• SAARC Approaches • Koirala: Consensus or Instability? • Nepalese Films : Doing Well ~'=' superior Pepsodent GERMICHECK PLUS FORMULA F! FLUORIDE c5rFHr2Pfr

~ ~~ Pepsooent

FIGHTS GERMS EVEN HOURS AFTER BRUSHING CONTENTS

Page

NEWS NOTES 4

BRIEFS 6

UOTE UNQUOTE 7

OFF THE RECORD 8 COVER STORY: NATIONAL ECONOMY: Bracing For Harder Times SAARC SUMMIT: Coming Closer . 9 With the escalation of security budget and declining industrial production. Nepalese economy is under crisis. Page 16 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Rolling Ahead 12

TERRORISM: Common Concern 13

STATE OF EMERGENCY: Absence of Responsibility 14

FACE TO FACE: Bal Bahadur K.C: 15

PORT INJURIES: Joint Action 20

Nepalese Films: Coming Of Age 21

KOIRALA'S CALL: For Consensus or Instability WAR AGAINST TERRORISM: Lethal Linkages 24 Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala creates contro­ versy by calling for consensus. KA THMANDU V ALLEY: Traffic Travails 25 Page 10

BOOK REVIEW 26

THE BOTTOMLINE 27

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT 2002: Work For All 28 ENCOUNTER: Don Priestman PASTIME 29 Energy expert Priest man talks about the need to harness en­ ergy in this region. ART: Cry Freedom 30 Page 22

SPOTLlGHit/DECEMBER 21. 2001 -

SPOTLIGHT EDITOR'S NOTE THE NATiONAl NEWSMAGAZlNE Ivol. 21, No23, December 21,2001 (plUSh 6, 2(58) I he terrorists have attacked the Indian Parliament also. Even though there Chief Editor And Publisher Madhav Kumar RlmaI were few casualties, no reputed leader nor any member of parliament was hurt. But this cannot be a matter of any consolati on. The Indians Editor SarHaRimal have to delve deep and find out the real causes that have generated such asituation. As soon we heard about the attack, we had the feeling that the Managing Editor 1:blame would ultimat ely goto muslim militants. And no wonder it has come 10 pass. And Keshab Poudel this is being attributed to Pakistan . The long standing animosity between Pakistan and AIsoc;la!e Editor India has not only plagued themselves, but the whole region for over live decades. The Bhagiralh Yogi recent event has, of course, exacerbated the acrimonious relations. The exchange of hot Senior Reporter and fiery words might mislead the uninitiated to think that the two countries are at th·c Sanjaya Dhakal verge of war. But howsoever enflamed or impassioned the speeches, both the count . JJ Reporter know well they cannot afford 10 go to war. And there won't be any war. But this ne\ll!l' Akshay Sharma ending acrimony is full of potential ofengulting the whole region in a terrible blood bath Dealgn and Layout and has to be resolved. As such, it becomes the lOp priority of not only the feuding Jyoti Singh nati ons but all peace loving countries of the region and big powers who shoulder the Photographer responsibility of safeguarding peace in the world 10 seek an earl y solution to thi s most Nlshchal Chapageln vexing problem. Since ~he international community has vowed to root out terrorism and Art the global coalition has been able to uproot Usama bin Laden and his coll aborators from M.S. Khokna their hide out and put then on the run for their li ves, terrori sm has to be crushed wherever Legel Advisor it be. We do trust the Indians would practi se restraint and not be carri ed away by hatred Advoc;ato Lok Bhakta Rana and would work unitedly with all the countries of the region to crush terrorism - the Marketing/Advertisement bitterest enemy of peace and development- for all time to come from the face of the Sarit Rimal (USA) world. Marketing * * * Modan Kajl Basnet The NTV interview of the Nepalese Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Prajwalla Rana a few Navln Kumar Maharjan days back has generated mi xed feelings amongst the vari ous sectors of the Nepalese Madan Raj Poudel Bishnu Prasad Chaulagain community. While the majority of the patriotic Nepalese people who have miserably suffered for the last twelve years under the various democratic regimes of different Editorial Office political parties, mostly dominated by the Nepali Congress, has acclaimed it, a small GPO Box 7256, Baiuwatar, Kalhmandu, Tel: (977·1) 423127, Fax: (977·1) 417645 section of unscrupulous politicians seems gripped with fear and misgivings. Since W( Chief Edijo(s : 435594, have, time and again, exhorted the King to dismiss the corrupt government and appoint E·mall: spotCllmall.com.np Intemet Add: http://www.nepalnews.coml a caretaker government of honest and patriotic men who would hold free and fair spoUight elections, we do commend the army chief on hi s fonhright exhortations. We know unlike the corrupt political parties, the Nepalese army is very patri oti c and fully capable Cover Dellgn Wordscape of preserving Nepal's independence. We do truslthey will never faiter 10 perfonn their GPO 8975, EPC 5620, Kalhamdnu Nepal, duty come what may. Ph : 263098. 261831" Fax: 977·1·439386 * * * Distribution When the host country Nepal is exerting its uunost to make the eleventh SAARC Bazaar International Summit a grand success, the recent bombing in the Indian Parliament has provided 228 Sanchaya Kosh Bldg. Kalhmandu G.P.O Box 2480, Ph: 222983 Fax: 229437 opportunities to some people to spread rumors that the Summit. after a ll , might not take e-mail: [email protected] place. The worsening relations between the ~w o bigger members of the organization,

Printers: Kishor offset Press (P.) Ltd. they say, could become a good excuse for them not attending the Summit. We would P.O. Box 4665, Galkopakha, Thamel, like to advise all good friends of SAARC not to give any credence 10 such baseless Kalhmandu,Tel:351044 (Off), 351 I 72(Re •. ), rumors. We are full y convinced that apart from whatever has happened recentl y, all the Fax: 977·1·351172, E·mail: [email protected] member countries seem fully committed to make the eleventh summit a reality. •

C.D.C, Reg4- No 1511039-40 Postal Regd. No 42/057/58 U.S. Library of Congress Madhav Kumar RimaI Cmalogue No. 91-905060 Chief Editor& Publisher

2 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 LETTERS

concerned authorities must be Share The Experience made aware of their responsi­ Nepal could learn from bilities. Indonesia's experience in Deepa Gurtmg SPOTLlc:rr family planning ("For The Tharnel ~ I \' ' People", SPOTLIGHT, De­ ~ .. { ... " . cember 7). A country with a ~ Short Relief huge popuimion and a con­ Following the agreement servative society, Indonesia to extend the Nepal-India has some traits similar to those of Nepal. Therefore, its suc­ trade treaty by three months, our officials might be heav­ cessful ex perience in control­ ing a sigh of relief ("Extended ling population can surely be Coverage" SPOTLIGHT, De­ emulated here. Like in Indo­ nesia, wecan encouragecom­ cember 7). But three months munity participation in health is not a long time. Even a small amount of complacency issues covering popUlation trtmge Twist could have disastrous conse­ management. 'When airlines around the world are cutlingjobs and putting quences. In the interregnum, Shallkar Shrestha ff expansion plans in response 10 the global economic slump and the authorities must do their Balaju eighlen.ed securily concerns, Nepal's pnvale-seclor earners homework properly in order ani to go international (UA Costly Decision", SPOTLIGHT, lO convince their Indian CORRECTlON: Error in Ille cember 14). This is strange_ Why are our carriers so keen 10 counterparts to renew the name of police officer quoted ying on international roules now? The authorities should nol treaty. in the article Traffic Travails ake any hasty decisions. Besides, none of the Nepalese domes­ Chandra Bhakla Maharjan in the last issue of SPOT­ 'c airlines seem 10 have adequale lechnical and marketing ex per­ Sallaghari LIGHT is regretted - Ed. ise 10 handle the complexities of international flights. Shailendra Thapa Battisputali What An quite vague. It is better to first 2002 anafyze in depth before writ­ OM KNITTING Aching Mistake ing on any serious issue. Despite the various prob­ Other;vise, the efforts go in CASHMERE lems, Kathmandu traffic po­ vain. COLLECTION li ce has left no stone unturned Valley TraffIC Police Office lO manage the ci ty's traffic Ramshahpath, Kathmandu problem. Likewise, the me­ dia, too, has done a greal deal Voice Of Youth CASHMERE COATS. CASHMERE MUFFLERS. in creating public awareness. It is appalling to find a CASHMERE SWEATERS, CASHMERE SHAWLS. Still, the traffic accidents are large numbcr of our youths rising and there is rampant involved in ri sk-taking behav­ CAPS & CASMERE SILK CLOTHES increase in the number of ve­ iors like substance abuse hicles in the valley. The ar­ and pre-marital sex ("Emerg­ ticle "raffle Travajls" that ap­ ing Problem", SPOTLIGHT, DIVINE GROUP & CO. [Ne. L TO peared in your esteemed December 7). In the absence BABARMAHAL RE-VISITED magazine (December 14) ex­ of proper information,. posed some weaknesses in youths tend to stray from KATHMANDU transport management. No their course and fa ll victim to PHONE: +977-1-230369 doubt, the writer is correct. risk behaviors. A sustained FACISMAIL: +977-1-229622 But the persons quoted in flow of information and a EMAIL: [email protected] the article are illusory and credible media campaign can hypothetical. These persons result in youth awareness. Is­ OPEN TIME: I0:00AM -7:30PM (SUN-FRI) do not work at vall ey traffic sues of direct concern to police office. And records youths should be highlighted provided by the writer are regularly. Furthermore, the

SPOTLlGHTIDECEMBER 21. 2001 3 NEWSNOTES

US Security Staff ing daily reported on Friday. In letters sent that all countries must work together in to the chiefs ofthe United Nations and the combatingandeiiminating terrorism from Shot Dead European Union, the presidents of the the world. In hi s message to Indian Prime Two unidentified gunmen shot dead United States and China, and the prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Premier Ramesh Manandhar, a special security ministerofIndia, among other'Yorld lead­ Deuba said the Nepalese government officer hired by the US embassy in ers, the party said it was compelled to strongly condemned the act of terrorism Kathmandu, at Ravi Bhavan in the capital resume its armed campaign "as the against a vital in stituti on of democracy. Saturday afternoon. Manandhar, 28, died (Nepalese) government was preparing for "Nepal, which is itself a victim of terror­ while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospi­ an armed offensive." The party claimed ism, understands the cruelty of this hei­ tal. Manandhar was on an assignment to that it is not a terrorist outfit but a nous act. Such crimes perpetrated by ter­ check guards on duty at different US es­ erevolutionary movement' rooted in the rorists elsewhere in the world reinforce tablishments. Police said they had masses and guided by a scientific philoso­ our conviction thallhere is an urgent need launched an investigation and a massive phy. Kantipur Dec. 15. for closer cooperation among alllo elimi­ search for the assailants. Kantipur daily nate this menace from th e world." RSS quoted eyewitnesses as saying the assail­ Six Killed In news agency reports. ants, claiming to be Maoists, warned passers-by not to follow them. They had Bomb Explosion . 'No Indian Army used a Chinese pistol being used by Nepal Six people, including five of a fam­ Police. The suspected Maoists may have il y, were killed when a bomb exploded at Personnel In Nepal' looted the pistol from police, the report the house of Bhagvati Chaudhari at The De!"ense Ministry has strongly Batalpur village in denied a report in a weekly newspaper Tulsipur municipal­ that Indian army personnel had entered ity in the mid-west­ Nepal. The report, published in theNepali­ ern district of Dang language lanaAstha on Wednesday quot­ Wednesday night. ing Rastriya Sahara, an Indian daily, said Those killed in­ Indian soldiers had entered Nepal to assist c1uped an 80-year­ the Royal Nepalese Army in its fight old woman and two against the Maoist terrori sts. "The news is chi Idren aged fi ve completely fabricated and false," a minis­ and six. Accordingto try statement said. The ministry has asked police, the bomb, reporters to check with the concern ed being handled by two authorities before publishing security-re­ Maoist insurgents, lated news. Compiled from reports Dec. may have exploded 14. accidentally. Bhagvati, the owner US Official K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ______of the house, SUf- - vived the blast. Shiva Reaffirms Support said. Robert Kerr, spokesman for the US Kumar, Bhagvati's son, who had gone us Deputy Assistant Secretary of embassy, said the assailants also robbed underground after becoming a full-time State Ronald Camp has said hi s govern ­ Manandhar and took away his ID card. Maoist cadre, had returned home with ment supported the military campaign Two people were detained forlinterroga­ three comrades the same evening. Lead­ against the Maoist terrorists because their ti on. Compiled from reports Dec. 16. ing dailies report. actions were impeding the development of democracy in Nepal. During hi s brief Maoists Set Terms King, Prime Minister stay in Nepal, Camp called on Prime Min­ ister Sher Bahadul' Deuba, Chi ef of Army For Resuming Talks Condemn Attacks Staff Gen. Prajwolla Shumsher JB Rana, A fortnight after the government de­ King Gyanendra and Prime Minister among others. Camp left for Bangkok en clared a nation-wide state of emergency Sher Bahadur Deuba have, in separate route toColombo Tuesday afternoon. RSS and mobilized the army to crush the six­ messages, expressed shock at the attack news agency reported that a Nepalese year-old Maoist insurgency, the under­ on the Indian parliament by a group of business delegation call ed on Camp Tues­ ground party has said it is ready for a gunmen and have denounced it. In a mes­ day and urged Washington to provide cease-fire and the resumption of peace sage to Indian President K.R. Narayanan, Nepalese garment products concessional talks if the goverriment agreed to its de­ King Gyanendra said Nepal strongly con­ and duty-free access to the US market. ma'nd for a constituent assembly, a lead- demns such heinous crimes and believes Compiled from reports Dec. /3.

4 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 200 1 NEWSNOTES

Board Of daily quoted Deuba as saying that the the anny all over the country to surround government could not allow the Maoists the Maoists and employing measures to Investment Formed to spread violence under the guise oftalks, force them to surrender. Prachanda, alias The government has formed a Board "I had genuinely tried to find a peaceful Pushpa Kamal Dahal. did not refer to o f Investment under the chairmanship of solution to the in surgency, But now the other Maoist casualties after the army Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, The situation has changed," said Deuba, He mobilization and reponed killing of their minister for industry. commerce and sup­ added that the anny operation against the seni or leaders, Nepal Samacharpatra daily plies will be the vice-chainnan of the Maoists would continue until the declared reported Sunday, Royal Nepalese Army board. The ministers for finance. water objective of disanning the Maoists was has continned that around 200 guerrillas resources, culture, tourism and civil avia­ completed, Deuba said his duty as prime were killed during an overnight gunbattle tion, vice-chairman of the National Plan­ minister was to protect the country's con­ with the security forces at Salleri, Dozens ning Commission, the chief secretary, the stitution. "No one has the right 10 give in of policemen , soldiers and two govern­ govern or o f Nepal Rastra Bank and the to the demand ofa constituent assembly," ment officials, including the chief district president of the Federation of Nepalese Compiled from reports Dec, 15, officer, were also killed in the Maoist raid, r hambersofCommerceand Industry will Low Inflation Relief ve as members. The prime minister Opposition For will nominare three members, on the rec­ To Consumers ommendati on of the industry minister. Shortening Emergency DespiteA slowdown in the country's The board aims at drawing foreign direct Agroupof 13 opposition parties have economy , low inflati on has given some inves tment into the cou ntry. Leadillgdai~ asked the government to shorten the state relief to consumers, a report said . Accord­ lies report Dec, /3, of emergency as far as possible. In a ing to the repon, published by Nepal Rastra memorandum submitted to Prime MlI1is­ Bank, during the first quarter of the cur­ ter Sher Bahadur Deuba IJte Tuesday, the Maoists Must rent fiscal year, National Urban Price In­ oppositi on leaders urged the government dex registered a low in crement of only 2,2 to introduce regulations to be followed Surrender: Deuba percent as compared to 2,9 percent during during the emergency, Accusing the secu­ A day after a leading daily reported the corresponding period last year, The rity forces of killing and arresting inn o­ that the Maoists had offered to resume low price of paddy due to combined ef­ peace talks and withdraw their offensive fects of bumper domestic production and cent civili ans in their ballle agai nst the Maoists, the opposition parties sa id the if the governmen t agreed to hold an elec­ huge fl ow of cheap Indian rice played a (i on to a constiLUent assembl y to draft a crucial ro le for deflationary pressure on authoriti es we re not performin g their du­ ti es responsibly, They also asked the gov­ new cOnstilutjon, Prime Minister Sher the grains and cereals group, The prices of Bahadur Dcubahas said the Maoists should sugar and sugar products recorded the ernment to organize reguJarall-pru1y meet­ ings at the district and central levels. surrender first. Talki ng to a group of edi­ highest rise of over 13 percent during the tors and publishers in the capital Friday, period, the repon said, Deuba said there was no possibility of Concern Of resumi ng talk s with the Maoists unless Terrorists Killed they surrende red their arms, ammunitions Desertification and cash and kind they have looted from In Salleri Nepal loses an estilTI J ted 240 million different parts of the country, Kantipur Nearly two weeks after the fi erce cubic meters of top ferti le soil each year, battle between the This results in desertification of arou nd security forces and 10,000 hectares ofland 10 the tran s-Hirna­ " Mao ist guerrillas at Jayan region . pushing almost half or th e Salleri, the district population o n the verge or perennial food headquarters of shortage, experts said , Nepal signed the Solukhumbu district, UN convention to combat desenification chairman of the un­ in October 1995, Addressing a workshop derground Maoist on "Land degradation. drought and sus­ party, Comrade tainable land management" here Tues­ Prachand a. has ac­ day. Minister for Population and Environ­ kn owledged that his ment P. L. Singh sa id the government has pany lost 15 rebels, promoted people-centered natural re­ In a stateme nt , the sources management act ivi ties to miti· Maoist leader ac­ gate the problem, He said that controlling cused the govern­ land degradation would help reduce the Deuba ______ment of mobili zi ng poverty level in the country. •

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21, 2001 5 BRIEFS

this year as against the robust growth rate of 5.6 percent last year. Per capita income of Nepalis will grow just by 0.5 percent to Rs. 19.000 (approximately US$ 250).

THEGOVERNMENTOFFINLANDISTOPROVIDEAGRANT assistance of nearly Rs. 67 million la Nepal ror the production or a database of digital maps and of "on ho-photos" in relation to the census 2001 mapping project ror housing and population. An agreement 10 this efrect was signed and exchanged between Finance Ministry and Finnish Embassy officials al the Finance Ministry on Thursday. The mapping component will contribute [Q strengthening digital map production capability as we ll as digital mapping capacity anti lay the foundation for the establishment of multipurpose digital database in Nepal. officials said .

SECURITY PERSONNEL IN THE EASTERN HILL Y DISTRICT Indian Ambassador I.P. Singh and US Ambassador Michael E. of Panchthar have barred newspapers published from different pan ~ Malinowski presenting their credentials to His Majesty the King the country from reaching the district. Nepal Samacharpatra da reported Sunday. Leadi ng newspapers published from Kathmandu. AMBASSADOR·DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA Blast Times daily published from Dharan and other newspapers pub­ Dr. Indu Prakash Singh and Ambassador-designate of the United States li shed from Jhapa have nOt been allowed to reach Ph idim. the di strict of Ame ri ca Michael E. Malinowski presemed their credential s to King headquarters. by the security personnel. Gyanendra amid separate functions at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace Wednesday. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba TWO CHEETAH HELICOPTERS DONATED BY THE INDIAN and other senior officials were prescm on the occasion. King Gyanendra government to Nepal landed at the Trihhuvan Int ernational Airport also granted audience to Bangladeshi Ambassador Cyril Sikder at the Tuesday. Kantipur daily reported last Tuesday. Theciloppers. manufac­ Royal Palace Wednesday. Mr. Sikder is returning home aftercomplet­ tured in Bangaiore under license from a French company. were being ing hi s tenure. Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador ValeTY Nazarov and used by the Indian anny. The helicopters are li kely to be used in the British Ambassador Ronald P. Nash called on Home Minister Khum ongoing army operation against the Maoist insurgents. Bahadur Khadka separately at hi s office Wednesday. They discussed matters related to bilateral relations. A UGANDAN OFFICIAL HAS SAID NEPAL SHOULD PRIQRI­ tize its problems in fighting poverty. Dr. Emmanuel Tumusiime. gov­ UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE RULING AND OPPOSITION ernor of the Bank of Uganda. said no country should live beyond i~.s panies to clean up the mess in the administration during the emergency. means. In a hi gh-level interaction with Nepali oflicials Monday. Dr. Prime Mini ster Sher Bahadur Deuba has asked Anomey-General Badri Tumusiime described how privatization and foreign aid had helped Bahadur Karki (Q draft two ordinances to empower the Commission for Uganda in bringing down the poven y level frol1156 percent to 35 percent Investigation on Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and to control corruption. over the last decade. Like Nepal. 80 percent of Ugandans live on Kantipur daily reported that both ordinances are likely to be promul­ agriculture though the country has a per capi ta incomc of around US$ gated within the next two weeks. Two separate bills on the issue are 1.000, four times greater than that of Nepal. pending in parliament due to lack of consensus among political parties. The anti-corruption ordinance also proposes to set up a National THE GREEN NEPAL PARTY HAS EXPRESSED DEEP DIS· Vigilance Center under the direct supervision of the prime minister. tress at the terrorist attack on Indian Parliament and the loss of lives in the attack. Kuber Sharma of the GNP in a letter to the Indian Prime THE WORLD BANK HAS APPROVED A US$ 22.56 MILLION Minister has said that he va lues India's fri endshi p and conveys his loan to Nepal to finance the telecommunication sector reform project. support in the fight against terrori sm. • According to the bank. the project will SUppOIl the implementation of the government's sector reform agenda th at includes the permission of private sector to provide all forms of value-added services and enacting SPOTLIGHT the Telecommunication Act aimed at creating a level playing field for all operators and increasing competition in the sector. The project Newsmagazine wishes SUPPOIlS the li censi ng of a private rural operator through a market mechanism to provide telecommunication service in 534 VDCs in the eastern region. accounting for roughly 25 percent of rural areas of the Happy Eid Mubarak country without access to telephone services. to all its Muslim friends, THE GROWTH OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) IN fiscal year 2001-02 is likely to tumble to 2.5 percent. from nearly 5 percent last year. According to preliminary estimates made by the patrons, readers and Central Bureau of Statistics, the sharp decline in the GDP is mainly due to s lu gg i ~h growth of the agriculture sector, estimated at 2.1 percenl. supporters all over the world. Similarly. th e non-agriculture sector is expected to grow by 2.76 percent

6 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 QUOTE UNQUOTE

"T he army had no intention of bringing physical harm (to the Maoists). We wanted to take develop- ment. It was only after they attacked us that we have gone on the offensive." PrajwalliJ SJB Ralla, chiefofRoyalNepal Anll)" ill his interview with "Dishanirdesh " program ill Nepal Television. * * *

"Nobody has been killed in custody'" IS Q.iro Co u.,., ~e"fe i r.. ."0"'$ Prime Minister Sir er BahaduT i5 cJI~ C04"''''u/~if. .. Sq.... e"e~. Deuba, addressing a gath ering all ", ..,CU"' ...U .... S .. -.e '" LJiutf- ..... th e occasion of World Humall Rights I .,,,!',,":sted .1~ I..o.k {er C6~'" Day. saying that the government was felt or or'9J7(? committed to upholding basic human rights during the emergency. in Spacetime daily. * * * "The state of emergency will end after achievi ng its results." . Jaya Prakasil Prasad Gupta, Minis­ ter/or injor.11Iofioll and Commlillica· lioll a/ld the spokesman of the gol'­ emmem. indicating that the govern­ ment;s not in Q mood to ul/necessar­ ily lengthen th e emergency. in failed government-Maoists talks, in Dr. Prakash Chanl/ra Lohalli, vice Gorkhapatra. Himalaya Times. presideJil of Raslriya Prajatallfra * • * * • * Part)', in Himalaya Times. • * • "The government has administered "Dialogue with the Mao\sts is impos­ emergency as an anti-pyretics to bring "Pa rty workers should ret.rain. from any sible now." down the rising feverofthe country. Now sorts of pressure tactics and should help Clziralljibi Wagle, Minister/or Physi­ it should try to find the cause of the fever the administrati on in its in vestigati on and cal Planning and Works and the chief by introducin g special programs in con­ acti on againsllerrorists," government negotiator during the sensus with all the parties." KlumzBahadur Khadka. Home Mil/­ iSler, addressing his party workers in far weslel'll 1011'11 of Dlumgadlti, in Spacetime daily. L'""k ... t Ut .' * • • "C ongress made a mistake but it is strange to see the oppositi on parties also supporting it." Silailaja Acilarya. jormer deplIty prime minislera1ld Congress leader. 0 11 the impusirioll of SlCl le of emer­ gency ill lit e cOllntry. i1l Drishti. * * •

"It IS. fuul.. e to blame anybody. All Nepalese should share the blame '" Dr, Govillda ShaTma~ renowned sur­ geollalldjormerdirectorofTUTeach­ ing Hospital, when asked 10 diagnose rhe cOfllllry's ailmellfs, in Bimarsha. * * *

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 7 OFF THE RECORD

Deuba's Opportunity low central committee mem­ loudspeakers. When he was ber. Ram Chandra Poude!. As addressing the Reporter's Club Former prjme minister Joshi is known as party chief recently. rhe public-address Girija Prasad Koirala seems to Girija Prasad Koirala's blue­ system fell silent for a while. be maintaining a low profile eyed boy, Poudel can do little But that didn' t deter Thapa. these days, which a lot of his apart from quietly siding w ith supporters simply don' t like. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur In fact some members of Deuba. Meanwhile, in hi s quest Koirala's kitchen cabinet have tosidelinePoudel, loshi 6 who started becoming restive. At a like the former DPM repre­ recent dinner at the prime Nepal: In the game sents Tanahun district - is minister's official residence in trying to bring new ideas to Baluwatar, Koirala's follow­ has allowed him re increase the maintain the balance of power. ers found an opportune mo­ frequency of his contacts with ment to develop close contacts one-time ri val, ML general sec­ Thapa's Thmult with Sher Bahadur Deuba. retary Barn Dev Gautarn. Re­ Rastriya Prajatal1Lra Party Although the prime minister gardless of Nepal's success in leader Surya BahadurThapa is organized the dinner to dis­ achieving opposition unity, his known for his roar. Wherever cuss issues regarding the im­ initiative would definitely help he goes, Thapa uses hi s high­ He just turned up his own vol­ position of the state of emer­ him in his quest to draw his decibel diction to send across ume. When the loudspeakers gency, it turned out to be an fanner enemy closer. The poh­ his message loud and clear. were fixed. you couldn't re­ opportunity for many to get tics of politics, as they say. From parliame nt to the public all y tell where the voice was into Deuba's good books. dais. Thapa can do without coming from . • Law & Injustice Congress Rivalry The Nepali Congress -is One can sec violations of known as a party plagued by the marriage code by those dissension, where almost ev­ senior officials who are sup­ ery individual regards the other posed to lead by example. Al­ as a rival. After his appoint­ though the court has issued a ment as deputy general secre­ mandatory order for officials tary of the party, former minis­ to strictly abide by the Social terGovinda Raj Joshi seems to NATJONALN£WS,\/ACAZIN£ Reform Act, few seem to be have acquired a major voice in following il. Ministers. Su­ driving the internal agenda of Color Black & White preme Court judges and the the ruling party. Joshi' s ascen­ head of the anti-corruption dancy has angered former Front Cover Inside R,. I h.II(X).110 body, among other people, are deputy prime minister and fel- Back Cover Rs. 20.000.00 seen to be violating the code Back Cover Inside Rs. 16.00000 with abandon. It seems the growing complaints of how Any Page Inside conuption and the distortion of the social order have be­ Full Page RI Il.O(x)OO Rs. X.OOO.OO come the rule don' t seem to Half Page R, 7.lJlIII.1I0 Rs 'i.OOO.OO have fallen on the right ears. Quarter Page Rs 4.0()O.00 Rs ~.OOO.OO Politics of Politics Special Pull-nut Minimum Four-page Rs. 45.000.00 Rs. ~O.OOOOO CPN-UML general secre­ tary and main opposition leader Madhav Kumar Nepal has found his most favoritc job: For details, contact: mobilizing opposition pahies against the government. As the SPOTLIGHT CPN-UML and CPN-ML try THE NATtONAL NEWSMAGAZINE to build closer ties, Nepal's GPO Box: 7256,'saluwatar Joshi: Rivalry rages consensus-building exercise Ph : 977-1) 423127 Kathmandu

8 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 2t, 2001 NATIONAL

United States as the sole super power, the SAARC SUMMIT cold war between the two South Asian countries continues. Thcdispute between India and Pakistan o n Kashmir has once Coming Closer again n ared up in recent days. India and Pakistan fought two o f As tension between India and Pakistan builds, a cloud their three wars over Kashmir. In 1999. the two countries came close to a f'ull ­ of unc.ertainty hangs over the 11 th SAARC summit scale war in the Kargil region. In dia accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorists By KESHAB POUDEL poncment o f the summit citing the mili­ in Jam mu Kashmir state. a c ha rge tary takeover in Pakistan. Islamabad stre nuously denies. As India lthough the Nepalese government "Despite all this happening, there is and Pakistan both arc now nu clear weap­ Ahas been working hard to prepare a possibility o f holdin g the 11th SAARC ons state, any escalation in hostility or '~r the much-delayed 11th summit of summit in Kathmandu," said a former confronta tion could plunge the region ·ulh Asian Assoc iat ion ofRegionai Co­ foreign secretary o f Nepal. "As both into nuclem warfare. operation (SAARC). the sudden erup­ India and Pakistan are searching for a Although western countries. parlit: u- ti on of tension between India and Paki­ stan foll owing last week's terrorist attack on the parliamentary building in New Delhi has changed the mood. As the host country. Nepal has al­ ready sent out invitations to the heads of slate/government of the region to partici­ pate in the summit. Dur the swiftne ss with which events are moving. no one can predict what will happen. The upcoming SAARC summit has many important issues in fronl of It. in­ cluding terrorism, girl trafficking. slrat­ ~gy for the poverty alleviation. and, most importantly, the SAFTA. If the South Asian leaders agree to meet, they will have an opportunity to discuss such is­ sues after a long delay. There is also a possibility of some declaration on con­ taining terrori sm in South Asia. As part of its final preparations. the government of Nepal has initiated steps President of Maldives Gayoom ; From Dhaka to Kathmandu to upgrade the infrastructure in Kathmandu. Security has been tightened place for a one-to-one meeting. Nepal larly th e United S t i.l l e~. arc urging: both in and around Kathmandu vall ey. O the r may be ideal place to discuss their bi lat­ I ndia and PakisUln 10 maintain maxi Illum preparations arc also taking place in full e ral matters." restraint. there is no sign of a reduction in sw in g. Although SAARC was fo rmed 15 the tension. India hils warned Pakistan of Nepal is hosting the SAARC sum­ years ago to promote regional coopera­ dire consequences if it failed to close the mit for second time in the hi story of the tion and to e nhance understanding, it has offices of two Kashm il'i terrorists orga­ organizati on. Kathmandu hosted the third not been able to do much primarily be­ ni zation New Delhi believes maste r­ SAARC summit in 1987. Sri Lanka, In­ cause o f the traditional rivalry between minded the a!lack. dia. Pakistan. Bangladesh. a nd Maldives India and Pakistan. SAARC was formed While most countries of the world have already hosted the summits. Bhutan against the background of the cold war are gearing up for development through is yet to organize a summit in,Thimpu. between the former USSR and the United regional cooperation. South Asia, with In the last three years, the. SAARC States. when India and Pakistan were in its billio n-plus. Inrgcly poor popula ti on. summit has been postponed twice be­ rival camps. is lagging behind because o r the lo ng­ cause of te nsio n between India and Paki­ Even after the dismantling of the standing tension bClwltcn its two largest stan . In 1999. India requested a post- Soviet Union and the emergence or the countries. •

SPOTLlGHTIDECEMBER 21 , 2001 9 NATIONAL

support it needed to succeed. As the gov­ ernment began lO perform, politicians in th e ruling and oppositi on parties began plotting against the prime minister. 'This is onc of the biucr rcal it JC.s of the last 12 years," says a polilical analyst. "Every government has had 10 pass through po­ litical instabi lity. with di~astrous consc­ quences for the nation." Koirala has been the primary victim of this reality. but. ~ Iran ge l y, he is also the leading player in thcdcstabilization game. In his last tenure, Koirala made all kinds of compromi ses lO remam In power. He

proposed a 14-point age nda for natio I consensus, seeking broad support fr opposition panies and fac tions withi n the ruling party. Hi s 14-poi nt proposal was accepted along with hi s resigmition. As soon as Deuba was clected prime minis­ Koirala with leaders: Seekin g censensus? ter, he implemented SQme components of th e national consensus package. Koirala is yet 10 define hi s fres h KOlRALA'S CALL agenda of national consensus and its po­ litical sign ificance. but it has already in­ jected a feeling of in stability in th e bu­ For Consensus Or Instability? reaucracy. which is supposed to adminis­ ter the government 's programs and poli­ Former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala's fresh cies. Regardless of whether Koirala's na­ tional-consensus call has any political call for national consensus raises ominous questions meaning or implications in the current context, the former prime minister has By KESHAB POUDEL would onl y destabilize the political pro­ round it to be a new mantra to rock Prime cess and the bureaucracy at thi s critical Minister Deuba's positi on. epa li Congress president and national juncture. Koirala may succeed in A Congress central committee meet­ Nformer prime minister Girija forcing Deuba to resign, but he would not ing chaired by Koirala last month, after Prasad Koirala has called for a national be able to avoid the turbulence that marked the Maoists pulled out or peace talks and consensus to resolve the country 's prob­ hi s last tenure as head oflhe government. resumed their violent campaign. called lems at a time when his own party's Koirala. who has held the post of prime for the imposit ion of the state of emer­ government led by Prime Minister Sher ministerformore than six out orthe last 12 gency to quell terrori sm. The party wel­ Bahadur Deuba has secured the support years ofd emocracy, real ises first hand the comed th e emergency and hai led the of all oppositi on parties. including len difficulty of governing amid chronic in­ government's decision to bring out the leftgroups, on the impositio n of the stale stability. anti-terrorism ordinance. of emergency. As the emerge ncy, de­ Ever since the restoration of democ­ At a time when all major political clared by King Gyanendra last month at racy in 1990, no government has had the parties have been supporting slate of emer­ the recommendation of th-e council of opponunity to run its affairs without peri­ gency, what has prompted Koirala to call minister, has secured widespread inter­ odic intervention and disturbances. Each for national consensus? Political analysts nal and international support, Koirala's government has begun by announcing believe the new slogan is nothing more appeal makes little political sense, ex­ policy measures aimed at the welfare of than a plot to replace Deuba. cept. of course. as a ploy to destabilize the people, on ly to find itself caught in a Koirala was forced to resign few the Deuba government. . shaky positi on within a few months. months ago under th e pressure of major Many sce Koirala's move as a last­ When Prime Minister Deuba's gov­ oppositi on parti es who boycoLl ed the win­ ditch attempt to return to power. Although ernment ann oun ced a package to stabili ze tcr session of parliament fo r 45 Jays and it would hardl y matter whether Koirala is the economy and inject asenseofsecurity organized an unprecedented three-day in power or outside. his call for consensus among the people. it failed to get the general strike. Koi rala call for national

10 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 200 1 NATIONAL consensus came in the presence or key national interest has been sacrificed." problems now. We need to have a broad opposition leaders, including CPN-UML Koirala eaU for national consensus consensus among all the major political general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, and the endorsement by major political parties to sort out these problems," said Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Surya parties is baming also because Deuba Thapa. Bahadur Thapa, CPN-ML general secre­ continues to brief opposition leaders on Although Thapa stopped short of set­ tary Barn Dev Gautam, Nepal Sadbhavana national issues. "Thegovemment has been ting a deadline like Koirala did. the RPP Party president Gajendra Narayan Singh, taking all decisions in consultation with leader, too, wants some decision taken and radical communist leaders Chi Ira leaders of the ruling and opposition par­ soon to meet the challenges posed by the Bahadur KC, Narayan Man BijukcheRohit ties," says Minister of Information and Maoist terrorists. "We have to unite to and Amik Sherchan. Communication Jaya Prakash Gupta. who protect the rights of the people," said Gautam and Singh, too, had demanded is also the spokesman of the government. Nepal, VML general secretary and leader Koirala 's resignation as prime minister but "We don't have anything to hide. The of the opposition. had opposed the UML's course of stalling emergency has been imposed la guaran­ After finding &UPpo rt outside the parliamenl. In an interesting turn· of events. tee security to the people." party, Koirala left for Biratnagar. The ,~ Iitical leaders who not too long ago de- Koirala' s proposal and the Congress strongman visits his hometown ned toanend meetings called by Koirala opposition's instant endorsement could whenever he feels he has 10 take a serious determine the political course of the na­ political decision. tion, The strangest part of the unfolding The latest statement of Koirala, a scenario remains that Koirala is leading a diehard anti-communist who is known for band of politicians who until very re­ his extensive knowledge of the ins and cently were hi s bilteresl opponents. outs of Nepali poli'lics. shows how he can Whether one like it or not, Koirala be used to dcstabilize hi s own party's will remain a central figure of Nepalese government, which is on its way to suc­ politics as long as he is active. However, cessfully mobilizing the security appara­ the time has come for Koirala to prove tus to quell the Maoist insurgency. himself a statesman. rather than a politi­ Unlike many of his colleagues in the cian. "I don' t understand what kind of Congress, Koirala can identify problems. consensus Koirala is seeking. Is it a con­ but he is unpredictable and can easil y be sensus for his party, consensus for hi s misled. Any hasty political moves on the cOlerie or consensus for his family? If part of Koirala. who is obviously in th e Koirala is really serious about solving the last leg of hi s political career, may benefit country's problems. he has IQ show greater hi s caterie. But it would not benefit him political maturjty." says another analysl. personally - or the nation. • Many question Koirala's ability to Annual SUBSCRIPTION Rate forge a consensus INIJIVIDUAL INSTITUTION Ch,n;u'Kor.:a USS l~lXl us S 20000 among 10 different N~I I'IRSR~ 1400.00 NRSRI 2500.00 MFJhn,al t:SSISllll1 lJSS200 Koirala : Gctting restless ·· I IndIa ICR,I40000 ICR,_noo_oo Bhulotn l'SSljlU)O U5S200. pO ItUca groups at a OI .... rSAARC H {lnIKongrr~, ·u" USSI~O(\l llSS~OO time when he is un- ~n:~lrIe~ ~~!:~': ~~~~~~.: ~~~~'IIiNe"7.e~I~nd USS1:~'~: l'SSl~:' in protest agai nst his alleged involvement able to control fac- A",anCl)llmr"" USS 120.00 U5S2OO.00 USA L'SS I~I_J US~:!lJO in the Lauda Air scandal were among those lions within his own ~U.!'~c:.R-.!~~~~\~~!.n~ ~~~~~~!.c~~t~~~~~~d~~I~_\~I~I~' ~~)., who immediately endorsed the rormer party. But Koirala :Plea~filldcndll~dhc"'w'lhm~nnllllaJWbsCrlpUII"ror... •.. cup'c, : prime minister's consensus call. Strangely wants to a consensus !CIl,hlDDIL'httjIll"i"u fOfRYt/US$ . Oaie. I I I enough. the program was organized by the agenda within a INwne I I I sister organization of the UML. which monlh. "We must I I lAddrcl, I spearheaded the nation-wide campaign to have to agree on cer­ I I I ~- I unseat Koirala. tain things before the I I I I "Why has Koirala's proposal for na­ I Ith SAARC sum- I I tional consen,sus received such wide ac­ mit," the former IL ______Si~nlltun: 1C'lcphllne hn ~I ceptance?" a political analyst asks. ,·It prime minister said. DO NOT Send CAS H in MAIL seems the proposal is being imposed by Koirala found an Plc

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 I1 NATIONAL

Maitighar section as a part of its city ROAD CONSTRUCTION beautification project before the SAARC Summit. Despile their welcoming the SAARC Rolling Ahead Summit, the residents of Kathmandu fear the traffic problems. Already congested, Unlike their popular image as sluggish workers, road department raises the valley will literally tear at its seams while playing host to not one, not two but many eye-brows by their quick work on the eve of SAARe Summit seven VVIP guests. Already there is a talk of restricting the entry of big ve­ By SANJAYA DHAKAL More of them are busy at different hicles like buses within the ring parts of the capital valley black-topping road during the summit days. The traffic Tt took them more than six months to and smoothening the rough roads - less police is also considering to allow public ~omplete the expansion of around a the VIP guests scoff when Ihey set Iheir vehicles lik~ taxis and micro-buses to ply kilo meter of road stretching to the west feellhere. on alternate days depending on theireve of the old Bus Park. And it is takingthem Going by their efficiency, ordinary or odd registration number. less than a month to complete the renova­ people are murmuring that Kathmandu Meanwhile. as just a little over two lion of 30 kilometers of roads within the be a host to SAARC Summil every year. weeks remain before the SAARC valley. "That way we won'l have 10 put up wilh summit opens in Kalhmandu. the road What is it with our government. the Ihe roads with potholes thal resemble department still has a lot to do if it road department and Ihe general worker swimming pools after a brief shower," wishes tocomplcle its respo nsibility. The thal make them unbelievably indolent at said Sunil Bista, a Kathmanduile. department has to renovate roads limes and unimaginably energetic at oth­ According to a high official from the running from the hotel s where the VVIP ers? Department of Road, Ihey have already guests Slay to the conference centers Just as the 11th SAARC Summil completed more than one-Ihird of Iheir as well as the roads leading lO tou ri st approaches, the army of road-makers and work. Amount to the lune of Rs 120 ce nters. Illunicipal workers seem busy every­ million had been ear-marked forthe reno­ Till now, the department has fin­ where. While a group of them are level­ vation of city roads. ished renovating the sect ion s at ing the lamal sec tion to widen the road Along with the road construction Sinamangal-Putal isadak. Tilganga-Gol f there, another group is busy bringing and renovation, the Kathmandu Metro­ Ground. Dhumbarahi-Mandikhalar, down illegally constructed houses in politan Corporation (KMC) is also busy Bagbazar-Putalisadak-Exhibition Road. Tinkune. trying to build gardens in Tinkunc and . Soallee-Grand Hotel, Maharajgunj- ..-___~-----.,..--- ______. Bansbari. Pashupati- Guheshwori and Royal Palace so uthern gate. Still Ihe roads to

Gokarna. I Nagttrkot, Swayambhu and those le ading to big hotels re­ main to be renovated . Ac­ cording to Dr. Hare Krishna Bhagat, chief of road divi~ion office. Minbhawan, they can complete the remaining work withi n the next 15 days. Although it ap­ pears that their target of completillg the renovation of around 20 kilomelers in as many days seems ambi ti ous 10 meel. the speed in whil:h they are working makes one opl i- B;:c:u",II:...od::.o"z",e"r"s-=I.:.ev_e:::I",Ii","",g"i",II"'"g"aI:...b=-=u=iI=d,,,i"",g"s"i::":...T::.:.:i":.:k:.:u:.:":.:e:..:...::.-Fa=s:.:l...:w.::o:::r::k'- ______mi st ic. •

SPOTLlGHTIDECEMBER 21. 2001 NATIONAL

erywhere and in every form. No one can TERRORISM justify lhe killing of innocent people un ­ der the pretext of any cause. After the Maoists pulled out from peace talks and Common Concern resumed their viol'ent campaign against the state, the Deubrl government had no The attack on the Indian parliament heightens the alternative to declaring the rebels as ter­ rorists and mobilizing the Royal Nepalese urgency of the war against terrorism in South Asia A.rmy against them. However, Maoist leaders have been By A CORRESPONDENT of legislators and ministers were assembled giving interviews to leading Indian ncws­ when they were confronted by security papers in which they have been trying to allowing the daring terrorist attack guards. ThanRsto the alenness of the guards, justify their heinous acts. This has served to on the Indian parliament last week, all the intruders were killed in the shoot­ give credence to persistent reports that w Delhi is considering all necessary out. Seven security officers lost their lives Maoist leaders are aCli vely being sheltered action against terrorism in South Asia. defending the hean oflndian democracy. in India. Although the Indian government Indian officials have begun by demanding India's desire to take decisive action has declared Nepal's Maoists as terrorists the hand-over of the suspected masler­ against those behind the attack is under­ - and subsequently lcmlcd two of it s own minds of the attack who they beli eve are standable. as thecounrry has suffered much Maoist groups as such - the f aCI Ihat the based in Pakistan. from terrorism, especially during the last Indian media has casy access to senior rebel leaders wanted by Kathmandu points to lhe need for greater cooperation from New Delhi in the kingdom's fight against terrorism. As Nepal is hosting the 11th SAARC summit next month. many expect a re­ gional agreement against terrorism lO be signed. As neighbors sharing a long and open border, Nepal and India need the full support of each other in their effort to quellterrorislll. Moreover. the progress of most South Asian nalions. irrespective or thei r size and strength. faces a major ob­ stacle in the form or terrorism. The time has come for conce rt ed r~gi o nal action against terrorism. • Shrestha Retires Indian Parliament: Under attack After serving:. for over two decades at the United Nations Information Centcr as According to Indian officials, prompt two decades. Nepal, which has endured an information officer. Namyan Bahadur action by security officers inside the par­ sustained terrorist attacks by Maoist insur­ Shrestha reLired in the last week Decem­ liament complex averted widespread dev­ gents over the last six years, understands or ber. Shrestho's contributions as a bridge astation. The Indian government has asked India's pain and anguish. between the United Nations and the Pakistan to close down two Pakistan­ King Gyanendra, Prime MinisterSher Nepalese people have hcen laudable. based Kashmiri outfits it believes carried Bahadur Deuba, main opposition leader Shresthais well known LO Lhe Nepalese out the attack and has sought the hand­ Madhav Kumar Nepal and other political mcdia. During his tcnure as infornHltion over of key leaders. parties condemned the attack on the lndian officer, Shrestha worked to popularize the In a late morning gunbattle on Thurs­ parliament Fomler prime minister and causes e:-tpouscd by the United Nations day, December 13, five terrorists enlered Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad among the Nepalese people. UNlC was the premises of parliament in a stolen car Bhattarai spoke on the telephone with In­ established In 1904 in Kathmandu. bearing security passes. They were trying dian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee Shrcstha, who ~larted his l'arccr as a radio la enter the inner perimeter of the parlia­ and expressed his shock. broadcaster. joined Lhe UNIC in 1976 . • ment toward the area where a large number Terrorism must be condemned cv-

"SroTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 13 NATIONAL

Instead of backing the strategy and STATE OF EMERGENCY sacrifices of security forces , Nepalis intel­ li gentsia is discouraging them by thei'r irresponsible utterances. "The responsi­ Absence Of Responsibility bility of a judge is to the case presented before him," says the analyst. "In other The comments of politicians and senior officials on the countries, you don it find judges preaching about democratic conduct. If journalists state of ~rgency sow confusion had made such utterances, they would have been sent to prison. Who will judge By A CORRESPONDENT judge, former army general and political the judge?" leaders show tn abject lack of sensitivity Recent uncharitable and un solicited - t a time when security forces are toward the situation. A former army gen­ utterances of senior judges have been di s­ A engaged in the dangerous mission eral even went to the extent of disclosing liked by many in the legal profession. of disarming Maoist terrorists in various the strategies employed during the armed Unless the judge himself realizes the haA parts ofthe country, intellectuals, political actions. he is doing, th ere can be no cure for ~ leaders and judges are busy uttering irre­ A senior judge of the Supreme Court problem. "A judge has to deliver justice in sponsible comments. The army personnel seems to have taken upon himself the re­ the ca,es presented before them. He or she are sacrificing their life to bring normalcy sponsibility to create confusion by ques­ cannot speak as a politician." to the country, but civilian leaders and tioning the legitimacy of the statefs actions. Others dispute this contention. "A opinion makers are spending time and Although the comments were against the judge has every right to speak on constitu­ energy on undennining the objectives of code of conduct of a judge, nobody has tional matters. If ajudge cannot speak agai nst the emergency. the imposition of restrictions on fun­ In difficult terrain and amid great damental rights. who will defend the personal risk, soldiers and police have rights of the ci ti zen?" asks a lawyer. been working day and night todisarm But when ajudge starts speaking the terrorists and lO show the pres­ publicly on an issue that could pro­ ence of the administration. In the voke strong public reaction, there is a operations, ~ number of soldiers and possibility of serious differences of policemen have been martyred. opinion at the highest level. Thus his Scores of others have been injured. decision may engulf the country in a The sacrifice of the security person­ controversy that could ultimately un­ nel , however, seems to have no effect dennine the national interest. on politicians and intellectuals. Other high-ran ki ng officials have In the last six years, when more K similar problems. Nobody seems 10 than 500 policemen were killed inJ~""'~:-::-:-""';~-:--:-_:-__ understand the responsi bility and limi­ various parts of the country fighting Nepal (left) and Koirala : Irresponsible remarks tations attached to security-related terrorist well trained on foreign soil, matters. Public security and the strat­ Nepalese political leaders and intellectu­ bothered to raise the point. Political leaders, egy of armed opermions seem to be nor- als ignored their sacrifices. The extent of too, are in a similar race to sow confusion. mal iss ues for them. Either they do not the politicians; brazen disregard for the While supporting the government's action know the gravity of the si tuation under a seriousness of the issue can be seen in their against terrorism, they are demanding the state of emergency or they are playing into failure to discuss how terrorist1\could have lifting of the emergency, which is a basic the hands mysterious elements in total originate in a peace-loving country. prerequisite for successful army action. ignorance of their responsibility. "Instead of moving to cure the disease, "This shows how supposedly respon­ Politicians are meeting every day la the politicians just made efforts to divert sible people misunderstand the system of discuss issues related to emergency, as if public attention by sending ill-equipped governance and fail to appreciate the seri­ they do not have other subjects in front of police personnel on the battlefield. Had ousness of major issues." says a political them. Thisshows that even th e supposedly senior politicians taken proper steps to iden­ analyst. "The recent decision by Indian enlightened group of Nepalis are yet to tify the forces behind the problems. the MPs, following the terrorist attack in the learn the culture of statecraft. situation would not haVe" gone out of pro­ parliament building. to donate ~ monthfs Once a state of emergency is declared, portion," says a political analyst. salary to the family of security personnel what is the purpose and intention of creat­ Even after the mobilization of the who died defending the heart of Indian ing confusion and controversy that would army . it seems politicians and intellectuals democracy was an exemplary gesture. undermine the mission. Once the emer­ are yet to learn how to conduct them­ Could our politicians and intellectuals think gency is lifted after fulfilling its aims, there selves. Recent comments from a senior that way?" would be enough time for post mortem .•

14 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21,2001 FACE TO FACE 'Comprehensive Tourism Package Soon' -BAL BAHADUR KC

At a time when tourism entrepreneurs Because of low tourist in- r------~ are worried about the decline in tourist flow, the number of hotels and arrivals. Millister of Tourism and Civil airlines are unable to pay inter­ Aviatioll BAL BAHADUR KC has re­ est to the banks. The ministry vealed that the govemmem is planning is proposing to give some relief to come OUl with a comprehensive pro­ to tourism entrepreneurs by gram 10 improve the situation. K. C spoke waiving interest rates for the to Paribesh progral/l of Radio Nepal 011 time being. Along with this, variotls lOu;'ism-related issLles. Excerpts: the government is planning to make airlines more efficient and What steps is the government tak­ reliable. We are considering an g to increase the number of tourists increase the domestic air fare. in the country? We will subsidize the airfare The government is trying to formu­ for the remote areas. late a comprehensive program. taking It is said that the state into confidence the private sector, to in­ emergency has affected the crease the number of tourists. OUT first number of tourists. How do step will be to reduce visa fees for tOUT­ you look at it? ists who want to visit Nepal for the sec­ This is a misunderstand­ ond time. Secondly, we are opening new ing. As you know. the law-and­ peaks and restricted arcas to tourists. The order situation has drastically ministry will take necessary measures in improved following the decla­ this direction. We have already identi­ ration of the state of emergency. fied those decisions the ministry can take We have failed to disseminate by itself and those that need to be taken this positive side of the emer­ by the cabinet. gency. After the declaration of How do you see situation of the the stale of emergency, tourists have officials. I think Chinese tourists will start tourism industry right now? greater guarantee of security. We have coming to Nepal within six months. We Because of national and international launched steps to inform tourists about are already in the process of selecting the circumstances, tourist arrivals have de­ the positive aspects of the emergency. travel agencies to cater the Chinese tour· clined and the industry as a whole is The aim of the state of emergency is to ists. We will announce the list of travel suffering from it. The government isfully improve the law-and-ordersituation. We agents soon. We still have to settle the aware about what is going on in the must send this message to other coun­ issues of language, money exchange and tourism sector. tries. other facilities for the Chinese tourists. A largenumberoftourists visiting How do you plan to mobilize the What is happening with regard to Nepal are second-timers, Why has the private sector? Destination Nepal? government failed to come out with We need support from the private We will announce the main commit­ • incentives for this group? sector to achieve our targets. I am en­ tee 10 celebrate Destination Nepal shortly. It is true that second-time visilOrs couraging private parties 10 take neces­ I am trying to encourage the private sec­ represent more than a third of the total sary steps in partnership with the govern­ tor in Destination Nepal. I believe we number of tourists. Because of lack of ment. The private sector will be given a need to mobilize the private sector to coordination. we were unable lO take key role in revitalizing the tourism in­ make D""tination Nepal successful. necessary steps to introduce such incen­ dustry. There is a need for active partici­ • What other reforms is your minis- tives. We are going to do so now. pation of the private sector in tourism try taking? As you know, hotels, airlines and promotion activities. The government is considering travel agencies have been facing ma­ When will Chinese tourists start spending certain percentage of revenue jor problems because of tile low tourist coming to Nepal under the recent bi­ in those districts that generate tourism arrivals. What other incentives is the lateral agreement? re'/enue. We are taking this step to en­ government considering for tourism We have already signed a memoran­ courage local participation in the tour­ entrepreneurs? dum of understanding with the Chinese ism sector. •

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21, 2001 15 COVER STORY NATIONAL ECONOMY Bracing

For t Harder Times

Declining development expenditure and rising security expenses are any fiscal manager's nightmare. With economic growth pro­ jected to be one of the lowest in the decade and a slowdown gripping all sectors, the country is being hit hard. Internal and external factors have had their toll as the government tries to mobilize foreign assistance and cut unnecessary expenditure. The days ahead for Nepal's economy are anything but smooth

By BHAGIRATH YOGI rorist activities, said Deuba. He sought pressed their full s upport to the the donor community's support in the government's programs,' rime Minister Sher Bahadur government's programs for public works Sources who attended the meeting, Deuba convened a meeting of and employment promotion in the Maoist however, said the donor community was the donor community at Shital insurgency-affected areas. The prime min­ not as forthcoming as officials had ex­ Niwas Monday at a time when ister also sought their support for the pected. As in the past, the donor commu­ . theP government is engaging in an all-out government's humanitarian relief works nity asked the government to set its priori­ war with the Maoist insurgents. Address­ for disadvantaged groups, women and ties straight and do more homework to ing the gathering of representatives of children directly affected by the conflict. carry out development programs. The Kathmandu-based donor agencies, Pre­ 'There has been a very encouraging donor community al so criticized the gov­ mier Deuba acknowledgea that the slow­ gesture from the donor community,' said ernment for whatthey called a lack offull­ down in trade, tourism and industrial pro­ Chiranjivi Wagle, a senior cabinet mem­ fledged commitment on its part to imple­ duction had sev~rely affected revenue mo­ ber who is also convenor of the high-level ment good governance programs, expe­ bilization. Poverty is increasing and eco­ emergency management and coordina­ dite economic reforms and effectively nomic activities are shrinking due to ter- tion committee. 'The donors have ex- control corruption.

16 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21, 2001 COVER STORY

of the current fiscal year200 1/02. recurrent (regular)expenditure has exceeded the rev- . enue collection by Rs 453.3 million. Dur­ ing this period. the government has re­ cei ved foreign assistance of Rs 1595.4 million and has used overdrafts equivalent to Rs 2252.3 million from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Things were not the same till some­ time back. Until fiscal year 2000/0 I. rev­ enue was till higher than th e regular ex­ penditure though the revenue surplus was I gradually declming. The revenue dcficll ~ has another serious budgetary lmphca.t\()t\ on the absorption of foreign assistance, say experts, 'As the government needs to provide 20 to 30 percent "I' the total project cost from its own sources as counterpart or matching fund. the foreign assistance can't be utilized if the government fails to provide this fund: said Dr. Govinda Ba­ hadur Thapa, vice principal at the Bank­ Garment products: Hit by slowdown ers' Training Centcr of the NRB. Officials said there was no specific current fiscal year, National Urban Price With major export items like carpel proposal from the government in terms of Index registered a low increment of only and gannents passing through 'critical sums or projects for donor assistance. 2.2 percent as compared to 2.9 percent phase, manufacturing scctor in the dol­ Sources said the government had antici­ recorded during the corresponding period drums and tourism hit badly afler the 9111 pated assistance of up to US$ 70 million last year. The low price of paddy due to terrorist attacks on the tWin towers in the from the donor community to meet its combined effects of bumper domes tic pro­ US, Nepalese economy may have never development needs. bUl there was no duction and huge flow of cheap Indian faced such a criti cal situation. While the breakdown or specific demands. rice played a crucial role for detlalionary business community is keeping its ringer The government has found itself in a pressure on the grains and cereals group. crossed about the restorat ion of law and tight SpOl. The growth of Gross Domestic The prices of sugar and sugar products order with the declaration of nationwide Product (GDP) in the current fIscal year recorded the highest ri se of over 13 per­ emergency (to fight Maoist insurgency) 200 1-02 is likely to tumble to 2.5 percent, cent during the period, the NRB said. last month , touri sts in gene ral are said lO way below from nearly 5 percent last year, While all do agree that ensuring better be scared to visit this Himalayan king­ repons said. According to preliminary law and order should be the first priority dom. estimates prepared by the government's of the government, critics say the govern­ 'We need to tell tourists. thorough our Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the ment is not se rious toward adopting aus­ diplomatic missions abroad and ot her me­ sharp decline in the GDP is mainly due to terity measures and cutting down unnec­ dia out lets. that the emergency is only sluggish growth of the agriculture sector essary expenditures. 'The government largcted against the Maoist insurgcntsand estimated at 2.1 percent this year. Simi­ should finance its military expend itu re by it has got noth in g to do with the visiting larly. the non-agriculture sector is ex­ reducing unproducliveexpcnses and push touri sts,' said Basanla Raj Mishra. honor­ l pected to grow by 2.76 percent only this forward development acti vities with effi­ ary secretary ofNeral Association ofTour year as against the robust growth rate of cient and result-oriented approach, I said . Operators. 'Indeed. Kathmandu and other 5.6 percent last year. The CBS has pro­ Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal, an economist and tourist spots ru"e more sa re now than he­ jected that the per capita income of the MP representing the main opposition fore.' Nepalese will grow nominally this year Unified Marxist-Leninist. 'Nepal is now Despitcsuch assurances. investors want by just 0.5 percent to Rs 19,000 (approxi­ facing problems not ol}ly on the law-and­ to give a look for sometime before making mately US$ 250). order front but also in theeconomic fron.!. a final deci sion. The bomb explosion at the Despite the slowdown in Ihe country's So the government must exhibit due seri­ Nepal Bonlers Ltd.- that manufactures economy. Iow inflation has given some ousness to address these challenges.' Co(:a Cola and Olher so ft drinks - sus­ relief to common consumers, the Nepal Recent economic indicators also ex­ pected to have been carri ed out by the Rastra Bank (NRB) said. According to the hibitthatthe Nepalese economy is heading Maoists is seen as an attempt to scarc away central bank, during the first quaner of the toward crisis. During the firsllhree months foreign in vestors. Suspected Maoists

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21,2001 t7 COVER STORY have, in the past, hit joint venture compa­ level. Prime Minister Deuba should dis­ parliament.' nies including Nepal Lever and Surya cuss the issue with Indian Premier Atal Businessmen are worried that they are Tobacco. Behari Vajpayee when they meet in not in a position to pay more taxes to Govt's response Kathtnandu during the upcoming SAARC finance the security expenses .. At a time' Officials say the government is com­ .summit,' said a business leader. when theeconomic activities are down. the mitted to provide law and order in the For the government, meeting rising government should not impose burden on country. 'The government will provide security costs is not an easy option. As the industry and businesses,' said Ravi full industrial security to all the industries indications are there of a prolonged con­ Bhakta Shtestha, President ofFNCCI. 'In­ and businesses in the country,' said Purna flict in tbe Nepali hills, sustaining a costly stead, the government should announce Bahadur Khadka, Minister for Industry, war is going to be a heavy burden for the immediate measures to rehabilitate sick Commerce and Supplies. 'Of course, we country's economy. And, its flrst victims industries, promote tourism and boost ex­ need cooperation from organizations like will be the on going or proposed develop­ ports.' the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of ment works. Experts warn that the Nepalese Commerce and Industries (FNCCI),' he 'There will be across the board reduc­ economy is in a volatile stage now. 'The added. tion in the development expenditure (to situation seems to be moving toward some­ At the initiative of FNCCI, among finance security expenses),' Prithvi Raj thing like stagflation (inflation-plus st. others, the government recently formed a Ligal, vice chairman of National Planning nation) when men and machine are out ~/ high-level Board of Investment, to be Commission told SPOTLIGHT. 'The for­ work,' said Dr. Bishwambher Pyakuryal, chaired by the Prime Minister. The new eign-aided and other priority projects will, professor of economics at the Tribhuvan ,-______-, University. 'The government GDP by Industrial Origin should not use the state ofemer­ gency to terrorize the terrorists

18 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21, 2001 COVER STORY 'Our Economy is in a Volatile Stage' -Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal

Pro/essorofEconomicsat Tribhuvan Uni­ able to explore potential areas of competitive versity,Dr, BISHWAMBHER PYAKURYAL advantage in the regional context. is known for his frank and critical views on Isn't maintaining macro-economic sta­ differelll aspects of the Nepalese economy. A bility an achievement? former board member 0/ Nepal Bank Limited, After 1990. we have seen that Pro! Pyakur),al recently resigned/rom slate­ macroeconomic stability could not ensure the owned Nepal Industrial Development Corpo­ reduction of poverty. If the present rate of ration (N/DC) 10 head the Business Injonlla­ economic growth and population growth con­ tion Services Nepal Pw. Ltd, a private-sector tinues, it will take at least 20 years to double · ,krank. He spokero BHAGIRA rH YOGI at our per capita income. It has been proved that lIew office at Kamalpokhari /aSI week. macroeconomic stability alone can't ensure Excerpts: economic development in acountry likeNepal. At the same time, the low-level of innation at How do you see the present state of the present may not reflect future prospects for economy? Nepalese economy. Revenue collection is negali ve and regular Cun the state of emergency help add ress caJ personalities, rather than on the basis of expenditure is higher than the revenue. This economic problems? priority. A strong law should be formulated 10 indicates volalility of the economy. Even be­ Thegovemment should nol use Ihe stateof check such aberrations. Government omcia.\~ , fore IhedecJaralion of emergency, the govern­ emergency to terrorize the terrorists only. It including ministers, should be held account­ ment did not have surplus revenue to pay for should adopt austerity measures and develop a able for the performance or non-perfotW,2..~~ the remuneration and benefits of retired civil mid-term expenditure framework. If needed, of their ministries. servants. The year 2002 is going to be difficult the number of ministries should be reduced What will be the impact of the cutting as major loans are going to mature. Debt ser­ and urmecessary employees should be bid good­ downofdevelopmentexpendituretofinance vicing will also demand a significant share of bye. As the economy is passing through rainy security expenses? the budget. Up to 65 percent of our develop­ days. we may have to compromise with social The country will suffer. It will have multi­ ment expenditure is being financed by foreign justice. So, besides liquidating loss-making plier effect if the development expenditure is aid. But if we can't meet the regular expendi­ public enterprises, the government should in­ reduced. The government should be more as­ ture (through our revenue), il will be very volve the private sector in almost all cases. We sertiveand more transparent and invite people's difficult for us to convince Ihe donor commu­ have a situation where the Ministry of Finance help and participation in all seClors. The gov­ nity. This could push our society toward what (MOF) is looking at the fiscal side and Na­ ernment can't do anything from the existing is called a 'mass unrest society.' tional Planning Commission (NPC) at the pro­ resources. Of course. there wi ll be dramatic How serious is the situation? grams. The NPC and MOF should be inte­ i mprovemcnt if the security situation improves. The government hasn't been able to rede­ grated and bureaucratic junk should be elimi­ More joint ventures and foreign direct in vest­ fine the sick industries. The program to reha­ nated. A one-window policy on the basis of ment could flow in. In fact security is the most bi litale sick industries has been awfully de­ inter-party consensus should be implemented. important element for promoting investment. layed. The government doesn't have any re­ The present priorities of the government in real The problem with us is that our institutions sources to rehabilitate sick units. The situation sense need 10 be narropted down and re-priori­ haven' t been able to sustain our economic seems to be moving toward something like ti zed. Different comminees, departments and policies. We are suffering from structural. stagflation (inflation-plu s stagnation) when over-Iappi ng institutions should be el iminated. supply-side and policy-level constraints. So, men and machine are out of work. The government should work keeping in mind we should devise such policies lhat will have How effective have been the the sentiments of the Nepal Development Fo­ an influence on price and consumption behav­ government's attempts? rum. Least Developmem Countries and re­ ior of the people. If we always remain as a The government is about to establish an gional organizations. The government should transitional economy. when will we graduate Assets Management Company to take over the bring oul a white paper on the state of national from the state of an LDC? non-performing assets (NPAs) of the govern­ economy. How can Nepal deal with bilateral prob­ ment-owned banks. On the other hand. it looks Has the focus on agriculture been sup­ lems while remaining an active member of like lhegovernment' s entire concentration has ported by the programs? SAARC? been on two commercial banks only (Nepal The Agriculture Perspective Plan (APP) The issues like certificate of origin, value Bank Ltd. and Rstriya Banijya Bank). Due to has demanded more inputs on fertilizer and addition, surge and safeguard measures also cumulative growth of the NP'As, the banks irrigation. The APP has envisaged a 4 percent have some kind of commonalities (that have haven't been able to collect their overdue. Due rate of growth for agriculture. But over the last cropped up between Nepal and India) at the to the preseOl uncertainty and higher risks, four years, it has been less than 2 percent. In regional level. So, Nepal should rai se such there is vinually no demand for new invest­ face, the government investmem has declined issues at the level of SAARC. If a consensus ments. That's why many banks are concentrat­ in the areas prioritized by the APP. Resource could be built up on such issues at the regional ing on conventi.gnal areas. We haven't been allocations have been influenced by the politi- forum, bilateral problems could be solved .•

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21,2001 19 NATIONAL

medical schools, we also have incorpo­ SPORT INJURIES rated into our program 200 hours of osteo­ pathic manipulative medicine," says Dr. Hira Tuladhar. Joint Action Or. Lohani says the most common spons injuries evaluated in emergency Proper exerClse, nutrition and rest provide the best rooms and doctors' offices are low back pain, knee injuries. shoulder injuries, foot treatment and ankle as well as wrist fractures and strains. "Low back injuries may be seen in By AKSHAY SHARMA men, though, we're also going to change all types of SPOrlS, usually in the weekend the effects of the exercise on our joints and warrior, and people advancing in age, muscles. This physical impact has to be after the age of 20." OU may be tempted to get out your taken into consideration while we're work­ If you have abnonnal swelling M Yrunning shoes and become a 'week­ ing toward our goal." pockets of fluid that can easily be see;t., end warrior' after months of being seden­ Nabin, the manager of therapy ser­ felt, you should see a physician. "If the tary . However. if you do too much too vices at the EvereslNursing Home, stresses pain does not slowly go away with home soon. you could pay for it with knee pain, the imponanceof making changes in small treatments, thal means it' s time to see the either due to a new injury or to a previ-. steps. "For example, don't add a new doctor," says Or. Basanta Silwal, of the Gusly existing condition. exercise. increase the number of repeti­ Himlayan Nursing Home. Several rehabilitative exercises can tions, and increase the weights at the same Or Cavindra Shrestha of the Everest prevent injury of the knee joints and help time . For runners. this same principle ap~ Nursing Home says, "Although I am not a rehabilitate a previously injured knee, surgeon, and my opinion is thought biased, according to experts. Although a plethora many orthopedic surgeons will try to oper­ of painful knee conditions exists, a high ate on these people. Usually conservative percentage of the problems seems to origi­ management in cl uding ice, rest, an anti­ nate from the patellofemoral (PF) joint. innamm.tory and a good physical therapy 53y ex perts. This is the point at which the program will often help Lheir symptoms." patella, or kneecap. Joins th e femur. or \%al about cortisone injections into thighbone. So-called knee-strengthening the joints? "I have used coni so ne injec­ exercises are designed to strengthen the tions in my training program as well as in muscles surrounding this joint. my practice," says Or. Silwal. "I use them Some of the problems that can cause only after the basic treatments have been a painful knee joint include soft-tissue addressed. I do not have objections to injuries to the muscles, ligaments. or ten­ using these medicines although I myself dons, muscle imbalance. and tightness of am very conservative in their use." the soft-tissue surrounding lhejoint. Pain After minor injuries, is it safe to re­ that increases during or after exercise is turn to the game when the pain stops? not nOmlal. say experts. "Thi s is a tricky question," says Or. Sil­ Dr. Prateek Lohani. an assistant pro~ wa l. "Most people are able to return after fessor of physical therapy at Tribhuvan brief periods of rest. although remember University. says the exercise program that most sporlsl11 injuries that do nOl shou ld contain a combination of elements require surgery do require edown time' that strengthen and slrctch the specific for the body to heal itself." muscle groups involved. What is the best way to prevent sports Experts caution against focusing on plies to adding miles to a run. This way, injuries? "Make sure your body is in opti­ the aesthetic goals of an exercise program you will know which one was too much. If mum health including rest, proper diet. a wi th out considering the impact on the there's pain, you need to know what is stretching program as well of the use of a body. This approach to fitness can lead to causin g it, and you will only know if you good multi vitamin with mjnerals," says overworking the body ai1d injuringajoint. add one factor at a time to the workout." Or. Shrestha. "Make sure you drink copi­ "We change our e~ercise regimen Osteopathic medicine is often ad~ ous amounts of water." because we need physiological changes. vanced for such injuries, "Osteopathic Ultimately. a good strengthening and We want to burn more calories, or create physicians are taught to look at the body relaxation program incorporated with diet, more muscular bulk," Dr Lohani told as a whole. Therefore. in addition to meet~ sleep and proper nutrition could help you SPOTLIGHT. "When we change ourregi- ing all the requirements of traditional go a long way. •

20 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 ENTERTAINMENT

every succe ss there are dozens offailures. NEPALESE FILMS However, the encourag ing sign s for producers has been the steady growth in the market of local films. "For the last Coming Of Age two, three years. the market for Nepalese fi lms is in creasin g rapid ly." sa id Poudcl. Kollywood productions are finding more and more The ri se in the product ion of Nepalese films followed the tax rebate given 10 takers them by the government. "Moreover. at"· ter the Hrithik Rashan episode last De­ By SANJAYA DHAKAL films lie in the range of Rs 7 million to Rs cember, the market of Hindi films has 8 million. They collect half the money shrunk further. Although there is no au­ n the middle of watching "Afno from Kathmandu valley and rest from thentic data, I would guess the market I Manchhe", Saraswati Basnetgave birth around the country. Their average cost share of Nepalese fi Ims has reached about '~ male child on Wednesday (December ranges between Rs 4 million and Rs 6 70-80 percent," Poudel said. ... at Bishnu Theater in Tulsipur, Dang. million. While some maj or hits collect big Despile their growing numbers and Cashing in on the media hype, the film­ amounts, most of the films - about half of market share, Nepalese films are yet to maker declared that she and her family would be provided free lifelong viewing of their films. The incident shows th~ growing en­ thusiasm among the Nepalese audience. for local films. Just a few years ago, Bollywood (Indian) cinema were the pri­ mary intakes of most of the urban as well as semi-urban residents. These cinemas from the south ruled the roost not only in Terai but also in hilly lowns. But the scene is changing. From mak­ ing one OriwO fi Im s annually, the Nepalese producers are now churning ou t 50 0 more in the course of a decade. The fact that despite the imposition f emergency and perceived insecurity. a umber of new ftlms have been released and that the people have been braving Kathmandu's December, among others, 10 see them. speaks volumes about the A scene from Muskan : Growing popularity rising attraction of Nepalese films. Right now the theaters in the capital are screen­ them - fail to recovcreven Rs 2 million," rnakea mark on qualilY. M os t of the film s, ing Ram Kri shna OhakaJ's "Ashirwaad", Uddhav Poudel, a leadin g producer and barring few, arc cheap imitation of DiIip Rayamajhi's "Muskan" and Rajesh theater owner, IO ld SPOTLIGHT recently. Bol1ywood ci n eJ11a~. Rece ntly, Bhuwan Hamal's UArjun". Last year films like "Darpan Chhaya" KC came up with his latest ven tur~ "Su­ "Ashirwaad" is a film based on the and 'Tan TaSarai BigrisNi Badri" did big perstar" but it was aCf.:uscd by many IQ be life of singer Ram Krishna OhakaI. It did business. While the fonner was a musical a direct lift or Bollywood hit "Rangeela". well outside the valley and is now trying and emotional love story. the latler was Likewise, Ugyen ChhopeJ's "Badalpari" 10 lure the valley audiences. "Muskan" is out and out comedy. Made at the cost of - which also hit the va ll ey screens re­ a musical love story while "Arjun" is around Rs 3 million "Darpan .. " grossed cently - was charged with sim il ar accu­ action-oriented. around Rs 30 million all overthe country. sations . The trend among Nepalese producers On the other hand, "Tan ta .. " also grossed "It is true that many Nepalese film s is such that they test their films outside the equal amount but was made at the cost of are of sub-standard level. But I g u c~s it is valley before screening it in the capi tal around Rs 6 million. normal In an indu stry that is st ill in an valley, which represents almost halfofthe But successes like that of Tulasi infant stage. Hopefully. with the passage market. Ghimires .. Oarpan .... and Kiran KC's of time, we will overcome this problem." "On average, the business ofNepaJese "Tan ta. ," do not come frequently. For said one producer. •

SPOTLIGHTIDECEMBER 21. 2001 21 ENCOUNTER 'There Are Vast Opportunities For Regional Cooperation In Harnessing Energy' - DON PRIESTMAN

DON PRIESTMAN, chief of part)', SOllrh Asia and Indians to panicipate. This is a very encourag­ Regiollallllirialive\Ellergy Trailling (SARI\E), a ing sign, as India is a major regional player in USAID project. \Vas recently ill Kathmalldll. He terms of sharing energy. spoke la KESHAB POUDEL 011 variolls isslles How many seminars have you held? related to regiol/al cooperation in harnessing In 200l.we originally hoped to hold 15 train­ energy. Excerpts: ing events. But the unfortunate series of calas phes and crises led to the cancellation, resche How do you evaluate the Academy of Edu­ ing or postponement of some events. In some cation and Development seminars conducted cases, the training programs had to be rescheduled over the last year? three or four times. That really created problems I am very pleased with the way things have for the participants and organizers. Nevertheless. gone. We have been getting an excellent response we have been able to hold nine training programs from panicipants. We managed to get a real diver­ this year. In addition. we have been able to com­ sity of representation from various stakeholders plete two distance learning events and produce and countries. We have been emphasizing country COs for them. We have also developed a good presentations. case studies and assignments, and website on the SARI program. I think under the what they have achieved is beyond my expecta­ circumstances, we have accomplished a great deaf. tions. Yet there still remains a lot to be done. What is your impression about the quality Do you think you need to change the train­ of the discussions in the seminars? ing programs? It is always a challenge to organize a training We want to maximize the regional focus. We event for people from so many differentcountries. want to have greater regional relevance for the Obviously, there were some very experienced programs while also being able to talk about the people. The challenge is not to bore the experi­ international context. We want to turn the focus enced ones and not completely lose the inexperi­ on South Asia, on what is happening and wh enced ones. We have to put a lot of attention on could happen here. First of all, wc want to max.i­ appropriate selection and balance of the partici­ mize regional contacts and get participants as pants. As we don't want to aimtoo low, we would involved in training exercises as possible. That rather have experienced people. means having much more than simple lectures or You have conducted several rounds of conventional classroom instruction. Want to have training. How do you see the response of gov­ more discussions, teamwork. presentation, case ernment officials? studies and field trips. In our experience, people Well, that is hard to say in a few words. It is get involved in such programs with enthusiasm. up to the country to decide on the participants. The We want to create an environment in which greater That really is countries of the region are enthusiastically send­ achievements can be made. the big chal­ ing their participants. And the good number of As you said, India has recently endorsed participants indicates that the governments are the SARI\E. How do you see the possibility of lenge. There quite happy. For example, Bhutan is a small coun­ regional cooperation in sharing energy? is a fantastic try. But the participants from Bhutan are of very That really is the big challenge. There is a high quality in terms of their knowledge and fantastic opportunity for cooperation among the opportunity position. This is just a small example of how the countries of the region. I am personally convinced for coopera­ government supports the SARI\E concept. In the that this is the direction to move, as cooperation in tion among Indian context. up until recently, we did not have energy matters has worked to the common benefit actual government approval for the SARI\E pro­ of countries in Europe and Africa. I think it will the countries gram. Now the Indian government has agreed to also work here. What everybody has to do is to of the region. allow training programs to be organized in India note the surpluses of energy potential in countries

22 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 ENCOUNTER like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and identify energy-deficit areas. In­ stitut ional refonn, energy-sector re­ form, improved security of energy sys­ tem and energy trade are vital. It would not take very much energy trade to make a significant difference to coun­ tries li ke Bhutan. As Bhutan is export- ing a significant amount of energy to India, that is reall y helping to stimu­ late and strengthen the Bhutanese economy. Because of this, funds are available for social reform and educa­ tion, health and infrast ru ctu re. We want romOle clean and renewable en­ y like natural gas and water. There are extensive opportunities forregionai cooperation in which all countri es can share the benefits. Soutb Asian countries are in the process of reforming the energy sec­ tor_ How do you see the effort and the private sector's participation? Most of the people I have spoken to agree that energy-sector reform is essential. Again, there are very few people who argue that the current situ- alion is ideal. There are ample opportunities for and energy. For tbe sake of completeness, it would improvement both in lenns of organizational effi­ be desirable to see Pakistan' s form al representa­ ciency and structures. Most of the utiUties in the tion. I think it will take time to achieve that. We region have been facing great difficulties in finan­ have to be patient and move gradually toward that cial matters. There are problems with tariff, bill­ goal. ing and collection. There are a host of challenges You visited Nepal more than three decades hat would require a lot of restructuring. Most of ago as a student. How do you sec the transfor­ the people involved in the energy sector recognize mation? that reform and restructuring are essential. When I came here in the 1960s, I was just a We want to Whatis the role ofthe USAID in the SARI\E young student trekking around the world. Along promote clean program? with Nepal, [ visited 58 countries over two years. and renew­ The USAID came up with the SARI concept When my colleagues asked me which my favorite and all of the funding for the project comes from place was. I said Nepal, Kathmandu. in particular. able energy the USAID. None of this would have been hap­ This part of the world always has had a special like natural pened without the commitment and vision of the place in my heart. Whenever I arri ve in Kathmandu, USAID. We are very fortunate that they saw the I feel I am at home. I like the people and I like the gas and wa- need and have pushed for the implementation of feeling here. When I came back to Nepal after 35 ter. There are this projeci. The US AID is also involved on a day­ years, I was shocked by the changes in Kathmandu, extensive to-day basis in numerous ways. There are frequent especially by your development. In the I 960s, there meetings between the USAID and participating were only a few houses and empty green tields, a opportunities countries. clean Bagmati river and environment. I was shocked for regional Six South Asian countries have joined the in terms of what happened in the name of develop­ program. When will the seventh, Pakistan, come ment. I wonder what the si tuati on would be in cooperation aboard? another 35 years. I really hope that Nepal and in which all The sanctions against Pakistan have been Kathmandu will manage to control the effects of countries can lifted recently. So it is very early to say anything. development. One has to balance economic and As a general principle, Pakistan is a large country social development. Poverty, health and environ­ share the in the region in terms of economy and geography ment issues must be dealt with together. • benefits.

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21, 2001 23 NATIONAL

Ling the sec urity required to the areas WAR AGAINST TERRORISM effected," Minister for Information and CommunicationJaya Prakash Gupta. who is also the spokesman of counci l of minis­ Lethal Linkages ters. told reponers. "We were probably too slow in the immediate aftennath ofthe The symbiotic relationship between criminal gangs evenl. Because of the topography, the Maoists had the aIL ernati ve of putting and terronst groups comes into sharper focus booby traps to slow the process of deploy­ ment" By AKSHAY SHARMA plant would have caused greater damage. But some analysts believe the gov­ B ul they also knew that an altack on the ernme nt was just caught sleeping . "How ~l e global war on terrorism has re­ Coke plant would create international cou ld the governm ent have taken the .J.. newed focus on the factors that im­ headlines. The Maoists seem to be good in Maoists' commitment to peac.c talks so pel people and organizations to use vio­ psychological warfare," sa id an anlysl. se ri ously when they were represcn lence to pursue political and other aims. It is that capacity for cold manipula­ people very low in thc pany hi ,:mrcH An important element of the ongoing de­ tion that gives terror groups their strength. one analyst sa id. bale is the relati onsh ip between criminal "When a poor boy becomes a martyr, The abiliry to spri ng surpri ses at will gangs and ten"orist organizations. "Terrorism is an act of violence like sit-ins. walk-oulS. and other similar pro­ tests no matter how positive," writes ter­ rorism expert Cindy C. Combs. '"Vio­ lence. the threat of violence and thecapac­ ily ~md the willingness to commit terror­ ism is endemic to tC1TorisOl. The violence need not be fully perpetrated - that is. essentially. theatre. an act played before an audience, designed to create the atten­ lion of hundreds or millions. to an often unrelated situation through shock 6 by doing and thinking without apology or remorse - thereby producing situations of outrage and horror." When it comes to instilling a sense of fear. tactics adoptcd by Nepal's Maoists are hardly different from those used by criminal gangs. "Wecan 't identify"Maoisls from any other susp icious-looking peoplc." said Ram Saran Yadav. a taxi Protesters: Violent rage driver. aday before the Nepal bandhcalled by the underground group last week. '"I thousands of peoplc attend hi s funeral. is not the onl y reason \V1;.y thecol11parison bought this taxi after selling land I inher­ Poor families become celebrities." writes between gangs and terrorist groups is apt. ited from my father. I can't take any Jessica Stern, a terrorism expert, aboutlhe ''The irreg ulars often hire crimjnals to do chances either with the Maoists or any of Islam ic seminaries in Afghanistan. "One their dirty work and sometimes turn to the common crimin als that are on the mother whose so n died in a gunfire in petty or orga ni zed cr ime themselves . prowl these days." Kashmir by Indian security forces said it Crimjnals are supposcdly hired to edrop' Although the Nepal bandh was called would be belter ifher six other sons would weapons and explosives or to cany out as a form of political protest, it was ac­ die as martyrs too." eXlreme acts of violence where a typi cal companied by the psychological terror the For Nepal. whi ch is fighting to douse irregular may be unable to perform," a Maoists unleashed by aClacking a soft­ the flames of a costl y insurgency . there security analyst said. drink faclory in Balaju a week earlier. may be little lime to spend on the arcane Reports that the Maoists brought in ··That is where terrorism and crime con­ soc io-cultural underpi nnings of terrorism. their weapons through the porous border verge. The Maoists knew that an attack on "The Maoists struck with swiftn ess at the with India have becn partially substanti­ the gas facLOry next to the Coca-Cola army barracks and our problem was get- ated by both governments' swiftness in

24 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 NATIONAL trying to seal the frontier. "When crimi­ nals join a private anny, therefore, ran­ dom attacks are likely to break down. Criminal involvement in the problem also affects the principal-agent, the sponsor nation: pure mercenaries are harder to control than individual whose goals are partly aligned with Ihose of the slate," Stern writes. Nepal is a weak state and the government's vague policies are making it weaker. The country has a disastrous economy exacerbaled by corruption. The lack ofleadership is at the root of many of ;1 problems. Most imp0l1antly suggest xpert. Nepal must recognize militant for what they are: 'Dangerous gangs whose resources and reach continue to grow, threatening todestabilize the nation which in turn would deslabilize the entire sub­ continent." The fear psychosis gripping msur­ gency-hit areas was captured by a recent newspaper story on a boy who had come Killed terrorists: Bitter consequence lO Kathmandu from the western district of Salyan. "The Maoists wanted a represen­ TelTorists have changed with the issuc of the Electronic: Juurnal or the US tative from each house in our village to be transformation of the aims of terrorism. Stale Department . "It includes defensivc prcsent at a rally in deliance.ofthe deploy­ "Modern terrorists. for the most part the progress of evcry government and the ment oflhe amlY," the boy said. "1 have to fanatics. whose sense of reality is dis· private sector of every country. Every go back. [ worry about my sisters and lOfted, operate under the assumption that counter terrorist in strument is mother." Ihey alone know the trulh, are therefore difficult 10 use. Using them well together This raises the perennial question of the sole arbiters of what is right and is more difficult. Blit using them all is the whether terrorists are criminals orcrusad· wrong," Combs wriles. "Whi le they vehe­ critical factor against fighting teITOri s l11 ." " rs. "[TJhe willingness to carry out those menlly deny Ihe rights of the state and Nepal's fight against internal terror­ erpetrating acts of terrorism or missions commit so many atrocities, they demand ism is constrained by the governmclll's in which one's death or at least small to bc treated as prisoners of war. In other limitations in mustering enough resources imprisonment is inevitable argues no small words, they invoke the laws of war only in in time. Howevcr. the government's dcci· degree of personal courage." explains so far as to serve their purpose, but reject sive move to outlaw from organizations Combs. "A willingness to give one's life any aspect of such laws which limit their backing the Maoi~t~ and the support it has for a cause, throughout hi story. com­ ability to kill al will. The le ss clear the received from political parties have raised manded at the least a reluctant admiration political purpose of the motivation of ter­ hopes for the restoration of peace. But from one's encmks. rorism, the greater its appeal is likely to be others, like Pradeep Thapa. are in a quan­ "Bravery is a subjective term. One in an unbalanced person." dary, "The rivalry in thesubeonlincnt eould may feel oneselflo be very cowardly, bUI This complex psychology makes il spill over into Nepal. espccially since thcre be perceived by others to be quite fearless. all Ihe more imperalive for the slate to are other militant organi zations in Nepal The audience for one's deeds are often to understand the linkages between terror­ seeking external supporters. Wc may be be judged by one's bravery only by the ists and criminal groups. "Countcr-tcrror­ facing a long drawn·out war on Ncpalc:-,e commission of deeds, and are unaware of ism involves activities more than those soil." Such fears need to be addressed the inner doubts or demons that may have that bear acounter terrorism label. It is the through concerted 31.:1ion against tcrrorist dri ve n one to the act. Nor is the individual hannonizarion of the foreign governments groups, their propaganda machine, supply necessarily the best judge of his or her and investigative work of all the interna­ routes and funding sources. alllong ot her own personal bravery. since. a person's tional agencies, related legal works of things. In this proccss. the symbiotic rcla­ capacity of self-deception makes it loO focused on telTorism because the problem tionship between criminal gangs and ter­ difficult to assess one's true motives and transcends borders," writes terrorism ex· rorist groups needs to be st udied carefully fears;' Combs adds. pen Paul P. Pillar in the November 200 I before il can be severed. •

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 25 , REVIEW

elhnic groups. BOOK The author presents a descriptive ac­ count based on avai lable data. In Part I, he presents a simple demographic account of Diversity Defined the grow th and red ist ributi on of th e popu­ lation as well as its co mpos iti on by Dr. Harka Gurung dissects the social demography of ethnicity, language and religion. Like all his previous books on soc ial Nepal demography, Or. Gurung tries to ex plain the process of social transition based on By A CORRESPONDENT tain s spec ial relevance. ethnicity, language, religion, culture and "The political change of 1990 was language. As Cl social researcher. he has country of profound cultural. eth­ instrum en tal in yielding a new constitu ­ always been interes ted in the patterns of A nic and topographical di versity, ti on that marked a watershed in the con­ soc ial and cultural system among va ri ous Nepal provides social scienti sts a wealth cept of nati onal construction. It defined ethnic groups, including domination ,,--J of subjects to explore, Many books and Nepal as a multi-elhnic and multi- lingual exploitation. In discussing what are hi ,: scholarl y papers have written by national stale despite Ihe vesti ge of Hindu ](jng­ sensitive issues for man y. Or. Gurung is and internati onal experts hi ghlighting the dom. The recogniti on of distinct ethni c known for the Frankness and cou rage with importance and implications of the vas t identities in stead of common cu lture as which he speak his mind. social and cultural diversity of t.he coun­ the basis of nation has given enomlOUS Although hi s analysis and argume nts try. Or Harka G urung' sconuibutionscarry impetus IQ social assertion," says Or. have always been based on the available extra depth and significance because of Gurung in hi s preface. data, some of his reports have generated the rich personal experience as a planner, Dr. Gurung, who served in various cont roversy. After th e pub li cati on of re­ politician and thinker he brings JO hi s senior positions during the party less Pan­ port on migration in 1980s, a large sect ion subject. chayat decades. in cluding vice-chairman o f the population of Tcmi districls dem­ of the National Planning Commi ssion and onstrated across the coun try. It is sa id that Nepal: Social Demography minister of touri sm. draws heavily on hi s after the publicalion of his report, the and Expressions extensive background while handling cru­ people in the Terai staned la identify By Harka Gurung cial demographic issues. themselves as Madhesiyas. When the Bhutanese governmen t Dr. Gurung remai ns undaunted by the Published by New Era, evicted people from the south, saying they criti cism he provokes. as he bases hi s study Kathmandu, Nepal were of Nepali ori gin, it touched off a of demographic transition and related de­ Price: Rs. 400 debate on what constituted 'Nepaliness·. velopments on ex isting data and anal yses .• Beginning with the r------,,.------, Or. Gurung, who is among the pre­ premise that Nepal is em inent social researchers of contempo­ composed of various rary Nepal, explain s the prevalent social ethnic groups spread and demographic trends and their expres­ across dirferent re­ sions In Nepali society. He goes on to gions. in cluding the assess the realiti es on the ground as well Terai, hill s and as make valuab le recommendation s. The Himalayas, Dr. book is a signi fica nt contribution to the Gurung surveys the literature of Nepali social demography. way they are com­ Or. Gurung tackl es his subject from mon ly termed as the angles of ethni c, caste, lingui stic. and Nepalis. religious diversity and divisions. He probes In his book, Or. such elements as ed ucati on, elitism, Gurun g tries la ex­ ethnicity, electi ons. development. ideol­ plain the people of ogy, the state and society with immense Nepal in terms of incisiveness. va fl Ous et hni c An important strength of the book is groups. He blames the statisti cal tables that illuminate spati al the Panchayat re­ palterns as well as temporal process. Amid gime for imposin g the ragi ng debale on how Nepal should the Hindu social or- maintain it s ethnic balance. the book coo- der among vari ous I-______-'<- ______~_I.

26 SPOTLlGHTIDECEMBER 21. 2001 THE BOTTOM LINE

By M.S.KHOKNA

LJe will crush the terrorists at any cast.

TRANSITION dent Journalists Society. un­ Nepal Television will now be Biswokarma, social activist der the convenors hip of Jeev available in the Intern et. who has been working for the LEFT: Rajendra Kharel, Ram Bhandari. cause of Dalit.(untouchables) CELEBRATED: The 36th Minister for Women, Chil­ in Nepal, wit h the International anniversary of English-daily dren and Social Welfare, for FELICITATED: Bandi Das Brotherhood Ambedkar The Rising Nepal. Yokohama, Japan, to partici­ Thebe, social worker, by Or. Award, by the Indian Dalit pate in the second world con­ Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, ELECTED: Dhanman Literature Academy. ference against sexual exploi­ Chairman of the Raj Parishad Shrestha as the president of tation of children at worK­ Standing Committee. the Nepal Cancer Relief Soci­ Arun Kumar Shah, an indu s­ places. ety. tri ous student from Siraha dis­ ON THE NET: The news in tri ct, with the Pundit Krishna FORMED: Nepal Indepen- English and Nepali of the AWARDED: Om Prakash Lal Jha award. •

SPOTLlG HTIDECEMBER 21. 2001 27 NATIONAL

agenda for the summit. YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT 2002 At present there are I billion young people between 15-24 years of age .. And 850 million of them live in devel­ Work For All oping countries while 153 million of them arc illiterate. About 16 million of Nepalese youths begin to prepare their agenda for the them (10-24 years of age) are infected with AIDS. upcoming youth employment summit Large number of youths remain unem­ ployed in developing By SANJAYA OHAKAL countries. "In Nepal, we don' t have a con­ ith the ambitious target of pro­ crete tigure on how W viding productive and sustain­ many of our youths able livelihoods to an additional 500 mil­ are unemployed. Ip lion young adults, especially those facing ",j_.1 needtostudyont poverty, by the year 20 12, the Youth Em­ figures, too," said ployment Summit (YES) is going to launch Mulmi. a Decade Campaign of Action in 2002. As the issue' of 111e government of Egypt is going to un employmen t host the YES 2002 in Alexandria in Sep­ among youths are tember next year with the support from a ",,_,",closely linked with number of international NGOs and UN olhel! issues like agencies. health and social har­ With the objective of forming a task mony, it is an impor­ force to study and form Nepal's voice tant challenge that regarding youth employment, Nepal Vol- Youth: Untapped patential '------1 needs to be overcome untecrs Association and Youth Initiative ------as soon as possible.• organized an interaction program on De~ cember 16 in Kathmandu. ''This interaction marks the start of a Himalayan Travel & Tours (P) Ltd. number of programs that we will be orga- nizing to arrive at a formal agenda wc will be putting at the YES 2002," said Rajendra We are one of Nepal's Most Mulmi, coordinator of the program. Ac­ reliable, efficient and profes­ cording loMulrni, the first interaction was sional cargo handlers. Our dedi­ held only among the youth participants cated professionals can offer and it constituted a task force that would study the issue further. the best service in town. After the YES 2002, there will be a Always remember us for your 1li~~~'!1 decade long campaign. '·IfNepal wants to worldwide cargo handling be a part of the global campaign, it needs service. ~~~~~~;j.J to work immediately. In fact, the Alexan­ dria conference will be the start of the 10 For more information contact: years of plans of actions, t· said Cameron Nei!. an Australian development activist associated with the YES 2002. "We will be working together with all concerned agencies and come up with a fonllal agenda before the Global Youth Service Day in April,'" said Mulmi. Himalayan Travel & Tours (P) Ltd. Already countries like Nepal. Tanza­ Durbar Marg, P. O. Box 324 Kathmandu, Nepal nia, South Africa, Philippines, Romania, Tel : 223045 (10 lines), Fax: 977-1-224001, SITA: KTMHITG Egypt and Mexico are holding interaction e-mail: htt @ecomail.com.np. programs in their countries to frame their URL : HTIP ://www.catmando.com/comlhllfhttindex.htm

28 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 PASTIME

Medical Anthropology of Nepal Now In Town BOOK M.S. Subedi/2001 Rs.350.00 Challenges to Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems U. Gautam/S. Ranal2001 Rs. SOO.OO NCO, Civil Society and Government in Nepal K.B. Bhaltachan & OtherS/200 1 Rs. 200.00 Corporate Taxation: Issues in Nepalese perspective Puspa Kandell200 I Rs. 200.00 New Policy Initiatives for TraCe and Investment R. B. Thapal200 I Rs. 250.00 Corruption, Governance and International Cooperation D.R. Panday/2001 Rs.2S0.00 Nepal Social Demography and expressions 2nd edition Harka Gurugn/200 I Rs. 400.00 Food Security in the Global Age: South Asian Dilemma R. Adhikari/2001 Rs. ISO.OO Peasand Insurgence in Nepal 1951-1960 Shanker Thapal2001 Rs.475.00 Fundamentals of Horticulture ShresthaIBaral/ShakyalGautam/200 I Rs. 300.00 The Political Economy of Land Landlessness and Migration in Nepal I ome Taxation in Nepal: Retrospect and Prospect Nanda R. Shresthal2001 Rs. 720.00 Rup Khadkal2001 Rs.39S.00 A Step Towards Victim Justice System: Nepalese Perspective Legal Aspects of Biodiversity Conservation S.K. Shresthal2001 Rs.475.00 D.M . Pokharel/2001 Rs. 120.00 (Soma: Hill/tllaY(II! Book Cell/er. Baf.f" Ba:lIr. KIIIIIIII//mlll. Ph : 2-120R51

Video (Ellglish)

Out Cold

Spy Game

Bandits

Black Knight

From Hell

omestic Distrubance

Riding In Cars Hilldi Iron Monkey Ehsaas

13 Ghost Tera Mera Saathrahen ' .. Moksha "God gave you the time, space, .,'". ."...... 1I Ashoka 'f;/'I cause, material, idea, skill, .Jj Abhay Deewanapan chance andfortune, why Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar should you feel as ·F.~tlM~\.. i~.'.l I .~ 'r~ .1 Indian .mm' '.c.n ! if you are the doer?" Arjun Oeva

Rehna Hai Tere Oil Mai - SATYA SAl BABA (Source: Super Star Video. New Road)

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 29 ART

Swiss government, which has taken the EXHIBITION initiative to rebuild the Bamiyan statues." Dolly Rana, treasurer of the society. said, "The event we are organizing here is cre­ Cry Freedom ating a lovely evening of the mixture of art. culture and peace." Nritya Mandap's SiddharthaArt Gallery and Nepalese Heritage Society Yagya Man Shakyachoreographed dances representing the elements and message of present a plea for peace, hope and renewal Buddhism. Chandawadker said his paintings fo­ By AKSHAY SHARMA The Bamiyan Buddhas were wor­ cus on the harmonization of the colors of sh iped by the local people before the Hinduism and the beauty of Buddhism , '0 h early life early death!/Oh time of the prophet Muhammad. "I was that exist so beautifully in Nepal. "I have broken Heart!INo destiny So filled with sadness and anger when I tried to capture the five elements of Bud­ Cruel/And I bore you to this evil!" This heard the news of the demolition of the dhism in my paintings. Everybody needs excerpt from Homer's Iliad must have statues," said Juha Holopainen of Fin­ solace from something. For me, it is B captured the anguish of art lovers around land. "[ do not understand why people of dha." the world when Afghanistan's Taliban diverse religions still have to fight each The video focuses on the theme of the rulers demoli shed the Bamiyan Buddha other. Hasn ' t the world seen enough de­ Bamiyan Buddhas, salcf Kim Hun Sung. statues. struction and wars? Although the statues "It's an abstract The Siddhartha Art Gallery and the do not stand there anymore, can you production, a jerky home made pro­ Nepalese Heritage Society brought back destroy the virtues and the teaching of duction aimed at the Pancha (fi ve)colours. memories of this monumental loss in the very wise man who preached peace We used acamcordcr. The focus is to make "Bamiyan Buddha, Icon of Peace, Hope all around the world?" the audience realize the destruction of the and Renewal". 111e show, which included Juha, whose paintings are quite di­ Bamiyans. And we foc used on destructi on a collection of paintings by Prakash verse, has his own technique. "1 grew up as a cycle - it comes and goes," • Chandawadker, was inaugurated by in the 60's watching ,-----______--, Chyoki Nyma Rimphoche on December television and mov­ 15 .1t also featured a video made by Jeong ies. I use Hollywood Picturesque and Peaceful Myeong Kyeong, Pak Kyung, Kirn Hun stars to express my Sung, Son lin Sook. Works by otber re­ inner feelings. I first a Pilgrimage with Pleasure nowned anists like Sunita Rana, Sudarshan use aluminium plates Rana, Ashmina Ranjit Gopal Kalapremi, and glue. After it has dances by Nritya Mandap and a recital by dried, I paint on Sur Sudha, were part of show, organized them." to back a Swiss initiative to renovate the Artist Ragini Bamiyan Buddhas. Upadhyaya said: HI "Siddhartha Gautam is kind of a have the liberty of sentimental factor to me," said Sangeeta having a press and Thapa, the director of the gallery. "When have used a new tech­ I heard about the destruction of the nique using leaves to Bamiyan Buddhas, I felt very sad be­ send across my mes­ cause I also have a sentimental attach­ sage. My emphasis ment (0 Afghanistan. I've heard stories is on the sun and the of the statues from my father, who has Buddha. Both repre­ been there." sent truth and can't dl'\ ' ollT ~ , ~ l' r,' ! \ fir ~ ' cabk ..:u M.: n " Cl', cmubl1lnt She added: "I remember the remark be destroyed." wid) ,hiS \\l lh ' ~pn: , \J rl'~ p\:CI anl! supnb 110\1\1':11 made by Indian Prime Minister Atal Pratima Rana, SUfnlu'IJln~". has trall sforml'J Ih~' ~l;lI\ak , lIn.tn:1 Behari Vajpayee after his country tested vice-president of the rC~\lln III a pu puL,r rlllgrlnlll~l' anJ holiday nuclear weapons: 'Even the Bamiyan Nepal Heritage So­ I.h:s n nalllltl. Illsl:lllnl by rhe.: \\'1Ir\J rcnu\\'l1vd Buddhas smiled' . This, di sregard for the ciety, said: Dnrrlcm;l\f .If \usln:!, our cable CHS :'(1.' ;1( fill! icon of peace originates from the sub­ "Sangeeta is donal- \\'uh Ihe bt's l ;n Ihe worlJ :t:;; an' our sen',ct::;; continent itself. Although the Taliban ingRs I O,OOOand the ... q'1..,W1I ~ (VT) ·m. were successful in destroyin g the Nepal Heritage So- ~ ~ U~Ui4N (I).) Ll'u• . Bamiyan Buddhas, they could not wipe ciety is donating the ...... p, 0, 8011 4416. Naxal N~. KalllrnardJ, Nepal. out Buddhism." -~ same amount to the t ____--.!'!!!· '~<34~600~.~.346<8~~.~.34860~~. ~F..~ Webs~: ~9~n~.,~~34~S1~5: www.chitav.oncoe.~Chem~~S!-~.~· ~T"!· ~(064~16OO4I~J

30 SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 LEISURE

CROSSWORD BRIDGE

J~S\reJJ. •• d::>H n:ili':. nad DV .LN t tftd • [ 1ft,;! ... E S'ft.d ..L,o,ji': lRa IplON l!iaM II1nOS :3UTPP!q dIU

iJlnOS:J~ l(1Og :3Iql!.l3U{n ....

t i V'" t9}1Vt Sb)(v . Er. HJJ10S g (x ... .. ; 01 .. r • t 160 . ZL601 r .. Zl.6)1...... lS\'3 .LS3M L 6 01 b ... • SL t S80tbv.". Il.1l10"" ACROSS DOWN I I. Poorly deliver second pan of speech. I. A lot of informati on obtained from gipsy 'The ignorance of the world leaves one besel by cowards (12) queen? Just some (7) at the mercy of its malice.' 9. Expression of suffering increased in 2. American people take legal action in hear- - WilJiam Hozlill sound (5) ing (5) Any experienced player is aware that de­ Upset, my dear chap, with a singularly 3. Telephone receiver put under guard se- 10. fenders are under no obligation 10 make life Ihick-ski nned Iype (9) curely (4-5) easier for him. Therefore. he can trust an 11. TV not being kept fresh? This provides 4. It protects the consumer when fare is opponent's play only at great risk. Examine access 10 entertainment (3,6) dropped (6) today's interesting deal. A nave South took 12. Heavily drop bottles of wine causing 5. Government responsible for a lot of slates, East's bait. cOSling him a vu lnerable game. little damage? (5) relalively speaking (5.3) A Jacoby Transfer. North's three-heart 13. Extended flexible cylinders to pull around 6. Sing the praises of railway entering into bid promised a live-card or longer spade suil container (6) compelilion (3.2) and asked South to bid spades. After South 15. Varied answer to riddle 'What walks on 7. Unknown hero's turned oul for us when completed the transfer. North bid three no­ Ihree legs?' (8) attack begins (4,4) trump. limiting hi s holtling to only five spades. . 8 A library, in short. English don arranged 8. Cured with some medicine initially ap- With six spades or more. he would have chosen (8) proved (6) to play in spades instead. 19. Marsha's conversion in religious com- 14. Religioustypetakinghistimewithdoomed SOllth won West's heart jack with his sai lor (8) munilY (6) queen n the card he was known to hold 0- and 22. Having a specifi c purpose f\ to provide 16. Jailed patient person for crime with ac- passed Ihe spade jack for a 'winning finesse.' A more wine, say (2,3) compl ice (6,3) trusting soul, South repealed the spade finesse, 24. Not missing a trick, take lots of dollars 17. Alarming constituents in such an unsafe This time East won his king. teaching South the and escape in America (5,4) seat (8) ways of the real world. With no second spade 26. Crunchy food chopped outside, likewise 18. Divide British and American farmland (6) winner available, and with no help from the chopped inside (6.3) 20. Huge insect after mother (7) dcfense, South took only seven tricks. 27. Justice. in turn for an old-fashioned chau- 21. Times style set after Bill turned up leading A seasoned declarer would eye the win­ vinist (5) primer (6) ning spade finesse with suspicion. After his Where many stand so that one may have 23. Religious statement taking century to put 28. spade jack is allowed 10 win. he swilches Ihe a seal (7.5) righl (5) attack to a low club. East wi nning his jack. A 25. Slow overall . bUI mostly (5) ras' heart return goes 10 South's king, and South cashes his club ace and concedes a club to East's king. OJlU':) Si OpOJ:) Ti uOlX1l:)'1 i 41oUlwey.j '00 40ueJ8 ·8 1IeuIgJey.j·L I qor,pJSul '9 1 IS'4Ppn8 'P I With no need for a second spade finesse. pa~ows '8 Jno4 OJ"Z' L dn Al:)'9 weS'lOun S UI~deN 'p ooU'J gUI~ T xno lS 'i uqeg'y.j·1 : UMOa South wins East's diamond shift to cash IWO more black-suit wi nners. With a total of four 4100q black-suit winners, With a talal of four black­ SUIJOOd '8i OSUlf 'Li lOU ""4se:)'n we ISPueJD 'PoOO4 PY 'ii WI!J4SY '61 uelOlpo8 :8 1 PloJ!U1ly.j suit winners and fi ve in the red suits, South casts 'S' I ~uNn.L '(1 '1uOld '(; 1 :;)JmO X08 ' 11 uuClph4:Jed '01 ueoJa '6 a:mnouoJds!W' ( : SSOJ:JV a sly wink toward Easl. whi le claiming his NOI.Lfl'10S tricky game,

SPOTLIGHT/DECEMBER 21. 2001 31 HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS AND LOYAL FELICITATIONS TO HRH CROWN PRINCE PARAS BIR BIKRAM SHAH DEV ON HIS NOMINATION AS CHAIRMAN OF KING MAHENDRA TRUST FOR NATURE CONSERVATION BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING

DIVINE GROUP & CO. INC. LTD. INDUSTRIAL & TRADING HOUSE BABARMAHAL RE-VISITED, KA THMANDU, NEPAL Basudev Gautam PHONE: +977-/-230369, 484586 Chairman FAX: +977-1-229622 p.a. BOX: 9127 E-MAIL: [email protected]

32 SPOTLIGHTIDECEMBER 21, 2001 "THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THE EXOTIC EXPERIENCE YOU EVER HAD"

N ewari Cuisine is not only popular for deliciousness but also richness. In a typical Newari feast, more than twenty varieties of dishes are served. Newari Cuisine at its best Now you can savour all these authentic and relishing dishes in addition to various types of unique Newari HHtH snacks at the 'Lajana' - the exclusive Newari restaurant. Enjoying the ambience you will never forget .....

Enjoy the Legendary Newari delicacies at Restaurant Lajana & Every evening colourful Nepali Cultural Show in Traditional Fashion.

~mt~·anagg;Umu,u, u Near Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat 'u Kathmandu, Nepal '-'"co Ph: 413874 c E-mail: [email protected] :.i2 ~ Web Site: www.nepalifood.com/lajana ----.------*c.." Casino Nepal Casino Anna Casino Royale Soa1tee Compound Hate. Eve'e:.[ Holel de L' Annapurna Holel Yak & Yeti Tahachat. Kathmandu Ne\',8anesh',·.o' Durbar Marg , Ka thmandu Durbar Marg Tel. 270244 . 271011 Tel438100 Tet 223479 Tel· 228481 Fax: 977-1·271244 Fax 977·1·490284 Fax: 977- 1·225228 Fax: 977-1 ·223933 E·mail : rd [email protected] E·m8,' e"eres;'g.r1'OS CO'l1 np E·mail: [email protected] E·mail: [email protected] Website: http://ww.J..J·.casinosnepal.com