#481 18 - 24 December 2009 16 pages Rs 30

KIRAN PANDAY/GANESH Meanwhile, the economy..

ey ministers in the cabinet ’s trade deficit with economy. MAN FOR ALL ‘TREASONS’: are in Copenhagen, the India is now a whopping Rs100 Banks are heavily exposed Maoist Chairman Pushpa K Maoist opposition is billion and growing every quarter. with unproductive consumer Kamal Dahal has shown us gearing up for a total national While the balance of payments lending and real estate with long- how versatile he is, but what shutdown from next week, and was still healthy, Nepal paid for term gestation, exacerbating the has he really done for the common people? efforts to find a way to bring the goods imported from India in cash crunch. Interest rates have Maoists back into government remittance and tourism dollars. recently climbed up to 16 per have failed so far. The Maoists But money transfers from Nepalis cent, dampening business. themselves are spending their working abroad have plateaued. On 1 January, Nepal will have time flying around the country Overall exports are down, and the to open up its services sector declaring ethnic autonomous fuel import bill is up by 90 per including banking to foreign councils and have threatened a cent from last year. There has investors under WTO rules. This ‘parallel government’. been a three-fold increase in will mean that smaller banks and In all these fun and games, vehicle imports this year, which finance companies will find it none of the national players have will mean another spike in fuel even harder to survive. z given any thought to a looming imports in 2010. All this will economic emergency. The put further pressure on rupee banking sector is facing a parity with India. EAT DRINK AND liquidity crisis the likes of which “The economy is a soap MAKE MERRY this country hasn’t seen, bubble, it can go any moment,” remittance growth is down, the said one senior government trade deficit with India is adviser who is worried that the growing, domestic production is ministers have no time to think down and consumer spending is about medium and long-term up. Everything is pointing to an interventions to rescue the economic crisis stemming from prolonged political uncertainty and instability. Special Holiday Supplement

p8-9 2 EDITORIAL 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Rabi CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur Fax: 5251013 [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 We’re with you Delhi appears to be th ro w ing THE GOLDEN MIDDLE its weight behind th e Nepal Army For those who are having a tough time deciding which political New Delhi – At a reception hosted treatment. Their support to the The bottom line is that until party is the least of all evils, there is a simple test. Just figure out by General Chhatraman Singh Nepali state and the Nepal Army the Maoists reform themselves; which one uses violence as a political tool and which one doesn’t. For the Maoists, despite having won an election and entered Gurung in the lawns of the has been conveyed in clear accept multi-party democracy in the political mainstream, the standard operating procedure is still expansive Nepal embassy grounds terms.” principle and practice; entirely violence, intimidation and terror. In fact, it is their unique selling here on Tuesday, the who’s who Both sides insisted that it settle the PLA question and point. of the Indian defence was a conventional goodwill disband the YCL; return seized What we fail to grasp is why governments that would not establishment made an visit. But the underlying property; and agree to be a tolerate the use of violence and terror in their own countries are appearance. Indian Army chief political message and concerns constructive opposition, instead sympathetic to those who refuse to renounce violence here. The General Deepak Kapoor; General were hard to miss. There was a of the ‘irresponsible’ one they moral double standards are most glaring in the way the national Gurung’s batch mates from the sense that the Nepal Army had have been, their participation in army is being hauled over the coals for atrocities committed during just passed through a difficult the government – far from the war while murder and mayhem after the war by the Maoists political challenge, and may face leading it – is out of the doesn’t elicit commensurate opprobrium. PLAIN SPEAKING testing times again, during which question. Journalists have been killed and beaten up, it’s open season Prashant Jha on citizens, there is an epidemic of extortion and seizure of it will have India’s full But there is also a recognition personal property nationwide, and there have been murders inside support. that this is not happening. The camps ostensibly under UNMIN supervision. In informal conversations, the Maoists are seen to have upped The army’s culpability in disappearances, summary execution Indian Military Academy, now in Indian defence brass conveyed its the ante and become even more and torture during the war years needs to be addressed in a court the top echelons of the military; desire to see a ‘democratic, ‘obstructionist’. Earlier, there of law, just as Maoist atrocities. But the one-sided hounding of the PM’s special envoy Shyam Saran; professional, and apolitical’ was a feeling that this was meant state army is provoking a dangerous rightwing backlash that could defence attaches from foreign army. The argument was that the to boost their bargaining push the country back to war. embassies; and retired and serving Nepal Army is the only stable strength. More recently, Maoist Only the naïve still believe that the land-grabbers across the diplomats queued up to greet the institution in the Nepali state, activities have given Delhi the country this week are poor landless peasants, or that this is any Nepal Army chief. and the only force capable of impression that the situation more about the liberation of the downtrodden. The revolution may The bonhomie was palpable. standing up to the Maoists. may spiral out of control. The have been genuinely for the emancipation of the marginalised at one time, but a recent swing through the heartland convinces us it The old tradition of honouring Former Maoist combatants will next few months are seen as has now largely degenerated into a nationwide crime syndicate. the army chief of a neighbour had be welcome to join as individual crucial and if there is no broad Land-grabbing, smuggling, trafficking, contraband, extortion, just been given continuity. Nepali citizens after meeting the agreement soon, Delhi believes kidnappings, illegal boulder and sand mining, the decimation of General Kapoor’s Nepal visit itself established criteria. But there the country may slide into a community forests, district construction contracts: you name it and is in the pipeline. The should be no integration in a violent confrontation. the comrades have their paws in the cookie jar. And any district conversation hovered around manner that would ‘politicise’ Noone here believes that the journalist exposing this is immediately threatened. ‘traditional and historic’ army-to- the army and harm its constitution will be written by To be sure, there are criminal mafias also involved, and the NC army ties. The Indian army brass ‘institutional integrity’. The May or knows with any and UML are no saints, but the was impressed Maoists were ‘untrustworthy and precision what will happen after Maoists have taken politicisation with General had to compromise’. When the that. Any kind of presidential and crime and the criminalisation Gurung’s Maoist argument about how takeover is not a preferred of politics to new heights. The party is always right, and the party never ‘sober and integration was necessary to outcome, for Delhi understands has to say sorry in this Orwellian apolitical’ change the army’s ‘feudal that it would not be a world. And those who call it like it outlook. “He character’ was pointed out, a top sustainable political is are conveniently labelled class is focused and Indian general responded, “Is arrangement. But if the Maoists enemies and status quoists out to knows where your present army chief a feudal? ‘push the country into conflict’, protect privileges. Pushpa Kamal the army’s job Don’t fall for Maoist rhetoric.” then anything may happen. Dahal’s chilling warning that one ends and the Across the Indian India is now deeply worried million Nepalis may have to “swim government’s establishment, there is a about the unfolding events in in blood” is a sign that the job begins. consensus that the Maoists Nepal. It recognises that the Chairman is trapped by his own And he is a intend to capture the Nepali state process it initiated may be in its populist rhetoric and the promises very and establish a form of death throes. But the consensus he made to his cadre which he now can’t fulfill. intelligent totalitarian rule. The non-Maoist is that the onus rests entirely on Nepal’s tragedy is that the man,” said a Nepali political class has the Maoists to reform, democratic parties that don’t have top Indian conveyed the same impression to compromise, and cooperate. If a violent ideology and which should officer. And a Delhi. The sense is that too many that does not happen, Delhi feels have been real alternatives to the member of the concessions have been made to Nepal will head into a ‘conflict Maoists are so weak, fractured and Nepali the Maoists in the past and this between multiparty system and feckless. It is the media’s job, and delegation time, the ‘Nepali state and the one party rule, between the job of Nepal’s true friends observed, democratic political class’ cannot democracy and communist abroad, to protect the peaceful “They are blink in the face of Maoist dictatorship’. If that happens, middle ground of democracy. really giving aggression if they want to India is prepared to back the him the royal survive. Nepali state with all its might. z

LLL ETTERS

FORGET-ME-NOT unanimous in the appeal for greater FRIENDS LIKE THESE ruled by the same leaders we threw out Prashant Jha is right (‘Forget-me-not’, inclusiveness within the state mechanism For better or for worse, the Nepali Army of power not so long ago. My blood boils #480). He has correctly pointed out the and security sectors. Yet nobody seems (NA) has been the only institution in the to think that I flew here all the way from Kathmandu mindset and attitude towards willing to give them anything. country that has remained intact and the US to vote in the CA elections. the emerging generation in the Madhes. Tula Narayan Shah functional throughout Nepali history. In my Yanpras I think the coming year view, it has been able to achieve such a 2010 will be very tough BEING MUGALI feat because it has allied with and co- for the country as a She is working hard opted the prevailing powers – first the whole, the disputes for her family, Shah kings, then the Rana oligarchs, and LETTERS within the CA and the instead of retiring then the Shah kings again. Indeed, the NA Nepali Times welcomes feedback. Madhes in particular. from work altogether is the weathervane of Nepali politics. The Letters should be brief and may be Despite the weakening of (‘Being Mugali’, fact that the NA refused to co-opt the edited for space. While pseudonyms are accepted, writers who provide their MJF and TMDP, the #480). Nepal’s Maoists and instead turned to foreign real names and contact details will be Madhesi middle class elderly really do powers shows the sheer influence those given preference. Email letters should and local-level opinion have it bad. Don’t powers have. So much then for Mr. CK be in text format without attachments makers are still hostile they deserve the Lal’s wish that Nepali democracy must be with ‘letter to the editor’ in the subject towards Kathmandu, the same rights as home-grown (‘Friends like these’, #480). line. big three parties, and the elderly people Gaule hero Email: letters(at)nepalitimes.com conservative around the world? Fax: 977-1-5521013 bureaucracy and Why isn’t the MAN IN A HURRY Mail: Letters, Nepali Times, security sectors. While they are divided government doing anything? Dr. Bhattarai has it right (‘Man in a hurry’, GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal. on the issue of federalism, they are Saroj Gurung #480). It’s embarrassing that Nepal’s NATION 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 3 In cluding the excluded

t is getting a bit too much, the attempt by politically correct moral police these days to judge the inclusivity of functions by tallying I token representation based on surname or gender. If they find one surname representing a Dalit, Janajati or marginalised group, they heave a sigh of relief. But I wonder if they are trying to be more inclusive, or more exclusive. Are our intellectuals, analysts, politicians and journalists so mentally constricted that they cannot think beyond their own caste? To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not GUEST COLUMN been given a say in decision- Prateek Pradhan making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and , and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed. But let’s not go to the other extreme by insisting that participation in every function be reckoned by the proportions of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, gender and so on. What is going on in the name of redressing past wrongs is aggravating divisions in Nepali society. This has the potential to seriously disturb communal harmony and trigger violence. Futile donor-driven efforts to make Nepali society just and inclusive are fake, a mere facade. If we consciously involve all castes, creeds and religions in all aspects of life superficially it will look quite inclusive, but it will As a ffirm a tive not solve the deep-rooted action re a l, or problems of marginalisation and poverty in this country. ju s t a fa c a d e ? You can already see that reservation is creating a crème de la crème of neo-elites in beneficiary groups. The majority within these groups, however, is still deprived and discriminated against. The neo-elite skims off the benefits, and nothing percolates down to the lower levels. Pretend inclusivity is seriously abusing the human rights of many in this country. Deprivation crosses caste and ethnic lines. Brahmins and Chhetris together constitute nearly 30

KIRAN PANDAY per cent of the population, many of them are not rich, don’t have civil service jobs and in parts of the country are actually at the bottom of the economic ladder. If you really want to look at numbers, there are more ‘high’ caste people living below the poverty line than ‘low’ caste people. Now, with affirmative action, even if the children of very poor Brahmin or families excel academically and come into the job market, they risk being excluded from government or INGO jobs. So in trying to correct one wrong, you make another mistake. These poor youngsters whose parents have spent their lives in absolute poverty should not be penalised for the misdeeds of those with whom they only share surnames. Many Nepalis raise issues when there is a possibility of funding. These flavour of the month fashionable causes are having a detrimental effect on the progressive evolution of our society. Interestingly, it is the higher castes themselves who have been championing the cause of the downtrodden by promising to include them. There is no issue with some European donors being more aggressive in trying to uplift the really marginalised. But inclusivity must look beyond the token presence of people with certain surnames. An empty stomach is an empty stomach, whether it is a Brahmin or a Dalit one. The state should strive for economic and social balance, remove inequities and give everyone equal opportunities. But if it really wants to do poor people a favour, it has to be on an economic basis, not on the basis of caste. This country will progress only if we adopt meritocracy in all walks of life. If not, we will be forever stuck in a politically correct morass. No NGO or activist is thinking about this potentially divisive issue because there are no donor funds earmarked for it. Normally, following a successful revolution, people and society are eager to embrace new ideas and changes. But even if they feel such changes will have a negative impact on society, many will prefer to keep mum so as not to be labelled anti-national, counter-revolutionary or status-quoist. This could be the reason otherwise sane, rational critical thinkers are keeping quiet about token inclusivity. z

Prateek Pradhan is the editor of Karobar, a new Nepali language business weekly. 4 OP-ED 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 The regal rubber stamp

n the euphoric aftermath of the April it’s unlikely the CA elections would have Uprising in 2006, the formulation of an taken place at all. I interim constitution was a hugely The successful completion of the CA challenging task. The restoration of elections validated the concept of the parliament was certainly historic. But while politics of consultations, the fundamental the old guard of the Nepali Congress and premise of the interim constitution. But the UML wanted to maintain the status quo, the Maoists challenged this principle of Maoists were unlikely to be satisfied with harmony by insisting upon the declaration anything less than the outright declaration of a republic at the very first meeting of the of a People’s Republic. constituent assembly. The CA lived to see another day, but the seeds of discord had been sown. STATE OF THE STATE Amendments in the interim constitution C K Lal then created the posts of president and vice- president, to be chosen through elections. KIRAN PANDAY Majoritarianism became the basis of state is purely ceremonial. It appears some Justice Laxman Aryal, more of an organic government formation. The consensual CA’s The constituent would prefer to adopt the German model of intellectual than a constitutionalist, transformation into a parliamentary site of assembly is still the Weimar constitution, wherein the succeeded in finalising a ‘least unacceptable political contestations was now complete. president was considered to be “the pivot of document’ in the absence of a political The drafting of the new constitution by around, but its the constitutional scheme, as a ‘neutral, consensus over the system of governance. But this supreme elected body has since receded relevance is mediating, regulating, and conserving’ power he passed away in September 2009 a into the background of intensifying political set above all other branches to defend the disillusioned man, his draft for the interim bickering, to the extent that the CA is almost rapidly fading constitution and maintain the state.” What constitution mutilated almost beyond defunct. The Maoists continue to obstruct this ultimately led to needs no elaboration. recognition. its sittings and anti-Maoist forces do nothing which side prevails in this contest of radical Parliamentary decisions are Despite the reservations of the Maoists, to clear the logjam. At this rate, not many convictions, the middle ground will excruciatingly slow, sometimes confusing, the framers of the interim constitution chose tears will be shed if the CA ceases to exist disintegrate. often frustrating and almost always to retain the parliamentary system of without drafting a new constitution. It’s the responsibility of the government contestable. But like democracy itself, it is governance. The anomaly of that preference The possibility of a political vacuum to initiate a reconciliation. But Premier the worst form of government except for all became apparent when the reconstituted after May 28, 2010 has energised extremists Madhav Kumar Nepal is too busy preparing the others that have been tried. The CA has parliament decided to keep the monarchy of the left and right alike. The Maoists have for his next overseas jaunt to pay attention to every right to extend its term if drafting of under suspension. Girija Prasad Koirala begun to plan for a ‘fusion’ of ethnic unrest issues of governance. His deputies in the the constitution can’t be completed in time. functioned as head of state as well as the and urban uprising to capture the state. cabinet are political lightweights. So the If the president has any authority, it’s purely government when ethnic eruptions Radicals of the right insist that the president ideologues of Shital Niwas have taken the moral. He should not be advised to think threatened the constituent assembly can continue to function with the residual opportunity to mount a frontal attack on the that he can exercise residual powers without elections. Had Koirala not been a authority of the CA even after the body that very essence of the parliamentary system. inviting political uncertainty, a collapse of ‘constitutional dictator’ in those trying times, created his post ceases to exist. No matter In a parliamentary system, the head of governance and social calamity. z BUSINESS 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 5 On the web|www.nepalitimes.com Sustainable How did Nepal fare at Copenhagen? Our readers said:

Six hundred people flying out from Kathmandu, staying in hotels in Copenhagen, wining and dining on food and beverages presumably transported over long distances, sight-seeing by development taking cabs and buses around the city and some possibly also Of words and actions visit friends in nearby places before heading home – somebody please measure the carbon footprint of our delegation! -MD hen the Prime Minister the dung, disease and noise they and his jumbo produced. When fuel-fired The fact that so many Nepalis have managed to get onto this W Copenhagen entourage automobiles were introduced, gravy train is a positive sign. I am assuming that not many ensured that the Kathmandu they were considered saviours. other countries have done better than this. I think the airport was blocked for two hours, Today, this role has been usurped government should hold a special seminar to teach people how one imagines wasn't mulling how by electric and natural gas-fired to milk this to the fullest extent possible. he was about to contribute to the vehicles. -Jange nation’s carbon footprint. While So when we use these words we love slogans on sustainability, in a Nepali context, we need to For failed states like Nepal, there are more urgent priorities our actions show that we are yet look at how we understand and than a carbon-neutral economy. But then I thought Nepal was to give up the practices of the internalise them. For instance, already a carbon-neutral country. Its total emissions are probably comparable to a mid-sized city in the west. Then why invent a monarchs, and perhaps outdo the green stickers we use to certify problem? them as well. that our vehicles meet pollution -Gaule Hero standards are basically an over- the-counter purchase of a ECONOMIC SENSE These people already spent a lot of money arranging trips to certification, like many Kala Patthar and Copenhagen. If our politicians were so Artha Beed government approvals. But as the KIRAN PANDAY concerned about climate change, they could utilise this fund idea was conceived and pushed internalise their meaning. Like to save our environment. Our politicians did that meeting in Nepalis love junkets and by donors, we take it as the slogans that we used to chant Everest just for a show, and we’ve nothing to gain from this consultations and every new word something imported and have not for the kings not knowing why, summit. Just a waste of our money. creates new opportunities. internalised the rationale. How to we keep on adopting newer -Karla Hundreds made it to Rio in 1992, make our drivers understand that slogans to chant. The fact that we (Comments have been edited for clarity.) other hundreds made to Jo’burg in they are responsible for ensuring have not been able to internalise 2002 and hundreds more have that their vehicles pollute less is the words ‘conflict resolution’ made it to Copenhagen. Crowding perhaps more important than means we have a society the bars in Copenhagen and filling seminar halls at five-star traumatised by violence. The fact discussing politics till the wee hotels. that we have not been able to hours, however, is not going to get Similarly, how do we ensure internalise the words ‘labour us solutions. We don’t even know that the parents who look on idly rights’ means both employees and how many Nepalis are actually as their kids litter the streets with employers are busy destroying presenting papers, how many empty noodle packets teach them enterprises. The fact that we have people are writing for that this is wrong? Look at the not been able to internalise The decade in pictures international audiences, and how civic conduct of those who give ‘inclusion’ means we are limited From the royal massacre to the new republic, from the banking boom to the explosion of remix-music bands, we look back at many are willing to practice what lectures on environment and to ticking boxes whenever we the most dramatic decade of our history in photos. they preach. sustainability. How many of them want participants from Buzzwords such as sustainable know what is happening to the supposedly excluded classes. development, climate change and trash that is being generated at Hopefully, we will learn from our On the blogs|www.nepalitimes.com/blogs carbon footprint need to be home, how many of them toss past mistakes and explore ways to understood in the context they are cigarette butts everywhere after a actually internalise sustainable being used in. In the recently few drinks, and how many of development and climate change East-West with Kunda Dixit: Sharing nostalgia and heartache released Superfreakonomics, the them are aware of the carbon issues, or we will simply in Nepalganj with singer Amber Gurung. authors cite examples of how, footprint of all their junkets? abandon these concepts once new back in the day, New York’s horse Nepal’s economic growth slogans and new junkets make My City: A photo blog of interesting visual portraits of Nepal. carriages were considered an trajectory has been punctured by themselves available. z environmental menace because of those who adopt words but don’t www.arthabeed.com 6 EDUCATION 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481

book-based activities – to keep our trainees occupied until classes ended at 4PM. But it was engrossing work. Although many of us were away from Teaching teaching home for the first time, calls home were rare and rushed. SABHYATA TIMSINA It did take time to settle All you need is a little initiative to change Nepal into our roles however, and we never really got used to being t was December 2008 and the called ‘Miss’ or ‘Sir’. Indeed, we SLC exams were right around ran the sessions like a typical I the corner. The students at classroom, hoping to give the Koshi Higher Secondary School youth-in-training a model to in Sunsari, however, had only replicate back home. For covered 25 per cent of the instance, we were constantly syllabus. reminding them to raise their They were massively unlucky. hands before they addressed us After their coursebooks arrived or the rest of the class. three months late, floods After work, we would meet swamped the school. As a result, up for tea at the bajar and share only a handful of the 110 our experiences, complaining students were expected to pass. about how difficult it was to In short, they needed help. stay on our toes all day. But for The parent-teacher association all our griping, we would at Rato Bangala got busy straight eagerly begin making lesson away, initiating a project called plans for the next day. ‘Prayas’. A group of A-level Our key message to our students from the Kathmandu traineeswas that they needn’t school were sent to Sunsari to come to Kathmandu for the prepare the students there for the good life; they were talented upcoming SLC send-up exams. enough to create such a life But with only 17 days at hand, right where they were, in

the plan seemed absurd. SABHYATA TIMSINA Dailekh. Volunteer Bibhusha One month later came the Dangol put it best: “If we can go news that that seventy per cent of results, they immediately set born, with the aim of training train 1800-odd youth all the way to Dailekh to help, the students had passed the their sights on other young people in Dailekh to participants in Dailekh. why can’t they stay right where examinations. For students who impoverished parts of the teach children in schools across Every morning we wrote up a they are and do good things?” had hardly attended school that country. “I literally went up to the district. When I first heard lesson plan for the day before In that sense, the experience year or even flipped through a the principal’s office one about it, I knew I wanted heading to the training centres at taught us all something, coursebook prior to the ‘Prayas’ morning and said, ‘Miss, let’s go in. For three weeks, we studied 10AM. It was arduous work, trainees and teachers alike. You project, it was a miracle. to Dailekh,’” says Saugat. education philosophy and since we had to plan enough don’t need a PhD to change Volunteers like Saugat Just like that, the ‘Youth to child-centred learning in activities – math and vocab Nepal. All you need is initiative Ghimire were so thrilled by the Youth to Child’ project was Kathmandu. We then set off to activities, or shared reading and and a little bit of patience. z HOLIDAY SPECIAL 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 7

Looking south across Manasarovar with Gurla Mandata towering over the mountains of Humla in Nepal in 1993. MANAS universe. It is where Shiva is medium shines through. believed to reside with his consort The text complements the Parbati. It is Kang Rinpoche and pictures, giving us not just facts Tise to the Buddhists and and figures, but what the followers of Bon Po. Lake pilgrimage means to those who Manasarovar, on the other hand, have been there. Mukharji’s last has a deep spiritual influence on lines in the book sum it all up: the minds of people of the region. “Kailash is where conviction The mountain and the lake are the remains suspended, myths ultimate pilgrimage for many endure, and sparks of across the region. understanding illuminate Deb Mukharji, Indian diplomat reason.” z and former ambassador to Nepal, Kunda Dixit is a Manasarovar expert, having visited the site three times since 1981 accompanying Indian pilgrims. Researching, photographing and exploring the Kailash region has been Mukharji’s life work. His picture he holy lake Manasarovar book, Visions of the Infinite, is A new book on Kailash and the mountain that being launched by nepa-laya on T looms over it, Kailash, Saturday, and weaves together the gives us a glimpse of have been revered by Hindus, mythology, history and the Buddhists and Tibetan animists profound spiritual meaning of the the infinite for millennia. place. Myth, spirituality, history and Mukharji has been walking even geology come together in and taking photos in the Himalaya many of the world’s holy sites. But for five decades. His first book, aside from the striking scenic The Magic of Nepal, featured beauty and spiritual energy of the photographs and accounts of his Kailash and Mansarovar place, Manasarovar is truly a lake walks in the Nepal Himalaya. In Visions of the Infinite on the roof of the world: some of Visions of the Infinite, Mukharji’s by Deb Mukharji Asia’s mightiest rivers originate photography, brings out in nepa-laya, 2009 within 100km of this lake on the exquisite frames the deep pages: 246 tri-junction of the borders of meaning that Manasarovar has on ISBN: 978-9937-8021-9-2 Nepal, India and China. the minds of millions. Many of the Price: Rs 2500 1 In Hindu mythology, Kailash 200 pictures were taken before was regarded as Meru, the Earth’s cameras went digital and this is See also: ‘Two Himalayan spinal cord, the centre of the where Mukharji’s versatility in the travelogues’, #245

ALL PICS: DEB MUKHARJI Kailash from the north, south and west. 8 HOLIDAY SPECIAL EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

nce again, it’s that for their Christmas brunch the fancy you’re not in Kathmandu time of year, no morning after. at all! points for guessing The Radission Hotel is Head to Toran, Dwarika’s what. From hosting a retro flower power gala Hotel for a delicious four-course O st delectable buffets to inexpensive dinner on the 31 with a Xmas dinner with a glass of trips to Dubai, here’s a list to performance by Jyoti Ghimire & eggnog or gluhwein. On New help you spread the holiday The Band along with Dj B Man. Year’s Eve they will have a live cheer in style. But if you fancy turkey, pies and band performance with For those foodies out there pudding, head over to Hotel champagne. Or soak in the (and who isn’t this time of the Shangri-La for their Christmas tranquilising ambience at the year?), The Café at the Hyatt is Eve dinner. For New Year’s, Kaiser Café for Christmas Eve offering a traditional Christmas they’ve invited Sabin Rai, with a four-course dinner menu. Eve dinner with Christmas carols Cobweb Band, 8848 Band, a DJ, This Christmas and New and mulled wine. Rox and celebrity dancers. Year’s Eve, Chez Caroline at Baber Restaurant, Hyatt has a five- For the more adventurous, Mahal Revisited is treating course New Year’s Eve dinner Hotel Soaltee will have a hip- French cuisine aficionados to a with champagne lined up. And if notising performance by three smorgasbord of dishes, from foie you’re there already, why not ring belly dancers from Ukraine. gras maison to tartare and an array in the New Year at Rox Bar? Indian Idol finalist Charu of vegetarian dishes. Those who Hotel Himalaya, too, has a Semwal is all set to croon to the prefer heartier fare should head Christmas Eve five-course menu, crowds on New Year’s Eve in the over to the Irish Pub to including drinks, with an Megha Malhar Hall. An Arabian experience the German Food instrumental performance by theme, an exotic buffet, and door Festival from the 18th of Creation Band. If you feel like prizes including tickets to December to the 1st of January. going all the way, stick around international destinations, you’ll The menu includes I 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 9

PICS: KIRAN PANDAY

schweineroulade (pork rolled Rs 29000 pp on a twin sharing with bacon) and other dishes basis. Lalit Mandap Tours is also easier to taste than to pronounce. organising holidays to Singapore, And why not a seafood buffet Thailand, and Malaysia. With the for Christmas Eve? Head to commencement of flights to Lobsters, whose New Year’s Eve Dubai via Flydubai, passengers itinerary includes a buffet, a Dj can make their way to the Gulf for session, and special handmade just Rs 14000! candle souvenirs. Of course, there are plenty of Thamel, as always, is not to getaways closer to home. be outdone. New Orleans Café’s Dhulikhel Mountain Resort offers cosy Thamel courtyard is hosting one night’s accommodation, a a turkey dinner with drinks and Christmas gala dinner, cultural Christmas gifts. Aqua Java Zing shows, Christmas lunch and has Christmas punch on offer, a drinks, while Dwarika’s pizza shaped like a jingle bell, Himalayan Shangri-La Village surprise gifts, and live music. Resort is offering a New Year’s Not far away, the Bourbon package deal that includes Room will feature Neva Band, overnight accommodation, followed by a Dj from 7 PM BBQ dinner with live music, and onwards on Christmas Eve. J Bar, champagne to toast the New Year. Cube, Club Platinum, Insomnia, The Godavari Village Resort, Absolute Bar and various other meanwhile, is offering a New clubs around town are also Year’s Eve package including ringing in the New Year with accommodation, a lavish gala their own special events and dinner, door prizes and a live countdowns. performance by The Heart But if you really want to mark Breakers. z the end of the year in style, sawasdee khap, escape the winter Happy holidays! chill with Marco Polo Travels’ Check our About Town listings 3-night Thailand package deal for (p14) for details and prices 10 HOLIDAY SPECIAL 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 Remembering our grandmothers

PRANAB MAN SINGH

uch of Nepal’s documented history lies within the scope of a few. In the feudal caste-based system that underlies Nepali M society, this is no surprise. The educated were those in power, those in power wrote about themselves and what was written then is what history is today. Alternative accounts of this history are slowly emerging but much has already been lost and is fading even as we seek to explore further. This is because the powerless, the poor and the illiterate – the forgotten generations of Nepali men and women, have only the spoken word. The most remarkable and highly commendable aspect of a new photobook, Hamra Hajurama: Our Grandmothers, is that it captures not only this oral tradition, but also the history of an oft- neglected generation. Trip to freedom ‘Photobook’, however, is a misnomer. Hamra Hajurama: Our Grandmothers features 12 eloquently crafted stories to go with the ou’d be forgiven if you embarassment, if not outright Schreiber as the crossdressing ex- pictures of its subjects. The spoken word is thus preserved. While approached Taking hostility. Lee’s approach to this marine who provides security at the pictures give us a view into their world in the present, the text Woodstock with some subject takes on a certain quality the motel, and Imelda Staunton tells you who they are. More pictures would have been an excellent addition, but what is presented does justice to a generation of Nepali Ytrepidation. Ang Lee, perhaps of naïveté, with the admiring, as Elliot’s mother, for instance. mothers and grandmothers that has suffered through a tradition of unfairly, has had in recent times a even longing, gaze of an outsider. Granted there are problems, gender-based discrimination, and chequered record with critics and Taking Woodstock is based especially the inexplicably survived the radical changes of audiences. It’s just a few seconds on a memoir, and has for its wooden performances in some modernity. into the credits and you are protagonist Elliot, a young man parts of the film with characters Some of the stories are absolutely already put in mind of his who returns from New York City that go nowhere. But even lulled fabulous. They ground the reader previous films – that score to help his folks run their by the cosy warmth and endearing within the fundamental core of Nepali rundown motel in a rural helplessness of its lead, one society – the family. It is the family CRITICAL CINEMA community. When he invites would have to be pretty set on that lends Nepali society some of its greatest strengths but also some of A Angelo D’Silva the Woodstock organisers down disliking the film to miss the to his place after they are driven thoughtfulness that Ang Lee and its gravest weaknesses. One of the best is Nusrat Banu’s tale and its out of the festival’s proposed his screenwriting partner James accompanying set of photographs. reminiscent of Brokeback location in a neighbouring town, Schamus have infused into this The story of a Muslim grandmother is Mountain, and those panels Elliot becomes suddenly and product. It has themes that are enthralling, the prose unobtrusive, but within the screen that scream accidentally instrumental in ostensibly counterintuitive it evokes it all – the comfort and love Hulk. But you are treated to his bringing in Woodstock and against the backdrop of of family and friends, the oppressions a woman has to endure, the lush images, his affecting hundreds of thousands of Woodstock, and that is precisely reality of living as part of a minority, and the balancing act of tradition composition and his knack for and modernity. The pictures complement the text vividly, and reveal seemingly effortless cinematic to us not just the present but also the past. The understanding here characterisation, and there’s a Another Ang Lee tussle between writer and photographer on their medium-specific stirring of recognition of his interpretations of one hajurama is sublime. genius. Could this be an While only a few of the other stories reach these heights of with freedom and synergy, the book remains a visionary production. Not all the pictures overlooked masterpiece? complement the text and not all the texts seem to have captured the What to make of Woodstock, repression hits the spot soul of the woman being interviewed. This is forgivable, given the the now-legendary hippie event challenge of synergising two mediums while simultaneously that drew half a million to hippies. The burgeoning both its crime and its genius – presenting the life of someone two generations in the past. One of partake of peace, love, music madness of the festival elicits taking this bacchanalian the writers best expresses this intrinsic challenge of the book itself: and…what exactly? The counter- meek and harried panic followed explosion, the iconic event of the “She knows that to allow me to tell her story is to let me decide what culturel movement of the 1960s by mild fascination. We, like counter-culture movement, and her life is about, to let me fix her and wield control over her. To let me was extraordinarily influential, Lee’s protagonist, are along for making it a mere backdrop to a know her is to allow me to exploit her, do whatever I want with her. and resonates still in the critiques the ride. Like docile tourists, we young man’s story of being torn To her, I am not an author, I am the authority – oppressing her with of KFC openings in places such as sample a little of the wild side – between his desire to break free my narrative structures and greed for knowledge. What she has Kathmandu as well as the even Elliot’s acid trip is a and the responsibility he feels perceived is the unfairness of my intrusion, the inequality that separates me from her, storyteller from the subject.” z growing popularity of the slow placid, if interesting, exercise in towards his family. Of course, food movement in the press. filmic montage (though it that tussle between repression Hamra Hajurama: Our Grandmothers is a photo.circle project. A When we feel trussed by the concludes with a gorgeous and freedom is par for the course book launch and exhibition will take place at the Nepal Art Council, global economy and its orgiastic climax of undulating in an Ang Lee movie, but this Babar Mahal, at 11AM on 18th December. The exhibition will run consumerist lifestyle, we masses on a hill to the entry might well belong in the until 25th December. continue to look to what the soundtrack of a sitar). Sure, it upper echelons of his fascinating hippies represented. But it may not be the ‘genuine’ oeuvre. z appears America and to an extent Woodstock, but it’s a pleasant the rest of us remain ambivalent trip all the same. Taking Woodstock to the counter-culturel Lee populates Taking Directed by: Ang Lee movement, even if capitalism has Woodstock with a brace of actors Cast: Demetri Martin, Dan Fogler, not quite delivered. Think of the whose talents elevate their Henry Goodman, Jonathan Groff hippies, and some of us feel thinly written parts – Live 121 min. R NATION 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 11 Xmas? Cheers!

t’s that time of the year again. If Kathmandu doesn’t see Christmas Food for thought this Christmas I shopping on the scale of London’s Oxford Street, where 200,000 people crammed the thoroughfare last Saturday morning despite the economic downturn, there’ll be parties galore. Like elsewhere in the West, this will then segue into the New Year celebrations. All this, though there is little to celebrate in Nepal these days, or perhaps because of it. Read: don’t worry, make merry.

KALAM Rabi Thapa

Christmas Day is itself a public holiday now, and well we might wonder why. In the erstwhile Hindu kingdom of Nepal, we now celebrate – or are given license to celebrate – everything from the more conventionally Hindu and Buddhist specials to Id, a clutch of Lhosars and more secular attractions such as Republic Day, Labor Day and Martyrs’ Day. And Christmas. In the Kathmandu Valley, it may seem that the spirit of inclusion that has gripped Naya Nepal may even have the expat community in its drunken embrace, for KIRAN PANDAY what else but the latter’s patronage and the economic imperative could give momentum you’re more likely to come across rack upon having religion foisted on me, be it through remains – state and society have failed these to this particular season of making merry? rack of Christian Lit than anything else. This, the medium of all-night megaphoned people in some way, and Christianity is Delve a little further, however, and you in a nation where Christian proselytisation bhajans or clean-scrubbed Jehovah’s offering them something tradition has been will understand that in Nepal, Christmas isn’t is still frowned upon despite the 1990 witnesses a-knocking on my doorstep. But unable to. just about the glitzy ballrooms of the Hyatt Constitution’s provisions for religious as long as I don’t have to hear it or don’t see So rather than perceive the growth of and the Soaltee. Even recent tragedies point freedom, and where the 1971 census the ill consequences of it, I don’t care what Christianity as a threat (read: editorials in to the changing demographics of this country. determined a Christian population of religion rocks your boat, it’s all Greek to me. 2011 that express surprise, no, shock, at the In May, a bomb killed two in a church in just 2541. What is striking, however, is the remarkable new census figures), perhaps it should be Dhobighat. In September, at least 23 people Today, these numbers have mushroomed growth of the Gospel in a society seen as a wake-up call. Not to imagine that gathered for a Christian conference of 1500 to upwards of half a million, by some traditionally bound by Hindu or Buddhist we can turn the clock back, that this would were killed when a makeshift church accounts. According to the Nepal Research conventions. This speaks volumes about that be even desirable, but to consider how, dormitory collapsed in Dharan. Walk past and Resource Network, there were 2799 society’s failure to address the spiritual beyond economics, we can accommodate the Patan Darbar Square these days and you are churches in Nepal in 2007, 309 in the needs of its members. The cynics or diehards hundreds of thousands of Christian Nepalis as likely to catch a riveting performance of Kathmandu Valley alone. We may not quite among us may allege that Christian and others who are so disenchanted with the Kartik Nach, the re-enactment of be making the Great Leap Forward, but missionaries offer financial inducements to Nepali spirituality. That, rather than a turkey Narasimha’s disembowelment of the demon Christianity has made great strides in Nepal, lure marginalised Dalits and janjatis away dinner, might be food for thought Hiranyakashyap, as a re-enactment of the and we have one of the fastest growing from their ‘real’ religious roots, regardless this Christmas. For those who have the Passion of the Christ. Walk into Ekta Books Christian populations in the world. of how recent conversions to Vedic means, after all, ‘tis the season to be merry, looking for some godly inspiration, and What of it? I have always had a problem Hinduism itself might be. But the fact like any other. z 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 Leaders speak PM’s day out Bishnu Pokhrel in Nayapatrika,13 December

Kulchandra Neupane in Kantipur, 5 December new constitution. If leaders sometimes appear to be reaching a consensus, they inevitably “This facewash suits your skin,” said a store proprietor wearing a pull away. sticker on her left cheek, as Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal “The declaration of federal states is a serious Why? Youth leaders of the big three parties entered the exhibition hall in Bhrikuti Mandap. There was no way the conspiracy”, KP Oli, 28 November think power-grabbing prevails in politics. They prime minister could refuse her supplications. “Really,” said Nepal, “To protest against the declaration of say that the constituent assembly should be the “Did you make this yourself?” “Yes,” she responded, “we made it federal states is a ploy to prevent the country primary issue and power secondary but it is other ourselves and it’s completely natural.” Convinced, Nepal reached for from going for federalism”, Maoist chairman way round. his wallet, but the proprietor stopped him. “Don’t worry, this is a gift.” Pushpa Kamal Dahal, 30 November Besides, leaders contradict their own Madhav Kumar was speeches. NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba stressed the need for a high- visiting the 10th level political mechanism in Cottage Industry Biratnagar on November 30. On the Festival and National same day in Itahari, just 20km away, Industrial Expo at he said, “The high-level mechanism Bhrikuti Mandap, will be a place for gossip, there is no which began on need for it.” Thursday. The PM Such contradictory statements spent 30 minutes there have brought internal party rifts to on Saturday shopping, the fore: observing stalls and “The coalition does not become receiving gifts. He rightist just because there are no Maoists”, PM Nepal, politburo meeting, received the facewash, 2 December worth Rs 120, and other “We have to leave the government items as gifts from the if need be”, UML chairman Jhal Nath proprietor, and bought KIRAN PANDAY Khanal, politburo meeting, 2 December other things he wanted. “The NC itself is going against the He later caught site “There will be civil war if we integrate the peace process by opposing the idea of a high- of an organic coffee PLA into the Nepal Army”, NC leader Sushil level political mechanism”, Deputy PM Sujata stall. “How much is the coffee?” he asked. Upon receiving an answer, he Koirala, 2 December Koirala, 29 November asked again, “Is this made in Nepal?” He reached for his pocket but, “Wilful declaration of federal states is a big The leaders themselves are not oblivious to perhaps finding no money there, instead asked an assistant to buy a conspiracy”, PM Madhav Kumar Nepal, 3 their contradictions: packet. December “Leaders have become irresponsible. They “Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is don’t have control over their own speech”, NC Nepal may not have visited each of the 145 stalls at the exhibition, trying to become a king without a crown”, NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka but he did visit many. He bought several things besides the coffee, like leader Ram Chandra Poudel, 3 December “The leaders’ expressions show the forces Rs 150 worth of ginger juice. All in all, he spent Rs 695. If their speeches are anything to go by, the that want confrontation have become stronger As he left, he told media persons that he was very happy to see so country is heading to a confrontation rather within the party”, Maoist leader Top Bahadur many Nepali products, and assured government help to brand them than a completion of the peace process and a Rayamajhi and market them internationally. “It’s not only goods that can be exported, but also the technology that backs them,” he said. Journalists on the frontline

Editorial in Himal Khabarpatrika, 16-30 December

It is obvious that journalists, rights activists, intellectuals and those who raise their voice are facing trouble in the districts. But the physical assault on Rukum journalist Tika Bista has only inspired us to pursue professional excellence in journalism. The courage and commitment of journalists working in the districts has challenged the reign of fear in a society already facing intimidation, threats, assaults and ‘physical action’. Even after the Maoists’ move from insurgency to peaceful politics, they do not seem to have developed an inclination for political norms and ideology. They are consolidating the party by recruiting people with brutal criminal backgrounds who have tarnished the party’s image. The leadership occasionally makes apologies for atrocities committed by their party cadres but they tend

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA to overlook the increasing number of such incidents. The Maoists’ nurturing of a culture of impunity has helped create an environment conducive for opportunists to take advantage. The journalists in the district are in the frontline to discourage this trend. If their morale is Bag: Press low, the whole of society will have to bear the brunt of it. At this moment, we remember Uma Singh and wish Tika Bista a speedy recovery. Batsayan in Kantipur on 13 December CONSTITUTION 2010 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 13 “No need to panic”

Nepali Times: What is the population and area of the scientific proposal for federalism we will think about it. Kochila Province? But we know we are the biggest party, and therefore our Purna Singh Rajbanshi: I’m not sure. proposal is naturally the strongest.

Now that Kochila province has been declared, what will be And if the other parties also start declaring their own your job? provinces one by one like you have? Look, we’ve already declared this province. The other They should understand that we have called this a parties should see this as our commitment and also as a strong progressive move. There is no need to panic. If TIRTHA SIGDEL challenge to them. We will now debate this in front of the the other parties are responsible they should also come parties and the people. This is our work now. up with ideas.

Following the 11 December declaration of the Kochila Do you mean to say that this is just a proposal? If so, who’s There are already groups that question your Autonomous Province, which includes Jhapa, Morang going to ratify it? boundaries, won’t this invite conflict between ethnic and Sunsari, there were many allegations that the We will take it to the CA and leave it to the central groups? Maoists were forming a parallel government and leading leadership. Only those who are against federalism or want to dilute the country towards fragmentation, or even war. The it say that. Such thinking is completely wrong. If the Maoist Kochila Province is headed by CA member Purna Is there any possibility of working with the other parties, demands of marginalised ethnic groups that are on the Singh Rajbanshi. Gopal Gartoula from the Nepali Times then? verge of extinction are addressed that is all for the asked him about his party’s intentions. I don’t think so. But if they have some better ideas for a common good, it is not against anyone. Ethnic Liberty of liberty first Limbuwan

Laxman Tharu, president, Federal Democratic National Forum Sanjuhang Palungwa, president, Limbuwan State Council Janajatis are deprived of their right to utilise their We are not seeking the autonomy of Limbus in water, land and forests as Limbuwan. Our movement is for the liberation guaranteed by ILO of Limbuwan and its autonomy. Limbuwan Convention 169. The itself is a territory, not an ethnicity. Ethnic government is selling autonomy is not possible. Once autonomy is in medicinal herbs, wood, place, Limbus and all those living here will be rocks and soil without liberated. taking permission from Autonomy without the right to self- the rightful owners determination is meaningless. Locals should because Janajatis don’t have rights over their resources, as defined by have access to politics. ILO Convention 169. Once the provinces We follow all democratic norms. Multi- are created based on ethnicity, multi-language, multi-culture is our ethnicity and the rights reality. If we ignore this, there won’t be lasting over water, forests and peace and security. land are ensured, they All castes will have equal rights in don’t have to look to the Limbuwan. There will be autonomous units centre for development within the province to include everyone. activities and locals will be employed. Limbuwan is imagined as a colourful Creating federal units without the right to self-determination is Tehrathume Dhaka Topi with different hues impossible. It should be understood as the right to secession. It is a and patterns. provision to take decisions on our own but within the purview of the The province will have a two-tier country’s interests. parliament: a Lower Limbuwan People’s The ethnic issue should be resolved before class conflict. If we want Council and an Upper Limbuwan Indigenous nationalities from Limbuwan. to resolve the class issue, all should be employed, which is impossible. Council. The representatives in the people’s People can vote for non-Limbu representatives But the people are rendered unemployed, impoverished and council will be elected through a proportional for the centre. However, the province reserves the disrespected just because they are Magar, Tharu, Dalit or Muslim. How representation system and the indigenous right to call back representatives if they are found to can this be a class issue? council will have representatives of indigenous be acting against the interests of Limbuwan. Ethnicity is class

Santosh Budha Magar, president, Magarat within the provinces. Ethnic minorities The right to self-determination is National Freedom Front will be given autonomy at regional and the right to take decisions on our own. village levels as required, with provisions It should be acceptable to all to ensure Language, culture, economy, psychological of reservation for marginalised the rulers cannot betray us. It means in make-up and territory combined make up communities. Those without territory principle that if the rulers try to curtail nationality. Magarat is the nationality of such as women and Dalits should be the rights of the people, they can secede. Magar but other castes live there too. represented proportionately and Ethnicity in itself is a class. The Maoists have come up with inclusively. in general are poor. Ethnic issues can be nationalities as the basis of federal units The freedom of Magarat is the freedom resolved much earlier than class issues. because the ethnic basis is impossible to of the people living there at large. In Europe, there is no discrimination implement. It won’t be practicable to make However, Magars should get special based on language and culture but a separate province for an ethnicity that political rights to utilise resources in the even now there are issues of class: rich claims a couple of hundred members. We Magarat region. The preservation of and poor. can make 13 broad provinces based on language and culture too should be a Federalism alone cannot resolve nationality. There will be sub-provinces priority. ethnic issues, however. 14 CITY 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481

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Allow to simmer for at Christmas lunch and drinks at Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Rs 3000 pp 1 cup finely chopped celery least 3-4 hours adding water if necessary, until ™ New Year’s, The Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort offers 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic the peas begin to dissolve. Remove the skin an overnight stay with BBQ dinner, live band, champagne and brunch, 2 cups diced carrot from the pork shanks and shred the meat from 3 bay leaves 4412999/61-462222 the bones. Add the meat to the soup and season ™ Godavari Village Resort, offers a New Year’s Eve package for 10 black peppercorns 2 tablespoons sugar with the sugar, salt and pepper. Serve with some Rs 8888 per couple, inclusive of accommodation, dinner, door prizes and ¼ cup olive oil fresh bread. a live performance by The Heart Breakers, 5560675 salt and pepper to taste water For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 18 - 24 DECEMBER 2009 #481 15

KIRAN PANDAY THAT'S SORTED THEN: Pushpa Kamal Dahal with UNSG Rep for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy after signing the action plan for the discharge of disqualified combatants.

KIRAN PANDAY SEEING IS BELIEVING: Writer Kanak Mani Dixit at the launch of his book Dekheko Muluk at Patan's Yala Maya Kendra on Sunday.

KIRAN PANDAY WITCH HUNT: Women accused of witchcraft take part in a debate as part of a function organised by Sancharika Samuha for the 16 Days Campaign Against Gender Violence, on Tuesday.

KIRAN PANDAY DOWN THE HATCH: Locals dispose of illegal homemade alcohol with the help of Lagankhel police on Saturday. 16 H ass(at)nepalitimes.com then a don’t know,butifwemusthavea70mstatuenearRaniPokhari Rotten Park.Whatabai-pankhighodaissupposedtosymbolisewe last weektocallfordesignsbuilda70mstatueofPegasusat China viasatellite,gotnotedNepaliarchitectstogetherinBaluwatar short-lived UMLgovtof1994whoproposedexportingelectricityto declaring the the cabinetwasmeetingatKalaPutter.WhenMaoistswere wrong time.WhentheKailaliforestoccupationcrisiswasgoingon And anotherprizetoourrulersforbeingatthewrongplace present time. Pokhrel, theworld’sonly with theOpiumofMasses.HewasatyagyabyDinabandhu is surprisingthatPKDnowtriesnottoskipanyfunctiondealing One canunderstandKishunjiturningtoreligionathisage,butwhat absence. ThebadbloodmustreallyrundeepbetweenGPKandKPB. although HerHighnesstheDPMandDaddywereconspicuousintheir Kishunji happybudday.ThePMappeared,andsodidtheprez, The Asswasthereamongthewell-wishersatOshoAshramtogreet later? be theyhadnoideaaboutthepurgethatwastobefallthemtwodays Interestingly, theconjugalcomradesareallsmilesinpic:couldit Comrades LaldhojandParbatiduringtheChunbangConvention. emotion andshedatearortwowhilelookingatportraitofhimself, also ignoredthefactthatafterspeechHisFiercenesschokedwith Chairman’s hyperbole,theNepalimediaignoredremark.Andit swim intheirbloodtoachievethegoalofhisrevolution.Used to warnthata details atanappropriatetime.Warminguptothetheme,hewenton to bumphimoffthathethreatened‘vomitout’(exactquote)the of warpictureswhenhegotsocarriedawaybyanallegedconspiracy Awesome showedhisfearsomesidetheotherdayatinauguration second-hand tankswhenwehavetoqueuefortwohoursgetdiesel? lethal’ T-72tanksfortheNepalArmy.Whoarewegoingtofightwith over XmasandNewYear. and jetoffagainonaChinavisitduringtheindefiniteMaoistbanned Copenhagen. AnditlookslikethePMwillleaveNepalonautopilot on Wednesday,nineministerswereholdingacabinetmeetingin 3-day bannednextweek. And that,ladiesandgentlemeniswhywearesufferinga right toPMship,whiletheUMLisinnomoodletgo. The Maoistssaythatbeingthelargestpartytheyhave Baddies can’tagreeonwhoshouldleadanationalgovt. sankalpa prastab,butactuallyitisstuckbecausetheUMLand The BigThreearesupposedtobedeadlockedoverthewordingof and notKPBhattarai. marigold garlands,givingtheimpressionthathewasChiefGuest great spindoctors:hearrivedattheceremonyalreadywearingadozen namastays themanheistryingtounseatforunseatinghim. smack intoPresidentRamBarononthestairs,andissoflusteredhe the Guinnessbook).So,AwesomeshowsupatOshoAshram,runs And thenChhatramanChiefSabgoesofftoIndiabuy50‘non- But muchmoreremarkablewasthefactthatComradeVicioushas winged Donkey Banned BACKSIDE Makunay, whoisstillrememberedastheministerin burying itsheadinthesandonnationalpriorities. ave togivetheOstrichTrophythisgovernmentfor Kachila AutonomousStateCouncil again million peoplewouldhavetodie (ahem) maybemoreappropriateatthe Maoist Hindupreacher FG FG FG FG andhewould (anotheronefor inBasantapur CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 09/066/67 18 -24DECEMBER2009 #481

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