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Kathmandu l 29 Oct-4 Nov, 2007 l # 39 l Price Rs. 25 Bhaswor Ojha King Gyanendra and Queen Komal at Navadurga temple in Bhaktapur on October 26, the full moon day that marks the end of celebrations. Inside Koirala promises UNMIN for en- larged role But will international community trust him? on page 2 ä nf correspondent extortions by the Maoists. Baluwatar. While has officially Chinese used while advising Maoist stated that election should take place leaders as well. Under- The past few days have seen GP Koirala’s meeting with the at the earliest, of late, it has given standing Koirala intensifying his meetings with diplomats, the first after his rise in clear message of its distaste over the The meeting and discussion over diplomats as his rating in their minds power, comes at a time when increasing ‘meddling’ of India and the ‘Republican agenda’ with the Chinese with plummets. Diplomats may not find credibility and legitimacy of his United States in . diplomat followed ‘unofficial messages’ Maoists: wielding Koirala’s key message very convinc- government is being questioned. For from the South that India would have ing when he declared, “I can hold a change, he did not meet the Indian Both Ambassador Xianglin and Prof no problem if Nepal’s parliament chose stick! election on the new schedule and I Ambassador this time as he clearly Wang Khongbe, a Chinese expert on to go republic now. But the official on page 3 can get Maoists around to do it.” understands India’s attitude and South Asian affairs currently in Nepal stand conveyed by Shyam Sharan message - the last one which have been encouraging Nepalis to was different who said it is for the But Koirala faced a lot of queries delivered by Shyam Sharan, on take independent initiative to solve people of Nepal to decide, implying Interview and doubts from the diplomats’, their own that only an elected Constituent with Tho- mainly regarding his government’s problems Assembly should be doing that. failure to maintain the law and order Koirala’s meeting with the diplo- without mas A situation and the government’s loss of mats, the first after his rise in depending on Apart from the British Ambassador Marks face due to repeated postponement power, comes at a time when outside Hall, it is believed, German Ambassa- of elections. Despite their insistence forces. China, dor Franz Ring and US Ambassador on page 6&7 for an early election, the diplomats credibility and legitimacy of his sources in the Nancy Powell have warned against were candid that no free and fair government is being questioned. PMO say, has any hasty steps on deciding the fate Vijay election could be conducted in the left it to the of monarchy. They all said it is for the prevailing law and order situation. people of people to decide and a peaceful Kumar’s British Ambassador, Andrew Hall, behalf of Indian Prime Minister, Man Nepal to decide on the fate of situation must exist so that people can current Chair of the European Union Mohan Singh. But interestingly, monarchy, but with a subtle warning express their mandate based on their relation- embassies in , shared EU Koirala met Chinese Ambassador, that the issue needs careful political belief. Koirala assured all the ship with KP members’ concern over increasing Zheng Xianglin twice within a week, consideration, and that a hasty diplomats that he is keen to hold violence in by the emerging first at his daughter Sujata Koirala’s declaration of ‘republican Nepal’ elections at the earliest, and if Bhattarai armed groups, continued abduc- residence in Mandikatar, and the could be detrimental to the national everything goes well, he can do it by on page 8 tions and the uninterrupted second time at the PM’s residence in interest. Caution was the word that March end. ä 2 29 Oct- 4 Nov, 2007 News UNMIN for enlarged role Keeping with

ä nf correspondent Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, in his latest report on Nepal says the tradition The United Nations Mission in country is at crossroads. Mr. Martin ä nf correspondent came at a time when political parties Nepal (UNMIN) is clearly seeking, not explained that the immediate cause are inching towards a republican only an extended tenure beyond was demands by the Maoists that Notwithstanding the GP Koirala line, however, did not provoke any January 22, but also an enlarged role Nepal’s legislature – not the Constitu- led government’s hostility and hostile response from the political for itself. This was made evident by ent Assembly to be elected – indifference towards royal parties as in the past. King UNMIN Chief and UN Secretary immediately declare the country a security, King Gyanendra strictly Gyanendra also offered Tika to all General’s special representative Ian republic, and that the electoral system maintained the traditions and those who chose to pay respect to Martin at New York on October 26. be fully proportional, both in contra- rituals of the King as in previous him in Narayanhiti palace. “Expectations among Nepalis are diction of previous agreements. years sans fanfare. He visited The ceremony in the palace high as to what UNMIN can do,” he “This crisis is not just the conse- Pix by Bhashwor Ojha Shaktipeeth in and around went off without the traditional said, “I do my best to encourage the quence of those two demands but Kathmandu on the Maha-Asthami security arrangements by the parties to keep the overall process on told media representatives in New also stems from growing mistrust day besides receiving the Prasad government. track and offer UNMIN’s advice as York the government and the leaders amongst the parties to the peace from Gorkha palace, the ancestral While none of the politicians requested, we do feel constrained by of the seven parties, including the agreement that we have seen in house of the in affiliated with the current regime, an expectation that we should Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), recent weeks,” he said, blaming Gorkha, on the Phulpati day. senior officials from the security interpret our mandate narrowly and have indicated their support for an failures on both sides to make good But all through, he avoided a agencies and bureaucracy went to we ask ourselves – as concerned extension of UNMIN. “Security on commitments and agreements confrontationist attitude with the the palace, former Prime Ministers Member States ask us – whether Council members in discussion that have been made in the peace government in general and PM Surya Bahadur Thapa, Kirtinidhi Nepal is making full use of the yesterday made very clear that they process. Koirala in particular who of late has Bista, Lokendra Bahadur Chand supportive capacity of the United would give sympathetic consideration Martin made it clear that the been acting like the King even on and Marichman Singh were Nations.” to a request from the government if UNMIN also felt handicapped by the religious matters. In a brief address among the senior politicians Despite these indications, there are such a formal request is made,” absence of exit strategy. The current to the nation on Vijaya Dashami paying their respect to the King. hardly any indications about UNMIN Martin disclosed. cantonment of Maoists and restriction day, King Gyanendra invoked Ex-army, civil and police officials being given the enlarged role if the Martin’s suggestion for a review of of army to their barracks were Goddess Durga, the symbol of and a large number of youths also mood of the ruling coalition partners the Comprehensive Peace Agree- intended to be temporary measures Shakti, “To inspire us all to forge joined the ceremony in the palace. is any indication. “We are certainly in ment (CPA) is also being seen as part but these have now continued for ahead on the strength of national “We told the King that his role is favour of UNMIN getting an extended of its demand for an enlarged role. some 11 months with no end in sight. unity and reconciliation through the not yet over. The country is facing tenure, may be one more year, but He repeated a call in the Secretary- “A prolonged stay in cantonments of establishment of sustainable peace a big crisis because of increasing not an enlarged role,” an influential General’s report for the parties to thousands of mainly young people in the country.” He also extended interference of the external forces cabinet minister told newsfront. take stock of the CPA and its living under difficult conditions and best wishes to all the Nepalis and and current political parties The 15-member Security Council implementation with a view to lacking clarity about their future is not Hindus living in the country and surrendering to them,” a college supports UNMIN’s extended tenure in strengthen it. He quoted PM Koirala sustainable,” he said, adding “It also abroad for happiness and teacher from Kathmandu who Nepal, but needs the formal request as having endorsed the idea of a leaves UNMIN with no exit strategy prosperity. The message which went to the palace said. of the host government for it. Martin review of the CPA. from its arms monitoring role.” News 29 Oct- 4Nov, 2007 3

Newsbrief Wielding stick! Strange bed-fellows ä nf correspondent Politics makes strange bed fellows. Look at Congress leader, Shekhar Koirala and the Maoists. Shekhar now proposes that the government Despite PM GP Koirala’s hopes for headed by his uncle G P Koirala should be ready to go to the polls even an understanding with the Maoists without Maoists participating in it. that will end the political deadlock, its Shekhar, who was a key negotiator along with Home Minister K P chances are remote as positions are Sitaula, is clearly dejected with the Maoists after they insisted on a getting hardened both within the proportional representation model of electoral system in place of the and the Maoists, mixed system agreed earlier. according to the insiders. Maoists Sitaula who continues as the Home Minister largely because Maoists now fear the worst as its most trusted wanted him apart from some invisible reasons despite his failure to Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has maintain the law and order situation in the country is however, silent on gone to the extent of suggesting that the Maoists’ demands. That would mean that Shekhar and Sitaula might the government should be ready to part company as for Sitaula there are more important quarters to turn to hold the polls to the constituent continue in the chair. assembly even without the Maoists, doned the idea of quitting parliament newsfront that the leadership is Maoists are anticipating that the government is also contemplating the as a last resort. en block in deference to the request neither in a position to ignore the option of using force against the Maoists in case they decide to launch Shekhar was in fact echoing from the seven parties as well as the international opinion nor the pressure another movement and disruptive activities. something that Shyam Sharan had international community. “We are not from its cadre. That’s why it cannot suggested to PM Koirala when visited going to leave the parliament,” said give up both the demands it has More friendly Nepal early this month as a special Deb Gurung, party’s senior leader, raised. “All that we can do is either envoy of Indian PM Man Mohan Singh. insisting “We will use parliament as a create a division within the seven It seems Maoists honeymoon with the Congress is over. It is inching In fact, there is a vocal section within the forum to press our demands.” parties when the party resolutions are much closer to its new tactical ally, the CPN-UML. While the Maoist top Nepali Congress which has been But the Maoists’ explanation that put for voting, or boycott the session two, Prachanda and Baburam were absent from the tea-party criticising the PM of having surrendered they had agreed on a mixed electoral blaming both the Congress and UML organised by both Nepali Congress and the UML on October 26 and 27, too much to the Maoists. Shekhar’s turn system only if the elections were to be as allies of regressive forces,” the the number of attendants from the Maoist party in the UML reception around, many think, could be a tactical held in June last has not been bought source said. was more, and politically significant. ‘stick’ that the PM is trying to wield at the by the international community. In Maoist chief Prachanda who has so KB Mahara, the high-profile Maoist leader chose to go only for the Maoists now, under pressure from the fact, key international players far been able to maintain a balance UML hosted reception. Pampha Bhushal, Dev Gurung and Hishila Yami majority in the party. including India have warned Maoists between the party hardliners and the also attended it. No senior leaders except Khimlal Devkota, a Maoist It is less due to the warning from that they would be losing international international community has of late parliamentarian, attended the Congress hosted reception. the Congress side but more due to recognition as well as the good-will been saying that ‘nationalism and As Maoists and the UML are trying to forge a kind of unity among the confusion within the Maoist party top that Maoists have earned in the past independence of the country’ are left parties in favour of proportional representation system during the brass that has blighted the prospect two years of peace process. In fact, under threat. According to the Maoist parliament session, Maoists’ greater presence in Balkhu Durbar was of any flexibility on its two latest the prospect of Maoists losing this sources he is increasingly moving understandable. But one just shudders, in days of very short-lived demands of declaring Nepal a recognition has held the hands of the closer to the hawkish trio: Baidya- political equation, how long will the two go together? republic right away and switching leadership from accepting pressure Gajurel and Badal, who have over to the proportional representa- from their lower cadres that they criticised the party line of ‘too much Long queues tion electoral system. For the time ‘must go for a decisive battle’. surrendering to the external being, Maoist leaders have aban- A senior Maoist leader told pressures.’ The hike in petroleum price is no respite for fuel consum- ers. Petrol pumps still have notices saying there is no petrol. During the supply hours, there are still long queues of Price hike fuels crisis vehicles. Gas agencies continue to take more than a ä Madhusudan Poudyal week to deliver the gas cylinders at home. After almost six months of The reason being in spite of the fuel depots and the government with disrupted and inadequate supply, the monopoly over distribution of fuels, hiking the price, it has not been able government has finally raised the to pay the arrears to the Indian Oil Corporation; the amount of which price of petroleum products from 6 to has now crossed Rs 6 billion record level. 22 percent drawing protests from the student wings of seven political 51 Crores spent parties aligned with the coalition government. A whopping Rs. 51 crore was spent for The price hike which the govern- the election preparation that proved to be ment now says is irreversible was a non-event during the past 16 months. carried out as the nation was Altogether Rs. 28 crore was spent this celebrating Dashain. The Nepal Oil year against Rs 23 crore last year, Corporation (NOC) has raised the according to the election commission wholesale price of petrol by Rs.6 per Programme (UNDP), says the soaring current mess and said the price hike sources. The EC compiled the data and litre, bringing its current rate to Rs.73 prices are threatening the prospects of was unjustified. Although the made it public after the election were per litre while kerosene price has been millions of Asia’s poor and forcing them students wing of the ruling coalition indefinitely put off for the second time increased by three rupees. Similarly, further into poverty. A report released and their allies have asked the early this month. The donor community diesel price has been increased by in Bangkok on October 25 says, “As oil government to roll back the price, or provided equipment and other logistics in Rs.300, and cooking gas (LPG) by Rs. prices climb, the impact on the poor face a mass-protest, the government the form of assistance for the election purposes through the commission 200 per cylinder. With the latest may presage worse to come.” The insists that the decision was taken worth Rs.54 crore during the period. decision, the price of diesel per litre report - Overcoming Vulnerability to after due consultation with the political stands at Rs.56, Kerosene at Rs.51 Rising Oil Prices: Options and the parties including the Maoists. Season of festivals and LPG cylinder Rs.1100. NOC says Pacific, said that oil prices have tripled “The decision to hike the price had the increase in the price is a natural fall over the last four years with the price the consent of all the parties in the The Bluebird organised out of the increase of the fuel in the approaching US dollar 90 per barrel. government and their allies,” said various events with theme, international market. “This has meant that the Asia and Purushottam Ojha, Chairman of NOC Season of Festivals. The The NOC has accrued a loss of pacific region has had to pay an and Secretary in the ministry of occasion marked the 1st Rs.11 billion for unprofitable business additional bill of almost 400 billion supplies. According to Ojha, the anniversary of Bluebird Mall during the past five years. And with dollars for imports compared to the parliamentary committee was also and 23rd Anniversary of arrears to the Indian Oil Corporation amount spent in 2003. This is 20 times apprised of the decision beforehand. Bluebird department store. The running to over six billion rupees, it the annual aid flow to the region,” said Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma has month long event which began was cutting down its supply to Nepal. Hafiz Pasha, UNDP Regional Director warned that Young Communist October 10 covers the major festival months. “Because of this, NOC was not able for Asia and Pacific at the launch of the League (YCL) cadres would be On 18th October, Bluebird Mall organised a fun filled event – food to provide fuel to its consumers,” report. mobilised to put pressure on the festival with live concert where artists: Nima Rumba, Nalina Chitrakar, NOC chief Digambar Ojha told Joint front of the student government to annul the price hike Preeti Kaur, Dharmendra Sewan & Ciney Gurung performed. The newsfront, adding, “We know it was organisations in Nepal going for the decision. They also hope that in case magic show, balloon artist and face painting were enjoyed by the an unpleasant decision.” movement however blame corruption there is a protest movement, the left children and adults alike. The United Nations Development and mismanagement in NOC for the parties would be joining it. 4 29 Oct- 4 Nov, 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: newsfront@.com, [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. - Nelson Mandela License to kill Journalist Birendra Saha’s whereabouts is not known for nearly a month now. Fingers are pointed towards Maoists for the crime. But there has been no word from the government as well as the Maoists as yet over Saha’s face. The federation of Nepali journalists (FNJ) has been routinely raising the issue, but it is clearly lacking in zeal and motivation in pressing for his release. Letters During his meeting with the FNJ representatives, Prime Minister G P Koirala reiterated that his government would not make any Deceitful power mongers groups prefer to poke their nose in for compromise on the issue of press freedom. Is FNJ satisfied with The Maoists’ relentless demands political causes, but ignore human right what Koirala said? Just because this abduction has taken place and behavior strengthen the claim issues when it involves Dalits and those under a ‘democratic regime’ does not make it a lesser crime. that, after all, the king had sized them in the lower rungs of the society. Koirala got away with his assurances and nobody in this country up right. It appears he was justified ä Sudha Khati hopes that K P Sitauala as Home Minister will ever act against the not to believe in a ‘peaceful solution’ to Anam Nagar, Kathmandu criminals. the Maoists’ movement. Even if the It is a shame that the civil society did not find it an issue worth monarchy is thrown out, and a republic Media responsibility sitting on Dharna for a couple of hours. For the individuals who declared, we can be sure now that the ‘Terai problem and the media’ by are known as civil society leaders in the country today, the issue of Maoists will not stop until they get all Chandra Kishore Jha (newsfront Oct kidnapping of a journalist does not quite merit spending a couple they ask for. It’s about time for the SPA 1-7) was a very balanced and objective of hours on Dharna. They appear equally reluctant to demand to make a hard decision. Are they piece. While the author warns about Saha’s release and warn the Maoist leaders to put pressure on going to continue to play to the Maoists’ the growing fissiparous and divisive their cadres. tune, or are they going to tune them tendencies visible in the Nepali society, Maoists’ commitment to press freedom and democracy while up? Their promise to the people was to he also cautions media that it has a claiming the credit for success of the movement against ‘Royal mainstream the Mao-ists, not Mao-ism! role not to encourage those trends. authoritarianism’ is increasingly appearing more tactical in nature. The SPA has given up more than As we watch the media trend in the Same may be said about the civil society if it condones, through its enough to provide the Maoists a ‘safe- country today, vastly divided along silence, the heinous crime. It is also a challenge to the FNJ that landing,’ and we have had enough communal and ethnic lines, Jha what they are doing in this case is not enough, and the serious- excuses in the name of ‘transition suggests that the media should not be ness of their protest does not match the intensity during the period.’ Now we want a legitimate peace process based firmly divided into the hills, Madesh, Brahmin or Janajati categories. previous occasions, especially in the post 2002 October period, on truth and justice. Let the Maoists leave parliament if they This should be realised by the media in the country today. against similar or other crimes. want to. Brave Nepalis should not cower down in front of ä Mihir Kumar Jha Maoist party’s latest stance that it is not going to take responsi- threats from unscrupulous and deceitful power-mongers! Dilli Bazar, Kathmandu bility for the kidnapping as it was not a centrally authorised or ä Satyajeet Nepali instructed move makes the issue much more complicated. Not for Kathmandu Koirala King? one single case, from Madi massacre to the kidnapping and killing Newsfront’s interview with Isabella Tree on Kumari festival of many individuals, have the Maoist leaders ever admitted that Human rights ignored they were centrally authorised or instructed. is so revealing that it speaks volumes about the Kumari Saha, according to the findings of FNJ and other human rights Uday Pariyar’s article that addressed issues of oppressed tradition and its relevance in the society in a vivid manner groups, was kidnapped by the Maoists and the worst is being Dalits was a candid analysis of the existing disparity, exploita- more than any good books written on the subject so far. feared. There are no accounts available whether he is alive. tion and rampant Brahminism. It is very important for us to But it is shocking that while the institution needs to be Nothing has been stated about the torture he had to go through in have policies to address those problems. Otherwise, understood, modernised and continued, dragging the tradition the hands of the kidnappers. Although the issue was raised in empowering neo-Brahmins will hardly solve the ailment that into politics is a shame. The instance of Prime Minister Koirala parliament, the government chose not to take the matter seriously. has been plaguing this society for centuries. going to Kumari for a Darshan was a brazen act of politics, as Both Koirala and Maoist Chief Prachanda will be held accountable Pariyar is also rightly critical of the NGOs, local government he never bothered to visit there as a PM in the past. What if they do not ensure Saha’s release, or at least inform the nation and other human rights groups for maintaining total silence does it mean? Has Koirala turned into a believer now? Or was about his whereabouts. Nepal should not turn into a dangerous when a couple was discarded by their families and the society, it just an attempt to establish himself as the King? place for journalists to work in. for having an inter-caste marriage. This must be an eye ä Ramesh Baidya opener for the donor communities since the NGOs and right Lagankhel, Lalitpur Spiritual Corner Milarepa, the cotton clad one teacher, Lama Ngogdun Chudor, well as becoming a wandering profundity of his realisation of the dharma with Born in the village of Kya, Ngatsa in Tibet to a under whose tutelage he began teacher. Here, he subsisted on nettle extraordinary clarity and beauty. He also had prosperous family he was named Mila to practice meditation. However tea, leading his skin to turn green, many disciples, which include Rechung Dorje Thöpaga, which means, a joy to hear. When when he was making no hence the greenish color he is often Drakpa, Gampopa or Dhakpo Lhaje. It was his father died, Milarepa’s uncle and aunt took progress, he confessed the depicted as having in paintings and Gampopa who became his spiritual successor all the family’s wealth. At his mother’s request forgery and Ngogdun Chudor sculptures. who continued his lineage and became one of Milarepa left home and studied sorcery. While said that it was vain to hope for Pyenzhangling Monastery, also the main lineage masters in Milarepa’s tradition. his aunt and uncle were having a party to spiritual growth without the guru’s known as Pelgye Ling Gompa, is a celebrate the impending marriage of their son, approval. small Tibetan Buddhist monastery in “If you do not acquire contentment in he took his revenge through his power. Milarepa returned to Marpa, a tiny village called Zhonggang, Tibet yourselves,heaped-up accumulations will only Knowing that his revenge was wrong, Milarepa and after practicing very diligently for 12 years that is consecrated to Milarepa. It is built enrich others. set out to find a Lama and was led to Marpa the Milarepa attained the state of Vajradhara around the cave where he once lived. It was If you do not obtain the light of inner translator. Marpa proved to be a hard task master, (complete enlightenment). He is said to be the destroyed but has now been rebuilt and peace,mere external ease and pleasure will and before he would teach him, he had Milarepa first to achieve this state within one lifetime. He decorated by Nepali artisans. This is one of become a source of pain. build and then demolish three towers, a back- then became known as Milarepa, which means many caves associated with Milarepa If you do not suppress the demon of breaking task. When Marpa still refused to teach the “Mila, the cotton clad one.” At the age of 45, between Langtang and Jomolungma. ambition,desire for fame will lead to ruin and Milarepa he went to Marpa’s wife, who took pity on he started to practice at Drakar Taso (White Milarepa is famous for many of his songs to lawsuits” him. She forged a letter of introduction to another Rock Horse Tooth) cave - ‘Milarepa’s Cave’, as and poems, in which he expresses the - Milarepa Debating Development 29 Oct- 4 Nov, 2007 5

Failed ‘Heroes’ ? : GP Koirala, Madhav Nepal and Subash Nemwang

More mess in the Third World means more busi- ness, budget and jobs.

ä Saubhagya Shah Bhashwor Ojha Thinking past the Nepali ‘post-conflict’

The farce called the constipated (oops, order of business was to establish the demand their recipients. In the absence of critical wherever UN has stepped in, it tends to stick constitutional) assembly election would not have that could then be supplied by the expat experts. analysis, the liberal-radical consensus on Nepal around for a decade or longer. been more than a lame joke had it not also been Using some convenient methodologies, it was appears to have become a victim of its own Last but not least, there was lack of sincere a fraud as well, arguably the most brazen since first established that Nepalis in general were group think. agreement on the purpose of the election itself. the millennium bug and the Mahakali scam. In seriously deficient in their knowledge of the For some, CA election was intended to be a the former, technology firms warned the whole constituent assembly phenomena. Such a King and PR rubber stamp to legitimise the 2006 regime consumers that if they did not buy their latest glaring civilisational gap could only be filled by For example, when the current ruling circle change. For others, the CA result would have software and gadgets, the computer systems the superior knowledge embodied by the and its external guarantors have already decided been the measure by which to take stake their across the world would go kaput at the stroke of experts. Thus came the various versions of the in principle to make Nepal a republic after Nov. claim on state power and resources. midnight, thereby causing the global economy, voter education programs from donors and 22, what substantive difference does it make if the defense systems, health networks, transporta- INGOs in whose name millions of dollars were republic is declared by the parliament today to Power to the parties tion and the internet would go haywire to usher raised and millions of rupees disbursed, save the country from another likely bloodletting? None of the players in the game had actually in Stone Age II. Thankfully no such pangs thousands of educators, TOTs and trainers The sovereign parliament that changed national wanted the people to exercise their ‘sovereign’ accompanied the birth of the 21st century, but mobilized to teach the ignorant masses how to identity from Hindu kingdom to secular state and reason to express what they really wanted. In a the sting operation earned billions for the do election come Nov. 22. confined the King to virtual house arrest in one preemptory move, the parties had already scaremongers. The ignorant masses perhaps might just want stroke last year should have no constitutional or decided what the new Nepal would be: federal, The Mahakali caper was of a different tack, to ask the experts why suddenly there is no legal obstacles in going republic to fulfill the republic, and pseudo secular. The CA was but of the same nature. Left to right, politicians constituent election after all this education and deepest aspirations of the Nepali ‘people’ today. gamed to extract popular consent, not open up here had gone in overdrive to sell the Mahakali awareness raising? That is, if they have not To pose the same question differently, what informed choices. Thus, even if the CA election deal. The proposal to sign off the western already left the scene post-haste in their favorite benefits will the country accrue by keeping the were to be held as scheduled, it would not have boundary river to India was touted as the getaways: the formidable fleet of satellite- much vilified monarchy another 25days? Ditto for been more than a costly ritual because the most biggest bonanza to ever befall the country that hooked 4 by 4s and shiny helicopters. The the wrangle over the proportional representation important substance had already been would earn a cool billion dollars per year. A sovereign people might also want to know why system. preordained through an unelected process. decade after the midnight deal in parliament, so much resources and effort was poured into a An election is an act of selection and That is why the sky did not actually fall when the Nepal is yet to see a penny from the sell off. half-baked project whose completion was not representation by the people within an agreed election was finally cancelled and except for Nevertheless, the southerly wind from the deal ascertained or even intended. Talk of teaching upon framework. To make the democratic some perfunctory tears in some quarters, has filled the sails and coffers of many politicians accountability. election meaningful, the competitors must agree nobody is ruing the day. that dominate the political landscape today. The ‘post-conflict’ industry in Nepal has on the fundamental norms of the electoral Contrary to claims, the CA elections and the The ongoing constituent assembly (CA) mess temporarily been thrown off-gear by the game. This includes the consensus on the rest of the political process is not intended to is a remix of both these earlier scams. On the cancellation of the elections. All those contracts, purpose, method, and willingness to accept and empower the people through reason and one hand, the people were bombarded for a projects, budgets streams, networks, and abide by the result of the elections. information. It is, on the contrary, designed to whole year with dire warnings by the political careers are in disarray. But not for long, we can In the context of the CA elections, none of the infantilise them by playing upon their worst fears parties, donors, and the willing media that if the be sure that the resilience and resourcefulness three criteria were ever met satisfactorily. and emotions. The rule of law is being substi- CA elections were not held on Nov. 22, the of this highly adaptive industry will soon come up Whether it was the constituency redrawing tuted by fear where insecurity, suspicion, and earth would literally crumble and heaven would with another inspiring sales banner to continue controversy or the proportional system, there virulent populism have become the primary fall. On the other hand, should the election take its good work as has been the case for the last was a wide divergence of positions on the actual ruling instruments. place, it would fulfill every wish and every need fifty years. modality of conducting the elections. The nation is literally being made to live from that Nepalis had ever thought of...so abundant More than anything, the present election More seriously, even after the elections dates minute to minute in bated breath as it awaits its was the promise. fiasco is an inevitable failure of a faulty paradigm were fixed, some of the contestants continued to fate outside the gates of Baluwatar and Singha whose basic premise starts not with the innate state that they would not be obliged to abide by Durbar while those inside wheeling and dealing, Experts, expertise intelligence of the people but their ignorance. the results if it was not to their liking. The day and night, in perpetually extending sessions. The transitional movement was recognized as Many of the assumptions that inform the experts refused to take into account this danger The emotional blackmail serves two functions: another money spinner and career booster as intervention in Nepal are politically chic, but signal and continued to send back rosy reports buys borrowed time for the regime while international crisis firms and professionals who analytically dubious. The continued substitution to New York in order to keep the game going. Is reducing popular expectations of the political had made their names and fortunes in Somalia, of objective assessment and adherence to the UN too worried about the complications process to abysmal nil. The sum total? National Afghanistan, Timor or other similar human logical policy implications by normative homilies here? Perhaps not. More mess in the Third destabilisation and societal demoralisation. tragedies descended upon Nepal to set up shop and ideological sermons is at the root of the World means more business, budget and jobs. (Dr. Shah is Program Coordinator for in partnership with local subalterns. The first present impasses, whether it be the donors or A cursory glance back at history shows that Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, TU.) 6 29 Oct-4 Nov., 2007 Inter Troglodytes stalk an interview with Dr. Thomas A. Marks

Dr. Thomas A. Marks has recently seen his On the topic of Sendero Luminoso, latest book, Maoist People’s War in Post- what did the government do right in Vietnam War Asia, published in Bangkok (White Peru that successive governments in Lotus Press). Here, he responds to questions Nepal seem incapable of replicating? forwarded by the Nepali Perspectives Group. This is an abridged version of the complete As Shining Path persisted in mistakenly interview. emphasizing violence, Peru of the Fujimori era countered with political mobilization that gave capacity to the state’s armed response. As Do you think Nepal is at a point democracy expanded, micro-development and where the Maoists have overwhelmed local defense gave it the strength needed to end the system? the threat of Maoist dictatorship. If one examines other cases of success against Maoist The Maoists have not yet overwhelmed the challenges, this is the key. system, but they remain committed to doing so. No Nepali government has implemented even Let us first be gloomy: The monarchy has the basics of the successful strategy followed been marginalized, leaving the contest a SPAM elsewhere against Maoism. Perhaps most affair, with only the “M” (Maoists) understanding embarrassing, the Nepali security forces actually armed politics. Maoist thugs run rampant, yet claim they secured a victory of sorts by “forcing” NA has been banished to the barracks by the the Maoists to negotiate. This is inaccurate. The simple expedient of the CPN(M) packing the Maoists simply emphasized a different line of regroupment camps with under-age fillers and operation as appropriate to the strategic training cadre, even as the Maoist hardcore situation in 2006 (as they would put it, to the leads the “Young” Communist League (YCL) in new correlation of forces). For its part, SPA the streets. inability to see past its struggle with the monarchy to the larger strategic peril in which it The police are the front line but deploy was placing itself is now quite on display. according to the whims of the highly controver- sial Home Minister, as does the police reaction Many of Nepal’s “ultra liberal demo- force, APF. SPA itself is torn by factionalism, crats” belatedly seem to have realized with the legal left as bereft of leadership as NC. the Maoists cannot be trusted and No effort has been made to mobilize the people should not be appeased. The Maoist- against their tormentors. International actors, orchestrated postponement of CA though forming a brake of sorts on the Maoists, elections drives the last nail in the coffin are as much a part of the problem as the for Maoist apologists. Do you have any solution, having colluded in the negation of the reactions to this? state’s capacity to enforce law and order. The question goes to the heart of the Now, the “bright” side: The illusion of Maoist challenge faced by Nepali democracy. The strength results from state ineptitude (and Maoists have never wavered in their goal or haplessness). In reasonably fair and transparent their strategy for achieving it. Their goal, as they elections, the Maoists stand to lose badly. They have stated repeatedly, is a people’s republic. know this but cite nefarious schemes at work, not martyrs of the revolution). Fellow travelers were Their strategy, they have trumpeted, is people’s least by the UN! The security forces, whatever mobilized into ethnic and “student” bodies. Agit- war. Their means, they do not keep secret, are their flaws, remain intact, and the Maoists have prop was central to fortifying new cultural norms embodied in the mobilization of a mass base to failed in their central aim of incapacitating them. – hence revolutionary will – through song, overwhelm the state. Only the operational art of The political class, its lackluster leadership dance, and new vocabulary. Internationally, their strategy has been altered to respond to notwithstanding, includes younger elements who global fellow travelers entered the picture, to situational realities. could add much were they to break through their include the leftist groupies who are in the cultural straitjacket and cease functioning as forefront of the “struggle against globalism.” That is, they have emphasized whatever lapdogs. The Nepali people are now on the verge India dusted off the failed approaches of its Sri approach is appropriate to time and place. of open rebellion against their Maoist tormentors Lankan adventure (and its Northeast cam- Though too many in the Nepali political class and demand leadership. paigns) and allowed its legal left to implement its remain ignorant of these fundamental Maoist revolutionary fantasies at Nepali expense. war fighting realities – of armed politics, which is What are some of the dimensions the what insurgency is – many in fact have seen the Maoists are using to undermine the Failure of the Nepali state to use democracy, light. Where they have continued to come up state? Are you able to draw parallels Failure of the imperfect and corrupt though it was, for mass short is in turning understanding into a weapon between what the Maoists are doing in mobilization against the Maoist assault made by mobilizing the Nepali populace for its own Nepal and what, for example, Sendero Nepali state to use royal direct rule inevitable. This, in turn, provided defense. Luminoso did in Peru? democracy, imper- the opening for a decisive Maoist shift to the united front approach. Simultaneously, the What are your thoughts on the In the first five years (1996-2001) of their fect and corrupt charade of the regroupment camps was used to Maoists playing the nationalist card to people’s war, the Maoists aped Sendero though it was, for negate state armed capacity even as the YCL counter Indian influence in Nepal? Do Luminoso (Shining Path). Thus they empha- mass mobilization street goons ensured that the Maoists’ own you see an imminent change in Indian sized violence, with terror and guerrilla war violence continued. foreign policy given India’s own interim eliminating the human and institutional rallying against the Maoist polls on the horizon and also that the points of the system – stripping away the human assault made royal It is here that we see the finesse of the Maoist whole world has borne witness to the glue that held the system together. They went approach. In Peru, in a comparable situation, failure of India’s Nepal policy? Could to main-force warfare after 2001, mimicking in direct rule inevi- Shining Path erred by failing to cultivate allies you please expand your response to structure the forces of the state. The state, table. This, in turn, and continuing to emphasize violence. Its touch on India’s bid to become a bowing to foreign voices, refused to mobilize provided the open- brutality mobilized its own demise. Peruvian permanent member of the UNSC? local forces and thus ceded control of the peasants, led by the very Quechua-speaking countryside. ing for a decisive Indian communities that had comprised the initial The UNSC bid is not particularly relevant to Maoist shift to the Shining Path base of support, rose up in the late the immediate issues. Neither is India concerned There, a counter-state was built with new 1980s. The revolutionary endeavor was about what the world thinks of the retrograde economic, social, and political forms (necessarily united front ap- swamped in a hostile sea of humanity. “Great Game” elements of its national security proto-fascist, to include school prayers to the proach. strategy. Much of the Indian political class lives in rview 29 Oct-4 Nov. 2007 7

Indian strategy towards Nepal has re- peated the mistakes of New ’s Sri Lankan Nepal gambit, a cock-up from start to finish for which Indian forces paid the price in casualties.

a parallel reality every bit as isolated as that occupied by much of the Nepali chattering classes. More germane is the apparent recognition in Indian ruling circles that they have “been had” by the supposedly now more modern, more urbane, more thoughtful Indian Marxists.

On the contrary, what the Indian left stands for has been put on display in its recent ideological anti-US posturing. Indian Marxism is an embarrassing remnant of a brutal ideology that collapsed under its own weight even as it battered itself senseless against its opponents, democracy and the market. Indeed, one simply cannot be a communist in 2007 without first having checked his brains at the cloak room. Yet, for the sake of power, Congress thought it could break bread and reason with the Indian Marxists, give them the lead even in Nepali matters. Both the government in New Delhi and Nepal are paying a bitter price, with the budding relationship between the world’s two largest democracies, India and the US, the hound which has flushed the fox from the chicken coop.

Indian strategy towards Nepal has repeated the mistakes of New Delhi’s Sri Lankan gambit, a cock-up from start to finish for which Indian forces paid the price in casualties. India, given its own Maoist challenge, must be keenly sensitive to the security implications of a Nepal sliding into chaos; worse, into a radical people’s republic.

For their part, the Nepali Maoists thought they had a deal with New Delhi. Perhaps they did, but their own factionalism, which was papered over as long as “the struggle” sustained organizational unity, has now burst forth. India does seem to recognize the danger

now posed by the CPN(M) troglodytes in the Pix by newsfront Maoist ranks, who are bent on a return to violence – even if with brickbats and spanners in What is at issue is not, as the UN seems to themselves to the world. On the one hand, it can the streets rather than long-barrel weapons. If think, a matter of, “What are the Maoists be argued this is significant. They have been the troglodytes are genuinely outraged at Indian thinking?” This grants them the capacity to act revealed for what they are, would-be fascists. perfidy, their apparent majority in the Maoist outside their doctrinal matrix. Rather, we face: On the other hand, it could also be irrelevant. It Politburo compels the Maoist “moderates” to be “How are the Maoists thinking?” In the answer is, after all, facts on the ground that will outraged as well. one finds the inversion of categories that turns determine the outcome. To the extent that opponents into categories, justifies crimes as Nepali democracy continues to wring its hands It must be emphasized, though, that the terms necessities of war, and claims that immediate, and expect the international cavalry to ride to (“troglodytes” and “moderates”) are relative. brutal, personal, terrorist murder is only self- the rescue, the Maoists will have a free hand. The argument is not over the strategy of defense against the flaws of the state (as people’s war but over which line of operation reflected in poverty and any other category one Is confrontation between Nepal’s should receive emphasis. Prachanda and the chooses to measure in Nepal). Yet we witness democratic and Maoist forces inevi- so-called “moderates” feel it is folly to emphasize no disquiet in UNMIN ranks as the Nepali table? What steps would you advise open confrontation at this particular moment, populace daily suffers from the thugs and as the Nepali policy makers to take today to especially when sub-rosa violence (criminality Maoists pay homage to icons representing the meet and counter the increasingly and extortion) are proceeding quite nicely in greatest mass murderers of all history. One Confrontation in- radical, undemocratic Maoist line? moving the Maoist cause towards its objective. shudders to consider if the same negligence The troglodytes, however, feel pitched street would accompany the adding of Hitler’s image to deed is inevitable. If Confrontation indeed is inevitable. If the battle battles are the route to victory. those of Mao, Stalin et al. Or Pol Pot perhaps? the battle previously previously was between the forces of autocracy and democracy, it is now between parliamentary What in your opinion of the UN role in Ironic it is that ultimately it was the UN, was between the democracy and people’s democracy. The first Nepal? through UNTAC, that oversaw the rebirth of forces of autocracy form of democracy is reasonably authentic; the Cambodia after the shocking atrocities of the and democracy, it is second is a façade behind which lurks tyranny. UN activity has moved Nepal to the point that Khmer Rouge. One would think the lesson Communism, especially of the Maoist variety, elections of sorts could be held. Unfortunately, would have been learned. The Maoist now between parlia- has never played itself out other than in tragedy, the UN appears not to take seriously Maoist movement in Nepal shares many structural and mentary democracy in any case, at any time. revolutionary aspirations. Nepali Maoism is led ideological particulars with the Pol Pot case. by individuals who have committed themselves and people’s de- Consequently, what must be done is quite to a revolutionary enterprise and thus see the What do you anticipate the Maoists mocracy. The first clear – democratic capacity must be mobilized. world in the hackneyed, dangerous categories will do next? It appears they are form of democracy And this capacity must have a self-defense of Marxist-Leninism. In particular, they are after incapable of fighting and incapable of capability. This need not be armed, but it must structural upheaval which will give them power practicing democratic politics. is reasonably au- be robust enough to meet head-on the Maoist and the organizational means to build utopia. thentic; the second thugs. Maoist people’s war must be neutralized We are dealing with a process that is similar to The Maoists are not debating goals or by people’s war of the democratic state. Mussolini’s post-World War I fascist rise to strategy but the implementation of their strategy is a façade behind Ultimately, Maoist violence will only be swamped power. (i.e., operational art). They have exposed which lurks tyranny. by a wave of outraged humanity. ä 8 29 Oct-4 Nov, 2007 Opinion

If he fails, KP might have the last laugh about his friend. GREAT LEADER Even then, KP will not have much role irrelevant politician to play in politics.

It is very difficult for me to write about tined. He sarcastically refers GP Koirala as, “my became serious and replied, “Whether one Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. It is so because I param mitra” and predicted, “God will not allow pretends to take things seriously or not, like him. It is said that when a journalist this man to leave with the kind of greatness nature has its own speed. End result of starts liking a politician it becomes very which never was real.” Nepali politics is always the same whether difficult for him to remain objective. Despite his utterances about women, you run or stroll. Please do not mistake that I Text books have prescribed many dos whiskies and his book which I suspect will never am a fatalist, I firmly believe that results are and don’ts for journalists. I never cared for ä Vijay Kumar be completed; KP is too soft to be a leader in not in human hands, just the duty towards a majority of them. Most of the failed current Nepali politics. These are times of our respective conscience is in our hand.” It journalists however become good bed. His comments on occasions make KP look national and international wheeling dealings. He has been a long time KP has become professors of journalism. In any case ours like a lightweight but his spotless record as a simply lacks that killer instinct required to be a irrelevant in Nepali politics but still he will is a country of preachers not doers. People freedom fighter proves an entirely different successful politician in Nepal. His sense of always be there as a unique symbol . know about everything except their own point.Royal palace must still be holding papers humor is too shuttle for society to understand Here is a man who was jailed for 14 years job. Having spent two decades as Nepal’s that will prove that only KP refused to sign any and digest. by Kings because he chose to fight for most watched television talk show host I papers bargaining for his release from the Despite my affection, I find him lazy and totally human dignity. Who knows if he was not know for sure that journalism has got prison. fatalistic and often self contradictory. Once I jailed that long perhaps his knees would nothing much to do with truth! Journalism Once KP told me, “Forget about Girija Babu, asked him why does he take things so lightly. He have been strong enough so that he could at its best can get closer to ‘facts’ not to the even BP signed papers to come out.” Unlike his walk himself today and participate in the truth. friends KP never went on exile to India. He national and international power games. Fact is only a small component of truth. chose to struggle within the country. In course of Disgraced prince Paras must have The amusing thing about ‘truth’ is - it exists time his leader BP Koirala too realised the vanity jumped recently from his hospital bed as he either in mathematics or in Nirvana only. as well as political fee of carrying a struggle from saw KP visiting him recently. It is a well Many argue even mathematics can be India and returned home in the name of national known fact that the palace was very happy manipulated. My relationship with Krishna reconciliation with King. KP fought most of his when KP lost elections in 1991 because they Prasad Bhattarai, the only living founder of life for democracy and was chosen to be felt much more comfortable with the idea of Nepali Congress, started much before I thePrime Minister by Ganesh Man Singh, to having Girija as the PM. Girija has changed joined journalism. KP used to live in same head the interim government after the 1990 many partners for his power game but now area I grew up in. Many people in the people’s moment. To his credit go the constitu- the he has only one ball left in this limited locality and elsewhere would hesitate to talk tion of 1990 and the successful election of over game. with him as he was declared anti national parliament. If he fails, KP might have the last laugh element during regime. But surprisingly he failed to get himself about his friend. Even then, KP will not have He was jailed for almost 14 years. His elected in 1991 election. Mark Tully wrote in much role to play in politics. But he always crime was his unfailing belief in democracy. BBC year book “I was saddened to see KP will be there as a matchless symbol in Nepali I was attracted to him because of his Bhattarai, one of the most remarkable politicians society. ä innocent smile. He would sometimes give of South Asia, humiliated by the voters of me a candy. Later in life I liberally con- Kathmandu.” Later it became very obvious that sumed his whiskies. Once he told me - KP’s election team was so incompetent that his politicians are like a woman in bikini. What own campaign chief failed to turn up to vote for they revel is tempting but what they hide is him on the election day! It also became very vital. I took this as a mantra and found very clear that GP Koirala was weaving a conspiracy useful in my career. within the party to defeat KP. That election was KP never married but never claimed that the beginning of his downslide. Following his he lacked the ‘experience’. He loves to surprising defeat, GP Koirala became the prime exaggerate the details of his encounters minister by default. Once in the chair GP but I am sure most of those are imaginary. expanded his resources like no PM has ever During April 1996 he told me, “I will give done in recent times and increased his grip over you a scoop but do not use it for at least 10 the party. years. People talk about my relationships The supreme commander of 1990 peoples’ with women even these at this age of mine. movement Ganesh Man left the Congress party Journalists of this city are basically idiots dejected and rejected and now KP has done the and thieves. Look at me, I cannot even same. KP hardly has any character or qualifica- stand properly. How can someone who can tion required of a successful leader in Nepal. He not even stand make his vital organ stand? never cares to calculate in an environment But if someone believes I still can, why where politics is largely run through back door should I deny that?” This is just one side of calculation deals. Right or wrong KP has always Kisunji. I saw another totally different face done what he felt like at that particular moment. of this man as Prime Minister in New Delhi Do you think any calculating Nepali leader today in 1990 during the joint press conference dares to say that monarchy is still relevant? with his Indian counterpart VP Singh. He Even Panchas, who sucked the country in the was so firm and clear about Nepali national name of monarchy for 30 years are too scared interests vis a vis India. to pronounce M word today. Important question During the trip he took me to his suite in is will Nepali Congress listen to its only living where I saw at least founder member? Certainly not. Will KP’s stand two Indian cabinet ministers ( one I affect real politics in Nepal? No. Will this remember was Sharad Yadav) touching his apparently losing stand affect KP’s thinking? No. feel saying ‘Pai lagu Kisun ji’. There were He told me the other day, “I chose to live in quite a few Indian reporters and camera- prison for 14 years because I felt like doing so men around but no one was surprised by for the sake of Nepal’s interests and democracy. that feet touching act. After a while KP There were times I felt I would never come out laughed and told me, “Can you imagine of jail. But I have never ever regretted what I what will happen in Nepali press if our stood for. And I will keep saying things which I Nepali ministers dare to touch the feet of feel are correct. I feel if we do not take things VP Singh! Hell will fall on them!” There was seriously now Nepal may even lose its identity an old guard who told me that KP is only and sovereignty, not just democracy for which I head of the government he has seen who too have contributed a little.” cleans his own shoes, toiletand makes his KP believes that all happenings are predes- Opinion 29 Oct-4 Nov, 2007 9 Are we a democracy? Political mudslinging in our country appears to be the rule rather than an exception.

In Nepal, political leaders instead of and hypocritical. In any democ- authorities; and people have the expounding on their own principles Unfortunately, political mudslinging liberty to express what they think and and platforms, spend more time in our country appears to be the rule racy, freedom how they feel. In a democratic society, indulging in mudslinging. Many rather than an exception. It really is of speech and people have right to accept or reject. leaders attack not only each other’s not an effective way to sway today’s Why do then Nepalis, especially issues, but also each other at very ä Shirish Ranabhat savvy voters, many of whom are very expression is politicians tend to stoop down so and personal levels. Worse, at times concerned about the direction this vital. Democra- play dirty, instead of politely and political mudslinging includes a of the current political wind, why are country is heading to. cies offer space logically rejecting their opponents’ leader’s personal life and his/her they so afraid of his remarks? So In any democracy, freedom of views? Is democracy here only a family. Such mudslinging or character what if he favors constitutional speech and expression is vital. to many voices convenient term used just for vested assassination can become so ugly monarchy? If we are so ready to Democracies offer space to many expressing interests? ä that it can cause the victims to be abolish monarchy, why not just do it? voices expressing different or isolated from public activities. The Bhattarai (and anyone else for that contrary ideas and opinion. Democ- different or (Writer is Ph.D, Executive Member, dejected and humiliated ones may matter) has the right to have a racy also allows any citizen to publicly contrary ideas Nepali Janasamparka Samiti (NJS), then have no choice but to distance different opinion. If we cannot respect criticise unwise or tyrannical opinion USA and Coordinator, Policy and themselves from their political parties. other’s views, we are authoritarian of public figures or policies of and opinion. Research Department, NJS-USA) In recent times, Nepal has been pivoting around politically charged disputes over abolishing monarchy and replacing it with a federal republican mechanism and keeping a ceremonial monarchy. Political leaders are clearly divided over the issue of whether to continue the monarchy or abolish it once and for all. With all the hyperbolic rhetoric coming from pro- and anti-republi- canism, this debate has poisoned recent politics and has polarised Nepalis into two opposite extremes. This also started slander and character assassination from pro- republicanism people against the national leaders who opposed the idea of federal republic. Character assassination, a particularly repugnant political tactics, has been employed extensively throughout the history of Nepali politics. Among many other prominent political leaders, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has become the victim of this attack in contemporary Nepali political history. Many anti-republicanism leaders including Bhattarai have been condemned for their pro-monarchial views by other leaders who are advocating and campaigning for a federal republican set-up. The campaigning against him has now degenerated from an earnest critique of his views to a pathetic attempt at character assassination. Defaming Bhattarai may have given some people a despicable popularity among the public. If they think he neither possesses any power nor any ability to change the direction newsfront 10 29 Oct- 4 Nov, 2007 From the region Emotional welcome for Benazir

Thousands of party faithful and two others carrying Rangers turned out to give an emotional — left the airport for Garhi Khuda welcome to former prime minister Bukhsh Bhuuto in a caravan of two Benazir Bhutto on Saturday when to three thousand vehicles. The she set foot on the soil of her fleet kept on swelling as more ancestral village after eight years. vehicles joined it on the road to Chanting “Jeay Bhutto”, the Larkana. Larkana DIG Muzaffar People’s Party supporters cheered Shaikh advised Ms Bhutto to and clapped as Ms Bhutto visited change her route because at the the mazar of her father, Zulfikar Ali beginning of the road leading to Bhutto, in Garhi Khuda Baksh Dakhan from Madeji, at least 5,000 village. people were waiting for her and Ms Bhutto waved from her the narrow turn was a security risk. bullet-proof vehicle to jubilant Initially she refused but, after a 15- crowds, who were prevented from minute persuasion, she agreed to approaching the vehicle by security take the Gaheja-Ratodero link staff wielding AK-47s. A huge road. Benazir Bhutto said that the portrait of Mr Bhutto hung from a threat to her life, coupled with pylon, and green, red and black “poor security arrangements”, PPP flags fluttered as her convoy made for her by the government whipped up a duststorm. Ms could not keep her away from the Bhutto laid a shawl inscribed with masses as “I don’t care about my Quranic verses and showered life”. rose petals on her father’s grave. Talking to journalists accompany- She then sat beside the tomb for ing her during the Karachi-Sukkur almost an hour, reading the holy flight, Ms Bhutto said she was Quran. extremely happy to be able to “I feel very sentimental. I was return to her ancestral village and eager to visit the tomb of my her constituency. “When I father, the Quaid-i-Awam, and offer prayers,” Hundreds of police and paramilitary troops that she had already reached Garhi Khuda announced my plan of return, I was told that I Ms Bhutto told reporters later. She was then were deployed at the airport for Ms Bhutto’s Bakhsh or even that she may take a helicopter was endangering my life. Even President driven to her family residence, protected by first foray outside Karachi since last week’s from Sukkur air-port. After the plane touched Musharraf advised me on TV that I should security officials in jeeps mounted with attack marred her return to Pakistan. the tarmac, hundreds of vociferous workers defer my homecoming. But I decided to face machineguns. “There is still a threat to my life, Thousands of PPP workers and supporters gatecrashed into the airport after dismantling the threat and take the risk.” She said that but Allah can protect everyone and I am not had started thronging the Sukkur airport hours three tiers of security cordon thrown by police, when she arrived in Karachi, three million scared of these people (militants),” the PPP before the PPP leader’s arrival, although the the Rangers and the Airport Security Force. people greeted her. “People want change.” chief asserted. “I now feel better about my local party leadership had made no announce- Ms Bhutto’s bullet-proof Nisar Khuhro- She added that for her, entire Pakistan was security.” ments about Ms Bhutto’s schedule. Rumours driven four wheeler — followed and preceded Larkana (her home town) and she would visit Earlier, Ms Bhutto arrived in Sukkur from were in circulation that the announcement of by identical vehicles and accompanied by 24 different parts of the country soon. Karachi by aeroplane, adds Abbas Jalbani. Ms Bhutto’s arrival in Sukkur was a decoy and police vans, two jeeps carrying police high-ups (Dawn) , more talk–UN Maoists gun down Envoy calls for more dialogue after junta and Suu Kyi meet 18 in Maoists struck again in -infested Jharkhand on Saturday The United Nations envoy on Myanmar Saturday when they gunned down 18 people, including the son of former called for more dialogue after a rare meeting chief minister and sitting Koderma MP Mr Babulal Marandi, and between the junta and Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that injured two at a cultural programme at Chilkhara village in concrete progress would improve the regime’s district in the early hours of the morning. relations with the world. “Armed opened fire when the programme was on Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has between 12.30 a.m. and 1 a.m. and killed 18 people, including spent years under house arrest, held talks for the first Anuplal Marandi, the son of former chief minister Babulal time on Thursday with a senior junta official ap- Marandi,” deputy inspector general of police Mr RK Mullick said in pointed to work with the opposition. . Ibrahim Gambari, the UN pointman on Myanmar, The former chief minister’s brother, Mr Nunulal Marandi, who said he suggested the meeting when he visited the was also present at the function, escaped unhurt. The injured country to express international outrage over the were rushed to Giridih hospital. The victims were all between 18 junta’s bloody crackdown on demonstrations. “This is and 25 years of age. Wearing CRPF uniforms, the Maoists only a first step,” said Gambari, who is due back in attacked the victims, who were attending a cultural programme Myanmar in the first week of November. after a football match, much the same way they killed Jamshedpur “This should lead to the early resumption of MP Sunil Mahato and three others on 4 March in Bagudia village dialogue that will lead to very concrete and tangible in East Singhbhum district. results,” Gambari told reporters in Tokyo after talks “Our forces have cordoned off the area and are trying to locate with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years. the Naxalites,” CRPF spokesperson said. A bomb disposal squad “I hope this process produces concrete results for the “For us, we believe that dialogue is the only way out in and dog squad are also accompanying our team, he added. Mr benefit of the people of Myanmar, and also improves the (defusing) the present crisis and also in the future,” said Marandi’s party, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Democratic, has called relationship between the government of Myanmar and the Gambari, who is on a six-nation tour of Asia. a statewide bandh tomorrow to protest the gruesome killings and international community,” he said. Some observers, however, said the meeting was no more a delegation from the party will meet the Governor to demand the Myanmar’s junta has faced strong international condemna- than a bid by the junta to deflect criticism. resignation of chief minister Mr and the growing tion since it crushed the protests, which were led by Buddhist “It was significant in a sense that at least the military and lawlessness in Jharkhand. Mr Koda, on the other hand, spoke to monks and originally started in response to a sharp hike in Aung San Suu Kyi held talks,” said Chaichoke Chulsiriwong, his counterpart to discuss a joint strategy to counter the fuel costs. an expert on Myanmar at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Naxalites ~ the village where the attack took place is close to the At least 13 people were killed, including monks and University. “But we have to remain cautious.” inter-state border. Japanese journalist , who was shot as he filmed a Gambari also held talks in with deputy foreign Mr Nunulal Marandi, brother of Mr Babulal Marandi, blamed the demonstration in the main city, Yangon. minister Mitoji Yabunaka, who travelled to Myanmar to lodge Giridih administration and police squarely for the massacre in Amid the outrage, the military regime appointed Labour a protest after the shooting of Kenji Nagai. Chilkhara village. Minister Aung Kyi to build ties with the opposition led by Aung Yabunaka told Gambari that Japan was “worried about the “We cannot understand why the police posted for the match San Suu Kyi. situation in Myanmar regarding democratisation and human were withdrawn soon after the prize distribution ceremony”, he Myanmar’s state television showed brief footage of the rights,” a foreign ministry statement said. said. meeting, a rarity in a country where Aung San Suu Kyi has (Despatch Online) (The statesman) Art & society 29 Oct-4 Nov, 2007 11 Heritage sites Reincarnation Mesmerising Hypnotic trance facilitates revivification of lost memories Bhaktapur ä Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche Dr. Ian Stevenson has done a lot of utmost importance in the Buddhist path be ä Pramesh Pradhan research on such children and he has it Sravakayana or Mahayana. shifted fraudulent from the genuine. And Even in the loony bin, a person who has Rich in art and architecture, indigenous he has come up with four huge volumes of flipped out begins to get cured only when culture, colourful festivals and age-old genuine ones which he says cannot be he himself becomes aware that he has traditions, Bhaktapur is truly a heritage scientifically disproved in any way. His four flipped out. The loony bin is an extreme city. Lying at an altitude of 1,401 metre 15 km east of capital volumes are: Cases of reincarnation type: case where people whose neurotic Kathmandu, it is renowned for its monuments, architectural India; Cases of reincarnation type: Sri- tendencies have become psychotic; but in wonders and Newari lifestyle. Spread out roughly over Lanka; Cases of reincarnation type: society even amongst those who are seven sq. kilometers, it seems the least modernised among Lebanon and Turkey; and Cases of considered socially acceptable, same the three former Malla kingdoms of the valley. reincarnation type: Thailand and Burma. neurotic tendencies found in the psychotic Bhaktapur perhaps began as a collection of small farming villages in the 3rd century AD. It was a resting place between He has also written another book - Twenty to an uncontrollable level, is to be found in the older Tibet-India caravan trade route. It was once the cases suggestive of reincarnation. a lesser or greater degree. Just like the capital of Nepal during the Malla period from the 12th to the Then again there is the world famous lunatic we too can get cured or be freed of 15th century. King Bhupatendra Malla is accredited for psychotherapist Helen Wembach, who also our neurotic tendencies, only as and when making major contributions to the city. The architectural used over 20 years of her own clinical go through all the possible checkups possible we become aware of them within us. development unfortunately came to a standstill after it was work in hypnotherapy. She too claims that at the time in the States. Since no physical Thus awareness is curative and one of unified into Nepal in 1769. Several earthquakes devastated even though she herself is a Christian cause was found in spite of repeated tests of the purposes of most therapies is to bring most of the art and architecture and the earthquake in 1934 whose beliefs contradict the idea of various kinds, his personal physician finally the unconscious into awareness. This is demolished two thirds of its structures. reincarnation and her training in psycho- suggested that it could be of a psychological called integrating the unconscious. The therapy did not in any way prepare her for origin and he should try a psychotherapist as unconscious here means all the neurosis this; cases she dealt with for over 20 well. Then he met Helen. and complexes hidden within us. In years, overwhelmingly pointed rather Helen started digging up his subcon- Buddhist terminology, we can become free clearly at cases of former lives. scious mind to cull out some experience / of our Klesha (emotional defilements) only Hypnotic trance facilitates revivification of event in his childhood which could be the if we are fully aware of the workings of the lost memories of this life especially those cause of his excruciating pain. Many emotional defilements within us. That is from birth onwards. Everything that the child why the Shasta (Master) prescribed living sees, hears, smells, feels, remembers are Marshland Flowers ones life in full mindfulness with compre- stored in the subconscious/unconscious. hension - Smriti Samprajanya. These memories can be teased out into physical pains and pathologies originate in Going back to the story of the million- awareness through various methods like some traumatic experience in childhood. aire; while fishing for early memories of ‘free association’ in Freudian psychoanaly- The purpose of all forms of psychotherapy, childhood, in a hypnotic trance, he sis, active imagination in Jungian analytical be it Gestalt psychotherapy, Freudian suddenly slipped into a dungeon in the psychotherapy and hypnotherapy etc. psychoanalysis, Jungian Analytical Roman period. He started wailing and When Helen Wembach used hypno- psychotherapy, transactional psycho- crying, holding his ribs. When asked what Until the construction of Arniko highway linking China to therapy, which is a powerful tool to bring therapy or hypnotherapy or their combina- was happening he described that he was Nepal, Bhaktapur remained distant from Kathmandu. out lost memories entrenched stubbornly tions etc., is to bring the traumatic in a prison in Rome and a Centaurian was Economically strong and independent, one still finds older in the subconscious, she often found that experiences hidden in the recesses of the towering over him and kicking him to generations in Bhaktapur who cannot understand the her patients went further than birth into subconscious to conscious awareness. death. When asked where he was being commonly spoken . In the 80s, restoration former lives. She also found that if In both Buddhism and all forms of kicked, he pointed at the same ribs which and sanitation projects assisted by German government memories and wounds of former lives psychotherapy, awareness is curative. If had been causing him trouble since a long gave Bhaktapur a facelift and transformed it to a clean and were healed the effect was seen in this the root cause (usually traumatic experi- time. Thus he died being kicked on his perhaps the most organised city in Nepal. The city, still life’s mental life. These are records that ences but also sometimes just plain old ribs. When he was brought back to the medieval in character in many ways, is the smallest among cannot be easily explained away; as actual childhood confusions) is brought clearly in present, he was commanded that he Nepal’s 75 districts and the most densely populated city. mental and physical healings had also front, to be scanned by awareness, the would remember the incident clearly even It is endowed with features like the spacious Durbar taken place. process of being cured begins. As long as after he woke up. After he woke up from Square, the oldest temple of Changu Narayan, and the I would like to recount the case of a multi- the root causes are hidden in the dark the hypnotic trance with full memory of the longest series of windows. The 16th century Datratreya millionaire that Helen had dealt with. One of nooks and crannies of the subconscious incident, it was found that he had temple lies in older and eastern part of the city. The square of her patients was a millionaire who had mind, there is no chance that we can free ‘miraculously’ become free from the pain Datryatreya consists of some of the most spectacular suffered from strong pains in his right ribs. ourselves from its grasp and all that it that had troubled him for such a long time. presentations of woodcraft including a wooden museum, courtyards, narrow lanes, water wells and a Bhimsen temple. Being a millionaire, he had the best of entails. That is why Smriti – Samprajanya (To be continued) Nyatapole (five roofed) temple dedicated to Tantric goddess doctors and his personal physician made him (mindfulness and comprehension) is of the (Sridhar Rinpoche is a Vajrayana Master) Siddhilaxmi is the most proportionate example of pagoda architecture. This temple is perhaps the best known icon for Bhaktapur. Made in 1702, it is the tallest temple in Nepal which is constructed on five plinths, guarded by five pairs of guards and with five stories signifying the five cosmic elements. In front in the Taumadhi square, the centre of the city, are Bhairavnath (Shiva) and Tilmadhav Narayan (Vishnu) temples. The 55 window palace is an example of architectural excellence and Sundhoka (golden gate), is an incredible piece of metal craft. Inside the guarded palace area, there are courtyards and a royal bath. Empty areas show from where images were stolen in and around the royal bath. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square also houses the Taleju bell, an octagonal wooden pavilion, a stone Sikhara temple of Vatsala and stunning images of Ugrachandi and Bhairav. Delicious curd (jujudhau), men’s black cap (bhadgaonle topi) and women’s sari (haku patasi) are the specialties of Bhaktapur. Pottery making is another rich tradition. Artists in Bhaktapur have inherited a long history of craftsmanship that is still evident today. Bhaktapur is also a city of devotees. It is a great potpourri of medieval culture, traditions, festivals, dances and architectural masterpieces. Bisket festival (coinciding with Nepalese New Year) and Saparu (Gaijatra) are the major celebrations in this city of friendly and hardworking people. An entrance fee is levied on visitors for cleaning, maintenance and improvement of the world heritage site and is well spent. Colourful open markets, open clay-pottery, weavers making handmade textiles, vegetable and crops drying out in sun and much more, makes it worthwhile to spend a weekend at least in one of those guesthouses dotting the main square. ([email protected]) A grandmother in Mro village, Chittagong, Bangladesh BY Sushma Amatya 12 29 Oct-4 Nov, 2007 Variety Branches and Batik Life pulses through its intricate map created by nature. Veins of life, indeed are the branches that spread out, soar into the skies and reach out to the unknown. The basic idea of this painting arose at a time when I

Bhaswor Ojha was trying to A football match between Nepal and Yeman at Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu on Sunday. Nepal lost the second round gather world cup quaifying match by 0-2. information on my ancestry. I was Astronauts Open fascinated by the fact that my family came from a certain culture and blended in with so many different cultures through marriage, travel, time and migration. Space Station’s New Room I would have called this painting, roots, but then did a rethink since it would have ap- Astronauts the International Space Nespoli and Whitson wore christening. peared contradictory. I have used acrylics and Station (ISS) celebrated the grand protective goggles and masks inside The school bus-sized connecting texture white yet again and a combination of opening of their orbital laboratory’s the node to guard against any loose node was temporarily attached to the complementary colours with red being latest addition on Saturday to christen debris shaken free during the module space station’s Unity module on highlighted, representing life. ä Sanchita Sinha Roy the hub-like node dubbed Harmony. delivery to the ISS. They also took air Friday and will be moved to its The station’s samples after floating into the new permanent position once Discovery Batik Design from Ghana, Africa commander Peggy Whitson and orbital room. leaves the ISS on Nov. 4. Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli “We’re just getting it suitable so we opened the hatch to the nearly 16-ton Harmony in space can go in and get the work done,” Harmony module at 8:24 a.m. EDT Named by students in a NASA said ISS flight director Holly Ridings late Friday. “But [we’ll] not actually do anything permanent in there so that it can be moved again.” Astronauts connected power and data lines to the Harmony module earlier today to power up its internal systems. They will then begin the busy task of replacing valves and removing more than 700 bolts that secured the module’s internal The Italian-built Harmony module is components in place during visible on the upper right side of the Discovery’s Oct. 23 launch. image attached to the Destiny module of the International Space Station in this “At one point, originally in the image from NASA TV October 27, 2007. mission, it was not a requirement for I have been fascinated with resist techniques like Batik for a long time. us to go inside,” Discovery’s STS-120 This popular resist technique is known to be more than a millennium old (1224 GMT), commemorating the contest, the Harmony node serves as mission commander Pamela Melroy and probably originates in ancient Egypt or Sumeria as historical event with a brief ceremony. the docking point for European and said before the spaceflight. “And the evidence points out. Batik is found in several countries in West Africa “It’s a pleasure to be here in this Japanese laboratories to be installed crew said, ‘No way! We want to go such as Nigeria, Mali, Ghana and Cameroon, and in Asia in countries very beautiful piece of hardware,” during future shuttle missions. inside!’ We were excited about that.” such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, and Nespoli said of the Italian-built “We think Harmony is a very good Melroy presented Whitson with a . Harmony node which he and his name for this module because it necklace bearing a Harmony module- STS-120 crewmates aboard NASA’s represents the culmination of a lot of shaped charm after the node was (Sanchita, painter and writer, can be reached at: Cell – 00- shuttle Discovery helped install during the international partner work,” opened. 919818803916 and [email protected]) a Friday spacewalk. Whitson said during the node’s (space.com)