#131 7 - 13 February 2003 16+4 pages Rs 25
BHAGIRATH YOGI “They should have guidelines and, if need ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ be, get international agencies to monitor he ceasefire has held for ten days compliance on the ground,” says Sudip now. But an even more difficult job Pathak, of the rights group, HURON. Tlies ahead; agreeing on guidelines for But all these details will pale in dialogue, negotiating a common agenda, comparison when the hard bargaining on keeping factions left out of the peace Let the talks begin substantive issues actually start. The two process together, and not losing sight of the sides need to agree on an immediate setting goal. Negotiations need trust, tenacity and togetherness. up of an all-party interim government There are worrying signs that political (perhaps including Maoist ministers) and parties excluded from the process are elections to a constituent assembly to getting agitated. The cabinet hasn’t been change the constitution. In his address, able to decide on the composition of its Chand made a pointed reference to Nepal’s negotiating team even though the Maoists “monarchial culture”, hinting that this was have named a squad leader in ideologue non-negotiable. Baburam Bhattarai. While the government and the parties However, sources tell us secret bicker away, the Maoist leader Pushpa contacts between the government’s Kamal Dahal has been busy this week dialogue coordinator, Narayan Singh Pun calling up leaders of political parties from and the Maoist team is taking place at an his hideout. So far he has spoken to undisclosed location on the southern edge Madhav Kumar Nepal, Narayan Man of the Valley. Pun’s effort is to make as Bijukchhe and Girija Koirala. Dahal much progress as possible and not get reportedly told them his group did not distracted by the political wranglings. In a favour direct negotiations with the king and
rare interview he told us, “It is a very long SUBHAS RAI would like to see the party leaders at a and complicated process. We must have roundtable conference. patience to see this through.” “We have had one week of peace, but Government spokesman and Minister there is no clear idea who is holding these of Information, Ramesh Nath Pandey, talks, under whose authority,” denies disagreement within the cabinet constitutional lawyer, Bipin Adhikari, told about Pun’s mediation role and also that us. “How can an illegitimate government state-owned media is downplaying him. hold talks with the Maoists on behalf of the “This is not true,” Pandey said. “The Nepali people?” There seems to be no government has extended full support to alternative to the monarchy, the Maoists Minister Pun.” and the parties getting together, and that So far, the scalebacks have come from seems to be a greater hurdle than even the Maoists’ side—calling off a two-day getting Baburam and Pun together. bandh and the cancellation of an indefinite and food in the western region, but With the Maoists willing to come out checkpoints on highways are as strict as ever nationwide education strike starting this into the political mainstream, non-Maoist and curfews in various urban hotspots have month. For its part, the army has slightly forces, too, will have to unite to protect not yet been lifted. relaxed its controls on movement of people jail by the Chand administration after a yearof being too rigid. their interests. This is possible only if the “The Maoists look more sensitive and behind bars. Rights activists say it will be important king and parties agree to serious towards making progress compared For his part, Pun says he is trying to for the two sides to first agree on a code of sort out their differences to the government,” says Iswor Chandra avoid repeating past mistakes. One thing conduct including a complete cessation of alland sit on the same side of Gyawali, editor of the banned going for him is that both sides are more offensives, violence and extortion by both the table. serious about finding a negotiated solution sides. The others would be to initiate to the conflict than they were in 2001. confidence-building measures, not wait for Editorialp2 Weekly Internet Poll # 71 Those talks failed when the rebels walked talks to start before launching relief and Dishabodh, a For talks, Q. Which side is more serious about finding a negotiated out of negotiations accusing the governmentrehabilitation efforts in the hinterland. don’t talk. solution to the conflict: pro-Maoist paper who was released from 1. Government 2. Maoists 3. Neither 4. Don’t know Bhutan ready to take some refugees back NEPALNEWS.COM KUNDA DIXIT ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○ epal and Bhutan are inching towards partially repatriating some of the100,000 Bhutanese refugees who have been living in camps in eastern Nepal for the past 12 years. N Officials from the two countries have been doing the diplomatic shuttle. Foreign Minister Narendra Bikram Shah flew to Bhutan three weeks ago. Then his counterpart Lyonpo Jigme Total votes: 1,389 Y Thinley paid a return visit to Kathmandu this week for the 12 th Joint Ministerial Meeting Weekly Internet Poll # 72. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com(see picture). Both ministers sounded upbeat at a press conference on Thursday evening, Q. What are the chances of the present ceasefire announcing the next series of ministerial talks in Thimpu on 24 March.Verification TheTeams Joint leading to actual peace ? will also meet in Thimpu on 24 February. “We are under pressure from the Nepali public,country. from They the can’t just take some of us back and leave the others behind.” Refugee leaders say media and donors to resolve this issue quickly and fairly,” Shah told reporters. the Bhutanese government is trying to divide the exiled community. But they sidestepped questions about a proposal by Bhutan, which sources told usSome will 12,000 refugees living in Khudunabari went through the verification process in 2001, and involve the voluntary repatriation of refugees to Bhutan. Under the proposal, whichmore seems than to 90be percenta were said to have documents to prove they were Bhutanese. But the joint trial balloon, the refugees would be asked to choose whether they want to return toteam Bhutan has or not stay made public the result of the exercise. This week, refugees from six other camps in in Nepal. Asked about this proposal, Thinley said, “No comment.” Jhapa have joined 4,000 Bhutanese at the Khudunabari Camp who have been on a relay hunger Under growing international pressure, Bhutan now seems reconciled to taking somestrike of for the over a month. They demand the immediate publication of verification results, repatriation of verified refugees and starting verification in the other camps. refugees back. It may be hoping that if given the choice, many will not opt to return to an uncertain future in Bhutan where their homesteads may have been resettled by other Bhutanese.Most analysts agree that India has a critical role to play in mediating the refugee issue, since Bhutan’s donors are reportedly considering rehabilitation support for the refugees whoBhutan agree and to Nepal do not have a contiguous border and the refugees all passed through India to return to Bhutan. enter Nepal. New Delhi also controls Bhutan’s foreign policy, but it maintains that the refugee issue Asked what the refugees thought of the proposal, Bhutanese rights activist, Ratanis a Gazmerebilateral problem that Nepal and Bhutan have to resolve. told us, “It is totally unacceptable. As citizens of Bhutan, we have the right to return to our
Marcopolo 2 EDITORIAL 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 NATION 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 3
Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor:Kunda Dixit STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL OPINION by ALOK BOHARA Design:Kiran Maharjan Webmaster:Bhushan Shilpakar [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Advertising:Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription:Anil Karki [email protected] Sales:Sudan Bista [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-543333-7, Fax: 01-521013 Comrade Primefirmament Minister?with no less force at that time. Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hattiban: 01-547018/17 Bhattarai’s name may be quite acceptable After Janakapur, Madhav Nepal is raring toto the socialgo elite places. of the Kathmandu Valley as the next prime minister, but the rest of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A win-win peace FOR TALKS, DON'T TALK. the country would not be as ready to dvance information from the prime By his refusal to bow out gracefully, accept him. Donors would need coaxing or this peace process to start, there should be a moratorium on self-serving minister’s office had indicated that Chand has shown that he is willing to risk before they agree to do business with a hy did King Gyanendra and the politicians, ex-politicians, would-be politicians and activists opening their mouths.Lokendra Bahadur Chand’s address being kicked out as ignominiously as his person who had a price on his head till Maoist leadership decide to talk A negotiated solution is in everyone’s We’re all for freedom of expression, but nothing these stalwarts of democracyA are very recently. F to the nation on Monday evening would be predecessor. By all indications, ouster of now? It could be what is called saying is pragmatic or constructive. It reeks of the same cynicism, negativism and W interest. But the constitution needs some an “important” one. It was to be broadcast this courtiers’ cabinet is only a matter of Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s pro- the “principal-agent problem”. The intrigue that brought the country to this sorry state. Will we ever learn? nouncement notwithstanding, the chance tinkering to remove dangerous ambiguities. If this is the way it’s always going to be, then we despair for this country. It’slive hard by Radio not Nepal and Nepal Television. time. For the mainstreaming process of the “principals” are the king and the Maoist Maoists to continue smoothly, he and most of the restoration of dissolved parliament ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ to be deterministic about it, because more than any other human sub-species,The Nepali sense of anticipation was so strong leaders, and their armies are the respective that Radio Sagarmatha and Kantipur FM of his colleagues will have to go. The is getting more and more remote. Even if “agents”. Given the six years of strategic politicians seem to be genetically hardwired for disunity. Disagreement in democracy’s the house were to be restored, it’s quite On the issue of separation of powers, a heavy reliance on a small set of marketplace of ideas is a healthy thing, and agreeing to disagree is the wayhad we a move battery of commentators ready to question is no longer if, it’s just how soon. dynamics between the Maoists and the individuals—a three-person Defense forward. But here, our disagreements paralyse us, because they become so pouncepersonal on andthe text and analyse it to bits on As a matter of fact, the present unlikely that it will once again accept security forces leading right up to the the parliament must be made sovereign by Bhattarai’s blue-eyed boy, Sher Bahadur are fed by base instincts like jealousy, greed and a dog-eat-dog competitionthe for spot. power In the end, the preparation administration fulfilled its main function killing of IGP Krishna Mohan Shrestha on clearly defining the power and responsibil- Council—to make decision on the and wealth. Deuba, as its leader. In all probability, turned out to be pointless. Minister-in- the day it was formed. The appointment of 26 January, losing control of the agents’ ity of the king. This will require key security related matters seems Even after a truce is announced, this is what we see before us: political parties not the new leader of the old house will now Chief Chand delivered an anti-climax by Chand as prime minister was a clear behavior in an escalating changes in the Constitution in the undemocratic. Further, the inclusion of able to agree among themselves about how to agree with the king about anfailing agreement to announce his expected message to the Maoists and their be Comrade Madhav Nepal, victor in the following areas; the commander-in-chief as a member of with the Maoists. There are interlocking layers of disagreements—within parties, between conflict would have been a resignation. international backers that there was no UML’s just concluded Janakapur the Council is a conflict of interest. In parties, between the parties and the king, between the parties and the Maoists, between Convention. Perhaps it is in him that the genuine fear. Article 118: Provisions Regarding the Earlier in the morning, Chand and his ambiguity any more in the unity of almost all democracies, the primary role the king and the Maoists, and among the Maoists themselves. search for the new prime minister could In six years, the Maoists’ Royal Nepal Army, What’s more, there are even members of the cabinet who can’t seem to wifebe able had performedto special puja at command of all the forces at the disposal of of the army is to follow orders. It should end. Speaker Taranath Rana Bhat is sphere of influence increased Article 115: Emergency Powers, countenance the idea of a colleague from a minority community being in Pashupatinath,the limelight raising hopes that he had the state. For a while, all political parties not be involved in any political decision- could wander in the wilderness, the king another contender, but he may remain from just nine districts Article127:Power to Remove making process, nor should it ever be put for putting the country back on track to peace. Politicians everywhere are knownfinally for realised their the futility of his stay in just that. short-term tunnel vision, but only our politicians will destroy each other over who is going had decided that a drastic disease warranted to 66. Lately, the Obstacles, in a position that compels it to question Baluwatar. Later in the day, he faced A new premier must have the state too had moved to get the glory for restoring peace. Even a fissiparous protozoa has better camerasinstinct withabout the huge lump of holy a drastic remedy. Article 35: Executive Powers, the motives of the elected government. the common good. following qualities; beyond tit-for-tat sandalwood paste stuck to his forehead. Since 4 October, the resolution of the There is much ambiguity regarding the The Nepali peoples’ tragedy is that we never got the leaders we deserved. From a tactics to hunting Article 31: Questions Not To Be insurgency has been the number one Raised in Court, and role and authority of the democratically limited line-up of mediocre talent, we chose the ones priority of the real power centre, while the down rebel militia elected government’s ability to mobilise that had the likeliest potential to exhibit vision, Article 128: Provisions Regarding the dummies in Singh Darbar were free to inflicting a 5:1 “kill the army. The new constitution must statesmanship and altruism. We hoped they would ratio”. The fact that Council of Ministers. rise above selfish or partisan interest, but no entertain the masses with their antics. In clarify these ambiguities. such luck. It’s about time these failed retrospect, the buffoonery of some many of these were not even Much of the acrimonious debate What we have to safeguard are the Maoists had started coming out in scathing characters stopped trying to wreck things just ministers appears to have been intentional; regarding the 4 October royal move can beaccomplishments of the 1990 Peoples’ because someone else is trying to fix a decoys for the real behind-the-scene human rights reports. Then came the summarised as follows: A sitting prime problem they contributed to creating. Movement and the new constitution that negotiations. Since talk about talks has come killing of the APF chief. This was a new minister loses its party support on the issue So, instead of moaning, hemming political adroitness to take the process and dangerous escalation that had the restored sovereignty in the people. We out in the open now, perhaps there is no harden, it would be more likely that the creating a new constitution is over. Some of extending the emergency, he collides have to make sure that the sacrifices and hawing, how about helping out in need to maintain a virtual cabinet any of mainstreaming of the Maoists to its potential of reprisal killings by death squads the process of peace-building? There is logical conclusion, military and the monarchy would both be nations like South Africa have done head-on with his party president and gets many made 12 years ago and also in 1951 much that can start immediately to longer and go for a real one that divides up just like El Salvador in the 1980s. expelled from the party. He then the spoils among the main political ability to see through local and bargaining chips in future negotiations. precisely this to save resources. for the ideals of democracy will not be in restore the peoples’ confidence with a In such a scenario, both principals (the Worse yet, a full-scale civil war was not so recommends the dissolution of parliament, vain. And of course, there is the sacrifice Marshall Plan-type nationwide contenders in the corridors of power. parliamentary elections as soon as king and the Maoists) could have lost far-fetched anymore. By trying to find an dissolves local elected bodies and of nearly 8,000 Nepali lives in the past reconstruction and reconciliation The Maoists’ claim that the leadership possible and A set of constitutional mechanisms control of their over-stretched and early resolution, negotiations can be limited contemplates postponing the election date.seven years, and the destitution, campaign. Money will not be a problem, of government always goes to the successor must enjoy the confidence of Comrade should be introduced to make the donors are still standing by for a influential agents. In addition, the agents to some of the Maoists’ lesser demands. The king uses displacement and bereavement of government that works. political regime isn’t without merit. After Prachanda and Girija Prasad Koirala as may have begun to carve out a set of their parliament more accountable, stable, Article 127 to fire an elected So, this truce and negotiated settlementresponsible and sovereign. It will require hundreds of thousands of our citizens. But peace won’t just fall on our laps, the success of the People’s Movement, it well as that of certain important foreign own incentives. The Maoists cadre already prime minister for his incompetence in was the Nepali Congress and the Left Front powers. are in the best interests of everyone—the major changes in many areas; We owe it to them to make this work. it has to be painstakingly rebuilt. The had a taste of extortion, bank robberies and contradiction to theArticle 35.2, which Finding a lasting solution to the conflict that took over the reigns of government, Observers who have been following monarchy, the military and the Maoists. But Maoists are worried about their militia executions—all in the name of their a decentralised system of regional or evenrequires that any such moves be brought inwill then put us on a road to finally and cadre. Who is going to feed them in and if that precedence is to hold, Chand the political dexterity of Comrade Nepal for it to work, the political parties must be political mission. And with the political zonal governments to devolve power and front of the Council of Ministers and the improving the living conditions of the the run-up to talks? Some dacoits who should prepare to hand over the charge to in the wake of 4 October are convinced parties sidelined, unleashing a well- brought into the picture. They alone have became Maobadis in the Rautahat area Baburam Bhattarai. the mechanism to serve as a go-between responsibility to the grassroots, prime minister himself. The new interim Nepali people. The road ahead is fraught have gone back to their dacoit ways. This that he fits the bill on all the three equipped army on an increasingly brutal However, unlike in 1990 the Maoists counts. Had he not withdrawn from the between the monarchy and the people. In a more inclusive electoral method like government gets formed against the spirit ofwith obstacles. But we cannot give up could happen elsewhere if a system is counter-insurgency campaign would have the trying. We owe it to our future generations not in place urgently for their aren’t clear winners of a political Royal Commission to investigate the been difficult to monitor for Kathmandu. addition, the Maoists must be wooed into the proportional representation system, Article 128, which clearly requires assimilation. the political mainstream. and to our brave ancestors who created, movement, they are merely a party to an Narayanhiti Massacre, his chance would The kidnapping of school children and instituting a system of constructive vote participation by the main political All this is not going to be easy, and it armed conflict. Although Maoists are more have come much earlier. But he seems to The road ahead is fraught with preserved and defended this nation. the alleged rape incidents in Nepalganj by of no confidence to ensure stability in the parties. Ironically,Article 31 does not needs everyone pulling together in the powerful than the political parties ever have made up for that glaring lack of the security forces could have been some ofobstacles. Most importantly, the parliament, allow any debate regarding the same direction. A ceasefire with the were, Bhattarai had to wait for a courage by being instrumental in pulling negotiating parties must widen the scope of Maoists was perhaps the easy part. government decision in order to be able to down the Koirala government last year. the signs of a principal-agent problem. If instituting a set of code of conduct in constitutionality of the moves. Maybe what we actually first need is a the conflict is prolonged and positions the purposed constituent assembly. After Most contentious of all is sit for negotiations. The Maoists’ power is The commissar of Balkhu has waited public debate, consultation and feedback, anpoliticos to minimise conflict of interest Article 118 ceasefire between the palace and the and reduce institutional corruption, and parties. illegitimate, hence it lacks the authority thatin the wings for far too long. After elected constituent assembly can easily be about provisions regarding the Royal the leaders of the People’s Movement in Janakapur, Comrade Nepal is raring to go converted into a parliament after the task ofimportantly Nepali Army. The parliament does not (Alok K Bohara, PhD, is professor of 1990 had. Even at best, the status of the places. The next place for him could be removal of ambiguity in the constitution seem to have a clear-cut authority to economics at the University of New Mexico, Maoist cadre is no better than that of an all-important negotiating table set for to ensure the separation of powers. declare an emergency(Article 115),and USA. [email protected]) Jhapali Communists in mid-seventies who the Maoists. Comrade Prachanda should had burst upon the Nepali political be happy to see a hammer and sickle fly away with our huge baggage of over Nepal again—even if that logo has prejudices, petty interests, and oversized egos? compartment of a car is the SUBHAS RAI the sun symbol in the background. LETTERS survival zone for vehicle Akhilesh Upadhyay,Nepali generosity, self-esteem Blessed are the patient. occupants, and a seat belt is just New York and pride have suffered a major CEASEFIRE The formation of the interim one of the interior restraint DISEMBARKATION blow. It will take decades to return Kunda Dixit hits the nailgovernment and then the components. Chances of survivalI feel that the section Under election to the constituent to normalcy, and it will only on the head (“Can’t fail this are high if the occupants are My Hat in your paper is rather assembly are going to be happen with a peace process that time”, #130) when he says it trapped in vehicles and not childish and senseless. I extremely messy if the Maoists, doesn’t just address conflict but internal surplus and foreign resources. And was an endgame-scenario for ejected. However, it is actuallywonder who enjoys such crude COMMENT by PRAMOD MISHRA the monarchy and the political also its deep underlying roots. those in whose name billions of dollars was both the Maoists and the king. the pedestrians and non- jokes. Yes, it tries to address parties don’t learn to keep an Lila Pandey, Sanepa poured into the country have largely remained Unlike the national motorised cyclists who are the burning issues in our society, open mind in the talks ahead. outside the parameters of power and access. government, which can bank on It is quite obvious after most vulnerable groups in Nepal.but the way it is presented How about bringing in an The peace talks need to find a way to address foreign money and arms, the What seat belts offer to those spoils the whole story. Take objective third party to the peacereading “Can’t fail this time” that rebels have access to limited groups is almost negligible. "Visit Nepal (Or in history. these inequities. honour when so much innocent blood has been equation, the Norwegians, for both the king and the Maoists resources. For his part, the king Accident trends in Nepal reflectsElse) Year 2003" (#130). Why did the Maoist insurgency begin in the The political parties rightly demand a placespilt? at Why didn’t they listen when activists within instance, at some point? Abovenow need a soft landing. King desperately needed something You suggest the absence ofthe lack of road safety measures,Does that disembarkation and outside Nepal agreed with their assessment all, I am most concerned that Gyanendra wants to be seen as What kindfirst place? Certainly of not just becausepeace a the peace table. Without after their participation, the 8,000 livesto give legitimacylost? to his rule war is not peace in your balancedpoor knowledge of the driver, card look funny? It would be of the 1990 change, but said that revolution, very little has been done to bringthe one who brought peace Baburam Bhattarai or a Pushpa Kamal Dahalpeace initiative will end up being another drama having come to power and well-argued editorial (“Theineffective legislation and interesting if the writer used though absolutely essential for Nepal, could not— political parties aboard the back, while the Maoists suddenly decided that Nepal needed some bloodshed ofto strategic oneupmanship. But those occupying dismissing an elected absence of war is not peace”, improper licensing systems. Whathumour in more subtle ways. hat does peace mean when the country should not—be violent? A peaceful, yet durable emerging political equation. realise that they are on a dead- propel their party to power? If there was nothe standing and central committees in the government. But let’s not gloat #130). Good point. But the peaceone expects in such situation isQuality papers like yours is in shambles? All we are left with is revolution through a system of radical democracy There can be no lasting peaceend revolution. And what of the Maoist movement (which has at least mingledparties the must first admit that they have seriouslyBaburam, how are you going to too much over a half-baked process needs another vital pedestrian protection, facilitatedshould not include mindless mangled infrastructure, ruin and misery was indeed possible. Liquidating selected class without their participation. Hatspolitical parties? After having W blood of Nepali ethnicities for a common cause),goofed. The trials of corrupt ministers are only cake. Ask former Prime Minister ingredient—the absence of cycling, conditioned vehicles andstuff like this. I hope my failed the people and shown for millions of Nepalis,including the orphans, enemiestranslate may your be easy, doctrine but transforming of armed an entire off to Narayan Singh Pun. Only licensing systems that examinecomments, despite being there would have been other sectarian and the tip of the iceberg. Given the history of splits, Deuba how the peace fanfare naked their selfishness are theymalice. We have seen in the case widows and displaced. And nearly 8,000 society for long-term equality and justice requires time will tell whether there were basic knowledge on vehicle rather blunt, is taken in the regional conflicts. The 1990 constitution paidmergers and intraparty quibbling for position,struggle the into democratic suddenly turned into a political just going to sulk in the cornerof the Sri Lankan ceasefire that lives lost. moral courage, intellectual rigour and hard work other key players behind an dynamics and traffic laws. constructive spirit in which it only lip service to ethnic injustice and regionalpicture for the UML may not have been more nightmare in October, 2001. or are they going to help, malice has cropped up more than of a different kind. Baburam, how are you going unlikely truce. But at this point, Fulfilling minimal safety was offered. What does peace mean when the mandarinsimbalance. The statutes did not clearly lay outpromising than the circus the Congress stagedrevolution after all this? It’s still a very fluid situation. instead of making nasty the peacemakers had hoped. to translate your doctrine of armed struggle into let’s give Pun his due. And King requirements neither require of multiparty, who did everything they couldthe to structural blueprint for righting centurieswhile of in power. This is no time for retrospective statements questioning the Could this be rectified in the Rabin Tuladhar democratic revolution after all this? Gyanendra, too. Peace is well tremendous efforts nor huge sabotage the very freedoms they themselveswrongs. Nor did the leaders of the parties preachings on morality. Structural changes are king’s motives and conjuring Nepali peace process? Project Researcher within our grasp, but can we do capital but strong desire, sharp fought so tenaciously to obtain, and for whichconduct themselves in ways that would throwneeded to prevent such leadership failures from “grand designs”? The only grand Jack Prasai, South Africa vision, careful homework, strict Asian Institute of they had suffered years of exile, imprisonment,up new solutions for emerging, though longwrecking the nation again. design here has been the utter policy and proper legislation. Technology Bangkok failure of these elected leaders and the anonymity of underground life, feel anticipated,left problems. And how can the Maoists reconcile the Implementing seat belt laws in out of the peace process? The rift between the to be responsive to the peoples’ In order for any lasting peace to prevail, violencethe they unleashed over the past seven Nepal could be a first step for the king and the political parties has been widening, needs. palace has to be ready to disengage itself, years with their change of heart? How can they future, but is far away from the and each is trying to outsmart the other. N Sibakoti, Min BhawanFASTEN SEAT BELTS politically and ideologically, from the traditionalshow their face to society, walk with dignity and real issues of road safety. The unfolding peace initiative needs encour-elites—the bureaucracy, the military and feudal CK Lal’s “The road not taken” Deepak Kaphle, (#122) carries an important agement, but this is no time for premature aristocracy, and submit itself to the goodwill and Link˜pings University, message on the meaning of road applause. Geo-historically speaking, there isjurisdiction no of parliament and, through it, the Kunda Dixit’s safety in Nepal. That is why the Sweden easy road to peace in Nepal. For lasting peace,people. So far, the traditional elite has for the Disembarkation Card had me conversations around a round table can onlymost be part soaked up and skimmed off both the new rule making seatbelts mandatory raises some questions rolling on the floor. But if you the beginning. The Maoists, the palace and the thought that was funny, you I am doubtful about true about whether we understand the parties have to look at themselves in the mirror real problems with safety, or are should read the real one they peace returning to Nepal any and demonstrate extraordinary moral courage we just making token gestures. distribute on flights. It is time soon. We have irreversibly when crucial points of disagreement emerge. Road safety is determined by the even funnier than Under My changed our society with all Such examples are not impossible, only rare vehicle, driver, road and the Hat. On a recent flight in, it these indiscriminate killings, the environment. The passenger had me rolling in the aisle. brutality, the lack of compassion Sara L, email and humanity. Our traditional (Pramod Mishra teaches literature and writing at Augustana College in Illinois, USA) 4 NATION 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 NATION 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 5
DOMESTIC BRIEFS Hear this ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The visiting chief of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Carol Bellamy, urged all Nepali parties involved in violent conflict not to recruit child soldiers. Bellamy did not name the Maoists but said the rights of children should get top priority in the peace negotiations and that schools should be declared “Zones of Peace.” She said the ceasefire was a ray of hope for the country’s 11 million children. Sexfor sale Addressing the delegates of “Accelerating the Momentum in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in South Asia”, a high level regional conference in Kathmandu between 3-4 February, Bellamy stressed the importance of investing in education to counter the growing menace of AIDS. She The only job available said girls were particularly vulnerable to the threat of AIDS and recommended better publicity campaigns and proactive activities to reduce gender inequalities, stigma, discrimination, poverty Neither the law nor the fear of police action deterred and abuse of human rights—the major determinants of the AIDS epidemic. Shrestha, a 25-year-old whoIf punishmenthas been werearrested the answer, four times. The senior UN official also called for regional action instead of just localised national programs. She was 19 when her marriage to a shopkeeper ended. the number of sex workers would She said a large number of young people were at high risk. Over 40 million HIV-infected people live Alone and with a baby, she havewas gone unable down to with return arrests. to her in South Asia out of a total of 400 million HIV-infected world population. A UN report says nearly maternal home. Shrestha started living in a rented room at half of them are below 29 years of age. not.Sat The Dobato. May 2001 With verdict little also educationWhat and is worrying no skills, is that jobs were hard statedto come that theby article and 12she (2) couldn’t of the nearly scrape 20 percent enough of sex together workers to Constitutionsurvive on. granted An old citizens school the friendsurveryed arranged last year for in Kathmanduher to work as a expensive upper class prostitutes rightwaitress of freedom at a to dance carry out restaurant an tested for positive Rs 3,000 for HIV/AIDS. a month, barely who work through five star hotels occupation,sufficient employment,for her and industry the baby.There Expenses is a deadly nexusmounted between as the orchild trade grew unless older.a law stops He it needed on the to go to school and waitressing Gold Quest banned and casinos, and are rumoured to unprotected commercial sex and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ be politically influential. groundswouldn’t that pay that thesuch bills.activity With injectingno one drugto turn use into, Nepal. she started to own. Prasai, a 21-year-old from seek clients. The Home Ministry banned Hong Kong-based company Gold Jhapa now living on her own in Kathmandu’s sex workers are threatens public health or morality. Many prostitutes are also drug Quest this week, calling it illegal. Over 10,000 Nepalis all over Kathmandu, admitted to the police trying to get organised and fight for However, conservative addicts and vice versa, and the the country have joined this scheme that offers a gold coin for Rs 37,500 (approximately $480) and a bonus of $4,000 that she shared a flat in Baneswor their rights. Last year, they met parliamentarians last year clients of sex workers are women work in organised demanded that commercial sex transmitting the virus into the after recruiting 100 more members to the scheme. “You could KIRAN PANDEY KIRAN with other sex workers. The 40- then health minister Sharat Singh earn up to $2,400 a day,” claimed a Gold Quest counsellor. commercial sex work through should be penalised with a strict general population. More than various outlets like dance and cabin year-old in their midst said she just Bhandari to demand legalisation of But officials say the pyramid scheme, which is not SHIVA GAULE law, a move that could have been a half a sample group of injecting ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ “managed” while 25-year-old Karki commercial sex work and creation restaurants, massage parlours and a populist morality card to wave at drug users in Kathmandu recently registered with the government, dupes unsuspecting people hey used to whisper about it handful of discos. The police can docandidly said it was easy money. It of red light areas for protection and results in a huge outflow of money from the country. till a decade ago. Now, it is challenged old notions that only against health risks, physical and voters. In March 2002, the Lower tested positive for HIV. Gold Quest was first introduced to the country two years little. The law does not allow them House overwhelmingly voted for a “Stricter laws against an open secret. The street- to officially arrest them on charges poor women are prostitutes. economic exploitation. Bhandari ago by an NRN visiting Pokhara. “It’s a hundred percent Twalkers at dusk along Rani There is no official data on sex gave them a sympathetic hearing law that penalised those involved incommercial sex trade can have a fraud,” said Krishna Bahadur Manandhar, chief of the foreign of selling sex. They are charge- exchange department at the Nepal Rastra Bank. He admitted Pokhari, the red light districts, the workers and studies conducted by and got sucked into controversy voluntary sex work as well as those backlash,” warns former health sheeted with “disturbing peace and who coerce somebody into that the central bank was not in a position to regulate the “cabin” restaurants. Lonely migrant activist groups don’t tally. The himself for advocating legalisation. minister Sharat Singh Bhandari, scheme as there are no written records or agreements of security” under the public offence commercial sex. Both face prison men, women trying to earn enough laws. Deputy Superintendent of Kathmandu office of the Nepali law is silent about sex who is credited with having done transactions. to feed their children all caught up International Labour Organisation work and rights over individual’s for three to five years and a fine up more for legalising sex work and Police Binod Singh of the to Rs 100,000. This law was in Kathmandu Valley’s burgeoning Kathmandu Valley Crime says there are 2,650 sex workers in sexual preferences. There are combatting AIDS than most urbanisation that is fuelling a the Valley. Two other NGOs came contradictions between state policy annulled with the dismissal of other officials. “The state should Investigation Branch told us, “We parliament in May 2002. buargeoning sex trade. should designate red-light areas up with 5,000, while a British and society’s mores that will not realise that there is a vast And as usual, the puritans are otherwise there should be a law to researcher estimated that up to easily allow commercial sex to be The present legal confusion— difference between those who neither recognising nor penalising take up the trade voluntarily and Back to the Gulf pressing for punishing prostitutes. try these women.” 25,000 women are involved in sex recognised as an occupation. Nepali ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ those who are coerced into selling Forgetting that without male clients A recent raid proved to be an work. There is proof that the courts have already set a precedent sex work—has compelled police The government has withdrawn a ban on Nepali women working in the Gulf countries. The Ministry to take action against prostitutes sex,” Bhandari told us. “The there would be no sex workers. eye-opener even for jaded officers number of women is far greater that two consenting adults can have of Labour and Transport Management said on Tuesday that the decision had been reversed they come across on the streets. problem won’t disappear if we because rights activists labelled it ‘discriminatory’. The announcement says, “The women They call for a ban, knowing fully like Singh. Groups of young women than previously assumed. Nepal sexual encounters or give birth to a Police and Health Ministry sources baby outside wedlock. It also DSP Binod Singh believes the ignore it.” concerned, however, will be allowed to visit abroad for work only after the concerned agency well how it fosters corruption, plied their trade from organised, and the Royal Nepalese embassy/consulate in the concerned country guarantee safe working exploitation and growth of street now say there are some 30,000 sex established that commercial sex solution lies in programs to well-furnished brothels in uptown reform society. “A moralistic environments there.” The government imposed the ban after Kani Sherpa committed suicide in mafia. And then there are the workers in the Valley, and they are should be recognised as an Qatar five years ago after prolonged sexual exploitation by herNepali employers. Times, #127) ( addresses in Kuleswor, Balkhu and state is not the answer,” he says. activists who are organising sex Anamnagar. The women carried not only from the middle and low- occupation. A bench headed by workers and lobbying for mobile phones, rode scooters or income groups. They cut across Chief Justice Kedar Nath Upadhaya legalisation. hired taxis, frequented expensive ethnic and caste groups, said selling sex was an occupation, There are an estimated 30,000 restaurants and lived comfortably. geographical regions, and even whether it is legally recognised or women sex workers in Kathmandu An alleged commercial sex worker prostitutes from India and Tibet Valley. The nature, growth and who was released due to lack of have been found. But the police magnitude of the problem shows sufficient evidence claims that the have made no in roads into that a restrictive environment or commercial sex workers who punishment will not prevent entertain only upper-class clients prostitution, nor will it help womencan afford cars and houses of their sex workers. Our month-long investigation showed a large proportion of the
HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK Listen to the Jumlis
t’s hard not to feel elated about the chances for peace, or at least a long drawn out session of jaw-jaw, not war-war. And for once, I’m not going With a week-old ceasefire, some Ito look for worms in the pudding. If they’re lurking, they’ll poke their heads up soon enough. Instead, a few thoughts from the hinterland where so thoughts from the hinterland where few of our Kathmandu folk dare to tread. so few Kathmandu folk dare to tread. There can be no exaggerating the sense of urgency. No chardonnay- sipping party-goer in the capital can imagine how bad it is out there. And Probably we’d touch next at Nepalganj, town of smugglers, mosques where is “there”? It’s everywhere, people, everywhere. I’ve just come from and brass work markets—now the heart of civil war. Why not wander over Jumla, scene of the last and worst major Maoist attack. Just in case anyone to Bheri Zonal Hospital where Dr Durga Pradhan keeps watch on a trauma in Kathmandu has forgotten, and it certainly seems to the Jumli’s that they ward for civilians caught in crossfire or damaged by savagery on both sides. have, this was a town devastated by violence. It remains that way, despite Check with beleaguered human rights activists who thought they were only distant talk of ceasefires, bargaining committees and the sanctity of certain trying to help, but ended up as enemies of the state, or targets of the bargaining positions. revolution. Ask the teachers from private schools west of the Karnali Perhaps a good start for both negotiating teams in the upcoming peace queuing up to get passports at the CDO’s office why they’re leaving the talks would be a tour of the hardest hit areas of Nepal, and we could start country, despite news of the ceasefire. with Jumla. Arrive by air and the destruction greets you. The airport There are so many other places that I’d like the peace negotiators to control tower and the living quarters of the staff lie in blackened ruins. So visit. The villages of Bajura where hunger is a growing threat, not starvation, do 40 other buildings in this valley forsaken by the gods on at least one So the negotiators gets the quick tour of Jumla and if the return flightjust is long, malnutrition-fueled economic decline. Humla, where innovative night last November. delayed due to fog, perhaps they could all spend the night. The cold anddevelopment and political enlightenment have been sabotaged by war and Many of the blown-up and gutted houses belonged to ordinary localthe curfew, the fear of night and the desparate hope at sunrise, the bleakrebel intransigence. Rukum and Rolpa to hear what the heartland of the people. Their crime was having a sign on the front of their home. To the feeling that no one is paying attention, all these might add some urgencyrevolution to thinks. And just about every other part of this country that’s EASYEASYEASY TIMESTIMESTIMES Maoists who stormed Jumla, such signboards, whether for local NGO’s,proceedings. a But let’s assume that Yeti Airways manages to find seats forbeen either ignored or misinterpreted by national figures from all sides in Canadian aid project or a privately owned printing press, were a magnet.the bargainers, or Shangri La, or even RNAC. I’d suggest a talk with thethis war. It’s never been easier to Apparently they assumed that such signs meant government offices. But pilotsit of any of those airlines as the Twin Otter crests the passes between subscribe to The ceasefire provides immense opportunity for innovative thinking and Nepali Times was largely ordinary people and those trying to help them who were hit.high points in the middle hills. You’ll hear some tales from them—of theinclusive behaviour. And a good place to start is with the men (where are And you know what? No one’s done a damn thing for those ordinary wrecked and dangerous airfields where they’ve flown in food, the mass Just dial this number and the women?) who have the fate of the nation in their hands. Think of it as leave your address. victims since that night. Not the government, not the aid world, not wepublic gatherings that could not have been staged or held through coercion,“Destination Nepal 2003”. journalists, not anyone. and the looks in the eyes of passengers coming in and out of remote destinations. Our negotiators might even talk to their fellow passengers. 543333 6 NATION 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 ECONOMY 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 7 SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED Insurance for children ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepal Life Insurance, which has specialised in accident insurance, has launched a assertiveness to seek a formal scheme to insure children from the day they are born to age 11, or for children from political role tomorrow? Such In gold we trust age 7-19. There are three options; collect a lump sum when the children reach age questions are logical, but should 19, or receive 20 percent of payment in instalments between ages 18-22. “Although not be allowed to cloud our there are other insurance schemes in the market targetedNLIC at provideschildren, Peace pitfallsimmediate priorities. parents and guardians the opportunity to ensure education and other benefits,” says the company.In times of economic uncertainty, the world has We’ve passed the phase where From here on, behind-the-scenes manoeuvringssecret negotiations were a always turned to gold. compulsion of sorts. From here mainstream party lines as a Fujitsu is here on, behind-the-scenes ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ can only foment misfortune. symptom of injured pride. The ATC Group, Nepal’s leading trading and industrial house, is all set to launch Fujitsu personal computersver the pastin two months the president Girija Prasad Koirala’s manoeuvrings can only foment surge of gold prices in Nepal ○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ moans of marginalisation, Nepal with the introduction of two models; the LifeBook notebook with touch screen panel and DeskPower PC. anti-palace rhetoric after the misfortune. The negotiators must has left people wondering parties aren’t around to play their however, have a deeper message. O armed police chief’s murder not be allowed to speak in games. (I wonder what Messrs Since negotiations often involve a where the real glitter lies. The couldn’t have been only a different languages to the media Beed’s advice has been sought after Jhapali and Lamichhane thought course the interlocutors wouldn’t Best in show and on the table. (How many of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ reflection of the nation’s funereal have embarked on had they known by many on whether it was a good of a cabinet where key colleagues mood. Was Krishna Prasad us aren’t still dying to know what The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) selected the annual report of the Standardtime to Chartered buy gold or sell it off. It is what lay ahead, some allowance Bank Nepal Limited as the “Best Presented Annual Report for the financial year 2000/01” from ten others. of Narayan Singh Pun were ruling the leaders of six parties in the difficult to make any snap Bhattarai’s decision to break his for uncertainty is warranted. Finance Minister Badri Prasad Shrestha presented the first award of it’s kind to SCBL on 31 January. out a breakthrough until the very long vow of silence by demanding dissolved Lower House really told judgement in the Nepali context end. Constructive deception or When there are far too many the king during the first week of because we, as a people, regularly the restoration of the House of questions than answers, you have contemptuous deceit?) Representatives inspired purely by October 2002?) Public defy logic. Not that some mainstream to get serious. Speculation over a knowledge of the substantive Trade lines Gold prices in the international electoral altruism? Was Sher possible connection between the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ historically gold that entered Nepal politicians weren’t up to issues could prepare the people Bilateral railway agreements and trans-border movement of motor vehicles will be on the agendamarket next has week stagnated at over the past he Maoists have conferred how the palace has appropriated Bahadur Deuba really so hurt by extreme right and the extreme left found its way south of the border to legitimacy upon Prime full executive powers, they know something of their own. Forget the Maoists’ conduct last time that for the ensuing compromises. the third round of talks between Nepali and Indian officials starting 8 February in Kathmandu. decade.It will be The led current by price hovers at India. Ten years ago that was the about the CPN-UML. They were has already cast a shadow on the Those intent on preserving the Chhabi Raj Pant, director general at the Department of Transport Management (DTM) and Purushottam$370 per ounce Ojha, and the trend is TMinister Lokendra Bahadur where the credit would have to go he couldn’t contemplate sitting peace process. Might the palace joint secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies respectively. economy. The plummeting value of hallmark of our economy. Our per too obsessed with the threat of gains of the 1990 People’s rising. Gold prices that fell steadily US stock markets and the unearthing Chand’s government. But that’s if the peace process succeeded. down for talks with them again? want to use its current A possible bone of contention could be Nepal’s “One Time Lock System” ensuring direct entry of containers capita import of gold was not what really riles Kangresis, Worse, one of the two implosion ahead of the party It’s easy to see the lack-of- Movement and those committed since 1993 are suddenly seeing a of new corporate scandals have made inexplicable. convention. The Kangresi trinity in the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Sirsiya, Birgunj after inspections at the Kolkata port in spikeIndia. in Thethe higher Nepali ranges. comrades and others in the transparency credo cutting across to building on them are invoking government is under pressure to operationalise the Birgunj dry port, completed two years ago, by September buying stocks a risky option. The In a poll conducted by the hitherto obscure facilitators Speculators always look back to beleaguered political centre. was back in action. The abrupt the sovereign people. Instead of this year when the extended deadline of the ICD project matures. strengthening of the euro and other World Gold Council in early pointedly asserted there is a historical prices for future plays in moderation in Nepali Congress languishing in lament, the currencies against the dollar does notJanuaryshowed gold prices in 2003 Since they are the ones greater chance of success this the gold market. The logic that mainstream parties should help matters. The Beed predicts as well as 2004 will have a mean complaining the loudest about time precisely because the main drives the argument of stratospheric recognise their strength. They can that, in the event of war, many oil price of $342 per ounce with a prices for gold lies in the past—the make the people feel a sense of Another cola rich Middle Easterns will convert probable high of $400. For Nepal it ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ psychological barrier was set in partnership every step of the way. their dollars to more neutral means that the stabilisation point US-based Royal Crown Cola International recently introduced RC Cola 1980 when one ounce fetched currencies, sucking liquidity out of may be at the Rs 9,000 mark per Their activism would help products to the Nepali market. The 175-strong franchise ISO 90001:2000 $595—causing the retro-wired to awarded company is being marketed by S S Impex in Nepal in the US market. The safest route for tola. However, we need to bear in achieve another critical ask, if then, why not now? As a conjunction with Partex, Bangladesh. They come in 250 ml cans of Cola, all the countries at this time may be mind that this price assumes the objective—demilitarising the commodity, gold has always been a Diet, Royal Crown and Royal Cloudy Lemon flavours. to revert to gold to ride through the stability of the dollar against the peace process. Both sides have good buy but especially when the rough times ahead. Nepali currency. Should the Indian come this far after recognising winds of war begin to blow. While the demand for the that their armed might could lead rupee gain against the dollar the The same logic pervades the precious metal is certain to grow, theconversion rates will be revised and them no further. It’s now time for Increasing capital Nepali scrabble to stock gold. The ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ supply end of the business is so will the price of gold. THE FULBRIGHT & THE EAST-WEST CENTER political minds to speak up. Since Laxmi Bank, a private sector commercial bank, has decided to increase international climate is accentuated lagging behind, primarily due to But back to beginning when the 2003 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION it would fall on the political its paid up capital to Rs 550 million at its second annual general meeting on 2 February. Chairedin our by domestic Mohan environment by an production costs surpassing the Beed was asked whether to divest or centre to run any new order, Gopal Khetan, it also has plans to float public shares within the current fiscal year. The Laxmiabsence Bank beganof other full- investment retail prices. A return to inflated invest in this precious metal; any mainstream parties must take fledged operations as the country’s 16th commercial bank from April last year. It has branchesopportunities, in Jeetpur and low rates of interest and Banepa. 1980s prices will undoubtedly good speculator will tell you it’s all a their seats around the table. a lack of viable economic activity. Of change all that. gamble. Only time will tell if the The Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States and Nepal (USEF/ Despite their evident the many analyses for the current gold The current prices are demand future glitter is gold. Nepal) announces the 2003 competition for the Fulbright and the East-West Center reservations, most would rush, impending war seems to be the (EWC) Scholarships. Those selected would begin their studies in the US beginning driven to the extent of speculation probably do that. They must feel Bank on EBL most plausible one. only. Since gold has little industrial August-September, 2004. (a) The Fulbright program provides all expenses (including comfortable. A persistent sense of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The impact of war can take the (Readers can post their views The Everest Bank (EBL), a joint venture with the Punjab National bank of India,th branch opened at its 14 value, high consumption remains inor comments at travel) for a Master’s degree program of up to two years at selected U.S. universities, in marginalisation would preclude dollar for a spin. The fact that the Lazimpat and moved its corporate office to the new building. Inaugurating the new branch on 3 February, South Asia, especially India, and [email protected]) any field except medicine, engineering or computer science. (b) the EWC scholarships them from going along with the war may go on too long and too far some other Asian countries. Indian of the University of Hawaii (UH) are available for Master’s or doctoral-level study in any governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank Tilak Rawal, lauded the bank’s growth in the last few years. Addressing the agenda and unravel the entire function, S S Dabas, executive director of the Bank, said EBL’s business proposition has alwayscan been stall theto provide already slowing US consumption has a strong bearing field offered at UH and cover all tuition and fees, but not travel expenses. Applicants for process. That same feeling, on the high value service to customers through competitive pricing, innovative products and quality services. on the Nepali market because either program may be employees in any government or semi-government agency, other hand, could make any private business, NGO or INGO. outcome they endorsed meaningless. General Requirements for Entering the Competition Mainstream parties must work to ensure that drafts and All applicants must: revisions are as explicit as 1. possess Nepali citizenship; possible. That way, everybody 2. demonstrate in post-intermediate degrees a minimum aggregate marks of: 56% could recognise their common for students in non-technical fields (humanities and social sciences), and 60% interests in compromise and the “The key to theof Asia and region indeed we believe that Southis and Centraleconomic Asia for students in science and technical fields. (The minimum requirements for perils of maintaining the status will very much be part of that. In our view, absolutely key to students under the semester system are: 65% in non-technical fields; 70% in quo. Creative ambiguity may growth in the this,powerhouse is the economic growth from the powerhouse thatthat is is India…” India. Critical to this, of course, is the freeing up of the technical fields; or a Cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 in either field.) make it easier for the 3. have a high level of competence in speaking, reading and writing English. Indian economy, which is beginning to happen but we interlocutors to come closer. The would like it to happen more quickly. (Applicants who pass the first screening will be required to sit for an English test rest of the country would be during the application process. The test requirement will be waived for those better off if everybody So, is India the regionís locomotive? who have a valid TOEFL score of 213 or higher and have submitted copies of understood they were reading What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this week?Yes, we do believe that India is the region’s locomotive. their score reports with their applications.) from the same text. J Walter Thompson’s business in what we call “CentralThat is not to say other parts of Central Asia cannot be 4. be under 40 years of age as of the application filing deadline date (March 31, One lesson from 1990 is Asia” is extremely important to us, it is one of the topindependent seven in terms of their growth, but we believe that areas of the world for us. Nepal is part of that region and 2003); particularly instructive. At that a healthy India will have a healthy effect on the whole of 5. possess either a four-year bachelor’s degree; or, if the bachelor’s degree was of this is the first occasion I’ve had a chance to visit ourthe office area. late-night meeting at Narayanhity in Kathmandu. fewer than four years duration, then a master’s degree is also required, such that on 8 April, Bhattarai equated the Brand-building and marketing needs a certain degree of the total number of years of formal education equals at least 16; lifting of the ban on political Weíve heard J Walter Thomson calls itself the ìuniversity 6. have at least three years (for men) or one year (for women) of post-bachelor’s over-statement and embellishment. How much are parties with the restoration of of advertisingî, and you put a lot of emphasis on training.ethics and values a part of your in-house guidelines, degree, full-time, professional work experience in an area directly relevant to the multiparty democracy. United How important is that for your Nepal operations? especially in a country like Nepal? applicant’s chosen field of study as of the application filing deadline date (March Left Front president Sahana We do indeed put a lot of emphasis on training. In ourWe think brand building marketing need imagination and 31, 2003) and document this experience by letter(s) from employer(s) that verify Pradhan did not share that business we only have one asset and that is our peopleinnovation but not necessarily overstatement nor applicant’s position(s) and years of employment; sentiment and told him so. around the world. We believe we owe it both to our peopleembellishment. Indeed if you are in a situation of 7. be in excellent health, as evidenced by a letter from a medical doctor; and Silence. As a result, we still can’t and indeed to the company to train them to the best overstatementof our it can be extremely dangerous if you can’t 8. be eligible for a U.S. visa. figure out Chand’s place in ability and we do spend a considerable proportion ofdeliver our on the product or the service. As regards ethics and Note: Individuals holding master’s degrees equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree are history—the last panchayat prime revenue on training. JWT in Nepal has the same accessvalues, to we are very mindful of these, not just on a training as anyone else in J Walter Thompson and weworldwide basis, but particularly on a local basis and of ineligible to apply for the Fulbright scholarship competition, but are eligible to apply minister or the first one under the normally try to arrange it on a regional basis. for the East-West Center competition Ph.D. program; and individuals who have restored multiparty system? Or course if you work for a global company you have to be very previously resided in the United States for six months or more during the preceding both, since his government mindful of local issues. In the modern world one has to be Advertising had flattened in the Asia-Pacific after morethe and more mindful of consumer power. five years are ineligible to apply for both the competitions. straddled the two eras? That may economic crisis. Is there now a rebound? We think this is a very good thing and every day we (Applicants must submit documentary evidence for items No. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.) look like a historical footnote. Miles Colebrook is group president of the It is true that the last two years have been relatively tough Just don’t say it hasn’t haunted advertising multinational, J Walter Thompsonfor advertising. Indeed it has been relatively tough forremind most ourselves that if you upset or turn off a consumer Application Forms & Deadlines our collective conscience. businesses. Having said that, we have found that Asia-you will pay a heavy price. In my personal view, I think this Application forms and detailed information regarding the competition are available from: (JWT) based in London. He is in Kathmandu Pacific has been particularly resilient to the economicis acrisis very good counter-balance to growing globalisation. the USEF/Nepal office at the American Center in Gyaneshwor (between 11 a.m. - 4:30 this week to assess market potential in Nepal,and we are certainly confident looking towards the future p.m., Monday - Friday); the Ministry of Education; the National Planning Commission; and is accompanied by Mike Khanna, JWT’s that there will be a recovery and that the Asia-Pacific will be Tribhuvan University Rector’s Office; Kathmandu University Rector’s Office; and with in the frontline of that recovery. Campus Chiefs at out of the Valley degree campuses. Applications and information area director looking after Central Asia, which may also be accessed and downloaded from the Commissionís website: includes Nepal. Colebrook has been with What is the trend for growth of the industry in South www.fulbrightnepal.org.np. Application forms must be taken out from the USEF Asia? Thompson since 1966 and rose up the ranks toWe certainly see a growth trend in future across the whole office or downloaded from the website by 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2003. No applications will be given out after this date. Duplicate, hardcopy, completed applications become CEO of JWT Europe where instead of must reach the Fulbright Commission (USEF) no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, March Miles he was known as “Kilometres”. Colebrook 31, 2003. Incomplete applications or applications received after this deadline will not spoke toNepali Timesabout JWT’s plans for be considered. the region as well as the prospects here for Thompson Nepal. 8 NATURE 7 - 13 FEBRUARY NEPALI 2003 TIMES #131 9
the summit of Sagarmatha. George Shaller inStones his book, of Silence, reports seeing bar-headed geese at an incredible 9,000m above the Himalaya. Even if that was a fluke, and the flock was coasting on an updraft in the jet-stream, there are plenty of regular sightings by mountaineers of geese honking their way past Dhaulagiri at 7,300m. Some of these geesekaryankurung ( ) are known to take off in spring from the banks of the Rapti River in the Royal Chitwan National HighTracking bar-headed fliersgeese by satellite during Park,their head due north and reach their cruising altitude by the time twice-a-year trans-Himalayan migration shows thethey arrive above Tatopani. Just sit by the Kali Gandaki in October or endurance, stamina, determination and navigationApril skills and you see the traffic of geese and ducks quacking and honking as if this is an avian superhighway linking Siberia to Chitwan. of these high-flying birds. Satellites tracked a wired goose while it flew from the Bharatpur Wildlife Reserve in north India, across westernThe theory explaining stratospheric bird flight is that the birds Nepal up to the Tibetan plateau, crossing three countries. haveThe birdbeen migrating along this route when the mountains were much flew over 500km from near New Delhi, overflew Dhangadi, Jumla,younger across and lower. They flew higher and higher as the Himalayan the “hump” to lakes north of Mustang in Tibet—a non-stopmountains night flight were pushed up, and evolved better lungs and flying lasting 16 hours and 30 minutes. ability over millions of years. And you just have to watch Tibet-bound Birds in Nepal have also setpeafowl amazing and thealtitude red jungle records. terns and ducks refueling at Gokyo Lake in early April to be struck by awe and wonder at these incredible birds. Acclimatised Himalayan choughs,fowl. Thefor instance, cheer and have the been seen by There are more bird species found in Nepal than in entire North America. mountaineers soaring at nearlyswamp 8,000m frankolin above have the notSouth yet Col below minivet, Nepal cutia and the been included in the
WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA/US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE spinny babbler, are all endangered list even though
Bird country threatened. Limbu says that IIIUSTRATIONS BY:HIRA LALDANGOL/SHARADADANGOL they are threatened. Hunting but Phulchoki is still alive be very lucky to see it. the success of community Mai Valley in the east have not with birds. The peak soars to A morning hike in has now been banned in Piparyet been declared protected forestry around Godavari and and the local community is 3,000m from the valley floor Godavari leads us to a small Lele means that many of the areas. There is a move to and has sunbirds, finches, helping to conserve the declare Phulchoki and clearing in the woods. Right birds like the kalij and Himalayan snowcocks, chakor minivets, barbets and the in front are half a dozen kalij Alexandrine parakeet Chandragiri ranges nature elusive and legendary spiny partridges, and the cheer and sanctuaries, but that may take pheasants feeding on the are returning. the koklas pheasants. babbler—the only other bird ground. Our arrival disturbs The Pipar region near time. In the past 15 years, species that is endemic to The Annapurna area is forests in Nepal’s midhills them, and the kalij erupt into Ghasa in the Annapurna Nepal (the other being a sub wings and flap off into the home to half of Nepal’s bird have returned, and with them species of the kalij pheasant). region at 1,400-3,300m was species. Another bird paradisemany of the resident and undergrowth. Within made famous to bird watchers Many birdwatchers make Phulchoki’s vertical variation is the Makalu Barun National migratory birds. regular pilgrimages to by long-time Pokhara Park and Conservation Area of 1,500m and 70 sq km area resident, Col Jimmy Roberts. What worries Phulchoki to look for the live 265 species of birds— in the northeast. This rarely conservationists is that tarai spiny babbler, but you have to An enthusiastic bird watcher visited park reserves a total of one-fourth of all bird species and collector, Roberts forests are disappearing fast, found in Nepal. Some 86 of 440 different species of birds, and this is where most bird of local people, trekkers and donated his entire collection of which fourteen are rare the bird species on Phulchoki of pheasants, fowls, pigeons species are. When the the natural environment.” are migratory. Godavari eastern breeders. hardwood forests go, marshes Most of Nepal’s endangered and several other smaller Loss of forests, wetlands resident, Mahendra Singh species to the Fulbari Resort’s are drained, pesticides are birds are dependent on Limbu, is a lepidopterist- aviary in Pokhara before he and grasslands are a threat to used indiscriminately, then forests, and 90 percent of turned-bird watcher. He tells died four years ago. The Nepal’s bird diversity. Areas birds disappear. these species are also found in us, “At least six of the species Pipar region has all six specieslike Phulchoki, Ghodaghodi “Conservation of Nepal’s Nepal’s national parks and found in Phulchoki are rare of Himalayan pheasants foundLake in the western tarai and forests is vital, for the future nature reserves. The answer and endangered.” The blue- in Nepal as well as their of people as well as for birds,”lies in bolstering conservation A flock of cattle egrets take flight overmake Boj it Pokhari to the tarai. in Kathmandu. napped pita, rufus throated write Carol and Tim Inskipp in these areas, and what better
MIN BAJRACHARYA lowland cousins, the blue Kathmandu has some fabulous hill partridge, blue-winged in their book, way to do that than to use continent. New bird species numbers. Then there are necks, sturdy shoes and no preserve was established. bird-watching areas in the laughing thrush, grey-sided income from bird watching foothills surrounding the tourism to protect Nepal’s are found every year. We owe another hundred or so late carousing so they can be Today, with protection, there laughing thrush, grey-chinned A Guide to the our amazing diversity mostly migratory species that transit up at the crack of dawn to must be more. Valley. If Nepal is a treasure rich bird diversity. house of birdlife, then Birds of Nepal. “The aim to very fortuitous geography through Nepal in their long- watch the early bird catch Less numerous, but should be to balance the needs and great altitude variation. range migrations from Siberia its worm. Phulchoki south of equally magnificent, are the Kathmandu is Nepal’s bird From the Kosi Tappu at to Africa, Indonesia and Kosi Tappu Wildlife bossy looking black-necked barely 90m above sea level, Sri Lanka. and butterfly vault. Reserve sits at the point adjutant storks, and the Deforestation along the the terrain rises to nearly Nepal is a major where the mighty river flippity finch larks. But 9,000m—all within 160km as margins of this once-protected destination for bird watchers disgorges itself out of the habitat destruction is a worry. broadleafed forest and the lammergeyer flies. The from Europe and Japan. They mountains before entering Bharat Basnet, the Managing country lies smack dab on an raucous picnickers have spoilt come in droves from India. Kosi Tappu is located Director of The Explore the atmosphere somewhat, east-west Himalayan divide of December through March, on the migratory route of Nepal Group which runs the which the Kali Gandaki Valleybefore the monsoons set in, birds travelling down from Kosi Tappu Wildlife Camp, ALOK TUMBAHANGPHEYforms a distinct avian ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ when the days are warm and Tibet along the Arun River— has managed to spark interest t is when you can swing boundary. It is bound nights not too chilly. The trulyall factors that contribute to in local schools for bird your 8*24 binoculars at a between the “Paleo-arctic” dedicated oviparous obsessed the great variety of birdlife watching. Some sharp eyed, rustle in the bush, focus realm to the north (Tibet, can be seen rustling in the found here. At 88m above sea smart school students quicklyIII and whisper, “White- Siberia) and the “Indo- bush on the slopes of level, the Kosi Barrage and theeventually join as local guides. rumped Shama” that you malayan” realm to the south Shivapuri, and others have big reservoir that it has built “What is more important than know you have arrived into (India, south-east Asia). flocked this week to Kosi up is the favourite haunt for a specific species is the the fascinating world of Of the species found in Tappu the richest site for ducks and geese. Robert habitat. If the habitat is Himalayan bird watching. Nepal, about 620 breed and migratory birds. You can tell Fleming, Sr (one of the preserved then all the For a small country, Nepal live in Nepal. Another 124 them apart from regular authors of the classic inhabitants will be protected,” racks up an impressive 850 breed in the neighbourhood tourists by the powerful Bharat told us. species of birds—more than but live here in significant binoculars slung around their Birds of Don’t despair if you can’t the entire North American Nepal) counted 32,000 ducks of 19 species here before the