Oli Goes on the Offensive As He Responds to Dahal's Allegations

WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 271 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 29.4 C -2.5 C Sunday, November 29, 2020 | 14-08-2077 Bhairahawa Jumla Oli goes on the offensive as he responds to Dahal’s allegations In a 38-page rebuttal, Oli reminds his fellow chair of his actions, past and present. He, however, has left some room for reconciliation, calling on all to work to save the unity.

TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, NOV 28

Coercion, threat, persuasion, arm-twisting and more. Nepal Communist Party chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has used all that was available in his armoury, as he responded to the other chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday. He, however, has left some room for reconciliation. Oli presented his political document, which was keenly awaited by the party members, the media and public, at Saturday’s Secretariat meeting. PHOTO COURTESY: PM’S SECRETARIAT Referring directly to Dahal, he has Nepal Communist Party chairs KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal at Saturday’s meeting. once again made an attempt to assert that he is the one who calls the shots Dahal’s politics by agreeing to a merg- has always been supportive of con- in the party. He went on to make some er in 2018 with his party despite the cluding it. He, however, has a word of remarks that are too personal and fact that Dahal had broken the exist- warning too. even questioned his fellow leader’s ing promise to lead the government “This [transitional justice] is a very political and social standing. for a second time in 2016. sensitive issue. This is an issue with In his 53-point rebuttal, Oli has tried In his document, Oli has also tried which Nepal’s commitment and credi- to respond to every allegation that to remind Madhav Kumar Nepal, who bility are attached… it concerns vic- POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA Dahal had made in his political docu- has become his bete noire, that how tims’ feelings and there is internation- Dancers masked as Barah and Hiranyakashipu perform on the first day of Kartik Naach at Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur on Friday evening. ment presented at the November 13 Dahal once scuttled his prospects of al community’s interest and concern,” According to the organisers, the month-long performance initiated by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla some 380 years ago will be held only for two meeting. becoming the President. said Oli. “What is the meaning of your days this year due to the pandemic, down from 12 days in recent years. Oli started his response calling In quite a personal attack, he also statement that you will ‘take the Dahal’s document a collection of arti- questioned how Dahal’s party had to responsibility for the deaths of just ficial indictments that reflected noth- resort to shenanigans for the sake of 5,000 people’?” ing but his personal grudges, his daughter who was contesting for During the Dahal-led People’s War unbounded frustration and vested the post of Chitwan mayor during the from 1996-2006, around 13,000 people interest. 2017 local elections. had died. The transitional justice pro- As Kathmandu plays host to guests “This, prima facie, deserves rescind- Oli also touched upon the transi- cess is yet to conclude and victims ment,” Oli wrote in his document, a tional justice process, the Baluwatar have been awaiting justice for the last copy of which was obtained by the land grab scam, and politicians’ fancy 14 years. Dahal faces the accusation of Post. lifestyles, among others, in an appar- delaying justice for thousands of con- Oli accuses Dahal of turning the ent indication that he still has some flict-era victims. In January, at a pub- from south and north, concerns disagreements into enmity, thereby cards up his sleeve if he were to act lic function in Kathmandu, Dahal said pushing the communist movement vindictive. that he would take responsibility for towards a grave crisis. In his 41st point, talking about the only 5,000 insurgency-era deaths. grow over geopolitical games He also took the credit for saving transition justice process, Oli says he >> Continued on page 2 Nepali leadership needs to strike a fine balance when it comes to dealing with neighbours and friendly nations so as to earn support for its larger national interests, analysts say.

ANIL GIRI according to the ministry. to effect a rapprochement with KATHMANDU, NOV 28 “He will leave Kathmandu in the Kathmandu. evening of the same day,” said the It set in motion a chain of events. Kathmandu has never been busier ministry. Just before the Dashain festival, it like now this past year. It is suddenly Analysts say after a months-long sent the chief of its foreign spy agen- scrambling to play host to some calm, geopolitical games are back into cy to meet with Prime Minister KP high-profile guests–both from the play in Nepal and that failure to Sharma Oli in the third week of south and north. strike a fine balance by the October. The visit, which drew a fair share of controversy, was followed by Indian Army chief MM Naravane’s trip to Kathmandu earlier this month. Weeks later, the Indian foreign secre- tary arrived. The message from Delhi is clear: it wants to re-establish its ties with Kathmandu. As soon as Shringla landed in Kathmandu, he launched a charm offensive. He called Nepal and India close friends and said he was in Kathmandu to strengthen bilateral ties. His linguistic diplomacy was in full display as he chose to speak in Nepali. After every meeting with Nepali officials, Shringla re-asserted the importance India attaches to Nepal. On Friday, before wrapping up his visit, Shringla delivered a lecture, describing Nepal-India relationship as intricate which “exists in various par- adigms”. “Aside from our common civilisa- tional inheritance, India’s relation- ship with Nepal rests on four pillars— development cooperation; stronger connectivity; expanded infrastructure and economic projects; easier and enhanced access to educational oppor- POST ILLUSTRATION: KRISHNA GOPAL SHRESTHA tunities in India for the young people Just as it saw off Indian Foreign leadership in Kathmandu could turn of Nepal,” said Shringla. “India sees Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the country into a battleground for itself as Nepal’s foremost friend and Friday, Kathmandu has got into full foreign powers. development partner.” swing to prepare itself to welcome “China seems to be losing its social The establishment in Delhi is for Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and political ground in Kathmandu long under the impression, ever since on Sunday. because culturally, socially, politically it failed to acknowledge the constitu- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other socilisations of Nepalis, tion promulgation in 2015 and imposed announced on Saturday that Wei will Nepal is by and large close to India a five-month-long border blockade, arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday on a and the United States,” said Mrigendra that it has lost its sphere of influence daylong visit. Bahadur Karki, executive director of in Nepal. “During his day-long stay in the Centre for Nepal and South Asian Oli’s return to power riding on the Kathmandu, Wei will call on Prime Studies. “India is trying to restore its nationalistic rhetoric, largely read as Minister KP Sharma Oli,” said the old sphere of influence here and the anti-India sentiments, had not gone ministry in a statement. Oli is cur- Americans are looking through the down well with Delhi. rently looking after the defence portfo- Indian lens.” India’s move of including Kalapani lio as well. Before wrapping up his Even though there has been no within its borders and inauguration visit, Wei will also pay a courtesy call high-level visit from the north since of a road link via Lipulekh did more on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived damage to bilateral ties that were just will hold talks with Chief of the Nepal in Kathmandu in October last year, its getting back on track since they were Army General Purna Chandra Thapa, mission in Kathmandu was actively broken after 2015. involved in Nepali politics, espe- Analysts say Beijing’s growing cially given Chinese Ambassador influence in Kathmandu, especially Hou Yanqi’s meetings with rul- on the ruling party, had caused some ing party leaders whenever it discomfort in Delhi. was in crisis. Foreign policy watchers in Just as China appeared to be Kathmandu say India is trying to more active, Kathmandu and re-assert itself in Nepal while Beijing Delhi were in a state of car- does not want to be left behind. tographic war over the disputed Chandra Dev Bhatta, a political territories in the northwest commentator, said foreign powers ridge of the country. have always wanted to exercise their It was due to the unease caused influence in Nepal but it’s domestic by Beijing’s overtures that Delhi factors that provide them space. suddenly started making efforts >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 | 02 NATIONAL Officials reach Urai border point to inspect illegal trade in the area The team aims to keep in check smuggling cases, set up a border security post and inspect Chainpur-Taklakot road.

BASANTA PRATAP SINGH international border. BAJHANG, NOV 28 “There’s no human settlement in the border area. That is why it is not On Friday, members of the House possible to establish a permanent bor- of Representatives and chiefs of der security post for the time being,” security agencies inspected the Urai said Bhandari. “A temporary security border point in Bajhang district camp will be in place from mid-March after news of illegal trade across the to mid-November to stop illegal busi- border was published in the Post on nesses in the border area.” November 11. Both Dhami and BK had submitted The Urai border point connects memorandums to the Ministry of Nepal with Tibet in China. Although Home Affairs and Ministry of the border was sealed by the Chinese Foreign Affairs to control smuggling government back in January amid in the border point. Dhami had Covid-19 concerns, the smuggling of also requested the chief minister medicinal herbs and wildlife parts and minister of Internal Affairs continued. of Sudurpaschim Province to set The team went to the border area to up a security system in the border keep in check the smuggling of medic- area. inal herbs and wildlife parts, to estab- “This time, we have managed to lish a border security post and inspect take officials, including the House of POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI the condition of the Chainpur- Representatives, to observe the situa- People wait outside the domestic arrival terminal to receive their friends and relatives at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Saturday. Domestic flights in the Taklakot road. tion in Urai,” said Dhami. country are operating under Covid-19 spread mitigation measures after being grounded for six months due to the virus threat. Aasha BK and Prakash Snehi, After the news of smuggling in the members of the House of border area got published in the Post, Representatives from Bajhang dis- a joint patrol team of Nepal Police, trict, and Rajendra Dhami, chairman Armed Police Force and Division of Saipal Rural Municipality, flew Forest Office was sent to the area for to the Urai border point for inspection inquiry in mid-November. But the Geologists initiate study of landslide-prone on Friday. team could not reach the border point The team also comprised of due to heavy snowfall. Kamalraj Bhandari, chief district It takes at least five days to reach officer of Bajhang; Diamond Karki, the Urai border point from Chainpur, chief at Sangram Sardul Battalion the district headquarters of Bajhang, settlements in Sindhupalchok of Nepal Army in Bajhang; and on foot. Meanwhile, members of the Damodar Dhodari, deputy superinten- House of Representatives, who As many as 3,375 houses in several settlements of Sindhupalchok are at high risk of landslides, according to study. dent of police, also chief at the Armed reached the border for inspection, said Police Force in Bajhang, among other they will construct a tunnelway along officials. the Chainpur-Taklakot road and pre- ANISH TIWARI the team. The local people of Lidi, threat of landslides forever,” said missing in those landslides. “We request the chief district pare the Saipal Tourism Development SINDHUPALCHOK, NOV 28 however, say that various teams have Tsering Tamang of Lidi. This year’s landslides destroyed 130 officer to bring a work plan to end Plan for the development of Saipal visited their settlement in the name of Sindhupalchok is one of the houses and displaced 3,290 people in smuggling in the area. We, as mem- region. The National Reconstruction study but their problems remain hardest-hit districts by natural the district. bers of the House of Representatives, “Saipal region has many possibili- Authority and Nepal Electricity unsolved. disasters. As many as 73 people died in In 2014, a massive landslide in Jure will also work for the plan’s imple- ties and can be developed into a tour- Authority have initiated the geologi- “Several teams visit the settlement different landslides in Bahrabise had killed 145 people and displaced 127 mentation,” said Snehi. ist destination. I will actively play a cal study of some human settlements for study and inspection. But they do Municipality, Melamchi Municipality, families. Sindhupalchok had been Dhami, chairman of the rural role to promote this area,” said Snehi. that are at high risk of landslides in not take any initiatives to relocate the Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality and one of the worst-hit districts by the municipality, had facilitated the team BK, another member of the House Sindhupalchok district. settlement to a safer location. I think Jugal Rural Municipality this 2015 earthquakes as well. A total of to reach Urai border point. of Representatives who reached A study team reached the district we will have to live under the constant year alone; forty-two people went 3,575 people were killed in the earth- According to CDO Bhandari, the Urai on Friday, said, “We will and started its work on Friday. The quake—the highest figure in a single team has decided to set up a proper request the federal government to team is scheduled to study the land- district. security system in the border point for keep the construction of the tunnel- slide-prone settlements in Lidi, As per the report presented by the seven months every year, as smug- way in priority.” Sanchagaun, Sanu Nampha and Bolde national disaster risk reduction and glers are taking advantage of the open Last year, the Chinese government of Jugal Rural Municipality; management authority under the border and absence of security per- had opened a road from Taklakot to Ghumthang and Jambo of Baharabise Ministry of Home Affairs in July, as sonnel in the border. the Urai border point. “If the Municipality; and Phulpingkatti and many as 3,375 households in several “The border gets sealed due to government takes initiatives, the tun- Bulkote of Bhotekoshi Rural settlements of Sindhupalchok are at snowfall in winter. But it is necessary nelway along the Chainpur-Taklakot Municipality. high risk of landslides. to arrange for a proper security sys- road could also be constructed with “The study team has been mobilised A parliamentary team had also tem in the area from mid-March to the financial assistance of China,” from the centre. We are just coordinat- inspected the landslide-affected settle- mid-November,” said Bhandari, add- said BK. With the closure of Tatopani ing with them,” said Santosh Niraula, ments in Sindhupalchok in October. ing that they will discuss with the border in Sindhupalchok and height- chief at the district project implemen- “Various teams have come to Ministry of Home Affairs and the ened security in Rasuwagadhi and tation unit of the National inspect the settlements at risk but the District Security Committee about the other border points, smugglers have Reconstruction Authority. relocation process is yet to begin. The establishment of APF Border Outpost started frequenting the Urai border The settlements that are at high government should immediately iden- in Chorachaur, a one-day walk from since security is lax in the area. risk of landslides have been chosen tify the settlements at high risk and Dhuli village. According to local entrepreneurs in for the geological survey in the first shift them to safer locations,” said It takes around three days to reach Bajhang, Urai border point is not phase, he added. According to Niraula, POST PHOTO: ANISH TIWARI Nima Lama, member of the Bagmati the Nepal-China border from the closely guarded as other international six geologists from the centre and two A joint team from the National Reconstruction Authority and Nepal Electricity Authority Provincial Assembly representing police post in Dhuli, which is around border points so smugglers find it technicians from the district are in reached the district and started work on Friday. Sindhupalchok. 30 kilometres towards Nepal from the easy to trade there. Oli goes on the offensive as he responds ... As Kathmandu plays host to guests from ... >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 long-winded document. next meeting on Tuesday. >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ambitious plan to have an economic ity of a vaccine for the novel coronavi- Failure to deliver justice to victims Oli has also tried to play victim over “Both the documents are now with “Whether one accepts or not, the sphere in the neighbourhood and rus. As the world’s largest manufac- has become an albatross around allegations that he failed on the gov- the Secretariat and will be discussed Chinese are quite concerned about the beyond. turer of vaccines, India is at the fore- Dahal’s neck. ernment front. at the next meeting,” Naryan Kaji unity of the Nepal Communist Party,” The US has for long been pushing front of this effort,” he said. “I would Oli on Saturday seemed to have “Despite leading a strong govern- Shrestha, a Secretariat member and said Bhatta. “After all, for ideological for an early endorsement of the like to assure the people of Nepal that, used his political document to ment, Dahal created troubles, making also the party spokesperson, told reasons also, Beijing sees the Washington-led programme. Delhi, once a vaccine is rolled out, meeting remind Dahal that the transitional me feel like a prime minister of a reporters after Saturday’s meeting. Communist Party of China and the through three back-to-back visits, has Nepal’s requirements would be a pri- justice process continues to hang coalition government,” said Oli. There is no clarity if both chairmen Nepal Communist Party to have broth- made it clear to the Oli government ority for us. Given our genetic pro- above his head like the sword of On the party front, responding to will sit down and hammer out issues erly relations.” that India’s and Nepal’s destinies are files, what works for India is likely to Damocles. allegations that he failed to run the so as to bring one political document A flurry of visits from the south, tied. Amid all this, despite Nepal sign- work for Nepal as well.” “Be aware that such statements by party properly, Oli calls Dahal’s com- or decide to gradually part ways. according to analysts, is seen by ing up to the BRI in 2016, not a single China has its own diplomatic strate- you could complicate the matter fur- petence into question, saying the lat- Dahal, according to a Secretariat Beijing as New Delhi’s re-entry into project has moved forward. gy regarding the pandemic. ther,” said Oli. “Don’t make the mis- ter desperately failed to complete the member, termed Oli’s coming up with Nepal’s internal politics, especially “[As far as I understand], the China has not only sought Nepal’s, take of taking it lightly.” party unification despite promising to a document a positive move. the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Chinese are worried about the grow- along with some other countries’ in Though Oli has reminded the do it “within three months”. “We have yet to study the docu- Insiders say Oli by and large seems ing American presence in South Asia, South Asia, support to jointly reject Secretariat of the past agreements, The Nepal Communist Party (NCP), ment,” the member quoted Dahal as to have already changed his side and recent US-India strategic ties, its politicising and stigmatising the virus especially the September 11 decisions born out of a merger between Oli’s saying. “But the document did not agreed to play along with Delhi. implication in the region, Nepal’s but also has pledged early availability that had effected a ceasefire, in what CPN-UML and Dahal’s CPN (Maoist have an iota of self-criticism.” It was It may be a routine visit, but the position on Indo-Pacific Strategy and of the vaccine when it is ready. looks like a hint that there could still Centre) in May 2018, has yet to con- not clear if it was a coincidence or a timing says a lot about the Chinese Nepal’s dilemma over accepting the During a virtual meeting with be space for moving together, he has clude the unification completely. Over deliberate move, Oli’s rebuttal to defence minister’s visit, analysts say. US’s Millenium Challenge Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan in not given any other clear indication of the last two years, it has faced a crisis Dahal’s 19-page document has exactly Wei is the second Chinese defence Corporation,” said Rupak Sapkota, July, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang retreating. so deep as many times that it has been the double number of pages–38. minister to arrive in Nepal in the last deputy executive director of the Yi said when the Chinese vaccine is Rather, he has employed his typical quite close to implosion. A Standing Committee member, two decades. Before him, then Chinese Institute of Foreign Affairs, a developed, China will improve acces- impudent style to take a swipe at Dahal. Dahal’s document at the November who is close to Madhav Nepal, defence minister Chang Wanquan had semi-government think tank under sibility of the vaccine to the three “In politics, one is allowed to agree 13 Secretariat meeting levelling fierce described Oli’s document as extreme- arrived in Kathmandu leading a the aegis of the Foreign Ministry, and countries. Foreign Minister Pradeep and disagree. One can dissolve an charges against Oli came this time ly convoluted—one that reeked more 19-member delegation on a three-day a close China watcher. Gyawali says Nepal has cordial and existing party and can form a new around as a harbinger of a party split. of vengeance than a response to his visit on May 23, 2017. That was the “China wants to keep the growing balanced ties with its neighbours and party,” he said. “One can join an exist- Over the past few weeks, Oli and fellow comrade’s political paper. first visit by a Chinese defence minis- US influence in the region on the friendly nations. “It is up to us wheth- ing party as well. All the more, if one Dahal have not only engaged in a “It would have been nice if Oli ter to Nepal in 16 years. The visit had check. So the Himalayan region has er we allow ground for foreign powers. is dispirited and dejected, one can quit shouting match but also have not had come up with a political response taken place on the eve of a scheduled turned into a flash point for geo-stra- Why do we always have to follow con- politics… one can even retire.” stopped short of making personal without taking questions asked to him military exercise between the Nepal tegic activities.” spiracy theories?” Gaywali told the Observers say as Oli has not only attacks at each other. at the personal level,” the member Army and the People’s Liberation The only way, according to observ- Post. “Yes, the United States of made light of almost every allegation Party insiders say the game of alle- said. A r m y. ers, Nepal can steer clear of the dan- America and China are competing. Dahal had leveled against him gations and counter-allegations now “Even though Oli has described “Among various other factors, gers of geopolitical games is having a But it does not mean that we should but also rejected outright Dahal’s has become “official” as both leaders’ Dahal’s document as a collection of Beijing certainly does not want, at strong diplomatic position and mak- not take support from them.” political document, the ball is now in documents now have formally entered allegations, his is no less when it least for now, Nepal to slip back into ing prudent moves so that it benefits According to Gyawali, if Nepal can the latter’s court. Or else, the likeli- the party committee. Barshaman Pun, comes to heaping criticism on Dahal.” India’s hands,” said Bhatta. “Recent from its ties with all its partners. benefit from the Millennium hood of the two chairmen walking a Standing Committee member, said Towards the end of his rebuttal, visits from India might have prompted “Our major political parties should Challenge Corporation as well as the together is low. he is not hopeful about the party Oli, however, has called on his fellow China to send one of its top leaders.” come together to find a common Belt and Road Initiative, it should “Oli appears to have reached a con- remaining intact with the way Oli has comrades to work to protect the party Analysts say recent developments understanding on how to deal with accept both. As the world order is clusion that he can no longer move presented his document. unity. in the region also must be taken into this new kind of rivalry,” said Karki changing fast, overservers say, it’s nat- ahead together with the other chair,” “I had been lobbying for resolving “Don’t sow the seeds of division. consideration. India sent its spy chief of the Centre for Nepal and South ural that world powers will engage in said Hari Roka, a political analyst. all the issues through a joint docu- Don’t spread negativity,” said Oli. to Kathmandu days before it hosted Asian Studies. “Strong and clear their maneuverings. “Kathmandu and “Going by the statements of some of ment, but with Oli’s document, I’m not “Today, we are one party, legally, but US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. diplomacy is the need of the hour to the Nepali leadership must be cau- his close leaders, Oli could now try to very hopeful,” Pun told the Post. “I emotionally we have been divided. Pompeo and US Defence Chief Mark ward off any unwarranted interests tious about long-term political and withdraw both the documents and don’t see the party unity will remain Isn’t it time to end this?” Esper’s visit was aimed at strengthen- of foreign powers in Nepal.” security concerns in the face of grow- bring a single one.” intact now as Oli has refused to realise He, however, has ended with one last ing strategic ties in the face of grow- Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandem- ing geopolitical shifts,” said Bhatta, According to Roka, Oli has not his weaknesses.” dig at Dahal, borrowing from Marx. ing Chinese influence in the region. ic, vaccine diplomacy too has been in the political commentator. taken any of the allegations seriously According to Pun, rather than “It is said history repeats twice, the The Millennium Challenge full play. While Shringla during his “Winning the confidence of the and has tried to cover up all of them, making a resolve to protect the party first time as tragedy, second time as Corporation, a $500 million US grant meetings in Kathmandu assured sup- neighbours and friendly nations irre- including the issues regarding social- unity, Oli has decided to take a jab farce,” said Oli. for Nepal, is awaiting parliamentary port for Nepal to fight the coronavi- spective of their sizes, resources and ism, corruption, the Millennium [at Dahal]. “History has already repeated itself approval in Kathmandu but Nepal has rus, during his lecture on Friday, he clout and making efforts to have bal- Challenge Corporation and the party’s Saturday’s Secretariat meeting con- as tragedy. Are you [Dahal] waiting for also signed up to the Chinese Belt and said that Nepal will be a priority. anced ties for our own benefit should ideological issues, through his cluded with the decision to hold the another farce?” Road Initiative, President Xi Jinping’s “We are on the cusp of the availabil- be our priority.”

C M Y K 03 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 NATIONAL BRIEFING Nepalis going abroad Missing border pillar recovered BARDIYA: An Armed Police Force (APF) team has recovered a border on visit visa in droves pillar that had gone missing along the Nepal-India border for the past six years. The APF team led by Superintendent of Police Nara Bahadur Raut recovered the border worries officials pillar number 671/1 at Latkaniya in Gulariya Municipality-10, Bardiya, on Friday. Raut said the pillar was Authorities fear that those leaving on visit visa could be going found buried under sand. The border pillar had gone missing after the dev- abroad for work by dodging official procedures. astating floods in the Babai river in CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL 20-30 percent of the people are leaving on 2013. KATHMANDU, NOV 28 visit visa, that’s a significant number,” he said. “During the pre-Covid time, we had Five dead in jeep accident An unusually high number of Nepalis have 50-60 international flights every day and been going abroad on visit visa in the only 10-15 percent of the passengers would RUKUM (WEST): Five people have died past few months, and this has left officials be leaving on visit visa,” KC told the Post. after a jeep they were on fell off the worried. “The number looks abnormal, especially road in Aathbiskot Municipality Authorities at the country’s lone interna- when the Covid-19 still there.” Ward No. 7 on Friday evening. tional airport, who were used to seeing KC also believes that those leaving on According to Deputy Superintendent hundreds of Nepali migrants head to the visit visa could be going abroad for work in of Police Thag Bahadur KC, four peo- Gulf for work everyday, are now witnessing the Gulf countries by dodging the formal ple died on the spot while another a large number of Nepalis leave the country labour migration procedures which breathed his last while being rushed on visit visa. requires them to take work permits from to Nepalgunj for treatment. The vehi- Officials fear that a significant number of the Nepal government. cle was carrying a wedding proces- Nepalis might be going abroad for work on “Countries like the United Arab of sion when the incident took place at visit visa rather than on work visa and per- Emirates have relatively relaxed their visit around 8pm. mits from the Nepal government. “We had visa policies. Nepalis also find it easier to go received information that many Nepalis on visit visa, and then find a job there rath- Four hurt in furnace explosion were going abroad on visit visa. Around 500 er than getting a labour permit under the Nepalis are believed to have left the country individual category,” said KC. “But we can’t BARA: Four workers were injured, one on a single day on three flights,” said Jhalak stop anyone if they meet visit visa require- critically, when a furnace exploded at Sharma Sapkota, secretary of the parlia- ments—a valid visa, two-way tickets, accom- Jagadamba Steel Industry in Jitpur mentary committee Parliamentary modation arrangements and currency Simara Sub-metropolis, Bara, on Committee on Industry, Commerce, Labour equivalent to US$1,000 as travel expenses.” Saturday. Critically injured Bikindra and Consumer Interest. The Department of Foreign Yadav, 32, was sent to Kathmandu Alarmed by reports, the committee on Employment—the government body respon- while another injured is receiving Tuesday invited Department of Immigration sible for overseeing labour migration—has treatment at Birgunj Health Care and Nepal Police officials to discuss the also been concerned that Nepalis are leav- Hospital, police said. Two other work- issue. “We have been told that this is hap- ing on visit visa. ers returned homes after their treat- pening in significant numbers regularly. “We have also been hearing that more ment at a local health facility. The Therefore, we alerted the officials con- Nepalis are leaving on a visit visa. But this workers sustained burn injuries. cerned.” Sapkota said the committee did not matter is related to the Department of issue any formal directives to the agencies Immigration and we can not do anything,” Two petrol pumps sealed for now, but asked them to strictly monitor said Tikamani Neupane, spokesperson for Nepalis leaving on visit visa. the Foreign Employment Department. KAPILVASTU: Authorities in Kapilvastu During the first three months of the “Our main concern is that they might get have sealed two petrol pumps that fiscal year 2020-21, a total of 30,156 in trouble after landing in the destination were operating illegally. According to people have flown out from Tribhuvan countries. They will not be entitled to any Chief District Officer Dirgha International Airport, according to the compensation under foreign employment Narayan Paudel, Chinni Lal Kandu Department of Immigration. However, the laws. It is difficult for us to repatriate them.” Petrol Pump was found to be operat- department does not have separate data on Meanwhile, the Department of ing without licence during inspec- the number of Nepalis flying out on various Immigration has taken some steps in view tion. The second petrol station, visa categories. of the issue. “We have asked our officials to Aadishakti Mata Oil Supplier, was But Ramesh Kumar KC, director-general remain extra vigilant,” said KC. “We also sealed off as it had been supplying of the Department of Immigration, con- transferred 14 immigration officials last petroleum products to Chinni Lal POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC cedes that a large number of Nepalis have month and have formed two committees to Kandu Petrol Pump. A traffic jam is created when motorcyclists cross a suspension bridge meant for pedestrians in Khokana, Lalitpur on Saturday. been going out on visit visa lately. “Even if study issues related to immigration.” The road to Romania is bumpy and once there, workers are exploited too Asians fill labour gap as Romanians head westward. Nepalis dreaming of working in Europe are ready to pay commissions although Romanian companies pay agents as well as airfare.

ABHAYA RAJ JOSHI & means greater risk. Further, the false promise Although Romanian law says people need to October, was locked up in a building with 65 it’s illegal.” CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL IN KATHMANDU of permanent residency and provisions to work only five days a week for 40 hours, they other Asian workers. As his company only got But Sujeet Kumar Shrestha, general secre- MARINE LEDUC IN BUCHAREST bring families to Romania seems deceptive may end up working 12 hours a day, six days a him tested 15 days after he reported symptoms tary of Nepal Association of Foreign NOV 28 to him. week, according to Uva Raj Lamichhane, a of the disease and was ordered to stay home, he Employment Agencies (NAFEA), denied that “I am reluctant as Romania is a new destina- Nepali migrant worker and video blogger was unsure he would be paid for the time he Nepali workers were being exploited in Padam arrived in Romania in September 2019 tion for Nepali workers. No one knows what based in Bucharest. spent at home undiagnosed. Romania and problems were being faced by having paid a Nepali recruitment agency will be the income and kind of work for Nepalis “If you work more, it’s counted as extra Bogdan Hossu, president of the Cartel-Alfa only a small number. Rs560,000 to land a job at a mountain resort in there,” said Ramesh, who received around hours and you need to be paid for those extra trade union, one of the most active in Romania “Cases of exploitation and forced labour are Sinaia, around 123 km north of Bucharest, the Rs200,000 as commission for sending the two hours. Some Nepalis, especially in the hotel says the exploitation of workers in the country rare. Romania is 99 percent safer than the Gulf capital of Romania. workers to Romania. “I sent two workers as business, are made to work 60 hours but only is an example of “social dumping.” and other destinations,” said Shrestha. “Those “I could sometimes earn up to Rs5,000 in a excavator operators but they were asked to paid for 40,” he said “In 2011, we had new legislation that com- exploited have fallen into the trap of sub- day,” said Padam, who was at times working work as labourers in the first month. I may Some employers are even found to have pletely deregulated the labour market. It essen- agents, educational consultancies and human 12-hour shifts without even taking toilet have earned more money compared to those I seized passports of Nepali workers they hire. tially forbids inter-professional and sector-spe- traffickers. If they go via registered recruiting breaks. send to the Gulf, but if workers return home, If workers want to change jobs, a whole set of cific collective agreements. This opens the agencies, then such agencies will be accounta- But in March, as the coronavirus pandemic the [legal] compensation amount is also going other problems arises. door to all sorts of abuses,” Hossu said. “Even ble for their safety and protection.” struck. As elsewhere, the tourism industry in to be higher. Who is going to pay them?” Most workers come to Romania under a two- before this wave of Asian workers, Romanians Shrestha denied that Nepal-based agencies Romania witnessed a slump. Padam, who has Some of the recruitment agencies seek com- year contract but employers, having invested were modern-day slaves.” charge as much as Rs1 million for jobs in to send at least Rs50,000 home every month to missions not only from their counterparts in in workers’ airfares and in paying a commis- Nepal does not have an official mission in Romania but accepted that they might charge service his family’s loan, had no option but to Romania, but also from prospective workers. sion to agents, are reluctant to let them go. the country. Nepal’s embassy in Berlin over- around Rs300,000-Rs400,000. look for another job. “Airfare is expensive. There are no direct But his experience with the new job was flights. A one-way ticket might cost between terrible. “I wasn’t paid for four months,” said Rs100,000-Rs150,000. Then it takes around the father of two. “The company still owes me Rs50,000 to send the candidate to India for the around Rs4.7 lakhs.” visa interview,” said Shrestha. According to Romania’s General Inspectorate He denied getting air tickets or commissions for Immigration, Padam is one of 4,324 Nepalis from agencies in Romania for sending Nepali who landed in the eastern European country in workers. 2019. With an estimated three million citizens “The ‘free visa, free ticket’ policy is in place having left the country of around 19 million for for the Gulf,” he said. “I don’t see any greener pastures in Western Europe, Romania chance that workers can be sent to Romania at is now banking on Asian workers--initially zero cost.” Vietnamese, now Nepalis and Indians--to do However, Romanian agencies and the chief hotel, restaurant, babysitting and construction executive of a restaurant chain where Nepalis jobs Romanians won’t do. work confirmed to the Post that employers pay Asian workers cost less, are qualified, have for the flight tickets. training or experience and are prepared to go “Yes, it’s an investment. Nepali workers are abroad, Anne Marie Stavri, who operates paid around 2,000 lei which is less than Jordan River Recruitment agency in Romania, Romanian workers but we also have to take told the Post. care of their food, accommodation, agency Between 2016 and 2020, Romania increased commission and a two-way air ticket,” said its quota for non-EU workers from 3,000 to Daniel Mischie, co-founder of City Grill. “In 30,000 and Nepalis are benefitting. This year the end, it works out to around 2,800 lei [approx- alone 2,831 work permits have been issued for imately Rs80,000] per month.” Nepalis. While Honorary Consul Pokhrel can provide But with no labour agreement between some fixes to problems Nepali workers face, Kathmandu and Bucharest and lax regulation Nepal’s government needs to step up to ensure of the foreign employment sector in Nepal, that workers are not exploited in Romania, or migrant workers, easily wooed by dreams of eastern Europe, experts say. travelling and working in Europe, are being “As of now, there is no meaningful connec- exploited at every step of their journey, a six- tion between both the Nepal and Romania gov- month-long cross-border investigation by the ernment. The labour migration to Romania is Post has found. confined to outsourcing agencies in both coun- Recruitment begins with prospective work- tries,” said Rameshwar Nepal, a labour migra- ers approaching recruitment agencies for a job tion expert who was one of the members of the in the eastern European country where little task force that recommended Romania as one or no English is spoken. The Nepali company of the prospective new destination countries then shows the workers’ profile to its partner PHOTO: ANDREEA CAMPEANU for Nepali workers. agency in Romania which has been hired by A Nepali cook works in the kitchen of a restaurant in Bucharest, Romania. According to government records, 4,324 Nepali workers landed in the country in 2019. “We picked Romania as it was a new destina- the prospective employers. If the profile fits tion and there was a possibility of signing a the need, it pays the Nepali agent a commis- Also, agencies often end up under-delivering “When the employers see that the [foreign] sees bilateral affairs in Romania and its honor- government-to-government agreement,” he sion as well as airfare for the worker. on their promises to the workers. employees have not fulfilled their contract, ary consul Nawa Raj Pokharel, the “only said. “A bilateral labour agreement or any deal But throw in some desperation, big dreams, When S. was preparing to go to Romania for they come to us and break the contract,” said Nepali in Romania until 2008”, is the country’s would at least work in the destination country greed for fat commissions and information work, his recruitment agency promised him Cristian Stoica, chief commissioner at only official representative. as the government there would make employ- asymmetry, and the whole process turns into good hours, well-paid overtime, an opportunity Bucharest General Inspectorate Directorate. The business consultant, who doesn’t receive ers more responsible.” an exploitative system for Nepali workers. to travel to Europe, and pay of around US$820 Such workers then have to be deported, any compensation from the Nepal government Meanwhile, Padam is now working in “Agencies expect to make a minimum per month. according to him. for his work, said, “Sometimes I receive 100 Timisoara, a town near Romania’s border with Rs450,000 from each worker and leave the rest “I took the plunge,” said S. “This can be a voluntary choice of the calls a day and need to deal with paperwork Serbia and earning around 3,300 lei (Rs95,000) to the sub-agent, who gets them the people who He took a loan of around Rs500,000 to pay his employees. If they don’t want to leave, our until 1 o’clock in the morning,” he told a month. He has started sending some money want to go abroad,” Ramesh, a sub-agent who recruitment agency. But just before his depar- office determines whether they can remain on the Post. home. But he’s lost hope that he will ever get didn’t want to be identified, told the Post. ture, he was informed that his restaurant job Romanian territory or not, depending on spe- He said he contacts companies in case he the money his former employer owes him. Last October, for the first time, Ramesh, who would only pay him US$520. cific conditions,” Stoica said. gets complaints of them not providing Nepali “The boss said we were like family, and we’d has been sending workers to the Gulf and “I was angry but I couldn’t do anything. So I The Covid-19 pandemic has made workers employees proper working and housing be paid soon,” he said. “We were the stupid Malaysia, sent two workers to Romania. Since came to Romania anyway. But now I am having even more vulnerable to exploitation. While conditions. ones to have believed him.” then many aspirant candidates have been call- a lot of trouble repaying the loans,” said S. employers have an excuse for not paying their “So far all of the problems have been Marine Leduc is a freelance journalist based ing him everyday to go work in Romania. Once workers arrive in Romania, provided workers, the health of workers is also being resolved with a phone call,” he said, “especial- in France and Romania. This story has been But Ramesh says he is in a fix as sending they have not been duped earlier, there are undermined. ly when companies confiscate passports made possible with grants from Journalismfund. Romania although it means more money, also different ways for them to get exploited. S., who was diagnosed with Covid-19 in of the workers as some of them don’t know eu and hostwriter.org.

C M Y K SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 | 04 OPINION Women’s contributions to development Modernism and globalisation are impacting Nepal’s social and economic scenarios.

GRETA RANA

So much has been written about wom- en’s contributions to economic devel- opment in Nepal, it seems superfluous to add to the writings of so many dis- tinguished authors. Still, it deserves more examination. Not so long ago, even in the so-called ‘enlightened Britain’ of that time, women had to struggle to gain any recognition for economic contributions. World War II had brought women out of the kitch- en, and they didn’t want to go back; but it was a far cry from real equality. In Nepal, women worked in the fields. It was an accepted fact, but the deep thoughts came during International Women’s Year 1975. That year, Dr Lynn Bennett and a team of very talented Nepali women published The Status of Women in Nepal. It was funded by the Ford Foundation and they worked out of the Centre for Economic Development at Tribhuvan University. It had groundbreaking revelations and should be read by everyone involved in women in development even today. What was astounding was a time allo- cation study showing just how many SHUTTERSTOCK hours a day Nepali women worked the first meeting of the newly established Nepal, however, is when she states women who work the land and bear recognised for their invaluable contri- porting hubs. The trend is worrisome, land or in the offices and the home, International Centre for Integrated that childbearing was a work substi- children! butions. Bandana Rana is a case in and it has a clear gender angle too when nowadays the United States pays Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The tute. Yet the women in Nepal some- The immense contribution that point. Her work with women has with women at centre stage of existen- housewives for their labour. Imagine topic was entrepreneurship. It was times have seven or eight children, women give shows in the paucity of earned her a second term on the UN’s tial challenges back at home. that. enlightening. Women bewailed that if and still work the land. Birth rates are appliances and the outmoded utensils CEDAW, the Committee on the In reciprocation of women’s they rose in their professions, even falling, thanks to family planning; but they work with even today. Museums Elimination of Discrimination remarkable contributions to economic Domestic schedule other women accused them of being there are still ‘miles to go before we everywhere invariably have a quern Against Women. What an honour not development in Nepal, government For the Nepali woman farmer, her chummy with the boss. It can never be sleep’. or flat iron to show how housewives only for Bandana but also for all the policies and actions should be direct- domestic schedule is more like get up, because she is hardworking and talent- Later studies in developing coun- had to labour in the ‘bad’ old days. Yet, women of Nepal, a mark of their role ed at creating more productive oppor- fetch water, pray, prepare the morning ed. That’s not just how Nepal sees it, tries showed that when women have village households all over Nepal still in development per se not just eco- tunities in the country and retaining meal, send the children to school, and it’s as the world sees it, and, although extra cash, they spend it on nurturing have querns and flat irons. What a nomic, but all round. youth in the homeland for sustainable work 7 hours in the fields. After this, it’s changing now, women still have children and improving their educa- great boon if some government pro- development. No matter how far Nepal come home, fetch the wood, fetch more many victories to gain. tion, clothing and food. What greater ject emerged to give each village at Labour-exporting hubs has come as a modern republic, the water, prepare the evening meal, feed At the conference was Vandana contribution to the economic develop- least one washing machine. There’s Modernism and globalisation, being task is still unfinished when it everyone else first, eat last, wash the Shiva, a brilliant physicist who ment of a country like Nepal? Multiple more electricity now, why not? inalienable phenomena, are impact- comes to securing an inclusive frame- dishes, get the children to bed, and became very involved in the Chipko marriages are now against the law, but Another idea, what if those great ing Nepal’s social and economic sce- work of governance and economic finally sleep, sometimes very late at movement in India and one of the some men still have as many as four or development aid projects provided narios and opening up a world of distribution. Under a progressive night, only to rise again at about 4 or 5 early promoters of environmental five, yes five, wives. Why? One ‘demo- microwave ovens to village house- opportunities for Nepali women. In framework, Nepal’s democracy in the morning and, once more, fetch preservation in that country. She cratic’ male commented at a universi- holds? What a development using the process of a major transition, we should create bigger room for a partic- the water. Despite the extension of inspired many women there who ty seminar in 1975, ‘If you have so energy from long-dead stars to relieve can also visualise the challenges that ipatory system with a focus on eman- water lines and electricity, an alarm- became Nepal’s prime movers in the much land. It’s cheaper to marry women of kitchen drudgery and are coming through deeper global cipation of all. Without an iota of ing number of women still have to live field of women’s development. Ester them. They give you a lifetime’s labour smoke. integration. Cross-border migration, doubt, this will be a sort of transfor- like that. The communal water pumps, Boserup’s Woman’s Role in Economic and you don’t have to pay daily wages. Women entrepreneurs contribute a concerning women from disadvan- mation, and women have to play smokeless stoves and peltric sets are Development became the book for When you have a lot of land, feeding great deal, and Nepal has pioneers taged sections, remains a pressing their part. still out of reach for them. women to read. One statement at odds them is not a problem’. indeed. Not only internally, but world- issue. We have also seen how the rural Much of this was discussed at the with women workers’ observations in What an attitude towards the wide too Nepali women are now being hinterlands have become labour-ex- Rana is a writer based in Kathmandu.

Economic diplomacy for Nepal

Based on the experience of a num- It is about knowing ber of countries, it can be said that the most influential factors for foreign how to exploit unique investors when choosing a country for investment are: Unhindered access to characteristics or the customers both at home and abroad; Political stability; Impartial imple- comparative advantage. mentation of the rule of law; Independent judiciary; Adequate infrastructure; Sound regulatory SURYA P SUBEDI regime; Competitive tax regime; Quality of labour; Control of corrup- tion; Transparency in decision mak- ing. Nepal should address each of these components seriously. Attracting outsourcing business from other more advanced countries, not only from the West but also from Economic diplomacy is about know- neighbouring countries such as China ing how to exploit a country’s unique and India, is another activity which characteristics or comparative advan- will stimulate Nepal’s economy. With tage to maximise the benefits for its rapidly growing prosperity and a ris- people, and put in place sound policies ing middle class in both our immedi- designed to achieve these objectives. ate neighbours each with a population Nepal is a country rich in water of more than one billion, Nepal has a resources and other assets such as huge readymade market at her door- Himalayan medicinal herbs, and it step. has a huge potential for the develop- ment of tourism and other services Centre of attention sectors. The country is well placed to Heightened competition for influence attract foreign investment to harness in Nepal among its immediate neigh- its natural resources and develop its bours and other major powers can services sector since it has achieved benefit the development of the coun- some degree of political stability. try. Competition among other nations To begin with, under the rules of for Nepal’s natural and other resourc- the World Tourism Organisation es and for the development of the (UNWTO), Nepali products enjoy tourism sector should increase duty-free and quota-free access in its bargaining power and bring in international markets. What is more, more revenue. For a country like the UNWTO has decided to grant a Nepal, it is helpful to be the centre of waiver for service sector products attention and a place for healthy com- from the least developed countries to petition. the markets of both developing and Nepal is blessed so much by nature developed countries. In other words, with so much beauty, biodiversity and economic diplomacy should be about natural resources, including water exploiting such opportunities offered resources. It is the country of Mt by international law for a least-devel- SHUTTERSTOCK Everest, the Buddha and oped country such as Nepal. the El Niño effect or the consequences Switzerland is another example. Another possibility would be to International experience has shown Pashupatinath. The country is the cra- of a tsunami. Highland land-locked The city of Geneva has benefitted so develop Nepal as a financial services that those who are well off wish to dle of Hindu and Buddhist civilisa- Land-locked countries states may be perceived as safer places much not only as a centre of financial centre along the lines of Switzerland, spread their wealth by depositing it in tions, and it has served as a bridge Land-locked countries have felt disad- for investment, residence and busi- services but also as the home of so Andorra, Jersey, or even the Isle of bank accounts in different safe and between Indian and Chinese civilisa- vantaged, but their status may actual- ness than low-lying countries such as many international institutions. Man. As people in Nepal’s neighbour- secure locations. There is nothing to tions for millennia, spreading the ly become a blessing in disguise for Bangladesh or the Maldives. Nearly two-thirds of the actual busi- ing countries grow richer, they will be prevent Nepal as a sovereign nation message of peace, universalism, mul- highland land-locked countries such Exploiting the traditional image of ness activities of the United Nations looking to deposit their money in a from providing the financial services ticulturalism and tolerance. as Nepal, as people from low lying a neutral and non-aligned country, are carried out by its agencies located safe, neutral country. With its tradi- that the rich require. For this, Nepal Therefore, there is every prospect of areas begin to strive for a place or Nepal could develop itself into a in Geneva. If the physical infrastruc- tional image of a relatively neutral should have political stability, main- more prosperity for Nepal, provided space in such countries. regional hub of international legal ture of Nepal were to be improved in country, Nepal would be an attractive tain strict and strong equilibrium that the country is able to put in place Nepal will not have to erect coastal and international relations institu- cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, venue for people to transfer their sav- with both its neighbours, present sensible policies designed to exploit defences spending billions of dollars tions. It can take a cue from the Nepal would be well placed to develop ings. itself as a safe and neutral venue to do its comparative advantage and geo- to cope with sea-level rise, nor will it Netherlands which has developed its these cities as regional hubs of inter- If properly developed within an business in, have a robust framework strategic status. have to manage population transfer capital city, The Hague, as the legal national legal and international rela- acceptable level of an international of laws designed to protect invest- from one area to another to save them capital of the world, exploiting initial- tions activities such as regional arbi- legal framework and managed and ments, and regulate the financial ser- Subedi is a professor of International from the negative impact of sea-level ly its status as a relatively neutral tration centres and regional think regulated well, it can become a sizea- vices industry according to interna- Law at the University of Leeds, rise. Nepal will not have to deal with country. tanks. ble source of revenue generation. tional standards. United Kingdom.

C M Y K 05 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 MONEY

FOREX Indians stock US Dollar 118.79 Outstanding tax dues top Rs100 billion Euro 141.61 up on gold as Pound Sterling 158.41

Japanese Yen 11.42 as government struggles to raise revenue price correction Chinese Yuan 18.06 Taxpayers have appealed to the Department of Inland Revenue and revenue tribunals for a reassessment of their dues. entices buyers Qatari Riyal 32.62

Australian Dollar 87.60 POST REPORT we freeze their properties to recover REUTERS KATHMANDU, NOV 28 the dues. It also takes time to recover BENGALURU/MUMBAI, NOV 28 Malaysian Ringit 29.19 the dues from those who appeal Even though the government collected against tax determination by the tax Physical gold demand in India Saudi Arab Riyal 31.67 income tax dues impressively in the authority,” Pandey said. remained healthy this week as a drop Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank fiscal year 2019-20, the added tax dues According to Pandey, recovery was in prices to a near five-month low from then have increased outstanding also affected due to Covid-19 pandemic encouraged retail consumers and jew- dues to over Rs100 billion. as the tax officials failed to go to the ellers to raise purchases in the midst At a time when the government is field. “We could also determine tax of the wedding season. PRICE PER TOLA BULLION struggling to meet the revenue target, liability on more taxpayers which “Jewellers are replenishing inven- the government has not been able to could help tax recovery but it could tory after witnessing good demand Fine Gold Rs 91,300 recover a huge amount of tax dues. not happen due to pandemic,” he said. during Diwali. In the last fiscal year, the govern- In order to collect the outstanding The price is very attractive,” said a Silver Rs 1,165 ment collected revenue of Rs793.78 tax dues, the tax authority in fiscal Mumbai-based dealer with a bullion billion, far less than the target of year 2018-19 had taken a number of importing bank. SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA Rs1.1 trillion. measures including freezing bank Local gold futures this week hit a According to the Annual Report accounts, barring several businesses low of 48,390 rupees per 10 grams, the 2019-20 of the Inland Revenue from operating their export-import lowest level since July 7. Department, tax dues increased to businesses and restricting some Retail consumers have been making GASOLINE WATCH Rs103.67 billion in the last fiscal year defaulters’ ability to travel abroad. purchases for weddings after postpon- from Rs96.56 billion in the fiscal year Last month, tax authorities told ing them in the last few months, said a 2018-19. The highest dues are related SHUTTERSTOCK nearly 30,000 firms that have failed to bullion dealer based in Ahmedabad in to income tax followed by value-added In the last fiscal year, the government collected revenue amounting to Rs793.78 billion, far submit details of value-added tax they the western state of Gujarat. tax (VAT) and excise duty, according to less than the target of Rs1.1 trillion. collected to clear the dues of up to Dealers were charging a premium the report. mid-July 2018 or else face de-registra- of $5 an ounce this week over official Of the total dues, the taxpayers dues must be recovered from the will- had outstanding dues related to tion. The Inland Revenue Department domestic prices, inclusive of 12.5 per- have appealed to different agencies ful defaulters through all legal means income tax. The target was to recover on Friday released a list of 29,447 cent import and 3 percent sales levies, including the director-general of the available.” Rs7.32 billion. firms registered to collect value-added up from last week’s $2 premium. department and the revenue tribunal Officials at the department said that When it comes to VAT dues, the tax tax on goods and services they sell but In China, gold was sold at $17-$20 an taxes worth Rs61.40 billion. the dues increased because of deferral authority collected Rs5.09 billion who failed to submit details and depos- ounce discounts to international spot Tax dues are created if the taxpay- of tax payment deadline repeatedly in against the target of Rs5.97 billion. it their collections accordingly. price versus last week’s $10-$16 range. ers fail to pay the tax in time. For the last fiscal year due to the impact of “Even though we recovered a good As per the section 21 (3) of the Discounts of $3-$5 per ounce were example, income tax other than tax coronavirus on taxpayers as well as amount of tax dues, there is still a Financial Act 2020, the tax authority offered in Hong Kong. deducted at source (TDS) needs to be the tax authority failing to send tax huge amount of dues,” said Mukti has asked these taxpayers to submit “We have seen an increase in activi- paid thrice in a year—by mid-January, inspectors in the field to recover dues. Pandey, deputy director-general at the the tax details and pay the tax includ- ty this week primarily because of the by mid-April and by mid-July self-as- Since March, the government has department. “The recovery of the tax ing 50 percent fine on the top of the significant drop in metal prices. So, sessing the tax liability. extended the payment deadline of tax dues takes time and dues remains con- tax dues by mid-March next year. we have seen drive towards retail In the cases of VAT, it should be citing the impact of the Covid-19 on tinuously in the tax system.” Earlier this week, the tax authority interest,” said Keanan Brackenridge, paid along with tax details within 25 the businesses. The final deadline set According to him, some taxpayers also announced a similar scheme product manager at LPM Group Ltd. days after the taxation period, say one for paying the tax was till August 23, cannot pay the tax at once and the tax for the income taxpayers who had Benchmark spot gold slipped to an month, is over. this fiscal year. authority allows such taxpayers to pay failed to submit tax details and taxpay- over 4-month low of $1,800.01 an ounce “The amount of outstanding tax In the last fiscal year, the tax author- the dues in instalments. ers. As many as 280,638 taxpayers can this week. dues is alarming,” a former official of ity recovered an impressive amount “Some taxpayers, however, run benefit from it with a waiver of fee Singapore premiums eased to $1.20 tax authority told the Post. “At least of Rs24.53 billion from taxpayers who away from their duty to pay tax and and interest. an ounce from $1.40 quoted last week. India’s economic contraction slows as vaccines boost recovery hopes REUTERS National Statistical Office on Friday by a pick up in demand for consumer NEW DELHI, NOV 28 showed, compared to a decline of 23.9 and investment goods. “Overall, while percent in the previous three months. the recovery provides optimism, cau- The contraction of the Indian econo- Analysts in a Reuters poll had fore- tion on the pandemic and therefore on my eased off in the three months to cast an 8.8 percent contraction in the the economy is still warranted.” September amid signs of a pick up in latest period. Annual growth of 3.4 Consumer spending - the main driv- manufacturing, and economists percent in farm sector and 0.6 percent er of the economy—dropped 11.3 per- expect a steady recovery next year if in manufacturing during September cent year-on-year in July-September progress on coronavirus vaccines quarter raised hopes of an early compared to a revised 26.7 percent fall feeds consumer demand. recovery as the government gears up in the previous quarter, data showed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to distribute coronavirus vaccines to a while capital investments were down whose party won elections this month country with about 1.4 billion people. 7.3 percent compared to a 47.1 percent in the eastern state of Bihar, expects “The Q2 GDP numbers are fall in the previous quarter. The the recent easing of farm and labour encouraging,” said Krishnamurthy Reserve Bank of India, which has laws, along with tax incentives, to bol- Subramanian, chief economic adviser slashed its benchmark repo rate by a ster manufacturing and lure more for- at the ministry of finance, after the total of 115 basis points since March eign investment. release of the data. to cushion the shock from the crisis, is India’s gross domestic product in Citing growth in manufacturing expected to keep rates on hold at its July-September quarter contracted 7.5 and farm sectors, he said there were policy review meeting next week due percent on year, data released by the signs of a “V” shaped recovery helped to growing concerns about inflation.

POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA Business persons cast their votes to elect the new executive committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the largest private sector lobby group of the country, at the Nepal Academy Hall in Kathmandu on Saturday. Voters are divided between two groups competing in the elections that take place every three years. The race for the senior vice president is fierce as the senior vice president is automatically elected president in the next term. Chinese buying spree pressures European Union’s grain market

REUTERS ket,” a French trader said. “Everything Despite harvesting a quarter PARIS, NOV 28 is expensive and it’s all about export- less wheat and barley this year, France ing rather than importing.” is set to ship even more of those China’s massive appetite for grain is Tightening grain supply is not cereals to China than last season’s rippling through Europe’s markets, expected to be visible in food prices. hefty volumes. fuelling sharp price rallies as traders Key suppliers like millers have That has left room for Germany, struggle to meet relentless export advance cover, commodities are dilut- Poland and the Baltic states to demand amid dwindling supplies. ed by other supply chain costs, and export more wheat to Algeria, As local buyers like livestock feed supermarkets compete heavily on food usually overwhelmingly supplied makers vie with importers for a staples. But upstream, grain proces- by France. shrinking European cereal surplus, sors may have to slow buying if The northern EU countries are also prices could continue rising until exports keep flowing out of Europe, shipping wheat to Asian markets like demand is dampened or next crops are traders say. Pakistan, as higher Russian prices harvested around the world, traders Loss of out-of-home food and beer and precautionary purchases by and analysts said. demand due to coronavirus lockdowns importers during the Covid-19 pan- China has been on an extended buy- may let them stretch their stocks to demic stoke demand. ing spree of global grain, partly due to some extent, they say. Exports of common wheat, or soft a rebuilding of its pork industry after Yet they may have to limit buying wheat, from the EU plus Britain in a swine disease epidemic. further as the market awaits South 2020/21 are running 20 percent below Europe harvested a smaller cereal American maize crops in the spring last season’s record pace. But that crop this year and rival wheat and next summer’s European wheat compares with a 40 percent lag two exporter Russia has shipped less than harvest, currently set to rebound. months ago. The gap could narrow expected, while the EU’s main maize “At the end of the day, we’re looking further as large recent sales are supplier Ukraine has grappled at a very strong need to ration wheat shipped out. with drought. demand in Europe in the coming Traders said several vessels of “China has really upended the mar- months,” consultancy Agritel said. French feed barley have been sold for shipment to China in summer 2021, unusually early sales for the next crop that sent French barley premiums surging this month. French barley sales to China have accelerated due to tensions between Beijing and main barley supplier Australia. Within Europe, grain buyers have not found relief in maize either. Ukraine’s drought-diminished crop has curbed expected flows to the import-reliant EU livestock industry, raising prices and prompting proces- sors to use more feed wheat or second- ary cereals. Maize imports in 2020/21 so far by the EU and Britain—which remains in the EU’s single market until REUTERS December—are 17 percent lower than A farmer ploughs his field during sunset, as he sows wheat in Havrincourt, France. a year ago.

C M Y K SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 | 06 WORLD BRIEFING Speed of viral spread US aircraft carrier deployed DUBAI: US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was deployed to the Gulf this week, causes concern in days before the killing of Iran’s top nuclear scientist, although the US Navy said on Saturday the deploy- ment was not related to any specific threat. “There were no specific South Korea threats that triggered the return of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group,” India’s figures show no signs of resurgence in coronavirus Commander Rebecca Rebarich, spokeswoman for the US Navy’s infections as a result of major festivals two weeks ago. Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, said in an emailed statement after the carrier deployed on Wednesday. Mohsen ASSOCIATED PRESS restrictions this week and could be Fakhrizadeh, the Iranian scientist SEOUL, NOV 28 forced to clamp down on economic suspected by the West of master- activities further if transmissions minding a secret nuclear bomb pro- South Korea reported more than 500 don’t slow. gramme, was killed in an ambush new coronavirus cases for the third India’s coronavirus infections near Tehran on Friday, threatening to straight day on Saturday, the fastest dipped further with 41,322 new cases provoke a new confrontation between spread of infections the country has reported in the past 24 hours, and Iran and its foes in the last weeks of seen since the early days of the pan- there was no signs of a resurgence as Donald Trump’s presidency. Rebarich demic. a result of a major festival two weeks said the redeployment was related to The 504 cases reported by the Korea ago. The high point of new infections a US drawdown in Iraq and Disease Control and Prevention this week was 44,739 on Wednesday. Afghanistan. brought the total number of infections Single-day cases have remained below since the pandemic began to 33,375, the 50,000-mark for three weeks. AP/RSS including 522 deaths. The capital also saw a drop in daily Pro-democracy demonstrators march on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, They are calling for the government to step down and Court rejects election case Around 330 of the new cases came cases with 5,482 after recording an all- reforms to the constitution and the monarchy, despite legal charges being filed against them. WASHINGTON: A federal appeals court from the Seoul metropolitan area, time high on November 11. The feder- on Friday rejected an attempt by US home to about half of the country’s 51 al government blamed state authori- President Donald Trump’s campaign million people, where health workers ties’ inability to ramp up testing and to block President-elect Joe Biden are struggling to stem transmissions enforce social distancing for the surge from being declared the winner of linked to hospitals, schools, saunas, in New Delhi. Pennsylvania, dealing another signif- gyms and army units. On Saturday, India’s death toll rose Infections were also reported in by 485 to to 136,200. In an effort to stop Thousands of farmers, police icant setback to Trump’s bid to over- turn the November 3 election. “Free, other major cities including Daegu, the virus from spreading, the Home fair elections are the lifeblood of our which was the epicenter of the coun- Ministry has allowed states to impose democracy. Charges of unfairness are try’s previous major outbreak in late local restrictions like night curfews February and March. but has asked them to consult before face off at New Delhi border serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so,” wrote Stephanos The recent spike in infections came imposing lockdowns at state, district REUTERS Bibas on behalf of a three-judge after the government eased social dis- or city levels. They appeared ready for a long sit- Rahul Gandhi also slammed the gov- NEW DELHI, NOV 28 panel. “Charges require specific alle- tancing restrictions to the lowest lev- Health authorities in Thailand have in and refused to relocate to a desig- ernment. gations and then proof. We have nei- els in October to support a weak econ- traced and tested more than 300 people nated protest site, raising fears of “Our slogan was, ‘Hail the Soldier, ther here,” wrote Bibas, who was omy, allowing high-risk venues like who were in contact with a Thai India deployed hundreds of police and fresh clashes between security forces Hail the Farmer,’ but today PM Modi’s nominated by Trump. nightclubs and karaoke bars to reopen women who returned from Myanmar paramilitary forces at a New Delhi and protesters. arrogance made the soldier stand and spectators to return to sports. and tested positive for coronavirus border on Saturday as thousands of On Friday, police fired tear gas and against the farmer. This is very dan- Officials reimposed some of the after avoiding mandatory quarantine. farmers from neighbouring states water cannons to disperse the protest- gerous,” Gandhi tweeted in reaction to Brexit negotiations restart blocked major roads into the capital, ers before letting them march into the a photo of a policeman attempting to in protest against recent agricultural capital and stage a protest at a desig- hit a farmer with a baton. LONDON: Face-to-face negotiations deregulation. nated site. Modi’s laws, enacted in September, between Britain and the European A day after clashes ended with an Both security forces and farmers let farmers sell their produce any- Union over a trade deal restarted on agreement that the farmers could have installed barricades to prevent a where, including to big corporate buy- Saturday, in a last-ditch attempt to demonstrate in the capital, tensions repeat of Friday’s clashes. ers like Walmart Inc, not just at gov- find agreement with just five weeks rose again in the protests over laws Harbhajan Singh, 75, from Amritsar ernment-regulated wholesale markets to go before their current relation- that farmers fear could rob them of in the major northern farming state where growers are assured of a mini- ship ends. EU negotiator Michel minimum guaranteed prices for their of Punjab, said he and others were mum procurement price. Barnier arrived for talks in London produce. carrying provisions and were pre- But many small growers worry they on Saturday morning. He said he was Farmers who arrived in trucks, pared to camp out. will be left vulnerable to big business “very happy” to be back and would buses and tractors at Delhi’s Singhu “We have been harassed by the gov- and could eventually lose the price keep working with “patience and border with Haryana state on Friday, ernment. We want a special parlia- supports for key staples such as wheat determination”. Barnier and blocked the main northern highway ment session for withdrawal of the and rice. Britain’s chief negotiator David Frost into the capital on Saturday morning, new farm laws,” Singh said, adding he The government says there is no are working to secure a deal before chanting slogans against Prime hopes farmers from other states will plan to eliminate wholesale markets. the UK’s transition period ends on AP/RSS Minister Narendra Modi’s govern- join the protests to pressure on the It hopes deregulation attracts invest- December 31. Both sides are calling People wearing face masks as a precaution against coronavirus watch Christmas decorations ment and waved the red, yellow and government. ment and fixes supply chains that lose for compromises. (AGENCIES) at a store in Seoul, South Korea. green flags of farmer’s unions. Opposition Congress Party leader one-fourth of the produce to wastage. Kashmir people vote in local Biden win: Some Guantanamo polls amid cold and security prisoners may be released ASSOCIATED PRESS and “participate in the biggest festival ously opposed Modi’s government SRINAGAR, NOV 28 of democracy.” after it revoked the region’s semi-au- Trump had ended practice of reviewing cases of inmates and possibly releasing them. As standard protocol for the corona- tonomous status in August last year, Thousands of people in Indian- virus pandemic, authorities placed annulled its separate constitution, controlled Kashmir voted on Saturday hand sanitizers, face masks and ther- split the area into two federal territo- ASSOCIATED PRESS to allay concerns that some of those amid tight security and freezing cold mal scanners at the polling stations, ries — Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir WASHINGTON, NOV 28 released had “returned to the fight,” temperatures in the first phase of where voters cast their ballot in freez- — and removed inherited protections set up a process to ensure those repat- local elections, the first since New ing cold across the region. on land and jobs. The oldest prisoner at the Guantanamo riated or resettled in third countries Delhi revoked the disputed region’s India says the polls are a vital grass- The Indian government imposed Bay detention center went to his latest no longer posed a threat. It also semiautonomous status. roots exercise to boost development sweeping restrictions, ranging from review board hearing with a planned to try some of the men in Nearly 6 million people across the and address civic issues and will curfews to communications blackouts, degree of hope, something that has federal court. region’s 20 districts are eligible to uproot corruption from the region. arrested thousands, including pro-In- been scarce during his 16 years locked But his closure effort was thwarted elect 280 members of District Separatist leaders and armed rebel dia Kashmiri leaders opposed to the up without charges at the US base in when Congress barred the transfer of Development Councils in a staggered groups that challenge India’s sover- move and enacted new laws in meas- Cuba. prisoners from Guantanamo to the eight-phase process that ends Dec. 19. eignty over Kashmir have in the past ures that triggered widespread anger Saifullah Paracha, a 73-year-old US, including for prosecution or Authorities deployed tens of thou- called for a boycott of elections, call- and economic ruin. Pakistani with diabetes and a heart medical care. Obama ended up releas- sands of additional soldiers in the ing them an illegitimate exercise The current voting is part of a condition, had two things going for ing 197 prisoners, leaving 41 for already highly militarized region to under military occupation. three-tier process in which residents him that he didn’t have at previous Trump. guard the vote. Indian Prime Minister Narendra directly elect their village representa- hearings: a favorable legal develop- Trump in his 2016 campaign prom- Government forces laid razor wire Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya tives, who then vote to form develop- ment and the election of Joe Biden. ised to “load” Guantanamo with and erected steel barricades on roads Janata Party has fiercely campaigned ment councils for clusters of villages President Donald Trump had effec- “some bad dudes,” but largely ignored around many of the 2,146 polling sta- for the election in the Muslim-majority called “Block Development Councils.” tively ended the Obama administra- the issue after rescinding tions set up for the first phase of the region in a bid to replace local Members for the larger, third and tion’s practice of reviewing the cases Obama’s policies. His administration elections.. Kashmiri pro-India parties that had top layer “District Development of men held at Guantanamo and approved a single release, a Saudi who Election Commissioner KK Sharma formed an alliance. Councils” are also directly elected by releasing them if imprisonment was pleaded guilty before a military com- appealed to residents to cast their vote The Kashmiri alliance has vigor- the residents. no longer deemed necessary. Now AP/RSS mission. there’s hope that will resume under This image provided by counsel to Saifullah Of those remaining, seven men Biden. Paracha shows Paracha at the Guantanamo have cases pending before a military “I am more hopeful now simply Bay detention center. commission. They include five men because we have an administration to accused of planning and supporting look forward to that isn’t dead set on the September 11 attacks. Additionally, ignoring the existing review process,” there are two prisoners who were con- Paracha’s attorney, Shelby Sullivan- Guantanamo was victed by commission and three facing Bennis, said by phone from the base potential prosecution for the 2002 Bali on November 19 after the hearing. once source of bombing. “The simple existence of that on the Paracha’s attorney raised his health horizon I think is hope for all of us.” outrage and symbol issues, which include a heart attack in Guantanamo was once a source of 2006, at his review board, speaking by global outrage and a symbol of US of United States’ secure teleconference with US securi- excess in response to terrorism. But it excess in response ty and defence agencies. largely faded from the headlines after She also raised an important legal President Barack Obama failed to to terrorism. development. Paracha, who lived in close it, even as 40 men continue to be the US and owned property in New detained there. York City, was a wealthy businessman Those pushing for its closure now in Pakistan. Authorities say he was an see a window of opportunity, hoping Watch. al-Qaida “facilitator” who helped Biden’s administration will find a way The detention center opened in two of the September 11 conspirators to prosecute those who can be 2002. President George W Bush’s with a financial transaction. He prosecuted and release the rest, extri- administration transformed what had says he didn’t know they were al-Qai- cating the US from a detention center been a sleepy Navy outpost on Cuba’s da and denies any involvement in ter- that costs more than $445 million per southeastern tip into a place to rorism. year. interrogate and imprison people sus- Uzair Paracha, his son, was Biden’s precise intentions for pected of links to al-Qaida and the convicted in 2005 in federal court in Guantanamo remain unclear. Taliban after the September 11, 2001 New York of providing support to ter- Transition spokesman Ned Price said attacks. rorism, based in part on the same the president-elect supports closing it, US authorities maintain the men witnesses held at Guantanamo but it would be inappropriate to dis- can be held as “law of war” detainees, that the US has relied on to justify cuss his plans in detail before he’s in remaining in custody for the holding his father. In March, after a office. duration of hostilities, an open-ended judge threw out those witness His reticence is actually welcome to prospect. accounts and the government decided those who have pressed to close At its peak in 2003—the year not to seek a new trial, Uzair Paracha Guantanamo. Obama’s early pledge to Paracha was captured in Thailand was released and sent back to close it is now seen as a strategic mis- because of suspected ties to al-Qaida Pakistan. take that undercut what had been a — Guantanamo held about 700 prison- Had his father been convicted in the bipartisan issue. ers from nearly 50 countries. Bush US, his fate might have been the same. “I think it’s more likely to close if it announced his intention to close it, Instead, it will likely be in Biden’s doesn’t become a huge press issue,” though 242 were still held there when hands and, Sullivan-Bennis said, time said Andrea Prasow, deputy his presidency ended. is of the essence. “It could be a death Washington director at Human Rights The Obama administration, seeking sentence.”

C M Y K 07 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Brighton convert late penalty to hold Liverpool 1-1 Southampton’s Ings returns to training after knee surgery A stoppage-time penalty from Pascal Gross forces Jurgen Klopp’s side to settle for a 1-1 draw at Brighton after Diogo Jota’s goal gives the Reds lead. SOUTHAMPTON: Southampton striker Danny Ings is back training following AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Brighton area. Skipping past two knee surgery but Sunday’s Premier BRIGHTON, NOV 28 Brighton defenders, Jota cleverly League match against Manchester drilled low shot back into the bottom United comes too early for the Liverpool were frustrated by VAR as corner. 28-year-old, manager Ralph Pascal Gross’s controversial late pen- Jota has enjoyed a superb start to Hasenhuettl said on Friday. Ings, alty rescued a dramatic 1-1 draw for life with the Premier League champi- who scored five league goals in Brighton at the Amex Stadium on ons, scoring nine times in 14 games seven matches before undergoing the Saturday. since signing from Wolves in operation, last played for the Saints Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead September. Salah was substituted just in their 4-3 victory at Aston Villa at through Diogo Jota’s second half after the goal, but he didn’t seem the start of the month. “It was only a strike after Brighton’s Neal Maupay happy with Klopp’s move, gesticulat- light surgery and it looks good,” had missed a penalty in the first half. ing with his hands and ignoring the Hasenhuettl told reporters. “Danny’s But Liverpool were stunned in stop- German when he walked past him to back in training and might be an page-time when Andrew Robertson’s the bench. option for the Brighton (& Hove challenge on Danny Welbeck was Liverpool were seconds away from Albion) game (next month).” ruled a penalty after Stuart Attwell three points when Robertson went to Hasenhuettl said forward Theo overturned his initial decision. clear in his own area as Welbeck Walcott, who scored the opener in Gross converted from the spot, leav- closed in. Robertson’s foot made con- their 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton ing Klopp sarcastically applauding the tact with Welbeck, but there were few Wanderers last time out, had officials at the end of a disappointing appeals from Brighton before Attwell sustained a broken wrist. “He’s week for Liverpool after their shock awarded a contentious penalty after in a bit of pain but it’s not a Champions League defeat at home to consulting the pitchside monitor. With problem for the weekend,” Atalanta. Maupay off the pitch, Gross took this Hasenhuettl added. It was one of those days for one and fired down the middle to sal- Liverpool, who also saw goals correct- vage an unexpected point.

ly disallowed by VAR for offside Earlier, new signing Joelinton pro- Aston Villa midfielder Barkley against Mohamed Salah and Sadio vided an assist and scored a late goal out for up to three weeks Mane. There was more bad news for as Newcastle beat Crystal Palace 2-0. injury-ravaged Liverpool as James With Palace badly missing the LONDON: Aston Villa midfielder Ross Milner was forced off in the second AP/RSS creative presence of Wilfried Zaha due Barkley will be out of action for two half. Klopp had claimed it was almost Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (third right) scores a goal during the English Premier League match against Brighton in Brighton, England on Saturday. to a positive coronavirus test, the to three weeks with a hamstring inju- a “crime” that Liverpool had to fea- match seemed to be meandering ry, manager Dean Smith said on ture in the early Saturday match after from just inside the Brighton area. was tripped in the penalty area by the scuffed his shot past Brighton keeper towards a goalless stalemate until the Saturday. Barkley, who is on loan playing in the Champions League just With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez panicked Neco Williams after he was Mat Ryan. But VAR curtailed Salah’s visitors struck twice in the final two from Chelsea, picked up the injury in three days earlier. injured and Joel Matip rested, Klopp’s caught out of position. Maupay celebrations as he was ruled offside by minutes. the opening minutes of Villa’s 2-1 He made six changes from the makeshift defence were exposed when stepped up to take the spot-kick, but the tightest of margins. Joelinton first played creator for Premier League defeat by Brighton Atalanta game as Jota, Fabinho, Maupay’s pass sent the unmarked his side-foot effort went wide despite After a spluttering first half, Klopp’s Callum Wilson to score his seventh & Hove Albion last weekend. The Roberto Firmino, Andrew Robertson, Aaron Connolly racing through on Alisson diving the wrong way. It was a men finally found some rhythm fol- goal since a £20 million ($26.6 million) 26-year-old, who has two goals and Takumi Minamino and Nathaniel goal. But with just Liverpool ‘keeper lucky escape for Liverpool and lowing Jordan Henderson’s introduc- move from Bournemouth with a calm an assist in eight games this season, Phillips came into the starting line-up. Alisson Becker to beat, Connolly lost Maupay’s misery was compounded tion at the break. In a warning that close range finish. The Brazilian then will miss Monday’s trip to West Ham Liverpool should have taken the lead his nerve and timidly guided his shot when he limped off injured moments Brighton failed to heed, Jota turned to bagged just his third Premier League United. “Ross obviously got a ham- in the opening moments when well wide. Connolly’s runs were caus- later. flash a shot narrowly wide and in the goal since a £40 million transfer from string injury against Brighton Fabinho unfurled a perfectly-weighted ing Liverpool problems and when the Liverpool thought they had hit back 60th minute the Portugal forward put Hoffenheim in July 2019 as he cut so he’s going to be out for two, long pass that picked out Salah’s run, Brighton forward made another well- with a sucker punch when Salah Liverpool. Robertson found Salah and inside Scott Dann and saw his effort three weeks,” Smith said. “Nothing but the Egyptian fired wastefully wide timed incursion in the 20th minute, he sprinted onto Firmino’s pass and his pass teed up Jota on the edge of the deflect in off Gary Cahill. more than that. It’s not as bad as what we first feared. “He’s done a week already. We’re not going to rush him, and we’re going to make sure he’s fully fit because we don’t want to Diego Maradona’s Hand Of God Bairstow revels in role of lose him again.” Indian players fined 20 percent shirt could be available for $2 million Mr Versatile for England of match fee for slow over rate REUTERS having played different formats of the SYDNEY: Indian players will lose 20 REUTERS direction. I just tugged my shirt and put a number on it. If you find the CAPE TOWN, NOV 28 game, whether you are opening or percent of their match fees for taking BUENOS AIRES, NOV 28 we swapped there and then,” Hodge, right person in the right place, it’s a batting at number six, you learn to more than the allotted time for bowl- who had been delayed on leaving the realistic possibility,” Amerman England’s Jonny Bairstow believes he craft your innings in different ways,” ing their overs in the first one-day The shirt worn by Diego Maradona pitch doing a TV interview, told explained. “Maradona’s rookie foot- can play a role anywhere amongst Bairstow said at the post-match pres- international against hosts Australia when he scored his famous “Hand Of British media. The shirt is currently ball card, we recently sold a copy for their top six batsmen after a magnifi- entation. “Different surfaces will in Sydney, the International Cricket God” goal against England at the 1986 on display at England’s National $10,000. This is a card that was worth cent match-winning performance in a change our (batting) order, but we are Council said on Saturday. Virat World Cup in Mexico could be availa- Football Museum in Manchester. maybe a few hundred dollars just a five-wicket victory over South Africa fortunate to have people who can come Kohli’s men were found one over ble for $2 million following the “It’s very difficult to gauge few years ago, and that was before his in the first Twenty20 International at in and play different positions. The short of their target in the stipulated Argentine’s death on Wednesday, says [the value] with the “Hand Of God” death. I saw one yesterday online that Newlands on Friday. rate went up 13 (runs per over) at one time and were penalised by match ref- an American sports memorabilia jersey, but I know that the owner they were asking $20,000 for.” England were in trouble at 34-3 in point, but if you look at our lineup, we eree David Boon at the conclusion of expert. was looking for a $2 million private But Amerman sounded a note of the sixth over, chasing 180 to win, always feel we are in the game.” the match, which Australia won by 66 The shirt is owned by former sale,” David Amerman of Goldin caution for those thinking of getting before Bairstow bludgeoned nine Bairstow’s innings was particularly runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. England player Steve Hodge, who got Auction in New Jersey told Reuters. involved in the Maradona memorabil- fours and four sixes for an unbeaten 86 eye-catching given how most other “Kohli pleaded guilty to the offence it from Maradona after the match in “It certainly could be a possibility, the ia market following the Argentine’s from 48 balls to take them to victory in batsmen struggled on the sticky sur- and accepted the proposed sanction, which his attempted back pass led to values have jumped quite a bit in death aged 60 after a heart attack. a perfect audition for next year’s T20 face. “The ball bowled into the pitch so there was no need for a formal the controversial goal that helped football.” “Right now we’re definitely seeing World Cup in India. He batted at num- was tricky, they were bowling a lot of hearing,” the ICC said in a dump England out of the tournament “It’s very difficult to see how it increased action—I’ve already got ber four with England choosing to slower balls. You have to try and main- statement. The second of the which Argentina went on to win in would get to the two million dollar inquiries from people who have pur- open with Jason Roy and Jos Buttler, tain your weight forward, which is three-match, 50-over series Mexico. price, but I don’t see why an individu- chased Maradona items on our site who both failed on a slow wicket that hard when it is pitched halfway down will be played at the same “I was walking down the tunnel and al who had the money wouldn’t want looking to sell them back in our next was not easy for stroke-making. and they are bowling at 140 clicks (km venue on Sunday. (AGENCIES) Maradona was coming in the opposite something like that—you can’t really auction.” “It is something you have to enjoy, per hour),” he said. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Today marks the beginning of a new phase in your You can put an end to the friction you’ve been feeling Giving someone a helping hand is something you The goal you have set for yourself is extremely life. Suddenly your outlook is going to be much more with an authority figure if you just give in and agree should do because it’s the right thing to do, not attainable if you persevere. The contest is yours to positive. You understand that things are possible and to let them be the boss! You might be pushing back because you want people to see you as selfless. Find lose, so there’s no need to worry about ending up that you are capable! Starting new adventures feels just for the sake of pushing back, or maybe you want another way to promote yourself. Don’t get other with the short end of the stick. If you concentrate exciting today. to show them how tough you are. people involved in it. and stick to your carefully laid plans, all will be well.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Things between you and a new cutie are just getting This could be one of those days when whatever you Regardless of whether you’re dealing with a major Suddenly your daily routine is going to feel comfort- started, but don’t rush out and make any commit- do will be fun. You can have a good time doing any- or minor life change, today is the day to start making ing, not boring. This is good news because it doesn’t ments to this relationship. You need to take it slowly thing if you stay positive! You’re entitled to have it happen. The stars are favoring new beginnings. So look as if there will be much variation in the upcom- unless you want to get in over your head. Leave good luck and no pressure, so that’s exactly what you much good energy is flowing right now that what you ing weeks. The patterns of your life are coming things set on low heat and let the boil come naturally. will have. start today will surely end in success. together to form a very interesting picture.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Whether you’re prepared for it or not, you’ll finally Don’t take things too seriously right now. Whatever Unless you have a crush on a mind reader, you need You have a very sharp mind. Use it to cut through the get the challenge you’ve been itching for! Clear your you’re mixed up in has a long way to go before it’s to start being more obvious about your feelings if baloney that someone will be spewing today. They mind and focus on staying cool under pressure. finalised, so you can feel free to lighten up. Doing so you want a new romance to bloom! And if there’s no might be able to create an illusion that other people Fulfilling all of your hopes and wishes is possible in will help you stay high-spirited and smiling, which current cutie to crush on, then be more romantic buy into, but you aren’t as gullible as other people. life only if you take things slowly and deliberately! will make things a lot easier. toward your very own self. Have fun with it. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 | 08 BLACKBOARD (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 I want to be a farmer People still have a stereotypical, traditional notion about farming; they think of it as a laborious job of the poor. This attitude needs to change.

DIPTI BARAL chartered accountant? Such thoughts your way to get to the place you want.” always crossed my mind. And that was the moment I decided I want want to be a farmer. Quite far from But thank god, I got my answers one to be a farmer, just like my parents. cities, I wish to have my home, in fateful night. I often hear people saying: “I worked as the middle of a large farm I own. I a farmer, made a living in the dirt, but my would surround my farm, not with children will work in an office.” But if walls, but with fruit trees, shrubs, The most effective way everyone will think this way then who and bushes. will produce the food? II would live a colourful life. Red would to improve the lives of Let me ask you all a question: Where come from my garden strawberries, chil- did you rush to and what did you buy lies, tomatoes and roses. Yellow from the millions, particularly when you heard about the lockdown? Did pumpkin, lime, lemons and marigolds. you buy fashionable clothes? Or did you Green from the vegetable vines, some in developing buy gold? Or was food the first thing on from cucumbers. The brinjals would add countries, is to your mind? the purple. Radish and cauliflower would Agriculture needs educated youths like impart the white colour to my life. Grapes promote agriculture. you and me. The most effective way to and berries would give the black. I would improve the lives of millions of people, add many live colours to my life. Bees particularly in developing countries like would make my life musical while honey It was a beautiful night, all bright with Nepal, is by promoting agriculture. would add sweetness and jasmine fra- the moon’s light. I was sitting in the Business and entrepreneurship are often grance to it. veranda with my dad, enjoying the cool referred to as the backbone of the econo- However, even in the midst of dream- breeze and the calm night. We started my, and so it should be implemented in ing of this life, I get shattered by the bit- talking about our lives. My dad said to agriculture, so that it can provide employ- ter truth. People still have a stereotypical, me, “Dear, I am getting old now. I am ment for many. traditional notion about farming; they thinking of retiring from my job.” Entrepreneurship in agriculture can think of it as a laborious job of the poor. SHUTTERSTOCK I nodded with a smile. be a lot more than raising livestock and “You must study well to be a great person, sion.” This man and his simplicity who watered the cucumbers, the sponge He continued, “I believe, we have raised growing crops. There is a lot of opportu- otherwise you have to be a farmer and remind me that we should never forget gourds and the bitter gourds in our farm you well to be anything you want to be, nity to be exploited in floriculture, fisher- plough the land.” This is what we have our roots. He could call himself a founder my entire holiday. And today, I feel proud and you will make us proud.” At that ies, herbal medicine, aromatics, tree been hearing our whole lives. We are of his school or a teacher but he address- of how I grew up. Call it heredity or nur- time, I was not sure of what I wanted to farming, agro-tourism. Invest your talent taught to believe that Nepal is an agricul- es himself as a farmer. Despite his busy ture, I am passionate about farming. But be. But I was soon after he said, “I will in agriculture, and you are going to make tural country and at the same time we are schedule, he finds time for his farm and it took me a while to decide. retire from being a teacher and just be a it a beautiful career that everybody taught to look down upon this occupation. makes sure that none of his land is bar- Today I wonder how I did not see the farmer.” Pointing to the large tree at a wants. But I come from an agricultural family ren. My mum too spends more on the value of what I had. I was pursuing my distance he said, “The piece of land over that taught me the value of food and the farm than at home. I grew up doing agri- degree in bachelors in agriculture and there is enough for your mum and me to Baral is an undergraduate student of worth of a farmer. cultural work. We used to have a month- still I was questioning whether it was live off of for the rest of our lives, grow- agriculture science at College of Natural I recall my dad saying, “I am a farmer long holiday in Chaitra after our final really something I wanted to pursue. ing veggies and earn our living. The rest Resource Management, Puranchaur, by occupation and a teacher by profes- exam when I was in school. I was the one Perhaps I could have been a lawyer or a of the property is all yours. You use it Kaski. FICTION PARK Turning scars into stars CHANDRA KUMAR PHUYAL

ama, why don’t we have a home like the others? Why do we sleep out on the street under the naked sky even though it is so cold?” asked eight-year-old Hirendra to his mother Sita. Hearing his questions broke Sita’s heart. She felt hot tears brimming in her eyes but she man- agedA to suppress them. She replied, “Babu, you are too small to understand our destiny. The only thing you should understand for now is that you need to persevere and work hard towards turning your scars into stars. Stay true to your goals, be honest to them or harsher days will come.” Every day, for the past few years, had been an uphill struggle for Sita to survive. But never did she think of giving up. Every day, she would accept any challenge life threw at her and work for her and her children. She would always see the silver lining in every dark cloud. And because she was aware of the fact that education is a must to live a good life, she began to send Hirendra to a govern- ment school. With Hirendra at school, Sita would beg for alms from morn- ing to evening on the street with her daughter, a two-year-old baby. Some of the people passing them by would turn a deaf ear to her grievance, some of them would pass by spitting and kick- ing them. Only a few kind-hearted people would give them some charity with which they would live. The three of them would huddle together into a single sack and spend cold nights. But their shelter at a corner below the Bagmati Bridge was not safe at all. Sometimes rain would send them searching for a new place, sometimes they would be displaced by the authorities. There were also times when stray dogs would cruelly attack them in the middle of the night. Poor Sita had no option rather than to tolerate them all. Life was tough on young Hirendra too, despite his mother’s attempts to shield him from the world’s cruelty. The boy’s day would begin with dawn and end very late every night. The chilly winter-wind, the scorching summer-sun, the torrential rain, the whirlpool and thunderstorm, hunger and starvation all were his intimate friends. Besides giving his mother a hand in the morn- ing and evening, he would spend his day sincerely architecting his destiny in school. Amidst the incredible scarcities, his extraordinary performance in his studies would impress and surprise everyone. But nights would be the toughest for the child. Going to bed with his mother and two-year-old sister on an empty stomach on some days would tug at his heart. Time and again his mother’s advice echoed in his mind, particularly whenever he was about to be swayed by bad influence. “Only if you honestly study with perseverance can we be rescued from this misery,” his mom often told him. Despite being so young, he understood well what the situation his family was going through. And he was determined to one day turn his destiny upside down for his family through his honest perseverance. And Hirendra’s performance at school assured everyone that he would do well in life. But, on the other hand, his friends on the streets would be very annoyed with him for not following their path. Many often tried to influence him to follow their ways of living, of stealing, smoking and using drugs, but he never drifted towards their track. They would tear his books and copies and beat him black and blue. But Hirendra continued in his struggle to achieve his mission undisturbed. As a result, he got his hard-work paid off. His dream came true when eventually joined the civil service after completing his studies. Highly responsible and with a dashing character, Hirendra quickly rose through the ranks. Soon, he became a chief admin- istrator. His mother Sita was overwhelmed, as she had never imagined that her son could have obtained that much height in his career so quickly. But with the job came mounting pressure of responsibilities to bring everything into a system. His designated area was in a complete mess, full of corruption, anarchism, nepotism, favorit- ism, deformities etc. But he had ways out to each of the issues that he could implement one by one. He began to deliver based on priorities. Of course, the issue of street children was one of his priori- ties, as he could feel the children’s miseries and agonies. He had seen the country’s bright future upon the success of their rescue but ignoring the issue would tarnish the image of the city no matter how much developments you would make in the rest of the sectors. “My heart pounds violently, my whole body shakes with trepi- dation and eyes grow tearful when I think of my childhood. Street children have a voice nobody has heard of so far,” Hirendra told his mother one day. To which his mother promptly replied, “The only thing you should understand for now is that you need to persevere and work hard towards turning your scars into stars.” Hirendra found a new purpose again.

Phuyal is a teacher and freelance writer.

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