflict. We stand at a similar COMMENT crossroads today in Nepal. The Richard Ragan country’s leaders, civil society and citizens are struggling to decide on a roadmap for the Committee’s claim that “only very future. The decisions of today are rarely has a person to the same likely to affect the future of extent captured the world’s generations to come. So those attention and given its people hope who are impatient for results for a better future.” But is capturing should remember that from the the world’s attention enough to time Thomas Jefferson penned justify receiving this prestigious Pax Americana those immortal words, it took honour? Barack Obama 233 years to get to There is a sense that the foreign policy decisions are about struggle. Often treated as second- this milestone on America’s long reservoir of global goodwill national interests and any prize is class citizens, black Americans still walk to freedom. candidate Obama built up on his unlikely to have an influence on Obama’s live segregated lives in some sense. So what does it really mean to run to the White House is starting the decisions of a global Award-winning African American have a black man elected as to ebb. After all, leading America is superpower, even if US foreign peace prize producer Lee Louis Daniels says President of the United States? no cakewalk. Obama is now the policy has adopted a much-needed that before Obama was elected My hope is that this is the tough talking face of a country multilateral approach. recalls blacks in America had two separate beginning of the end in the long fighting two of the most brutal No, in my opinion President dialogues running in their heads. journey towards a colour-blind armed contests on earth. Yet he has Obama won the Peace Prize for Jefferson’s There was one for the black world, nation. For this, Barack Obama won a prize for peace? something else, something that I declaration and another for the rest of the stands in the company of the Was the Nobel Committee bold think will intrinsically transform world, the white world. The latter other giants who have won this enough to imagine the honour the landscape of modern America, that all men was designed for success, it was award, and for this alone I believe would weigh on his conscience and if the United States is a beacon superficial, and didn’t ring true. he deserves the prize. z when contemplating America’s for others, then the world. are created The Declaration of next steps in Afghanistan or Iraq? To grow up black in America Independence, written in 1776 by Richard Ragan is Country Director If that was the case, they were way has never been easy. The legacy of equal Thomas Jefferson, boldly declares: for the World Food Programme off track. National security and colour is chequered with pain, and “We hold these truths to be self (WFP in Nepal. NATION 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #47513 Contradiction in terms

Although Maoist ideologue Baburam Bhattarai appeared relaxed at a meeting of Kathmandu-based editors on Wednesday, he was hard pressed to explain comments he made in a revolutionary website last week in which he threatened a “final assault against the enemy to complete the revolution”.

BILASH RAI Asked to explain his statement in the interview with the World People’s Resistance Movement (www.wprmbritain.org) in which he predicted “another round of armed clashes” on Thursday, Bhattarai admitted “contradictory statements from our leaders is one of our weaknesses”. At the meeting with chief editors Bhattarai didn’t just appear moderate, but back-pedalled furiously on his party line. “Some of our leaders have a dogmatic ideology, but that is a peripheral group,” he said. “We will soon be announcing our party line. We want to assure you that this will be a peaceful movement.” Bhattarai was asked about the declaration of 13 ethnically-demarcated 'federal republics', and admitted that it was not going according to the direction of the party leadership, and that it was only a 'symbolic' gesture to give an 'identity' to various ethnic groups. Bhattarai made a distinction between 'nationalities' and 'ethnicities' and said the federal units were not a parallel government, but provinces named after ethnicities. “But we are Living between aware that the debate is not going according to our plan,” he admitted, “it is going the wrong way.” Bhattarai also came across as accommodating on a compromise with the other parties. “Some kind of common resolution from parliament or a gesture from the president would remove the nervous giants need for protests,” he said. “We want to bring closure to the issue of the president’s move in a manner that would be acceptable to all.” All this was in stark contrast to Bhattarai’s own recent public KUNDA DIXIT in NEW DELHI as the Indian media gives month’s meeting between Man speeches and his 26 October WPRM interview, excerpts from prominent space to reports of Mohan Singh and Chinese which follow: China smuggling arms through Premier Hu Jintao on the epal’s founding king called Nepali Maoists to Naxalites in sidelines of an ASEAN summit in the country a yam between India. Statements like those made Thailand did clear the air a bit, Ntwo rocks, and just as it by Maoist leader CP Gajurel don't and there are indications that was during the Great Game, recent help: “We fully support and Premier Hu re-emphasised the strains in India-China relations cooperate with the Indian Maoists need for political unity in Nepal are affecting the state of play in in their armed revolt.” during his brief handshake with Kathmandu politics. Several factors have in Sandong Complicating things further is contributed to a new cold war in October. the barely concealed schism across the Himalaya: the recent “India and China are just within the New Delhi political geopolitical alignment between pretending to shadow box over establishment between India and the US, Beijing’s Nepal,” said one senior foreign conservative advisers close to insecurity about Tibetan policy specialist here. “Their Prime Minister Man Mohan nationalism, and competition rivalry is elsewhere and Singh’s secretariat and the between the two countries over essentially both would prefer not bureaucracy on everything from water from Himalayan rivers. to have the headache of a failed the nuclear deal with the US, state between them.” climate change and dealing with a Indeed, some Indian newly assertive China. academics say China-India ties Hawks in the New Delhi Nepal is can mirror China-Japan relations KIRAN PANDAY military intelligence where trade and diplomatic ties WPRM: Why did the Maoist party enter the peace process and establishment see Beijing getting continue to grow despite attempt to change society through Constituent Assembly elections? overturning a long-standing territorial disputes and Baburam Bhattarai: Our understanding was that after abolishing accommodation to put the border entangled in geopolitical rivalry. China is now the monarchy and establishing a bourgeois democratic republic, dispute in the Himalaya in deep one of India’s top three trading the proletarian party would take the initiative and launch forward the struggle towards the New Democratic Revolution. We knew the freeze while both countries New Delhi’s partners and they do cooperate on bourgeois forces, after the abolition of the monarchy, would try to concentrate on economic growth. issues like global trade and resist, and our main contradiction then would be with the bourgeois Nepal and China suddenly Sinophobia climate change. democratic parties. A new field of struggle would start. loom large in the Indian media, What has prompted India and Now we are preparing for the final stage of the completion of the and often both are mentioned China to seek leverage in Nepal, New Democratic Revolution. In a few months, maybe there will be together in jingoistic coverage that India and China reaffirmed say some Nepal-watchers here, some intervention from the imperialist and expansionist forces. is said to be fed by leaks from their agreement on spheres of may perhaps have less to do with We may again be forced to have another round of armed clashes. We have decided to again focus on the basic masses of the people hawks. After an incident on a influence at a historic their geopolitical rivalry than the both in urban and rural areas. In the decisive stage of confrontation border lake in Ladakh mid- rapprochement between Deng deadlock in Nepal’s peace process with the reactionary forces we could again combine our bases in September, TV news channels Xiaoping and Rajiv Gandhi in and the fluid political situation the rural areas and our support in the urban areas for a final assault aired alarmist coverage titled Beijing in December 1988. That in Kathmandu. A weak state will against the enemy to complete the revolution. ‘Enter the Dragon’. Another deal appears to have unravelled in tempt both neighbours to push channel labelled Nepal the the past year due to tension their national agenda: China to Can you explain how the UCPN(M) understands the nature of the 'Number Three Enemy' of India between the two countries. seek a government less reluctant state in this transitional period? Can the New Democratic Revolution be completed through the holding of an election? after China and Pakistan. Suspicions of Chinese intent, to crackdown on Tibetans and A sort of flux has been created, it has not been stabilised. Within The main reason for the and the defeat of the Communist India to push leaders more likely this nature of the state, we think it will be easier for the revolutionary suspicion is the belief that Party of India, have resulted in an to deliver on its need for water forces to intervene and further destabilise the state, putting pressure Nepal’s Maoist government is attempt by hardliners in the New and energy. on it from outside the state which can be smashed to make a New getting too cosy with China. Delhi establishment to re-evaluate But ultimately, “both China Democratic state. “Silently but speedily China the Indian brokered peace and India realise that this will What we are talking about is not organising elections within the is spreading its wings in the accord in Nepal at the expense of only happen when there is a bourgeois state, we are talking about after the revolution in a New Democratic or socialistic framework, where there will be certain erstwhile Hindu kingdom, Nepal’s Maoists. strong and stable government in constitutional provisions whereby the reactionaries, imperialists mainly to unleash anti-India But despite differences, there Kathmandu,” explained the and criminal forces will not be allowed to participate. This concept propaganda,” wrote the Times of is still a convergence of interest foreign policy specialist. And the of competition is only a general concept, the actual mode of that India last week. Nepal is getting between India and China on answers to that conundrum lie competition we have still to work out. entangled in Delhi’s Sinophobia Nepal: both want stability. Last neither in India, nor in China. z 14 CITY 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475

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Quest www.jainepal.com 5 December Sea Inside, documentary screening at Documentary Open Skool, Boudhadwar, 6 November, 5PM The Silence, movie screening at Lazimpat Gallery Café on sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd 11 November, 6PM onwards, 4428549 u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ Nepali Art: In Present Scenario, documentary screening on ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno 28 November, 2.30-3.30PM and 5-6PM, Yala Maya Kendra, nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf ljefu Patan Dhoka, 5553767 ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' Patan Press Club, meets every Thursday at Dhokaima Café, xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . 6PM, 5522113 Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Tai Chi 10-11.30AM Saturday, Yoga 8.30-9.30AM and Meditation 5-6PM weekdays, Keshar Mahal Marg, Thamel, 4410402 Weekly Internet Poll # 475 MUSIC Q. What do you think the Nepal-India The Best Live Music in Town by Musicology at House of revised trade treaty means? Music, Thamel, 6-7 November, 9851050166 Total votes: 1,768 Gypsy Jazz with the Hari Maharjan Project at Delices de France, 12 November, 7.30PM, jazz evening every Wednesday, 4260326. Desmond O’Flattery and Anthony Correll at Lazimpat Gallery Café, 4 Nov, 4428549

Baja gaja every Tuesday at Moksh, Pulchok, 7.30PM Weekly Internet Poll # 476. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com onwards, 5526212 Q. Where will the Maoist protest Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi movement lead us? Kitchen, Darbar Marg, 4227288 Sunday Jazz brunch, enjoy a relaxing Sunday in The Terrace at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu with barbeque and live jazz by Inner Groove from 12-3.30PM, 4491234 Some like it hot, every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh Rai and the Sound Minds, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel, 7PM onwards, 4479488 Happy cocktail hour, ladies night on Wednesday with live unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar, Thamel, 5-7PM Nepali Ghajals and songs at D’Lounge Beijing Duck Restaurant, every Thursday 6.30PM onwards, 4468589 Rudra Night live fusion music by Shyam Nepali every Friday, 7PM at Gokarna Forest Resort, 4451212

DINING Arabic Food Festival, experience the finest cuisine from the WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL Arabic world till 7 Nov at The Café, 6.30PM onwards, 4491234 Live continental BBQ Fiesta, exclusive BBQ Dinner at Expect more cloudless skies and falling temperatures in the week Splash Bar & Grill, Radisson Hotel, from 6.30-10:30PM ahead. Satellite pictures show rain clouds in Tibet and parts of everyday northeast India, but they should stay clear of Nepal. Enjoy clear Norwegian Salmon every day 6PM onwards at Rox mountain views and watch out for dropping humidity levels during Restaurant, till 20 Nov, 4491234 the daytime. Chocolate, Coffee and Caramel, every evening at The Lounge, 4.30-6.30PM, 4491234 and cheese, every Friday & Saturday at The Lounge, 5-8PM, 4491234 A cafe’s café, Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka, 5522113 KATHMANDU Jazzabell Café, relaunched at Jhamsikhel, TGIF, 10% discount all day, happy hour 6-8PM, 2114075 The Corner Bar, 5-7PM, 3- 11PM, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, 4411818 Fri Sat Sun Al Fresco, for homemade pasta, steak and freshwater trout, Soaltee Crown Plaza, 4273999 Kakori, for biryanis, curries and kebabs, Soaltee Crowne 24-7 23-9 26-9 Plaza, 7-10.45PM Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Babar Mahal Revisited, 4263070 RECIPES by GRAHAM SYDNEY Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the Middle East at The Café, Hyatt Regency, 4491234 Cauliflower & Broccoli Salad Teppanyaki meat items and garlic rice at Le Restaurant, (Serves 4) Gairidhara, 4436318 Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat, Rs 600, 4412999 One can vary the ingredients in this salad to include different types of Reality Bites, The Kaiser Café, Garden of Dreams, operated dried fruit, nuts and vegetables. You can also replace the smoked chicken by Dwarika’s Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM, 4425341 with shrimps, ham or bacon or leave it vegetarian. Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-La with live performance by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala 1 small broccoli, broken into small flowerets 1 small cauliflower, broken into small flowerets Garden, every Friday 7PM onwards, 4412999 1 small bunch spring onion, sliced Himalayan Rainbow Trout at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Darbar Marg, 1 cup diced smoked chicken 4248999 1 medium carrot, diced Tiger for Breakfast, breakfast everyday at 1905, Kantipath, ½ cup dried apricots, diced ½ cup capsicum, diced Mix the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, coriander 4215068 ½ cup chopped roasted almonds and parsley together. Mix the other ingredients Stupa View Restaurant, for vegetarian creations & clay oven ¾ cup mayonnaise together and mix well with the dressing. Allow to pizza at Boudha Stupa, 4480262 2 tablespoons honey stand in the fridge for at least an 2 tablespoons chopped coriander Gokarna Forest Resort for a variety of sizzlers at Tripti bar, hour before serving as this improves 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 4451212 the texture of the vegetables. juice of 2 lemons salt & pepper to taste For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 6 - 12 NOVEMBER 2009 #475 15

MIN RATHNA BAJRACHARYA HIGH ALERT: Police positioned around Bhadrakali on Friday. Security forces have been put on high alert following the announcement of Maoist street protests.

NPA RECONNECTING: leaders at the party's General Convention at the National Academy Hall in Kamaladi on Monday.

KIRAN PANDAY SPOTLIGHT: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at an interaction program called 'Sajha Sawal' organised by BBC World Service Trust Nepal on Friday.

KIRAN PANDAY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: An art enthusiast observes 'Mona Liza' by Pakistani artist Ambar Hammad during international art festival 'Separating Myth from Reality: Status of Women' on Wednesday.

KIRAN PANDAY MAKING MERRY: School children dancing during a Maoist sit-in protest program at Kathmandu District Administration office on Wednesday. Over theMoon 16 T taking therockoffmountain. minister shouldhavefirstaskedforpermissionbefore attention toclimatechange.BOMGsaystheprime Everest toPresidentObamainSeptemberdraw Makunay givingaway Bureau ofMinesandGeologywhichhasraisedahuecryover The Winnerinthisweek’sMostUselessDebateCategorygoestothe wait toambushthepostforhimself. The wildcardinallthisisComradeCloudy,whoseemstobelying shot atbeinginBaluwataroncethecurrentandolanplaysitselfout. clash betweenBRBandPKDwillcanceloutboth,hehasagood then thereisNaran(“MrXerox”)KajiKamredwhothinkstheepic Makunay stayonasPMthanagreetoLaldhojgettingPMship.And Infact,itwould besafetosayFearsomewouldmuchprefer candidacy nowseemssolikelythatPKDisgettingantsy. doesn’t needtogiveawaybuffalos.Butitispreciselybecausehis superstitious type,andbeingsuchadarlingoftheinternationals,BRB bit ofastampedetogive“bhaisidan”thesedays.Notbeingthe donated ashe-buffalotoBrahminonfullmoonday.So,thereis now, they’veheardthatMakunaybecameprimeministerbecausehe Looks likeallprimeministeraspirantsarerollinguptheirsleeves.By reclaimed theshortcutforpeople. have takenthetorchrallystraightfromMandalatoBhadrakaliand julus streets outsideBirHospitalwithasphaltsootfromtheir Tundikhel. IftheBaddieshadanybrains,they’dnothavepolluted security reasonsmuchinthesamewaythatithasmilitarisedmostof was. ThearmyoccupiedtheroadduringGyanendrareign,citing Tundikhel shortcutisre-openedasthepublicthoroughfarethatitonce “civilian supremacy”willbewhentheMaitiGharMandalato As farastheAssisconcerned,firstsignthatthiscountryhas people, shouldknowwhatthisisallabout. acronym. AsdemocraticastheDPRK,whichiswhyUncleBan,ofall along theway,Maoistslipped called YCLandtheyareprovidingsecurityfortheandolan.Somewhere the cantonmentsdon’tcontainguerrillas,realfightersarenow admitted asmuchthisweek.Evenaftertheminorsweredisqualified, all stashedawaysomewhereelse.Infact,Baddieleadersopenly knows thatweknowtheythehigh-poweredassaultriflesare containers lastmonthallsawrustyold303sandSLRs,everyone about itsimportancehere.Theambassadorswholookedintothe Let’s clarifythisonceandforallsoUNMINdoesn’tgetheppedup sympathisers. suspect MoonandKathmandu-basedEuropinkosofbeingBaddie- knowing nodsallaroundtheroomfromsenioradviserswhonow process becausetheyturnedintoTigerconservationists.Therewere UN, remindingthemhowhethrewtheNorwegiansoutofhispeace the SriLankanswarnedourofficialsnottotrustScandiesand nationwide theirchieftainiswhininganddiningwiththeenemy. are stagingwardances other partiesatKP’s(Oli,notBhattarai).Strangethatwhilehiscadre off foraGirjateapartyandthencarriedontodinnerwiththe In thepastfewdayshehascalledoffasinineairportbund,dashed got themessagebecausehe’sbeengettingcoldfeetabouthisandolan. Serendib. by-blow accountofhowhedestroyedtheTamilTigersbackhomein Paksa alsogavetheBi-Paksaanti-kingleaderofoppositionablow- ass(at)nepalitimes.com Anyway, togetbackRajaPaksa,ourflyonthewalltellsusthat Needless tosay,theAwesomewasn’tamused.ButElCommandante onSundayandgivenhalfthecapitalanasthmaattack:they’d interesting thateventhoughhisnamemeans“pro-king”,Raja Lumbini bytheSriLankanpresidentRajaPaksa.Itis he talkofthetownthispastweekhasbeenflyingvisitto BACKSIDE a rock infrontofmunicipalitybuildings fromthesumitofMt FG FG FG FG D-word intotheirYCL rankay CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 09/066/67 6 -12NOVEMBER2009 #475

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