#309 4 - 10 August 2006 16 pages Rs 30 Maoists are on a public relations offensive out west Weekly Internet Poll # 309

Q. How hopeful are you that the UN mission will be successful in overseeing arms management? Total votes: 3,359 Sword into ploughshare

Weekly Internet Poll # 310. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Rate the performance of the seven party alliance government after 100 days in office.

RAMESWOR BOHARA

RAMESWOR BOHARA help us in the fields, so we are power comes from the people. “If Many still think the ceasefire in SURKHET not as afraid as we used to be.” the leaders decide to disband the is another Maoist ploy. But Just three months of ceasefire, PLA we will go along with it,” Comrade Ramesh appears contrite, s he readied his paddy and it is hard to to tell that these says Comrade Pratik of the rebel's “We will now turn from terrace for planting last lush green hills have been soaked Sixth Division. destruction to development.” z Aweek, Ram Bahadur Gurung with blood the past ten years. The of Gumi VDC in Surkhet got a Maoists murdered party workers, pleasant surprise. A group of teachers, traders. More died in armed Maoists volunteered to help brutal crackdowns by state Farewell to arms? him. security. The high-level UN mission lead by Staffan de Mistura returned to New Some comrades ploughed the The rebels cut suspension York Thursday without being able to persuade the Maoists and the field, others used the hoe and the bridges, blew up telecom towers, government to come up with a common position on demilitarising before women guerrillas waded knee-deep roads, radio transmitters, elections. into the slush to plant paddy. The hydropower stations, making this “There is a lack of trust on the techniques of arms management,” de People's War now has a different isolated region even more remote. Mistura told reporters at the airport on Thursday, but focus here in western Nepal: to win Development has been set back added, “on this the UN can help.” Editorial p2 hearts and minds. decades, as VDC buildings, health The visit did provide a sense of urgency to the peace process which was stuck because of a The peace riddle Aware that the people blame posts, schools and drinking water deadlock over arms. De Mistura tried to hurry things them for past brutality, the rebels systems were demolished. up by hinting at a Thursday deadline, but analysts said it may have been are on a public relations offensive. “We were at war and had to too much to expect a breakthrough so quickly. Ram Bahadur had got used to being obey party decisions,” explains “We’re hoping there is a momentum, I’m not disappointed,” de forced to give shelter to Maoists Comrade Jitendra, “we won’t Mistura said, “if they come up with some kind of consensus while we are and feed them. Now he doesn't make that mistake, the focus now back in New York we will take that into account.” SUBSCRIBERS know whether he can trust the is not the war.” The UN team spent a week in Nepal and actively tried to bring the two sides together. It will now report to Did your paper arrive on time this guerrillas who still have rifles It is clear that comrades who Secretary General Kofi Annan and morning? If not, call our slung over their shoulders. “They till recently believed that power discuss a possible future UN Complaints Hotline 9841405820 say there will be peace now,” says a came out of the barrel of a gun monitoring mission to oversee the and talk to Radhe Shyam. wizened 70-year-old farmer, “they now seem to be convinced that peace process. Full story p13 2 EDITORIAL 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Anagha Neelakantan Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Vicepresident Corporate Affairs: Sneh Sayami Advertising: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Subscription: [email protected] Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur [email protected], GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu Tel: 5543333-6, Fax: 5521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 5547018 Nepal’s high noon www.nepalitimes.com The reel life relevance of the classic western PEACE RIDDLE to today’s Kathmandu There is a Nepali folk riddle that goes something like this: a escribed by many as the er, politicians we are told (how and the suspense as the clock farmer needs to take a goat, a tiger and a pile of grass across a definitive western, High about that, isn’t that a shock?). tick-tocks away towards high narrow bridge to the other side of the stream. He can only take DNoon was made in 1952. His three partners (one of noon is managed with finesse. one thing at a time, but if he takes the grass first the tiger will eat Ok, that’s a while ago, pardner, them a very young high- The dialogue (very little action in the goat. If he takes the tiger, the goat will eat the grass. What even before an old geezer like me. cheekboned Lee Van Cleef who this movie) makes it great. Take does he do? When movies today are plays “Bad” opposite Clint this nugget of a response he The UN’s de Mistura mission must have encountered a churned out for either maximum Eastwood in The Good, Bad, and gets as an old friend declines to similar problem while dealing with the government, army, Maoists, pyrotechnic effect or pretend to the Ugly) are waiting for him at help him: parliamentarians in Kathmandu this week. Of course, it would be the train station where he is to “You risk your skin catching great if you could trust the tiger not to eat up the goat, or if explore tough issues but come up arrive at Noon. They plan to killers and the juries turn them you could talk the goat into not being greedy and leave the with the usual answers (ie, Bush grass alone. proceed to town and kill Will loose so they can come back and It would be lovely if everyone trusted each other, but it doesn’t Kane, the town’s marshall, shoot at you again. If you’re GUEST COLUMN played by the legendary actor honest you’re poor your whole work that way in the real world. So you have to resort to what Pravin Rana conflict resolution experts call ‘sequencing’. De-escalation Gary Cooper, who put Frank life and in the end you wind up carried out in proper order so that there is no need for the two Miller away in the first place. dying all alone on some dirty sides to distrust each other. is bad and the clueless and News spreads amongst the street. For what? For nothing. For Luckily, the Nepal conflict is still a political one, and at the Americans are behind all the ills townsfolk of Frank Miller’s a tin star.” moment there is political will on both sides to resolve it through of the world) High Noon is a imminent arrival and there isn’t a One knows exactly how the negotiations. As de Mistura himself said when he arrived, this has relevant blast from the past. soul willing to stand up to Miller Nepali security forces and some made his job much easier because the UN is usually being called and the boys. The judge skips plain-spoken diplomats feel right to firefight in wars where the blaze is out of control. Well at least Thucydides, town, the deputy sheriff is too now. And then there is his wife The sticking point is still that the Maoists don’t want to lay Hobbes, and Churchill might down their arms immediately because a) they don’t trust the army agree as might many of the Nepali self-absorbed, would-be posse Helen’s alternative take: and b) five of their own seven field commanders have expressed security forces that fought so members are either too cynical or “My brother was 19. I watched reservations. And the Nepal Army, as the armed force of a hard the last ten years. believe Frank Miller can’t be him die. That’s when I became a legitimate state power, doesn’t want the Maoists to be put on the Minimalism is the movie’s defeated, and the town criers and Quaker. I don’t care who’s right or same pedestal and is against any kind of arms quarantine. strength. Shot in grainy black leaders think it best that Marshall who’s wrong. There’s got to be Intractable as these two positions may seem, a formula and white, the story unfolds in Kane get the hell out of town. some better way for people to acceptable to the army and the Maoists is possible: both sides the span of a few hours in a town And Kane is ready to get out live.” confine troops to barracks and keep weapons under monitored called Hadleyville. Frank Miller, himself. The theme of High Noon is storage while the UN supervises the ceasefire and the runup to a brutal killer, was sentenced to You see, he just got married classic and therefore withstands constituent assembly elections. The only disagreement is about that morning and plans to ride the test of time. Stand up and whether those weapons should be under lock and key. death some five years ago but off into the sunset with Helen, fight the bad guys because you There is a consensus among the international community that manages to receive a pardon from, the Maoists can’t be a part of an his Quaker wife, played by yet see them for who they are even in interim setup while still openly another beautiful legend, Grace the face of massive resistance carrying arms. And the Nepal Kelly, the real life tragic Princess from those that have an Army, despite some ambitious of Monaco. ‘alternative’ plan for peace–even jarsaps in the ranks, is so Ah, what a conundrum Kane if that peace could ultimately beholden to the UN for lucrative faces which are thankless corrupt one’s values? Or, skip peacekeeping that it won’t vicissitudes of being the guy in town and just let it be? Watch jeopardise that cash cow. charge of security and telling the this movie with your kids, if The trick now is to sequence townsfolk that they have to stand you can. the moves. Just like the smart up to Frank Miller. And the End note: any resemblance in farmer first took the goat across townsfolk and criers really don’t the above of Pushpa Kamal Dahal the bridge, then the grass. On the return trip he brought the goat back want him around. He is persona and his deputies to Frank Miller and took the tiger over and left him non grata in Hadleyville. He is and his boys, Ambassador there with the grass. Finally, he the main obstacle to peace. Moriarty to Marshall Kane, the lead the goat across. Does he leave? There would be Nepali media and ‘activists’ to The farmer used his head, and no movie if he did of course. The the town leaders or criers, and Ian no one ate anyone up. moral struggle is simple yet Martin to Helen are intentional relevant (at least amongst realists) and not coincidental. z KAMAL YONJAN The elusive formula Peace prospects, despite setbacks, are still bright

f you were not on the list of people the answer to the Ministry of Defence. crushing the insurgency. The People’s that sort. For a large section of Nepali UN reconnaissance mission of Staffan The international community, too, Liberation Army failed to overthrow the society and the international community, de Mistura met this week you probably seems to have given carte blanche to the regime through an armed revolution. Both Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his cohorts are Idon’t matter. Nepal Army on a simple promise they will were brought to their senses by a peaceful still on probation. Should they fail to De Mistura avoided King Gyanendra, take orders from the seven-party uprising. It’s the agenda of peace that respect the people’s yearning for peace, too. But whether it was an intentional affront government. This premise remains to be must prevail. What we have to do now they will have no peace. or an act of oversight, disregarding the king tested, but gone are the government’s calls is find a formula to neutralise weapons The seven-party alliance must for reforms in the army. on both sides. similarly get over the illusion that it has the The UN team has been looking at ‘arms The Nepal Army’s weapons will have to people’s mandate to rule with the help of STATE OF THE STATE management’, but all the political parties be quarantined in acceptable locations and royal remnants. The agenda that they have C K Lal seem to think it refers only to Maoist arms. monitored by mutually agreeable observers. sworn to implement consists of In their eight-point agreement, the Soldiers may be allowed to keep small establishing peace, bringing the agents of government and the Maoists unequivocally arms inside barracks, but they can’t come royal excesses to book, and was not well advised. No matter what we agreed to request the UN to assist in the out because their very presence can sway institutionalising democracy by conducting think of him, King Gyanendra’s management of the armies and arms of both voting patterns. the elections of constituent assembly as acquiescence is still necessary for the sides and to monitor it for a free and fair The strength of the Maoist army first soon as possible. democratisation of the Nepal Army, a election to the constituent assembly. needs to be verified before it can be A point of convergence isn’t as difficult crucial element of the Nepal peace plan. As we go to press on Thursday monitored. They, too, have to be housed in as it appears. Peace prospects, despite The government seems to think it has afternoon, an acceptable formula for designated areas until the constituent threatening setbacks, are still bright. But if the army on a leash, but the generals managing arms is still elusive. Mission assembly makes a decision for their this chance is once again missed, another continue to act as if nothing has changed. chief Mistura hid behind diplomatese but rehabilitation or reintegration. generation of Nepalis will have to live The generals ignore summons by the it’s clear that a consensus isn’t possible During the uncertainties of transition it through an all-consuming conflict. That’s commission investigating the April unless the militaries of both sides are is tempting to overestimate one’s power. what Koirala and Dahal need to keep in the excesses, its drunken officers abduct and simultaneously dealt with. Maoist commanders have been behaving as back of their minds when they meet next to torture policemen on duty and it doesn’t The Nepal Army didn’t succeed in if they run a parallel government. Nothing of expedite stalled negotiations. z 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 3 LLL ETTERS

CIVIL SOCIETY obvious issue of settlement. should the fact that Sridhar is a Rana hold NIGERIANS IN NEPAL It is good news for Nepal that its civil Yes, there is paranoia of the Maoists any significance? Feudal hangover? There are valid points raised about society has woken up and started realising going back to the jungles after this Sam Sharma, email Nigerians visiting Nepal in your the responsibility of keeping government- monsoon but I agree that they have come translated item (From the Nepali Press, of-the-day in check. However, I agree with too far too fast to do that. But the paranoia GARBAGE IN ‘Nigerian Watch’, #308). Having lived your editorial (‘Super parliament’, #308) itself isn’t misplaced, in fact it drives much Your front page picture (‘Waste with Nigerian students while studying in that our civil society is becoming more of the policy making in Nepal today. The management’, #308) is proof of the Nepal the former USSR and having read about reactive than proactive. They have point here is that the Maoists have government’s lack of interest in public their involvement drug trafficking in become naysaying nabobs of negativisim. manoeuvred into a position where issues. It is shameful that a site of the pro- India, I think our authorities are already a For monarchy: no. For continuance of ironically, the agenda of peace has become democratic struggle has turned into a little late to the game. Our troubled parliament: no. For continuity of the a Maoist agenda. So, the paranoia is garbage disposal centre. There is organic country does not need more problems. present Koirala government: no. And it justified in the sense that it prevents the and inorganic rubbish. They should be So do we need to host them? It also goes on. When the government tries to get seizure of concession from the Maoists that separated at home, so the organic waste seems ridiculous that Nepali football civil society involved in helping with the under conditions of parity would be rational. is composted and used in the garden clubs are hiring Nigerian players for the peace process by asking it to join the But given the present circumstances, the instead of ending up on the city streets. domestic league. As someone said, this peace-monitoring mission they refuse. And suggestion of such concessions jeopardise Recycling the inorganic also creates new does the sport in our country no favours. what about trying to impose a particular the peace process and bring forth jobs. Garbage scavengers should be The Home Ministry, Immigration doctrine by holding sit-ins for a republic allegations of allegiance to the crown. Yes, organised to pick up trash house-to- Department, Ministry of Tourism, and and pretending to represent us, who have the unfortunate alternative is 40 Nepali Ministry of Foreign Affairs should all take reservations about such sensitive issues? deaths a week. Equally unfortunate is the action immediately. Civil society pioneers should shed their idea of 27 million Nepalis being held Nava Raj Karki, email prejudiced political line. hostage, psychologically, by Pradeepta Sharma, Mumbai the Maoists refusing to disarm. What is FROM BAD TO VERSE really misplaced is the hope the political You editorial, ‘Super parliament’ Really enjoyed your editorial (‘Super leadership can navigate the Maoist gauntlet (#309), mentioned Grey Shirts, which parliament’, #308), which was well by exposing contradictions in the Maoist led me to pen this little diatribe: thought-out and balanced, and allows a position while simultaneously driving the proportional ‘give’ to all sides. The peace process towards what is acceptable SHADES OF GRAY distinction between civil society and to all Nepalis and the international Prologue: political activists is key. What makes civil community. Blown by the southerly winds society so potent is its ability to influence Name withheld, email dark grey policy-making without participating in the clouds hover over the Himalaya legal process itself. Civil society is RANA RINPOCHE with thunderous lightning crucial in upholding the system of checks Being a Rana myself, I’m at loath to and and balances, especially in a country like encounter bigoted behaviour among Ranas. torrential rain ours. But, as your editorial correctly They strongly cling to the vestiges of their house instead of picking it from public ready to wash away the precious soil. pointed out, if civil society endorses the autocratic past, and still harbour ambitions dumping sites. Fine those who throw Act I: Maoist line exclusively at the detriment of of returning to some sort of a system household rubbish in the street. The easy Grey is the colour of choice all other views and actively promotes a where they can retain their hold. Many of way to a cleaner city is with good for the masses role for itself as a practicing member of the these families are very rich. They have lot management and an aware citizenry. Grey is hip governing polity, then it loses its utility as to lose. That’s why we need a clean break The Green Team,Bhaktapur from the colour of hair to dresses an impartial observer. Worse, if the usual from the past. Grey is custom-tailored to differentiate suspects from our self-declared civil The abolishment of the monarchy is the WHICH NEPAL, WHEN? between a short-sleeved shirt society are to participate in any interim only way we can achieve this. The caste Nepal existed a long time before Prithbi and government, the result will amount to a system in our society is bad enough, the Narayan Shah, contrary to what Bharat a full-sleeved tuck-in shirt biased advantage for the Maoist position. class these families bring, makes Nepali Basnet thinks (‘Prithbi Narayan’s in a classless system. Your assertion that the society look completely feudal. But let’s not message’, #308). It was centred in Act II: Maoists are afraid of laying down lump all Ranas and Shahs together. Many Kathmandu, and had a government, a legal Grey is the badal arms because they are unsure of their are involved in grass root activities, system, currency, foreign relations, and so are the whiskers standing in the population (minus the supporting and working for the poor. Many defined boundaries. That, however, may Grey strokes in the hair threat of force) is plausible. So is your Ranas are poor themselves. ‘A Rana not have been the case with the other faded by memories of a bygone era view of the heightened probability of a split becomes Rinpoche’ (#308) is an example of rajyas that were merged into present-day Sita Ram in the Maoist ranks should the issue of a non-stereotype Rana. For a Rana to break Nepal. Sita Ram disarmament not suit the inclinations of completely from the strong Hindu past, to Bhai Kaji, Kathmandu Babu Ram certain factions within the become a Rinpoche and preach its Babu Ram Maoists. However, the question from the message of peace and happiness, requires INTELLECTUAL POWER Ram Ram very beginning of this process has been strong conviction. We must admire the Kunda Dixit writes ‘even if the right Hare Hare whether the state is working to bring the man’s determination and dedication to do decision is taken today, we’ll still have Act III Maoists into the fold or if the idea is to what he thought was the correct path. He is eight hours of winter power cuts daily till Hot red fire bring whoever is willing from the Maoists, an example for the rest of us. at least 2013’ (‘The country’s future is eventually becomes into the mainstream? S Rana, London dark’, #308). But his concern raises kharani If it’s the latter, I’m sorry, but it does another major issue: it will take longer that is swept away in the Bagmati. not make sense to appease Pushpa, Sridhar SJB Rana chose the path than the energy crisis to create Epilogue: Baburam and their cohorts now, just to destined for him. Good for him. But I was a intellectual power in Nepal, even if we Black and White have 40 deaths a week and a partially little intrigued by your title to the piece: ‘A make sound policies. Smart Nepalis are makes failed peace process, later. The thought of Rana becomes Rinpoche’. As if the heading West or are there already, and grey. exonerating the political leadership and surname was something to be highlighted. those who remain are frustrated. The We are, but, condemning the Maoist fighting force has A question to the editors: Rana is just country’s future is indeed dark, in every brown. repercussions along ethnic, caste and another Nepali surname like Sharma, sense. SN Singh, email class lines that reach far beyond the Chamar, Sherpa, Gurung, Yadab. So why Prakash Pangeni, email 4 NATION 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309

Choppers, too Irregularities in the MA-60 order have also spotlighted the army’s recent order for two MI- 17 helicopters from Russia’s Kazan Helicopter Plant through a local agent for a total of Not plane dealing $8million. In March the royal regime wanted to get a loan from a consortium of Nepali banks to buy SUMAN PRADHAN four MI-17s, but when the banks backed out it decided to buy only two and pay for it from the controversial Chinese aircraft deal state coffers. If it cancels the order, the originally pushed by the Nepal government will lose Rs 200 million it has paid Army and the palace is stuck in for the letter of credit. A Unlike the MA-60 it could be argued that cabinet, as the new government comes the helicopters are proven in Nepal’s terrain and under pressure from Beijing not to cancel are genuinely required. But there are questions the order. about safety. Of the six MI-17s and MI-8s that If the deal goes ahead, several sources the army has bought or got as grant, only one say, Nepali taxpayers will end up paying is still airworthy. One blew up during the raid on Malangwa in February, three have crashed and $8 million more than the cost price for one is grounded. aircraft that are unsuitable and Sources say that the procedures of these unnecessary. The extra money will most military purchases are opaque and involve likely line the pockets of top palace and kickbacks and padding not just in the purchase army officials, they add. but also on spare parts. Streamlining hardware procurement and making the army accountable A cabinet decision approving the to taxpayers should be part of the reforms purchase of two Chinese MA-60 turboprops contemplated for the Nepal Army. was slated for Monday, but deferred “Buying the helicopters is the easy part indefinitely. A government source told us An over-invoiced army order for provided we have the money,” says one military the cabinet will take a decision on the source, “but what is the helicopter going to cost in whole life-cycle terms? These are very matter “after all the relevant information aircraft we do not need expensive toys.” comes in”. The deal is now seen as a measure of the capacity of the seven-party government The plane has no type and airworthiness Uprety signed a memorandum for the cut the losses instead of buying to stand up to pressure not just from the certification from the US Federal Aviation purchase and the government sent an unsuitable equipment and throw good Chinese but also from powerful figures Agency and Europe’s Joint Aviation advance of $5 million to the China National money after bad. from the royal past. Authorities, which means no one will Aero-Technology Import and Export The planes have a list price of about The controversy is in part about insure them. Company. $8.5 million, but Nepal will pay $12 whether the craft, developed from the The deal was pushed by powerful royal After regime change in April, the new million each. So to save the advance, the Soviet-era AN24 is suitable for Nepal’s adviser Sharad Chandra Shah who, along government wanted to scrap the deal. But government will end up paying close to $8 flying conditions. But the spotlight now is with relatives and associates, is also the Shah flew to Shanghai in June and got the million in ‘padding’ money. “This was a on how the deal was arranged and through local agent for the aircraft. The deal was Chinese authorities to pressure the deal pushed by the royal government and whom. The MA-60 is manufactured by pursued by the Chief of Army Staff Pyar government to stick to the contract or forfeit the army,” one source told us, “the Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation and Jung Thapa when he flew to Beijing via the $5 million advance. Sources told us intention was not only to line their can carry up to 60 people, but it has been Lhasa in October 2005. Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has pockets but also to accumulate funds to shunned by China’s own domestic airlines. Later, Defence Secretary Bishnu Dutta lately sided with the army chief to okay the suppress the people’s movement.” The Chinese sold two to Zimbabwe last Uprety led a government team including deal on grounds that cancellation would The irony is that the army now says it year for $8 million a piece and gave away pilots from the army’s air wing (Number 11 cost money. Mahat told us, “This was a doesn’t want the planes. So the aircraft are one free. One made an emergency landing at Brigade) to evaluate the plane. liability entered into by the previous being panned off to state-run Nepal Victoria Falls injuring passengers, another Despite misgivings from army engineers government. It is a government-to- Airlines. But officials at the airline don’t is grounded and a third caught fire while and pilots and irregularities in procedure government contract. Cancelling it will want the gas-guzzling MA-60s either attempting takeoff in Harare last month. because there was no competitive bidding, affect bilateral ties.” Others say it’s better to because they would be too costly to run. z Visit Nepal, again and again

MALLIKA ARYAL The new campaign moves When tourism officials here away from obvious expressions agreed that Nepal needed to be A cavorting Rhino Dai is Nepal’s of Nepal’s uniqueness, which is re-branded, they found that while epal Tourism Board’s long-overdue. “Nepal is about some of the creatives could be new brand ambassador paper trail looks different our mountains, culture and produced here, an outside mind Nthese days. Gone are heritage, but it is also about our was needed to better understand the pictures of Everest, the hospitality, festivals, extreme the pulls and patterns of Kumari, and the Buddha under adventure, air sports, international tourism. So NTB the tree. New publicity materials meditation and much more,” conducted a global tender in for the ‘Naturally Nepal’ says Nandini Lahe-Thapa, October 2005, and picked the campaign carry cartoonist Abin Director of Tourism Marketing New Delhi-based Alchemy Shrestha’s illustrations of ‘Rhino and Promotion at NTB. Dance Social Infrastructure, in large dai’ hurrying across Basantapur bars are now being promoted as part due to budget realities. laden with shopping bags, part of a suggested Stag Alchemy has previously partying in Kathmandu, bungee Weekend in Kathmandu. worked on promotional jumping over the Bhote Koshi, After launching the brand in campaigns for the Soaltee and meditating at a retreat. Kathmandu in March this year, Group in Kathmandu, India’s Faced with steadily declining and at the ITB in Berlin in PVR cinemas, and with an arrivals, the tourism body is March 2006, NTB has moved Amsterdam-based PR agency, looking to reposition Nepal’s onto Delhi with a series of low Y&R. Its local partner, Business image in the international (and cost marketing initiatives, such Advantage, is meant to be especially Indian) market, and as guerrilla poster campaigns ‘creative reputation manager’ for compete with other travel in Gurgaon and South Delhi, a the Indian market, working with destinations in Asia. Since print campaign in leading NTB from December last year March 2006, the dreary ‘Visit dailies, search engine through February, to develop an Nepal’ campaign has been optimisation for the web, and art-based look for the campaign, replaced with ‘Naturally Nepal— promotions in cafés and movie and carry out research, planning Once is not Enough’, which has theatres. and consultation with private the ambitious aim of attracting a Spurred on by the political and government agencies in total of 10 million tourists by changes in April, tourist arrivals Nepal, India and other major 2010 and making Nepal a top ten from India have increased by tourist generating markets. global destination. Last year’s almost 24 percent in June “Unlike earlier campaigns, this arrival figure was 375,000. compared with last year’s brand was not based on mere Says Aditya Baral, NTB’s figures. “Although we cannot intuition,” Baral says. Public Relations Director, “India take all the credit for the “The campaign’s tagline makes up for almost 35 percent increase in arrivals, we are ‘Once is not enough’ should of total tourist arrival. But that encouraged to see that more serve as a mantra for the Nepali does not mean we will not take people feel it is safe to come to tourism industry to focus on our campaign to a global level.” Nepal,” says Thapa. customer retention rather than ECONOMY 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 5

Some win, some lose ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Hospitality industry trade unions had a busy week, forcing two Indian staff to Kolkata Kathmandu leave the Casino Everest at The Everest Hotel and the country, and compromising to re-open the Yak &Yeti Hotel. Officials at the Casino Everest said Indian nationals Rajesh Kataria and Many similarities and many lessons Kishore Sagar fled Nepal early this week after receiving explicit threats from local Maoist-aligned trade union members. “They were quite radical in their t could be Kathmandu. On a threats,” said TR Bhatta, general manager of The Everest Hotel. Bhatta added recent trip to Kolkata, it took that senior Maoist leadership, when asked to help, was responsive and said they me two hours to get from the deplored such behaviour. Ramesh Pant, chairman of the All Nepal Hotel and I airport to the city because a mob Restaurant Workers’ Association, issued a statement denying his cadres involvement. “It is not our policy to threaten anyone,” he stressed. Sources say had gathered along the way to pelt union members have long-pressurised tourism industry entrepreneurs to hire only stones at a police station. Once in Nepali staff. the city, you have to deal with a The incident comes during a severe struggle for supremacy between the ECONOMIC SENSE Maoist trade union and the Artha Beed trade union aligned with CPN-

UML. The Maoists are using MIN BAJRACHARYA the ceasefire and peace to centre that is paralysed everyday expand and strengthen their for two to four hours due to to work at home under relatively still trying to counter the damage organisation. Meanwhile, after eight months of closure, Yak & Yeti Hotel has resumed rallies and processions. There are fair terms, ended up working down by the mistakes of the West operations. A settlement was finally negotiated between management and two cabs confidently propped below abroad in jobs with absolutely no Bengal Left Front in that period. trade unions, the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions and the All no parking signs, squealing horns, guarantees. Power cuts paralysed Here’s what Nepal can learn Nepal Trade Union Federation (Revolutionary). The Yak & Yeti employs 400 and pedestrians insinuated into the city and the urban from Kolkata: Politics is not about people and has been shut since 24 December 2005, following a stalemate in a every possible space. Kathmandu, infrastructure was crumbling. disruption, but about lending a labour dispute about a number of issues including annual raises. Twenty-one rooms were booked right after the re-opening was announced, said Shiva Ram which is now one large staging Political leaders brought the city hand to create stability. Labour can Thapa, corporate president at the hotel. (Pic: Yak & Yeti Hotel welcomes post for loktantrik assertions, is to a standstill with regular shows get only what enterprise can its first guest after re-opening on Tuesday.) never far from one’s mind. of strength on the Esplanade and afford. Businesses are not created But dig deeper, and you realise student leaders shut down as tools for social welfare; they are NTB in India that most apt comparison is schools and colleges, and created to earn profits. If they can’t

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ through the lessons of time. Now occasionally set off bombs in do business here, they will move Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal’s Consulate General organised a meet for Kolkata is a near-constant College Street. Students had to elsewhere. Education is not about press and tour operators in Kolkata last week to talk about tourism possibilities presence on the corporate radar, as make ‘voluntary’ donations and the easiest way to get a degree with after the April movement. Acting Director of NTB Aditya Baral also talked about branding Nepal and special packages on offer for Indian tourists. the Beed’s favourite Buddhadeb businesses paid a parallel tax. the least effort, but about earning Bhattacharya manages to package With this violence and mayhem, competencies to take on a everything under the sun in Kolkata slipped in national as globalising world. Disrupting

All accounted for communist gift-wrapping. But in well as international rankings. traffic and blocking roads is as ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal commended Laxmi Bank and the 25 years from 1977 that West The work culture rings effective—and immature a show of Ace Finance for Best Presented Accounts. This is the second year that Laxmi Bengal spent under the Left Front, familiar too. A job, in the public strength or displeasure as a child Bank has won the award, and Ace Finance is the first financial institution to mistakes were made that we in or private sector becomes a way to who cries and thrashes about on receive it. Criteria include how informative a company’s annual reports are, its Nepal can learn a lot from, as our subsidise one’s lifestyle, rather the ground the get a new toy. annual general body meetings, and adherence to good governance values. society from right of centre to left. than a way to increase There is hope. Kolkata’s NEW PRODUCTS Industries moved away from productivity. The successive working towards infrastructure NISSAN TIIDA - Dugar Brothers & Sons, authorised distributors of Nissan Kolkata and people started demands made by our own trade building and attracting a younger, vehicles and spare parts have introduced the Nissan Tiida. The car, which migrating to other parts of India unions resemble the extractive more dynamic and driven work comes in sedan and hatchback models, has a new generation 1.8 l, four-cylinder and the world. Unionised labour pseudo-militant mentality of force. What we need is a change lightweight aluminium design engine, large interior space, and plasma cluster ion rights activists made industrial yesteryear Kolkata. Businesses of mindset to become a society air conditioner. The Rs 2.7-2.8 million Tiida is promoted as being fuel efficient, growth impossible. The ironic with 13km/l mileage under test conditions. didn’t argue—they shut down or that believes that we can do and result was that some who refused relocated. Kolkata and the state are will do. z TM customer acquisition,” says Re-inventing Nepal Arun Anand, brand consultant at Alchemy. Nepal has traditionally had up to 40 percent repeat PRANAV BUDHATHOKI in LONDON Nepal has a spring in its step. When we got our parliament back, visitors, so it’s debatable there should have been a pop concert, a national food festival and a moonlight party in Tundikhel to celebrate our achievement. These whether this is a horse that hink of Croatia. To the extent that people around the world should have been replicated at embassies abroad. There was so much needs more flogging. And repeat thought of it at all (aside from the World Cup) they related the former Yugoslav province with the Balkan conflict. Croatia goodwill to redeem for debt relief, the peace dividend or setting up the visitors might notice that some T UN Peace Centre in Nepal. worked so aggressively to reinvent its image in the aftermath of of the images in the brochure are conflict that Brand Croatia is today seen as a country with pristine We are still fretting over trickling in of budget backpackers this not from Nepal (a Buddha set beaches, quaint towns, and Europe’s darling destination for FDI. autumn. Nepal Tourism Board’s vague slogan ‘Naturally Nepal’ should against Chinese characters), Most other country-brands, including ours are still in a mess. India be discarded and a new, targeted campaign should be launched to and others are plain wrong, such is still heat and dust and snake charmers. Bangladesh is floods and attract double-income kid-less families and double-income pensioners as an inverted image of ship graveyards. Sri Lanka is Tiger territory and Pakistan is Taliban. from Europe and elsewhere who are awash with money. Everest). Nepal has neither a positive nor a negative And why are we aiming at lecherous Indian But if any publicity is good image. It has no image. It used to be hippies- men? Why not target women with catchy publicity even if it is Nepal trekking-Mt Everest. But then it became royal Our exceptionality campaigns to ‘Dump Husbands, Indulge in appearing on the nightly news massacre and conflict. The two cancelled each Nepal’ for spa weekends? for the wrong reasons then other out and we are back to neutral. But this is is scattered Nepal’s embassies abroad should be at the Nepal is off to a flying start. the time we should be moving to cash in on an forefront of any strategic branding offensive. Tourism veteran Yogendra international reputation for people power and everywhere and Unfortunately, the post-democracy purge has Shakya, chairman of Club non-violently overthrowing dictatorship. left them all amabassdorless and staffed mostly Himalaya, says: “While it is After years of its begging-bowl foreign nowhere by unmotivated and unproductive apparatchiks. good to attract tourists by policy, Nepal is well and reflexively branded to We need the world’s best-trained entrepreneurs promising weekend retreats, it is receive aid but poorly branded for anything to sell and promote brand Nepal. also very important to make sure else: as a tourism destination, trade and investment destination, gap- The first people you meet on entering a country often mould your that we deliver quality products.” year destination, or destination of any sort. Nepal needs a new brand to impressions. In Nepal, these people are scruffy and rude officials and taxi drivers on antique cars trying to rip you off every step of the way. NTB can plaster South Delhi stand out and distinguish us from others. Or is that part of the welcome ceremony? with posters, but if the campaign Some perceptions about Nepal are previously so ingrained and authoritative that they do not need to be pushed. So we should stop If we want to cast off our government’s dreary image, remake the continues to have minimal local nattering about mountains for a while because the world knows “they’re political parties so they operate like enterprises. Our exceptionality is participation, no amount of cute there”. Re-inventing brand Nepal does not involve recycling identity scattered everywhere and nowhere distinctly. We need to pull these cartoons will help. Says from what has gone before or doing away with our heritage and all together under a unifying theme and a heavily promoted brand. Shakya, “The challenge is to get tradition. Government should be at the frontline in any efforts to re-invent our everyone singing the same Peru, our Maoist-in-arms sister nation and war-ravaged just like us identity and project them well. Corporate houses, academic song. NTB can’t work alone in launched a concerted effort after the conflict to fine-tune its image. Its institutions, media, and local communities can tag along under a this, it should plan to make Machu Picchu and Inca trail today are swarming with corporate pooled initiative. every travel agent, every hotel multinational staff on expensive confidence-boosting treks that foster The only alternative, doing nothing, would lead to people owner, travel entrepreneur and teamwork. European charities sell Peru’s organised treks too. Hey, around the world continuing to stereotype the country and pigeonhole every Nepali its brand didn’t we invent trekking? us all. z ambassador.” z 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309

Knowing Koirala him down. He remains patient, ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ confident, and hopeful, no matter Nepal, 6 August how difficult the political situation. Koirala is also praised King wants to talk Girija Koirala has always been for his simplicity, cheerfulness, known as someone who makes friendliness and generosity. He decisions in haste and regrets didn’t change even when his them later. Whether as a prime health worsened, which earned to Prachanda minister, party president or him more friends. political worker, Koirala has Koirala’s lifestyle has never always made controversial changed much. Since he gave up Jana Aastha, meeting the Maoist decisions, and many of his his favourite western-style suits 2 August chairman after the political moves have been and ties, he has always worn a UML, the NC and the outrageous. Manohari Baral, a NC (D) cut off his white homespun kurtha pyjama There is close friend of Koirala who information to privileges and with a coat. He still uses his struggled with him through the suggest that the authority and began favourite fragrances, Evening in king has offered in earnest to treat Rana and Panchayat regimes, Paris and Kanta. Koirala is non- to talk with him as just a says that the Koirala family vegetarian, he relishes mutton Prachanda. ceremonial monarch. doesn’t know who really looks and chicken, and is also fond of Sources close to His current efforts out for them. Loyal supporters eating vegetables from his own the palace and are seriously were kicked out of the Koirala kitchen garden. He enjoys tea and Maoists say that puzzling party house, while selfish and drinks six-seven glasses a day, the king has been leaders. Their best- disreputable people came as they and takes a glass of milk every using various case scenario is that wished. morning. Koirala used to smoke channels to try to the king wants the Close family friend Bhimraj Maoists to agree to the parties’ proposal of a meet Prachanda this week. But it’s certain that Naulakha says that when Koirala Prachanda shows no signs of agreeing to this, no ceremonial monarch. Or, he could be trying to became prime minister in 1991, matter how cold the Maoists’ relationship with the widen the gap between the parties and the seven parties may be turning. Meanwhile, Maoists. he was surrounded by small although Prachanda wanted to meet Girija Prasad It appears that during the second round of group of cunning politicians Koirala, the NC leader’s advisers kept staving talks in 2003 (which failed), the Maoist leaders who encouraged him to make him off with excuses of no time. had proposed meeting the king to know his stand decisions that made him very These are the circumstances around the on the constituent assembly. The king showed no unpopular. He was literally king’s interest in political talks with Prachanda, interest then. Ironically, now that he has no power, trapped. “Koirala was never able and royalists have been using various channels he wants to talk to them. Koirala, on the other to form a good team and failed to trying to make this meeting happen. According to hand, has been distancing himself from the Maoist advance his party and lead the sources, they have approached Prachanda leaders and even outright ignoring them. When he country well,” says Naulakha. wasn’t in government, Koirala would go running to asking why he is not willing to meet the king if he The reason he has backing in wants to run the government with the support of New Delhi. For the Maoists, Koirala and the king the party is because he fights thousands of supporters from the villages to the behave in the same manner when they are in central level. “We have not sent any response power, and they take Koirala’s refusal to meet hard for his party and the as we are still in favour of sustaining our Prachanda seriously. People are slowly believing movement, and he can impress relationship with the seven parties,” said one that the UML and the NC, which had promised anyone. For example, it’s senior Maoist leader. successful talks with the Maoists, have failed to difficult to keep up with Sources say that king became interested in make the peace process decisive. Koirala. Not even his deteriorating health has slowed MIN BAJRACHARYA FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 7 60-70 cigarettes a day, especially a constituent assembly to after the death of his beloved wife announce a republic through the Sushma, but has recently quit on interim parliament. This is “This movement will not the advice of his doctor. He still disingenuous coming from a drinks a couple of pegs of whisky. man who earlier had promised to end until we have a Koirala is quite passionate abide by the constituent about photography – in the early assembly verdict even if it was democratic republic.” days he made a special trip to in favour of monarchy. Why is Calcutta to buy equipment, and Prachanda emulating the king to mostly photographed his wife. He wrest away the people’s choice? has an interesting quirk that still Making such a statement when endures – he makes sure that the Maoists haven’t yet laid anyone who takes his picture down their weapons smacks of sends him a copy. ‘terrorist’ tactics and not open politics. The future of the Envoy selection monarchy is something that the

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ people have to decide through Chalphal, 30 July free and fair ballot, not through threats. Prachanda should also During the royal regime, Nepal’s remember that even if Koirala or diplomacy sector became a Sitaula give in to all his recruitment centre for royalists demands and hand power over to KIRAN PANDAY and sycophants. With all the the Maoists it won’t have any political changes in Nepal, the manage the garbage in an meaning. Only the people can diplomatic community is also environment-friendly manner, make such decisions, and in a trying to redeem itself by has not made any progress in free election. becoming more inclusive and the area. In all this there is a section loktantrik. Although 12 serving Local resident Basudev of civil society and KIRAN PANDAY ambassadors were recalled by the Ghimire complained that the parliamentary left leaders who Interview with civil society activist Dr Debendra Pandey new government, it still hasn’t committee has never reported seem more responsive to what Himal Khabarpatrika, 1-16 August been able to send new envoys to how the money was spent last the Maoists want than what the replace them. A highly placed year and under what headings. country needs. If civil society is It looks like the size of the movement has reduced after some source in the government tells us “We were assured that one now on the streets as a pressure partners reached government posts? that the government has been person from each house would group for the Maoists, then we One need not worry about the size of the movement. This is not a doing its homework for the be given employment, but can conclude that civil society competition for power but a struggle driven by ideology and beliefs. selection process. Deputy Prime nothing has happened,” he said. no longer exists. Civil society There might be fewer people involved, but the main issue is to free ourselves from the slavery of monarchy. That some people leave the Minister KP Sharma Oli and Residents have started can’t be used by anyone as a twin movement to help the state does not diminish the impact of the Prime Minster Koirala are in the investigating how the money brother of any one party. movement. The sit-in on 26 July proves this. process of finalising standards for was spent, and have refused to True, there are doubts about new nominations. Apparently, allow garbage trucks from the constituent assembly Why are you still on the road when others have left? the House of Representatives will Kathmandu in since Saturday, elections. But these doubts can This is a journey and we have not felt abandoned. We have been hold special hearings for arguing that while the dumping be tackled by talking to the spurred on by the concerns of thousands of civilians who fear that the important diplomatic positions. has gone on, they have not government and the Maoists. movement might become diffuse and that regressive forces could The CPN (UML) has been pushing received any of the benefits the Instead of taking responsibility profit from that. nominees who could improve site is obliged to tender them. for patching up and finding a Nepal’s image abroad, and they Among the various agreements solution, civil society is taking But party workers have left the movement? believe civil society should be not honoured is the promise to to streets to widen the gap Members from all parties participated in the sit-in. People who know them know that they did. I did not feel good about Maoist student represented. The party has build a 40-bed hospital in the between the Maoists and the organisation cadres coming with flags and shouting party slogans. recommended Nilambar Acharya area and provide free medical government. Our appeal to all is not to carry party flags and banners in civil [for a top ambassadorial post], services to the residents. On The government, Maoists, society movements. and says it will obtain India’s average 300 tons of Kathmandu’s parliament and civil society support if necessary. The UML garbage is dumped in Sisdol should be showing What is the aim of the citizens’ movement? has also recommended party Landfill everyday. responsibility and playing a What I understood from last year was that there were many who were central committee and foreign Residents say that reporting creative role to solve problems. satisfied with King Gyanendra leaving power, restoring democracy department member Radha the breach of agreement to the After a point, ‘agitation’ becomes and parliament. That is their right. But the people’s movement is for a Gyawali. The party believes that concerned departments and the not just counterproductive but democratic republic. Until that is achieved the movement will go on. Gyawali’s background in political Local Development Ministry also gives birth to anarchy. science and diplomacy will be an several times has had no impact. asset to Nepal’s diplomatic community and that she [CHK] Uncivil society should be in an important foreign ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ministry position. Milan Yubaraj Ghimire in Samaya, Tuladhar is the choice for China’ 4 August forwarded by the UML and political experts. Former student At a time when the Maoists and leader Tanka Karki is also on the the government can’t agree on list, and UML central advisory the fate of parliament, other committee chairperson Kamal disagreements have surfaced. Koirala has been recommended They may look serious, but for SAARC country. Others on the they’re not natural, and if there list include human rights activist is a commitment to negotiate, a Arjun Karki, Sushil Pyakurel, solution can be found. However, Murari Sharma, Ganesh Yonjon there are elements posing as and Professor Surya Subedi. The allies trying to provoke both NC has recommended former vice sides. chancellor Nabin Prakash Jung It may not be a bad idea to Shah and Suprabha Ghimire, keep parliament so there is no while the NC (D) has political vacuum and so it can recommended Lok Raj Baral, Sagar help the peace process. However, Samsher and Balbahadur Kunwar. if parliament becomes a den of murky conspiracies it may actually end up being Don’t worry dear, I’m in the hospital now but I managed to Garbage politics get the prepaid card

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ destructive. Why was the

Rajdhani, 3 August Speaker in such a hurry to Robin Sayami inHimal Khabarptrika, 1-16 August instruct the government to sign Millions of rupees allocated one- the Rome Statute? Why was it QUOTE OF THE WEEK “ and-half years ago to manage the done without consultations, Sisdol Landfill Dumping Site in and on behalf of which You call it abduction, we see it as educational tours. Okharpauwa, Nuwakot, where organisation or group was the Kathmandu’s garbage goes are move made? “ being misused. Residents There is a similar danger Lekhnath Neupane, President of All Nepal National Free Students Union complain that the from the Maoist side. Prachanda (Revolutionary) explaining why the Maoists took students out from school across coordination committee, which now wants a parliament that has the country. Nepal Television, 30 July. last year spent Rs 3.5 million to already agreed on an election for SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 8 CULTURE New

CARLEY PETESCH the Kathmandu University-based Newari Music and Dance Centre in Bhaktapur. “Now people have elow the stoic, different occupations than when I humbling mountains was young, so they don’t have that ring Kathmandu time to think about this older B Valley, the chaos of culture.” life and the lively people who Most traditional dance and create it have a palpable rhythm. music schools agree that teaching In the tradition and culture here Newari Dance in order to preserve is movement. As a dancer from the culture is extremely America recently arrived in important. The dance movement Nepal, I wanted to explore the tells stories of the deities and movement of Nepal, magnify it reflects various religious and and understand more about the philosophical aspects of Newari country’s traditional dances in culture. These schools often carry order to learn more about the on traditional Newari music pace of life here. classes, but in the months Of the numerous dances between festivals, dance classes attributed to various cultural are scarce. “Students are studying groups and social movements, hard,” Hyaumikha explained, “the my main interest was the Newari classes will start up again next Dance, in part because I’m based term.” in Kathmandu and it makes sense to explore the culture with its deepest roots here. All I knew to start with was that Newari dance was festive, and included traditional costumes and masks. But when I started exploring, I came up against a curious challenge: finding places to learn the Newari Dance and see it being performed is more difficult than you think. Despite Kathmandu and Bhaktapur’s abundant Newari population, the ritualistic and celebratory dances are sadly not often taught in dance studios, and the dance is mostly performed in a few tourist venues or at festivals. “People don’t have time anymore to pass on such traditions, ” said Raju

Hyaumikha, 38, the director of PICS: CARLEY PETESCH 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 9 wari Dance

Similarly, The Sadhana Kala some traditional Newari Dance. Kendra dance school does not They clothed themselves in black presently give Newari Dance and red patterned costumes classes unless a solo class is complete with the traditional specifically requested. “The accessories: a red flower, macasi centre was founded to preserve earrings, thick hollowed-silver Nepali Dance and music. Nepali ankle bracelets and a gold people play instruments poorly, headpiece. They were delighted so we are here to form stronger to practice this dance for me and musicians,” the school’s I was happy to have my first director Tikendra Rai explained. glimpse at Newari Dance culture. As far as dance goes, though, the Their version was a duet, nimble school teaches what is in and celebratory as they danced in demand from its students. Rai circles around each other. said that classical and Nepali Aside from a private showing folk dances are more commercial in a dance school, or attendance dances that are taught year at a festival, it seems to me the round. He claimed that the most only venues for truly exposing popular classes at his school are oneself regularly to ritual Newari Hindi and modern dances. dance are hotels and restaurants “Nepali people demand these around Kathmandu. There, dances,” Rai said. “Newari dance several dance groups perform is not in high demand unless traditional dance during meals or there is a festival.” as a separate showing. Last Suresh Nepali, 36, has been a Tuesday I attended a traditional dance student for 18 years and performance in a beautifully performs various dances with decorated and peaceful studio on his wife from time to time. “I the top of Hotel Vajra. One of the started with modern dance, most respectable and well- moved to Nepali folk and then I known dance groups performs learned Newari,” Nepali said. there— Kala-Mandapa, The “Now, people want variety,” he Institute of Nepali Performing explained. Newari Dance Arts. This group directed by embodies only one culture and Rajendra Shrestha is one of the dance students want to branch cultural centres in Kathmandu out. “Newari Dance,” he said, “is devoted to propagating the rich also the most difficult to learn. traditions of Newari culture’s There is a specific language, and performing arts. when studying Newari Dance, Shrestha has made Newari one must also study the music.” dance accessible outside of its Nepali, once a private teacher of traditional festival setting. He Newari and Nepali folk dances, has taken the religious, also believes that he and others ritualistic and philosophical simply don’t have enough time aspects of the dance and woven to dedicate to this art. them into a performing arts form It is saddening that in a that is shown weekly. Kala- country so reliant on its Mandapa’s repertoire includes traditions, that one rich ritual operatic dance drama, tradition is scarcely found. If ritual dances of gods and festive the most popular dances taught rhythmic dances, as well as originate from another country, comical and satirical social how is Nepali dance preserved? dramas. Back at Sadhana Kala The Newari Dance I saw here Kendra, the dance teachers was vastly different from that at generously agreed to show me the Sadhana Kala Kendra. The costumes were made of rich, brightly coloured fabrics and the The Sadhana Kala Kendra Dance School dancers wore thick make-up, Tikendra Rai, Director intricate crowns and ornate Kamaladi Chowk, Kathmandu jewellery. The movement was Phone: 01. 441.6566 low to the ground and deeply [email protected] [email protected] centred with dancer’s limbs that expanded, hands that stretched Raju Hyaumikha, 38, far back with fingers that were Director, Dance School Kathmandu strong. This dance was not like University Bhaktapur western dance, where nowadays, [email protected] anything goes, and tradition is Rajendra Shrestha not very influential. This dance Founder, Choreographer, Dancer- told a story, had a philosophy, Kala-Mandapa and every gesture, stance and Institute of Nepalese Performing Arts glance had meaning. This was Mobile phone: 9841337147 Other phone: 5555455 the Newari Dance I had been Hotel Vajra searching for, one that mirrored Phone:4271545 the deep religious and cultural aspects of Nepal. Suresh Nepali “Through dance and music, Dancer, works at American Embassy Phone: 9841388122 we learn the real knowledge of Work phone: 4721101 ext 207 our being,” Shrestha said. One [email protected] hopes for a realisation in Nepal of the richness of the country’s Kala Sandesh Kendra movement traditions. And I Bagbazar, kathmandu Phone: 01.422.5438 hope that Newari Dance, a vital office: 422.4808 and once-vibrant part of Newari [email protected] culture, is further supported and taught. z 10 REVIEW 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 From guns to grown-up jobs

MARTY LOGAN supported by Save the Children against labouring children was Alliance and based on research extreme, and was noted by many Women and children are conducted by the Centre for children,’ says the report. en years of conflict have Research on Environment, Health Researchers interviewed 413 vulnerable to the effects of dumped loads of distress and Population Activities internally displaced children conflict, but are more resilient T and destruction onto this (CREHPA). (267 boys and 146 girls) ages country but also revealed some “Maoists would visit houses 10-17 in Kathmandu, Pokhara than expected positive findings about Nepali three times. They would threaten and Biratnagar. Of the 141 in the society. One is that, deprived of the parents-give us Rs 50,000 or capital, the largest number, 50, their men and forced to manage your child. After the second visit, worked in carpet factories. In their families’ affairs, women are the children migrated,” explained Pokhara, 40 out of 138 were far more resilient and resourceful Moni Shrestha and Laxmi domestics and in Biratnagar 41 than most people ever gave them Shrestha, field coordinators for of the 134 children interviewed credit for. Another is that even the research study from worked in restaurants. faced with imminent danger to CREHPA. “Parents are very alert. On average, girls worked 11 their most precious assets, their When they know the Maoists are hours a day and boys nine. children, parents plan carefully attacking a neighbouring village, Despite this, most described before they rush their offspring to they send their children to the their working situations as good safety. city,” the coordinators told us. or average. All-except for street The latter was one finding of a The study also contradicts the children-were eating regularly, recent field study about children assumption that families, in their almost all children had access to forced to flee the conflict in fear and desperation due to the medicine but not necessarily villages to work in Nepal’s towns conflict, are careless in placing health care and one-fifth of boys and cities. ‘Family their children in labour situations. and three-fifths of girls were and village networks supported But that does not make the work taking classes, either formally or the children well during migration. done by the children any less informally. Exploitative labour agents and exploitative. ‘The level of verbal One-half of girls and one- traffickers were not reported,’ and corporal punishment of quarter of boys were sending says Asylums of Exploitation, labouring children was much money to their families but many published by Nepal-based INGO higher than expected. As well, the children, particularly domestic Terre des Hommes Foundation amount of social discrimination workers and mechanics helpers were unpaid. Many of those children had been targeted by Maoists (rather than leaving for Recommendations indirect reasons like their school Central government should: relax school enrolment rules so IDP shutting down) and their parents children without documentation can study simply wanted to send them Municipalities should: provide basic health care services and access somewhere safe as fast as saying, ‘You are a servant! Get more effort into finding and to education possible, said Moni Shrestha. away from me’. My employer’s helping conflict displaced NGOs should: shift emphasis from drop-in centres and shelters to Some employers took wife teaches her children to talk children. mobile outreach advantage of that desperation, like this.” The study found no reason to Families employing children should: finance their education and said Laxmi Shrestha. One girl The study notes that children conclude that displaced children health care and link them with supporting organisations told researchers: “I have to get who have made contact with are treated worse overall than Employers should: receive training on supporting and protecting up at 3AM, otherwise they pour a NGOs are far more likely to other working kids but its findings working children, existing laws and child rights and make necessary pan of water on me. The seek help dealing with reinforce the need for society to changes to provide these employer’s children also exploitative workplaces but also work harder to end exploitative discriminate against me, criticises NGOs for not putting labour. z Life in a nondemocracy cemoglu and Robinson’s recent of revolution. The citizens, when they have the citizens do have something to gain, so a institutions must be sought. The Maoists book, Economic Origins of power in a democracy, are threatened by revolution can take place and the elites for instance have appealed to communism. A Dictatorship and Democracy is a the possibility that the elites will mount a will have to make credible concessions. One should be careful in making such major contribution to the understanding of coup. This explains why the Ranas, the arguments. As the Acemoglu-Robinson democratisation and the endurance of Faced with such threats, democratic Panchayat and recently King Gyanendra theory seems to imply, there are many democracy as a political institution. and nondemocratic regimes, if they are to conceded power. However, when inequality types of democracies. Amidst the structural transformations survive, must make concessions. They can is extremely high, then again In fact, there is a continuum of types: that are occurring in Nepali politics today, either offer to change policy, or to give up democratisation will not take place, from democracy that caters less to the it is a timely read for those interested in power. The problem with concessions because the rulers will find it less costly to citizens and more to the elites, gradually to gaining insights into the mechanisms that through policy is that they may not be repress a revolution than to make that which caters more to the citizens and credible. In the threat of a revolution concessions. less to the elites. There are many ways to today, the elite will try to promise reform, share power in democracy, and just BOOK but tomorrow, when the threat subsides, because one type of democracy is not Avidit Acharya they will find it in their best interest to Probing the successful does not mean that democracy, renege. In consideration of this, the in general, cannot work. z underlie political change. Although the revolutionaries, when they are strong, have economic origins book is a general theory of democratisation, no reason to accept promises of policy of dictatorship and the authors never mention Nepal concession. They will demand more. They (South Africa, Britain, Singapore and will demand that the political institutions and democracy Argentina are cited) it provides a be changed so that they can guarantee theoretical framework that can explain the themselves favourable policies in the history of Nepal’s elusive quest for a future as well. Democratisation is a way of In 1990, in order to prevent the consolidated democracy. making such guarantees. monarch from using further repression, the At the heart of the book is the Democratisation occurs when democrats of Jana Andolan I struck a distinction between ‘democracy’ and inequality is high so that the bargain with the king that although ‘nondemocracy’. In a nondemocracy, disenfranchised have incentives to contest policies would be decided by parliament, policies reflect the interest of the rich power. However, since income gets lost and the king could keep his crown and control ‘elites’, who are a minority, whereas in a assets get damaged when a revolution of the army. The deal led to the institution democracy, policies reflect the interests of occurs, it is possible that the gains from of constitutional monarchy that we have the majority of citizens, who are relatively revolution may not be as high as the costs had since then. Evidently, however, the poor. of it. When inequality is low, the citizens citizens felt that too much was conceded, Both democratic and nondemocratic do not have much to gain by revolting, so a and their patience finally wore out this Economic Origins of Dictatorship governments seek to implement their revolution will not be a threat. This is the past April. and Democracy preferred policies, but are constrained by case in Singapore, which is a relatively Not surprisingly, there is a belief Daron Acemoglu and external threats. The elites, when they are equal nondemocracy. among some critics that ‘democracy failed James Robinson in power, are threatened by the possibility At higher levels of inequality, however, in Nepal’ and that alternative political 2006, Cambridge University Press REVIEW 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 11

Nepal must defend its Asian Cricket Council title this month to Unfriendly fire qualify for the 2007 world cup Report tallies the destruction of a deadly decade Once and future ar is dirty business. Unconventional wars W are even more so— they devastate the landscape champions unrecognisably. People die in ways normally unimaginable. PRERANA MARASINI Fathers cremate their sons. In internal armed conflicts, friendly forces and enemies are fter practicing for a month at the Tribhuvan University identical in appearance. Every grounds, Nepal’s national cricket team is confident about facing Pakistan. The national team is leaving on 5 August tool has the potential of being A to play three practice matches in Pakistan before the upcoming used as a weapon. The harder a Asian Cricket Council Trophy 2006 in Malaysia from 13-27 August. state tries to win, the deeper it There is both pressure and great hope, as the under -19 squad won sinks in the quagmire of the Asia Cup last year, beating a strong Malaysian team. retribution and reprisal. In Karachi, Nepal will play against three different teams of ‘Collateral damage’ is higher Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy, and in Kuala Lumpur it will in internal armed conflicts, since play round-robin elimination matches against Kuwait, Hong Kong, the line between the militant Myanmar and Bhutan. Nepal has to top this group to enter the and the militia is so thin. The quarterfinals of the ACC Trophy. And then the nail biting begins. “If we come out as a winner in farmer in the paddy field may be NARESH NEWAR a militia in mufti. The youngster the ACC Trophy, we’ll secure a place for the ICC Cricket World Cup; if we are runners-up, we’ll qualify for the Asia Cup,” says in telltale boots in the bus may another problem with this bigger contracts and bigger Shakti Gauchan, vice captain of the national team. be a real soldier. Or not. publication: the choice of words, kickbacks. It’s a strong squad, though the selection process was marred There is no proven way to sentence structures, and the Though the book is a rehash by some controversy. Wicketkeeper Chhetri caught out five calculate the impact of a war. writing style makes a reader wish of published statistics and batsmen in the last ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup 2006 held in The consequences of the the report were in Nepali. Come contains very little original data Sri Lanka in February. Besides Chhetri, the team is also counting Doramba killings or the Madi to think of it, why is it or information, it can be a handy on players like Sarad Veswakar, Paresh Lohani, Shakti Gauchan, massacre are impossible to published in English anyway? reference for consultants to and Paras Khadka among others. Top off-spinner Sanjam Regmi’s calculate. You can’t put a price Among other tallies of death prepare powerpoint presentations omission was hotely debated, but Bijay Sharma, who heads the on the grief of a widow, an and destruction, the report lists and for donors interested in selection committee, defended his decision: “Sanjam is a good orphan or aged parents. number of children killed in the rehab and recon. To the rest of bowler but he not a great batsman. Akash Gupta, who is replacing The cost of war is a rough conflict by gender, district and us, it’s a timely reminder that Sanjam, can do both well.” estimate of identifiable losses region in detail that can be war is too important a matter to and opportunities. It’s basically shocking if we pause to think be left to commissars in grey a guesstimate. As the peace that every child had a story, a shirts and generals in olive green. process moves along, it can be future and two grieving parents. After the April Uprising, it’s instructive to look back and see Other than shock value, however, incumbent upon us to give what we have collectively lost in it’s difficult to see how such peace a chance. Real freedom, as the last decade of conflict. That, numbers will be of any use in Jean-Paul Sartre observed, is what say the researchers of the report designing post-conflict we do with what has been done A Decade of Disaster, is their rehabilitation and reconstruction to us. z main objective. measures. CK Lal The subtitle of the report is Despite the desolation it more appropriate: Human and brings, war is a lucrative business BIKASH KARKI Physical Cost of the Nepali for some. Merchants of death “When selecting players for events like this, we look for Conflict, 1996-2005. The term benefit most from shady weapon players who have already played at least national games. ‘disaster’ sounds rather too banal deals done in the heat of war. International experience is a bonus” said Sharma. For example, to describe a conflict that tore War means bigger budgets, faster Mehboob Alam, another top player, who usually plays for Qatar’s our social fabric apart. That’s promotions, less transparency, Set Club but was recalled by the Cricket Association of Nepal and has been training with the team for the last few months. The team is strong, but not all it could be. Kanishka Chaugain, Counting our losses 1996-2006 who captained Nepal’s winning team at last year’s ACC tournament in Malaysia and who’s been a star national player since 2000, is Total Number of people killed : 13,190 heading US-wards to study. “I know how important these games are and that the team was counting on me,” he said, “but I have to Teachers killed : 173 focus on education.” Captain Binod Das says that while Chaugain will be missed, Mahesh Chhetri, his replacement, is a solid team Children killed : 446 player. A Decade of Disaster: Human and Municipal property destroyed : Rs 41.58 million At the ACC Trophy, the Nepali team is looking to not just field Physical Cost of Nepal Conflict, and bowl well, but to improve their often weak batting, says vice 1996-2005 DDC property destroyed : Rs 33.06 million captain Gauchan. To reach the finals in Malaysia, Nepal will have A Research Report, May 2006 to play 17 countries, including heavyweights like former Page: vi+134, Price: Rs 500 Telecommunication facilities destroyed : Rs 358 million Community Study and Welfare Centre champions Malaysia, the UAE and Hong Kong. z (CSWC) 12 INTERNATIONAL 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 Stop the band-aid treatment Without a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, there will be more Lebanons.

he Middle East is a tinderbox, with peace majorities, allowing extremist-led key players on all sides waiting for violence to preempt all opportunities for T every chance to destroy their building a political consensus. enemies. Israel’s vulnerability, and a Traumatised Israelis cling to the false hope repetitive cause of violence, is the holding that their lives will be made safer by of prisoners. Militant Palestinians and incremental unilateral withdrawals from Lebanese know that a captured Israeli occupied areas, while Palestinians see their soldier or civilian is a cause of conflict or a remnant territories reduced to human dumping grounds surrounded by a ANALYSIS ‘security barrier’ that embarrasses Israel’s friends and fails to bring safety or stability. Jimmy Carter The general parameters of a long-term, two-state agreement are well known. Israel valuable bargaining chip for prisoner is violating key UN resolutions, official US exchange, and there have been many such policy and the international ‘road map’ for trades. peace by occupying Arab lands and June’s renewed violence came when oppressing the Palestinians. Except for Palestinians dug a tunnel under the barrier negotiated modifications, Israel’s official that surrounds Gaza and assaulted Israeli and Iran were striking northern Israel. dropped leaflets had warned families in pre-1967 borders must be honoured, and soldiers, killing two and capturing one. Israel has a right to defend itself against the region to leave their homes. US government leaders stay in the forefront They offered to exchange him for the attacks on its citizens, but it is inhumane The urgent need in Lebanon is that of achieving this long-delayed goal. release of 95 women and 313 children from and counterproductive to punish civilian Israeli attacks stop, that Lebanon’s regular A major impediment to progress is the the almost 10,000 Arabs in Israeli prisons. populations in the illogical hope that they military forces control the southern region US administration’s policy that dialogue Israel rejected a swap and attacked Gaza in will then blame Hamas and Hezbollah for of the country, that Hezbollah cease as a on controversial issues only comes as a an attempt to free the soldier and stop provoking the devastating response. separate fighting force, and future attacks reward for subservient behaviour. Direct rocket fire into Israel. The resulting Instead, Arab and worldwide support has against Israel be prevented. Israel should engagement with the PLO or the destruction brought reconciliation between increased for these groups, while Israel and withdraw from all Lebanese territory and Palestinian Authority and Syria will be warring Palestinian factions and support the United States are condemned. release Lebanese prisoners. Prime Minister necessary for secure negotiated settlements. for them throughout the Arab world. Israel belatedly announced, but did not Ehud Olmert has rejected such a ceasefire. Failure to address these issues and leaders Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon carry out, a two-day cessation in bombing Even Security Council implementation risks the creation of an arc of even greater then killed and captured Israeli soldiers, Lebanon, after global condemnation of an of such a solution will be a band-aid. The instability running from Jerusalem through and insisted on Israel’s withdrawal from air attack on the Lebanese village of Qana, current conflict is part of a repetitive cycle Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad and Tehran. z disputed territory and an exchange for where 57 civilians were killed and where of violence that results from the absence of (Project Syndicate) some of the several thousand incarcerated 106 died from the same cause 10 years ago. a comprehensive settlement in the region, Lebanese. With US backing, Israeli bombs As before there were expressions of ‘deep exacerbated by the unprecedented six-year Jimmy Carter is a former President of the United and missiles rained down on Lebanon. regret’, a promise of ‘immediate absence of any effort to achieve this goal. States and the founder of the nonprofit Carter Soon, Hezbollah rockets supplied by Syria investigation’ and the defence that Leaders on both sides ignore strong Center in Atlanta. NATION 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 13 Stalemate makes de Mistura mission leave with work half finished Mission (partly) accomplished

SUMAN PRADHAN

he high-level UN peace mission to Nepal wanted T a consensus on arms management by the time it left on Thursday. That didn’t happen, but the trip was not in vain. It did inject a sense of urgency to the peace process, and give the issue of demilitarisation a momentum on which future efforts can be built. Given the polarised positions on both sides perhaps it was too much to expect things to be patched up so quickly. Despite a week of official and behind-the-scenes meetings by de Mistura with the Maoists, the two sides failed to agree on the key issue of arms management. Both MIN BAJRACHARYA sides, however, did reiterate their “I’M NOT DISAPPOINTED”: Staffan de Mistura puts on a brave face as he faces reporters before flying back to New York on Thursday. commitment to the eight-point agreement of 16 June that deals with other political aspects of the said no and the UN apparently Mahara told us: “Yes we do, but Nepal Army about being confined “Will Nepal be a priority for a peace process. saw little reason to push them only if the Nepal Army is to barracks. new secretary general? We don’t A UN diplomat said that hard at this point. The meeting subjected to same conditions.” De Mistura is concerned that know,” said a source close to the though it was disappointing, the between Prime Minister Koirala His colleague Deb Gurung emerging crises elsewhere in the UN mission, “this is the reason inability to secure an arms and Pushpa Kamal Dahal elaborated: “We will not agree to a world will distract the UN. why de Mistura was really agreement now was not a blow to Wednesday evening appears to system that separates only us from Secretary General Kofi Annan has appealing for a consensus on the the peace process. “The issue have been sidetracked by other our arms. Bring a formula equal to taken a keen interest in Nepal, arms management. That would could be taken up again in the discussions. both sides, and we have no and he thinks his retirement at have strengthened the UN’s role in near future,” he said. Additionally, rebel problems in accepting it.” the end of this year could leave Nepal and would have contributed De Mistura arrived here last negotiators linked arms storage A senior Nepal government the future uncertain. towards lasting peace.” z week with a mandate to forge a with overarching political issues, official said that it would be consensus on demilitarisation calling on the UN and Nepal unrealistic to expect the Nepal ahead of constituent assembly government to try for a Army to submit to disarmament. The ‘Double Key’ forumla elections. Several ideas were comprehensive ‘package’ “Everywhere, it has been the rebels The double key formula has widely been used in conflict resolution in many parts floated, including a ‘Double Key’ agreement on an interim who have been disarmed, not the of the world. Under this system combatant armies are confined to separate approach to arms management government, joint command of legitimate force.” barracks which have armouries in which each weapons inventory is stored under (see box). the two armies and reforms in the While the Maoists face two sets of locks. One set of keys is held by the respective combatant army and The Maoists initially agreed to Nepal Army. considerable pressure from their the other by UN monitors. Double Key, but later insisted Asked if his party accepted commanders in the field who do The disagreement in Nepal is over the Maoists insisting that the Nepal Army be subject to the same procedure of weapon storage as itself, and the military that the Nepal Army should also the double key approach to arms not want to give up their weapons, saying that as the army of a legitimate state it can’t be treated at the same level be subjected to the same rules. management, Maoist chief the government may also have as a rebel force. The government and army both negotiator, Krishna Bahadur found it hard to convince the

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR INDEPENDENT PRE MIDTERM REVIEW STUDIES

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) implements the Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP) in cooperation with the Government of Nepal (GoN), Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MFSC). This ten-year programme started in April 2001 and is under implementation in 15 districts of Nepal. LFP is implemented in coordination with a range of partners including MFSC, local government bodies and civil society organisations. The programme goal is to improve livelihoods and reduce vulnerability of poor and excluded people. DFID wishes to commission independent studies of LFP’s major areas of intervention between August 21 and the end of September 2006. The study outcomes will inform the DFID/GoN Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the programme scheduled for November 2006. To take this task forward, DFID would hereby like to invite expressions of interest from qualified and competent consultancy firms,organisations or teams of individuals to conduct studies in one or more of the following areas: • Sustainable Forest Management • Social mobilisation • Quick Impact Activities The expression of interest must include: a) technical proposals which should include i) CVs of the proposed team members ii) Availability iii) Relevant experience and iv) Documentation regarding legal and tax status of organisation (if proposal from an organisation); and b) financial proposals which should include i) Fee rates for individual team members; and ii) other operational costs. The last date for submission of Expressions of Interest is 10 August 2006, 5pm. Short-listed individuals/organisations are expected to participate in a workshop on 14 or 15 August. Interested teams of individuals and organisations may contact DFID main gate, Ekantakuna, Lalitpur for the study Terms of References (ToRs) from 9am to 5pm. Proposals should be submitted to:

Programme Support Officer Livelihoods Pillar DFID Nepal PO Box 106, Kathmandu, Nepal 14 CITY 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309

ABOUT TOWN Omkara, or Omi, is a powerful chieftain who heads a gang of outlaws, which include Langda Tyagi and Kesu as his chief cohorts. The story begins when EXHIBITIONS Omi appoints Kesu and not Langda as his chief lieutenant. Seething with † ™ Colours of Life an exhibition by various Nepali artists at Hotel envy Langda hatches a plot to falsely implicate Omi’s beautiful lover Dolly Glacier, Pokhara till 10 August. in a love affair with Kesu, Omi’s favourite lieutenant. With the help of Indu, ™ Exhibition of Creation An exhibition of paintings and installation art Langda’s wife, the plan takes shape and results in horrific tragedy. Using by Japanese artist Masanori Yoneda at Siddhartha Art Gallery till petty lies, Langda keeps poisoning Omi’s mind till one day it snaps and Omi 10 August. 4218048 goes about tearing up his perfect world. By the time he realises what he has ™ SARLM a painting exhibition by Korean American Artist Joong Entertainment done it is already too late. Baek Kim Nepal Art Council, Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal till 11 August. 4220735 www.jainepal.com ™ Harmony: Sculpture Quest Symposium 2006 at NAFA complex till 18 August. ™ Impressions of Manang 10-28 September, Nepal Tourism Board

EVENTS ™ FSA Film Club presents Director Mohan Mainali’s Six Stories and Seeking Peace in Karnali at Yala Maya Kendra, 4 August at 5PM, Rs 50. Films followed by discussion with the filmmakers. 5542544 ™ Satgati (Deliverance) by Satyajit Ray at Nepal India Library, RNAC building, 4 August, 3PM. ™ Human Rights discussion with Rabindra Bhattarai, 5 August, at Martin Chautari. ™ A Tribute to Artist RN Joshi pre launch of a book and art workshop, 5 August, Park Gallery. 5522307 ™ Shubharambha classic music and songs of early ’50s to early ’90s, at Russian Culture Centre, 5th August, 3PM. 9841313979 ™ Teej Festival at Radisson Hotel, stalls, exhibition, sale and more 11-12 August, 9AM-7PM. 4425898 ™ A View from the Bridge by Rato Bangala School’s Aangan Tedo at St Xavier’s College, 11-13 August. 5522614 ™ Sunsilk Nepal Fashion Week at Hotel Hyatt Regency 10-14 August ™ Changa Chait-2063 Battle in the sky at Club Himalaya on 9,16 and 23 September. ™ Alcoholics Anonymous problems with alcohol? 9851016079

MUSIC ™ Cloud Walkers at Moksh Live, 4 August, 8.30 PM, Rs 150 5526212 ™ Heartbreakers live every Friday at Rum Doodle Bar & Restaurant. 4422613 ™ Cadenza Collective live every Wednesday and Saturday 8PM at Upstairs. ™ Live Music at New Orleans Café. 4700311 NEPALI WEATHER by MAUSAM BEED ™ Uncork the good times with Ciney and Par-e-jat playing along with BBQ every Friday from 7PM at Fusion-The bar at Dwarika’s Midway through this monsoon, and paddy Hotel. 4479448 farmers are already hoping for a late save. There’s some hope, though. Thursday morning’s satellite picture shows overcast DINING KATHMANDU skies over Nepal, and while they aren’t ™ Tempura Festival at Hyatt Regency till 10 August. 4491234 g]kfnL strong enough to bring much needed rain ™ Masterpiece menu at The Shambala Garden Café, Shangri-La to salvage the season’s farming, there is Hotel. 4412999 another storm coming out of the Bay. It will Daily ™ Mezza and Margarita at Dwarika’s Fusion- the bar every lose some strength, but right now how rain 20.45-21.15 on 102.4 Wednesday, Rs 555. 4479448 is distributed is as important as how much ™ Eden Lounge Bar Happy hour 3-7PM, buy one get one free of it arrives. On Tuesday morning, for cocktails. 6th floor, Kathmandu Mall, Sundhara. example, a powerful torrent flooded the central and northwest of the Kathmandu ™ Monsoon Madness Wine Festival Enjoy wines from four continents Valley, whole the rest of it remained dry. at Kilroy’s of Kathmandu. 4250440 This week, Valley residents should plan to ™ Mango Masti At all restaurants in Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 stay in during the hot, humid days, and ™ Traditional Cuisines at Patan Museum Café. 5526271 enjoy cool, wet nights. ™ Wet & Wild Summer Splash Special package of swimming and lunch, or overnight with breakfast and swimming, Godavari KATHMANDU VALLEY Radio Sagarmatha Village Resort. 5560675 P.O. Box 6958, ™ Earth Watch Restaurant Breakfast with birds, lunch with butterflies Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal and dinner by the fireplace at Park Village Hotel. 4375280. Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681, Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227 ™ Special budget lunches at Rum Doodle Bar and Restaurant. [email protected], 4422613 www.radiosagarmatha.org ™ Breakfast Singma Restaurant, 8.30-11AM daily. 5009092. 29-196 30-20 29-196 28-1966 30-20 ™ Jatra Wednesday Nights Free cocktail for women. 4256622

GETAWAYS cgzf;g' / gltstfljxLg} ™ Shamanism Full Moon Trek to Lake Gosainkunda Rs 5999, JolQm / ;dfh cGttfuTjf] 4-12 August. 4412508 ktg eP/ hfG5g \ . To;}n] ™ Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, relaxation and massages in Pokhara. 4361500 /fli6o« hLjgsf x/]s ™ Conferences and workshops at Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 cfofdx¿df pbfx/0fLo cgzf;g' ™ Nature Retreat at Park Village Resorts & Spa. 4375280 / gltstf} sfod ugk5'{ { . / ™ Escape Kathmandu at Shivapuri Heights Cottage. 9841371927 ™ Dwarika’s Overnight Package Night of luxury at Dwarika’s Hotel. To;sf ] ;?cft' cfkmaf6}+ u/f }+ . 4479488 ™ Escape to Godavari Village Resort, an overnight stay g]kfn ;/sf/ package with breakfast & swimming. 5560675 ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ;"rgf ljefu HAPPENINGS 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 15 A gift of sight andak Ruit, In fact, Nepali doctors are blindness caused by vitamin A ophthalmologist, was even making North Koreans see. deficiency, by running regular S pleased, but not surprised Tilganga doctors travelled twice microsurgical eye camps in to receive the Ramon to the virtually closed country, remote parts of Nepal. “Wherever Magsaysay Award this week. but Ruit is careful not to say too we go, Nepal or North Korea, local The soft-spoken 52-year-old much. “The work we are doing is communities are thankful and we doctor sees the award as an not related to any political really feel like we make a KIRAN PANDAY honour for every Nepali, and ideology. I am not bothered about difference in their lives,” Ruit says CHIEF GRILL: Chief of Army Staff General Pyar Jung Thapa is most particularly his team at the what political system any one proudly. ambushed by reporters on Thursday as he makes his way to answer Tilganga Eye Centre. country has,” he says, "I care The Tilganga centre is also the Rayamaji Commission's questions, just a little late. “Deep down, I always knew only about blind people renowned internationally for its that someone somewhere in the everywhere in the world.” production of world-class world would recognise the work Tilganga’s eye doctors also intraocular eye lens which are we have been doing,” he says. go to less controversial used to replace damaged natural While personally gratified at countries such as Pakistan, lenses. The centre’s Fred Hollows receiving the award Ruit hasn’t India, China, and Bangladesh. Foundation Intraocular Lens decided what he will do with the Recently a team of 100 Thai Factory in Kathmandu is Nepali- $50,000 prize money, but doctors visited the clinic to learn run and produces 1,000 lenses assures us the money will be put about how their Nepali every day for export to over 50 to good use. counterparts have managed to countries. Tilganga’s ophthalmologist grow so much in 12 years. Even as a child in remote team under Ruit is small, but it Since Tilganga was Olangchungola, Sandak Ruit felt does big work. The clinic is one established in 1994, it has that he had to do something about of the world’s best places for helped tackle rampant corneal the deplorable health conditions cataract surgery and intraocular he saw around him. Now he’s set lens transplants. The team that ball rolling, he says, “We travels around the world for eye should be working towards surgery camps and training uplifting the image of Nepal and programs. we’ve already done that to some extent.” RAMESWOR BOHARA The Magsaysay certainly FARMERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE: Maoist cadres put down their guns helps. z to join the toiling masses planting rice in Gumi VDC, Surkhet last week. Naresh Newar

KIRAN PANDAY

FOR GOD, KING AND COUNTRY: Hindu fundamentalist groups burnt MIN BAJRACHARYA tyres and obstructed traffic for hours Thursday morning demanding that the decision to turn the country secular be revoked .

KIRAN PANDAY LIFE'S BUT A STAGE: Young actors perform Abhi Subedi's Jiban Dekhi Jiban Samma at Gurukul on Wednesday.

MIN BAJRACHARYA GAMBLING IN SHANGRI-LA: The newly-opened Casino Shangri-La welcomes its first punters on Wednesday. 16 4 - 10 AUGUST 2006 #309 Capital flight

re we losing the fire in our bellies? Are we How come no one set fire to a single government slacking off and allowing lethargy and ennui vehicle and made a complete arson of himself when Ato obliterate the fervour of the April Uprising? Sunday was made a working day? And there you all are,

The answer to both questions is: “Umm, that’s a sitting idly by and not gheraoing the prime minister’s www.nepalitimes.com thought.” residence to force the government to shift Nepal’s How else does one explain the sharp drop in the capital out of Kathmandu. number of car stonings, traffic stoppages, chukka jams We have changed the rules of royal succession to and todfods in the city centre this week? We are allow daughters to become queens in the new Republic keeping close count here at the semi- of Nepal, parliament has declared Nepal a secular Hindu autonomous National Demonstration Kingdom and the government has refused to collect Centre (call hotline royalty from mountaineering expeditions because it for latest doesn’t like the ‘R’ word. Yet we refuse to take the bull UNDER MY HAT information on by the horns and shift the nation’s capital out of Kunda Dixit which roads are Kathmandu and rid ourselves of its monarchical past. blocked by dialing The question arises, where should the capital of a 103) and have found that there was an entire New Nepal be located? That is a very good point, and rush hour period on Tuesday evening when no one luckily for you I have been doing my homework and blocked traffic at Singha Darbar intersection by lying have a shortlisted the following: down on the asphalt. Not a single royal statue was vandalised z Kathmandu is running out of water, the government throughout the kingdom the whole of last week. The wants to bring water from Melamchi but the people of Mahindra and Mahindra Highway was actually not Melamchi don’t want to give it to us. Solution: if blocked for six hours on Sunday after a minor traffic Melamchi doesn’t want to come to Kathmandu take altercation in Lahan. No one stoned any newspaper Kathmandu to Melamchi. office on Thursday. This is a scandal. z Okharpauwa residents have refused refuse from What’s wrong with us, are we going to let go of the Kathmandu. Solution: Relocate Nepal’s capital to gains of our pro-democracy movement so easily? Will Okharpauwa and no one will notice because both are we allow the euphoria of freedom to evaporate into garbage dumps. thin air? Have human beings outlived their z Jomsom. Nepal’s capital must be located in a place usefulness? What is the best cure for my dandruff? that has the best apple brandy in the country. Ministers Will someone stop me before I ask another rhetorical can ride mules to work. question? Thank you. z Shift the capital to Kalapani and you kill two birds As we all know, there are entire sections of society with one stone: you regain Nepali territory, and you are that are still not using their hard-won freedoms to rise the farthest you can possibly be from the rest of Nepal up and struggle for their rights by bringing the so no one will ever bother you. nation’s capital to a grinding halt through relay hunger z Relocate Nepal’s capital to New Delhi. Everything’s strikes to fast unto death over and over again. being decided there anyway. ISSN 1814-2613