l 17-23 Spet, 2007 l # 34 l Price Rs. 25 Bhashwor Ojha Indian foreign secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon with PM Koirala on Sunday. Exit? PM refuses to dole out ‘republic gift’ to Maoists

ä nf correspondent the party in favour of eight-party unity, but would also bring Ram Bahadur Thapa aka Badal, An intense tug of war among the top echelons in backed by Mohan Vaidya and C P Gajurel, in the the Communist Party of -Maoists (CPN- forefront of the Maoist leadership. M) and Prime Minister GP Koirala’s refusal to Home minister K P Sitaula’s shuttled between gift them a republic Nepal ‘now’ has brought the the residence of the prime minister and government’s neck to a political guillotine. Prachanda to save the coalition, with an Maoists inched very close to withdrawing from assurance that a republic Nepal was just a Koirala led government ending their five and a couple of months away, and that collapse of the half month partnership in the coalition would weaken that eight-party coalition. The last hope Maoists told prospect, apparently failed to that the Maoists would reconsider convince the Maoists. “We have their extreme move was dashed; Koirala that had enough of assurance and we after Prachanda and Baburam they were not do not trust the Congress any explained Koirala’s acts of deceits, more,” Prachanda is believed to and pressure from their own scared of their have told Sitaula. The home cadres to quit the government, future political minister also assured that he when India’s foreign secretary prospects. would undertake to ensure that Shiv Shankar Menon met them on the Congress party’s republic Saturday evening. Maoists however, relented to agenda is endorsed by the general assembly of his advice and indefinitely postponed their round the party. table conference rescheduled on September Prachanda and Baburam last met Koirala at hours before Menon left for Delhi at the end of his his official residence on Saturday to inform him two-day trip to Nepal. that they were determined to withdraw from the There are growing worries within the coalition government in protest against his refusal to that the pull-out by the Maoists would have an abolish monarchy immediately. They told Koirala all round impact on issues like political stability of that they were not scared of their future political the country, leadership of Koirala and the prospects. The Prime Minister, according to credibility of the Maoists themselves. Political Baluwatar sources, warned them that they observers also believe that this would not only would be losing their last chance if they ran seriously discredit Prachanda-Baburam line in away from electoral politics. ä 2 17-23 Sept., 2007 News Butwal under curfew Nov. election ‘must’ An indefinite curfew was targeted twice by the Maoists clamped in Butwal and in the past. “We have no clue Menon says CA alone Taulihawa after, unidentified yet as to who killed him,” said assailants shot dead Mohit a police official. will give legitimacy Khan, a leader of anti-Maoist In the chaos that followed, for major decisions groups, and a violent protest government offices, vehicles against snow-balled into a and shops became immediate ä nf correspondent communal frenzy. targets paralysing normal life. According to incomplete In the meantime, an official of Election to the constituent assembly information, at three more Shital Niwas said that the on November 22 in an environment people including a policeman situation along the two border ‘free of fear and intimidation’ is the were killed, as miscreants towns were being monitored crucial, if not the sole, pre-condition targeted a place of prayer. closely and the government for India’s future support to Nepal. Locals gathered immediately would take it up with the That was the firm message that after the news, of Khan being government of India for tight foreign secretary Shiv Shankar gunned down outside his security on their side so that Menon conveyed to prime minister G

residence in the morning, anti-social elements from P Koirala and other senior govern- Pix by Bhashwor Ojha spread. They demanded that across the border could not ment and political leaders including Indian foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon the culprits must be arrested take advantage of the situa- Maoist Chief Prachanda during his monarchy. “It is for the people of smooth supply of petrol. Menon is and punished. Khan had been tion. two-day visit to Kathmandu. Nepal to decide,” leaving it open to believed to have given positive During his meeting with Koirala on interpretation that India prefers response to the demand for Sunday, he gave enough indications decision on the issue not by leaders petroleum. that India would consider any crucial of eight parties but by the people. Menon described problem as decision in absence of people’s He said India would support and Nepal’s internal one which Nepal mandate as seriously flawed. The assist the transition to a democratic, should be addressing, but admitted message assumes significance in the inclusive, stable and prosperous that he met some leaders from there. wake of Maoists’ demand that Nepal. He also refused to comment He also disclosed that India’s water declaring Nepal a republic immedi- on PM Koirala’s recent remarks that resources secretary would be visiting ately is the pre-condition for their Nepal faced a threat to its sover- Nepal to explore bilaterally the continuing in the government and eignty. “I am not going to comment on strategy for flood control on all the contesting election. this. This is not my place. This is not rivers that, “we share.” Menon was much more guarded my function,” he said, adding, “if you On the UN role, he said that when asked, during a press meet have any questions, you ask them.” UNMIN is here with a very clear before his departure to Delhi, Koirala’s demands from Menon mandate to help arms management whether India considered it necessary varied from exploring Man Mohan and election and added, “we hope to have polls first to abolish the Singh’s visit before the election to they do the two jobs well.”

May all beings be happy

ä nf correspondent by Buddha himself in his absence. These patrons of The 64th birthday ceremony of Dharma were invoked and offered His Holiness Sakya Trizin a Puja, so that Dharma may Rinpoche, the head of Sakya Sect prevail for a longer time in its purity. was celebrated under the Then the Mandala (a represen- auspices presence of: Dhungse tation of the entire world system Asanga Rinpoche; Ghar along with ones most precious Syabdrung Rinpoche; Guru Aama possessions) was offered to Guru Violating world heritage site Niru Rana of Byoma Kusuma Sakya Trizin, by the disciples, as a Buddha Dharma Sangha, Khenpo symbol of complete trust and Nawang Jorden; Khenpo surrendering. This was followed The government is in a soup over unauthorised ment Committee. The committee overruled the earlier Vagendrasila; Khenpo Nawang by offering the Shakyamuni construction of a road in area, a objections raised by the Department of Archaeology Hoser Lama, president of Buddha’s Dharani, world heritage site. The World Heritage center (WHC) and the Pashupati Development authority on the plea Monastery Development mantra for the long life of the which oversees cultural heritage and their protection that no construction can be carried out in the area. Committee; and Chiniya Lama; at guru; seven-limb prayers activities on behalf of UNESCO, has sought the status As a signatory to the convention for protection of the Mustang Samag’s Monastery consisting of refuge, confession of about 800-metre long and 20-feet road that passes world cultural and natural heritage almost three located at Sitapaila, Swoyambhu. and so forth and a special long life through Sleshmantak forest linking Tilganga Hospital decades ago, Nepal is obliged to honour the guidelines The ceremony was organised prayer dedicated to the longevity with Guheshwari temple. regarding any construction works in the listed heritage by the monastic & lay disciples of of His Holiness. But the government is in total confusion about how site. Following the query from UNESCO, the minister the three Sakya monasteries: In addition, various Tibetan to respond to the situation. “The construction of the for tourism and culture is understood to have asked Tharlam, Thari and IBA in chants and songs were per- road is illegal,” a senior official at the ministry of culture the chief secretary to formulate government response Boudha. The program com- formed and an archery competi- and tourism told newsfront, admitting that it violates at the earliest. menced by taking refuge on the tion was held to represent the Nepal’s commitment to protect the world heritage site. Official sources said that the minister also asked triple gems and chanting culture of Mustang. Finally, as an “The road was built without any authorisation or senior officials to explain to him the cost of such Bodhisattva vows to liberate all the inevitable part of a Buddhist permission from the government,” sources said. violation. “We will soon be responding to the UNESCO sentient being from the ceremony, the merit accumulated However, the road was built with full support and as well as the world heritage center reaffirming our sufferings of samara. It was by all of those engaged in such a endorsement of the minister for physical works and commitment to protect the listed sites,” a senior followed by 16-Arhat Puja. 16- virtuous deed was dedicated for construction, Hishila Yami. The initiative to build the government official said. A Maoist source said that the Arhats were entrusted with the the benefit and happiness of all road was taken by Krishna KC, a Maoist leader, who is construction was carried in view of the local people’s responsibility to protect the sentient beings. now vice president of the Bagmati Sewer Improve- demand and needs without affecting the heritage site. News 17-23 Sept., 2007 3 Newsbrief In favour of elites Poorest leader Madhav Nepal emerges as the patron of the Matrika Yadav is arguably the ‘poorest’ of all central level Maoist leaders. But going by top ‘ class’ politicians. what happened last week, Matrika does not fit into that category any more. ä nf correspondent elections.” Vivek, one of the security guards of Although Nepal’s idea has found Yadav defected to the rival militant section In a unique exercise mooted by favour from some members of the of Terai along with a AK-47 rifle. The a very senior politician, top 30 G P Koirala ‘coterie’, all the other central level leaders of the Maoists have at leaders belonging to three major five parties in the coalition have least five private security guards, each with political parties would have a cake- opposed it on the ground that this arms. And if each of the security guards is walk in the proposed constituent goes totally against the principle of in possession of Rs. 5 lakhs; it gives a rough idea about how rich Matrika assembly. the policy and spirit of reservation. must be. The idea mooted by CPN-UML “It is meant for under-privileged or Matrika was quick to return official property and facilities immediately General Secretary Madhav Kumar under-represented. There cannot after he resigned from the cabinet last month, but he is still the chairman Nepal envisages that top ten be reservation for over-privileged of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). leaders from each of the three and over represented,” a Congress parties, , central committee member said. Communist Party of Nepal-United Sources in the UML said that Conspirator who? Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Madhav Nepal has put forward his G P Koirala is a great believer in the Communist Party of Nepal- idea before Prachanda as well as conspiracy theory. And he brings them out Maoists (CPN-M), should get into the Prime Minister and both have when he is either out of power or when his the constituent assembly virtually not discarded it. There will be both chair is ‘shaky’. without any contest. first past the post system as well as Not long ago when he was out of power, Senior UML sources said the the proportional representation he said there was a grand design against idea of reservation for the over- system of election applied during national sovereignty and democracy in privileged is ‘positive move’ that the election. Although Madhav Nepal with India and the palace as its would make Maoists feel comfort- Nepal has not explained why those architect. But with changed politics that able to contest elections. “One top 30 could not be accommodated brought him at the helms of state affairs, he reason why Maoists are hesitant to under the respective parties quota was quiet about conspiracy theory till contest the election is because they under the proportional representa- recently. are not sure about their prospects, tion system, he apparently wants to But last week, he came back to his pet topic, saying, “there are including that of the top leaders,” ensure that the top ones ‘get serious threats to Nepal’s sovereignty and I have told Indian, Chinese he said, adding, “if there is a elected directly’, a category and Americans that I will not make any compromise on this.” But guarantee that at least the top considered more prestigious than everyone knows who Koirala was hinting at as having posed a threat to leaders would win, they will not be the ones in the other category of Nepal’s sovereignty. On Friday, he told some authors that he would not averse to the idea of facing ‘elected’. be able to reveal the identity of the conspirators at this moment. However, those who can easily decipher Koirala’s remarks now say his chair is perhaps getting shaky. UNMIN protest Tsunami fellowship Bhagirath resigns UNMIN has asked Maoists to honour its for journalists Bhagirath Basnyat, former acting secretary in the commitments regarding management of foreign ministry, has resigned from service. He resigned Asia Media Forum, a network of media practitioners from arms and armed personnel. The appeal in protest against being denied promotion in the rank of across Asia, has announced the grant of Tsunami Journalism comes in the wake of about 4,000 people’s the secretary in a conspiratorial manner. Fellowship 2007 to four journalists from the region for an in- liberation army coming out of the canton- Knowledgeable sources in bureaucracy said Basnyat depth work on post-Tsunami issues affecting the communi- ments in Arunkhola area on Friday. handed over the resignation to the chief secretary on ties. This is the first fellowship of the kind. UNMIN promptly communicated its Friday alleging that he was victimised by some powerful An AMF release said the four journalists will work in resentment to the Maoist leadership elements for not having fulfilled their undue requests. Tsunami affected communities in India, Sri Lanka, reminding them that such activities would He is believed to have said it was much more dignified Indonesia, and Thailand. They will collect case studies for create hurdles in creating a conducive atmosphere for the election. for him to quit than to run around for a promotion for their stories around various policy, rehabilitation and A UNMIN statement said, “UNMIN has communicated its concerns which he was qualified enough. Sources said he rebuilding issues confronting the Tsunami hit communities. directly to the political and military leadership of the CPN (Maoist), who complained about his being conspiratorially shifted to the Actionaid has provided strategic and financial support to advised that it ordered the immediate return of personnel to the prime minister’s office from the foreign affairs ministry undertake the fellowship programme. During the two-week cantonment…..Implementing the commitments in relation to the and later denied promotion. fellowship programme, the fellows will come up with their management of arms and armed personnel, without exception, is “After having served for 33 years in various position text and visual stories to be printed or broadcast in their essential to the overall peace process and in particular to preparing a keeping national interest in mind, my conscience does not respective media. This will mark the third anniversary of free and fair atmosphere for the constituent assembly election.” allow me to continue in the post any more when norms of Tsunami in December. promotion and denial are flouted in such an arbitrary The fellows will be given a lump sum grant worth US $ 2000/- manner,” Basnyat is believed to have told his colleagues Promoting diversity (including travel and other expenses) each with some logistic who persuaded him not to take the extreme step. support where they will be working. According to the plan, the Students of Ullens School in Khumaltar promoted diverse ethnic He was being tipped as the ambassador to London, fellows will be assigned work in any one of the four Tsunami hit culture in a different way on the occasion of the Children’s Day on but a last minute change in the list, saw him replaced by countries and they will be placed there from October 1. September 15. Teachers, students and school staff assembled in their Murari Sharma. Basnyat is the second bureaucrat to The four who have been awarded the fellowship are: ethnic wear and witnessed students perform their cultural shows. quit in recent days in protest against political interference Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak – Reporter; The Jakarta Post, A community meal that consisted of ethnic varieties was also part of in appointment of secretaries, something that is likely to Indonesia; M Sajitha – Current Affairs Producer; Kairali TV, the celebration. The cultural shows staged on the day included that of be formalised very soon after the main three ruling India; Nantiya Tangvisutijit – Senior Editor; The Nation the Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, Limbu, Chepang, Maithili, Newar, parties, Congress, UML and the Maoists, agree on the group, Thailand and Hafsy Abdulla – Newscaster, Bahun and Chhetris. list of their ‘favourites’. “Each ethnic group has its own existence, and it should be protected Television , Maldives. equally. That is why we observed the day in the manner we did,” Medin Bahadur Lamichhane, Principal of the school said. 4 17-23 Sept, 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: newsfront@.com, [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder A man who doesn't trust himself can never really trust anyone else. - Cardinal De Retz Sheer hoax The parliamentary hearing for confirmation of some key constitu- tional and diplomatic appoints are over. And there is not much to boast about it. The special committee of parliament miserably failed to show that the members, may be with some notable exceptions, failed to act above narrow partisan lines. The members clearly acted on the dictates of the parties they belonged to. Letters Why else would Congress, Congress-D and the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party favour en block the confirmation of Kedar Prasad Giri as the Chief Justice, and the left block oppose him? Prachanda beware! Petrol for women Similarly, they went more or less along their party lines in Abhin Shrestha is perhaps the most For quite some time there have been confirmation of the ambassador designates. Supreme Court's powerful cartoonist in the country today. long queues for petrol every where in the independence has been thoroughly compromised as Giri would His cartoons speak volumes about slaves country. Looks like it is going to be a long now be perceived as a pro-Congress and anti-left Chief Justice. of politics and are so simple to under- before the situation normalises. At a time It would have been more appropriate if the committee consisted stand and enjoy. when we are talking about women's of independent members with enough knowledge on the subjects The one that shows Maoist chief empowerment and their involvement in they were going to deal with. But a committee that acts purely on Prachanda first running after election, the decision making process, it is also party lines would only prove to be a farcical exercise. The and now running away from the election equally important that special attentions committee could not act above and beyond the party line during a says in that small space, the entire truth are paid for increasing their efficiency. series of hearings recently. of the Nepali politics and Maoists’ Facilitating their movement for Chief Justice was opposed or supported on the basis that reflected predicament. Prachanda should take it assigned or any kind of works they do is the position of political parties. Ambassadors were endorsed because as a serious warning that not only has therefore very necessary. As we have their choice was made on the basis of an understanding among the Abhin understood it, but he has made different queues for males and females in major political parties to pocket plum positions. Similar was the case of many understand the politics of cinema halls, can't we have separate the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). deceit and dishonesty that Maoists are queues for fuels as well for women? There has been a debate over a period of time that the lawyers pursuing now. Shital Dahal who are members of parliament should not be allowed to practice. Not facing election in a free and Ramkot, Kathmandu But no laws to the effect have come into force. Instead, some of fearless atmosphere means Maoists do not believe in a the lawyer parliamentarians are now in the committee with a role politics where people play a role. That also means they Ridiculous banking charges in confirming (appointing) judges. This means that the committee continue to believe that power comes from the barrel of guns. Most of our banks are still showing their miserly attitude and hearing system has been introduced without a clearly thought out Mukti Shakya charging any amount they like, when they issue and renew plan, although it may have had the best of intentions. Bangemuda, Kathmandu debit and credit cards of their customers. For example, Nepal A diplomat confirmed by the House committee in the US will Investment Bank charges annual fee and maintenance charge have reasons to boast about one's ability since it's done by a BP out says GP against each customer's account. committee of experts which more or less acts on a non-partisan G P Koirala may have been a loyal follower of his older We, the customers are taking the matter lightly and pay basis with no party whip. But an ambassador confirmed by our brother BP Koirala at one point of time. But now, especially anywhere between 200 to 1000 rupees per year as fees. committee will literally have nothing to feel elated about. Each of after the successful people's movement of last year, GP However, such banks make huge amounts collecting those the political appointee has been tipped because of his/her Koirala has become the ‘tallest’ leader of the country now. thousands from each of us. This shows banks are making proximity with particular leaders, and not because of their The policy of national reconciliation which B P Koirala more money from us due to our lack of knowledge and less possessing qualifications and experience for the post. championed once has become irrelevant. BP may have had because of their efficiency and management. The House committee could have given much more meaning, reasons to return to Nepal following his differences with Indira Most of our banks' CEOs studied in UK and USA and they substance and direction to this practice by trying to facilitate Gandhi. But it was again due to GP Koirala's pragmatic are aware of the fact that leading foreign banks like NatWest, evolution of foreign policy, national security and economic interest wisdom that he succeeded in securing trust and confidence of Barclays, Lloyds, City, American Express etc. from UK and besides trying to get members across the party lines on this move. India. BP has become irrelevant in present context of Nepal. USA do not take any such charges from their valued Perhaps, a downsizing of the committee, with not more than 40 And GP Koirala has every right to declare, by words and customers. My opinion is that such high charging banks per cent of the current strength, with members having better action, that BP and his politics and days are gone. should stop levying ridiculous charges on their customers. understanding of the issues would be an effective way of taking Sabin Thapa Binod Timsina this process forward in a meaningful and dignified way. Tahachal, Kathmandu Kathmandu

Spiritual Corner Tracing a Siddha Bhoganâthar practiced the epicenter of his activi-ties. festivals, and vanished in time like others Bhoganâthar or Bhogar, the Jñâna Guru of Kundalini Yoga in four He visited many countries (other remarkable teachers who had come Babaji, in the poem "Bhogar Jñâna stages. The first three astrally, and physically and across the Pacific according to numerous Sagarama," identifies himself as a Tamilian. In stages are described in a through transmigration. In one legends of Incas, Aztecs and Mayans)." the same verse he states that the great later chapter on "The of his songs Bhoganâthar claims He convened a meeting of many Siddhas Siddha Kâlangi Nâthar initiated him in Jñâna Psychophysiology of Kriya to have flown to China at one just before the beginning of the present Kali Yoga (supreme self-knowledge). Kundalini Pranayama." point in a sort of airplane which Yuga, in 3102 BC, to determine the best He belonged to the ancient tradition of Nava Bhoganâthar chose the he built: he held discussions with way for humanity to progress along the (nine) Nâth sadhus (holy ascetics), tracing Palani Malai (mountain) in Chinese Siddhas before spiritual path during the coming period of their tradition to Lord . There are nine what is now southwestern returning to India. darkness. The Yoga of love and devotion, important shrines associated with this tradition, Tamil Nadu as the site for His visit to South America has Bhakti Yoga, was chosen as being the best five of which are in the Himâlaya Mountains: intensive yogic practice been confirmed by accounts left means. Bhoganâthar was entrusted by the Amarnâth (where Shiva first taught Kriya Yoga (Tapas) for the final stage. He attained swarûpa by the Muycas of Chile: siddhas with the task of defining the rituals to his Shakti partner, Parvati Devi), Kedarnâth, samâdhi at Palani, through the grace of Lord "Bocha, who gave laws to Muycas, was a for the worship of their favorite deity “Palani Badrinâth (India), Kailâsanâth, (Tibet) and Muruga, or the eternal youth, “Kumâra Swâmi”. white, bearded man, wearing long robes, Ândavar”, the Lord (Muruga) of Palani. Paúupatinâth (Nepal). The Kumâraswâmi temple at Palani became who regulated the calendar, established Source: http://palani.org/bhogar-biography.htm Debating Development 17-23 Sept, 2007 5 newsfront Nepali pancake

It is insufficient to argue that bringing hordes on to the streets to commit acts of violence is an expression of the people’s will.

ä MSR. Wanderer diplomats; and, incidentally, none of them order and the equality of all before the law; and benefiting from the assets earned by the appears to come from a generation in their own the most abysmal failure of all which is to give majority. A pancake is flat and thin, made from a lands that had to fight for the vote, so what they the a voice in their own destiny. batter of water and flour- a drop of milk if would really know about suffering and suffrage Without free and fair elections we’ll be you’re lucky. You can serve it with different is a moot point – suffering for them seems to be It is insufficient to argue that bringing hordes stuck with the same ingredients we have fillings to hide the fact that it’s nothing doing without electricity. on to the streets to commit acts of violence is an now, violence, empty rhetoric, breakdown of substantial. It’s not much to write home expression of the people’s will. Sooner or later law and order, and graft and corruption. It is about, yet enthusiasts talk as if it’s the most Well let’s get back to spam, or our political our interim ‘representatives’ will have to realise time for we the people to speak and lay wonderful dish in the world. That’s because elite: a nice contradiction in terms since elite that ‘a volunteer is worth ten pressed men,’ and down the gauntlet, or the alternatives will be it has a comforting sameness and you can suggests special-ness and political infers that that their misuse of the people’s assets will not dreadful. add variety to it according to your taste, one has the skill to govern and is promoting buy their status forever. One day their house of sweet or sour. one’s preferred form of governance. Our straw will collapse. The challenge is to find us a government political elite are neither skilful in governance nor that is transparent and honest–no deals Spam, originally, is nothing to do with the very special. They well deserve the acronym Vindictiveness has no place in governance; behind locked doors and no strikes called out stuff that floods your emails promising they have given themselves –SPAM– because and yet the vindictiveness of a few has led to the of vindictiveness– a government that accepts sexual delights beyond your wildest dreams, they are, at the end of the day, just a mediocre mixture of mediocrity we suffer today. Mediocrity that it is there to serve the people and not be or that rubbish that comes through the post concoction passing themselves off as meat, is destroying us and depriving us of a voice. It is served by them; and a government that will as junk mail, but is a bland, mediocre lump enclosed in a shiny casing which they call not democracy when we are obliged to accept keep its fingers off commissions and in a tin that tries to pass itself off as meat. democracy. the diktats of leaders who wish to present incitements to destroy the assets of this everything to the people of Nepal as a fait country. Above all, it must be a government We’ve had a taste of both in Nepal over Democracy does not, however, involve accompli without submitting themselves to the that submits itself at timely intervals to the the past two decades. The pancake is the deliberate destruction of everything that has been people’s mandate. That is autocracy and voice of the people through election, instead Panachayatiraj – a rather dull dish that built up before, it does not involve witch-hunting dictatorship, and it is maintained by fear. of continually trying to avoid the very could have been tastier if only sufficient but rather defends the freedom of expression institution that is the basis of democracy. variety had been brought into its flatness. If and difference, and it does not involve squabbling We, the silent majority, are not so stupid as to only the people had had more voice about for positions and commissions. believe that one single faction brought us to this To date, mediocrity is destroying the nation the ingredients, the pancake just might have sad impasse. Politicians might seek personal and it is time for the political elite to put up edged up the scale in terms of appeal. In two movements, one with tremendous blamelessness in appointing a ‘whipping boy’ as and shut up, go to their constituencies– popular support and the other with a large dose all autocrats do, but each and every one of us honestly, if they possibly can–and let the Now, in switching over to spam, let’s of coercion of the populace whether by fact or must share the blame. We must also accept that people decide, based on past performances avoid the D word for goodness sake. It’s fear, we have arrived at the current impasse–an none of this charade has ever been about and without exchange of money or false been flogged to death in this country, not interim government that has failed to govern helping the poor and dispossessed: it was promises, whether they can trust them with least by aid workers, INGOs, NGOs, justly and wisely; has failed to impose law and before and is now all about the political elite their future and that of generations to come. 6 17-23 Sept, 2007 Inter Unitary sta ceremonial h and Japan's in peace proc

come again to Nepal. This objective cum psychological development gap sharply divides Nepali people and makes One major area of difference is about political compromises very difficult. Even if how to address the cases of gross leaders of parties think compromises are human rights violations during the years reasonable under given conditions, rank-and-file of insurgency. What is your view on supporters do not accept them. This is especially this? the case with the Maoists. If Maoist leaders really want reasonable compromises necessary To solve problems related to human rights for agreements, grass-roots supporters will not violations is a necessary step for the peace accept them. The grass-roots radicals will settlement. For this purpose, an independent organise their own organisations and start new powerful commission must be established. The Masayuki Tanigawa, professor of political wars against the establishment including their government can delegate an investigation science at Nagasaki University, Japan; has own past leaders. power to the commission. After close investiga- published many books and articles including The tion, the government must compensate for all constitution of the , Improve- But in the long term, I am rather optimistic. property damages from national budget or let ment of India-China relationship and the For an outsider like me, Nepal seems to have the concerned persons compensate them. Prospect of the peace building in Nepal, developed amazingly. England needed about Fatalism and democratisation in Nepal, The 400 years and Japan, more than 100 years for Theoretically, property compensation is not rationale of the kingship in Nepal. In the democratisation. Nepali history of democracy is very difficult. But in practice it is hard to carry following interview that he gave to Newsfront, about 50 years after 1951, or more strictly only out. Maoists caused much damage to houses, Prof Tanigawa expressed his critical opinion on 17 years after 1990. In this very short period, land and other properties, so to let them election, federalism, republicanism and Japan's Nepal has admirably developed industries and compensate for all these damages is in fact very role in the UNMIN. democracy. We must evaluate history fairly. difficult. The government should let Maoists And we also should not fail to see the growth return confiscated houses, lands and other Are you optimistic about the peace of the middle class. They properties as much as process leading to a settlement of the are the core people of civil possible, and for the rest conflict? society who can stabilise Fortunately or the government must society and gradually unfortunately, Nepal compensate the same way The issue now is how to materialise compre- mature democracy in as in cases of government hensive peace agreement into a new constitu- Nepal. is very vulnerable in caused damages. tion in the constituent assembly established by international rela- the constituent assembly election. But this Fortunately or unfortu- Physical and mental implementation of general agreement is really nately, Nepal is very tions. The global damages caused by both difficult, because it demands many political vulnerable in international society now can use sides are much more compromises from political parties. relations. The global society much influence for serious. In this case, a truth now can use much influence reconciliation commission Politics is a compromise or "the art of for the peace building in the peace building like the one in South Africa possibility." Parliament is the most important Nepal. in Nepal. is practical and effective. public space for political parties to reach an After the facts about agreement through mutual political compro- If Nepali government damages are fully disclosed mises. But these political compromises are recovers its legitimacy and reliability through and recognised by assailants and victims, the possible only in a state in which people are not peace process, it will be able to give its people a commission requests reconciliation between totally divided into some social groups. hope of steady step-by-step improvement. them. Japanese people just after the defeat in the Unfortunately Nepal has serious social World War II were in miserable conditions. They In Nepal where both parties have waged A gun cannot produce divisions among castes, ethnicities, regions, etc. did not have enough food, clothes, houses and violent attacks against each other for more than Among them, the most serious is the division other necessary things for daily life. But the 10 years, punishment due to past deeds tend to food, clothes, houses between the rich and the poor, or the develop- Japanese government with help of the US result in revenge, so it is not good for the and other things Nepali ment gap. Due to economic liberalisation after government could give them a gleam of hope reconstruction of peaceful society. To victims and the 1990 revolution, economic or development for better future. With the hope, Japanese their families, the government must provide people really need in gap is growing rapidly. Many statistics testify it. people could avoid anarchy or coup and follow a mental care and financial support. Civil society is We must realise that this development gap is not way for steady development and also expected to contribute much to this victim their lives….Ethnic, only a statistical objective fact, but also a democratisation. care and support program. language and religious psychological gap. Thanks to popularised mass media, even poor people in rural area can know Nepali government with cooperation of How hopeful are you about the problems as well as well about prosperous Kathmandu life. The gap political parties and civil society can give a hope election taking place on schedule? development gap cannot between their life and latter’s life is tremendous. for better tomorrow. With it, people can accept Now that they know this gap, they cannot political compromises for peace, expecting a Election to the constituent assembly may not be solved by election. endure it anymore. steady improvement. In this way, peace will be possible on 22 Nov under present circum- rview 17-23 Sept, 2007 7

If component states are set up according to The lower house is superior in general, but ethnicity, , languages and so on and the upper house has veto power under given have autonomous ruling power over their conditions to those matters related directly to respective territories, the majority in a group interests. This bicameral legislature is a component state can much easily suppress typical compromise or combination of two individuals or minorities in it, and the central representation systems, and is more realistic in ate, government cannot defend them effectively Nepal. because it has the right of self-rule. Federalisation is dangerous both for individual Do you envisage a Nepal minus citizens and small minorities. monarchy? How would a republic Nepal be different from a monarchial Nepal? In Nepal For development too, it is disadvantageous. It about 80% of head cannot realise a lasting peace in Nepal, and up Ceremonial monarchy is better for Nepal. to a certain level of development, a strong stable Many people say that Nepali kings usurped the popula- centralised government rather than a weak power and were dictators and so monarchy tion is Hindu, government is necessary for planning and should be dumped. Nonsense! If so, why don't and people’s role managing development. you dump election or parliament that Hitler used for getting state power? Systems and their daily life is What alternative model would you users should be separated. First we evaluate closely suggest? systems themselves, and then consider the risks of human misuse of them. In case of monarchy, interwoven It is much better for Nepal to maintain the an active monarchy is completely out-of-date, with religion. cess existent unitary state system while promoting but a ceremonial monarchy, or a pure symbol So, Nepal devolution and local self-rule. Japan completely king with no political power, is useful in Nepal. destroyed the Tokugawa regime, feudal or in a cannot be sense federal system, by the Meiji revolution in For example, in Nepal about 80% of the completely 1867, and built a unitary, extremely centralised population is Hindu, and people’s daily life is modern state. The Japanese government since closely interwoven with religion. So, Nepal away from then successively suppressed minority groups cannot be completely away from religion. The religion. and local cultures, homogenised Japanese state must take part in many religious ceremo- society by the national language, national nies. When PM Koirala received the blessings religion, general compulsory education, and from the priest at Krishna Mandir on 4 Sep; it stances. To have elections, the eight parties modernised and industrialised Japan by strong was a violation of the interim constitution that constitution and to send its soldiers is much less should put full trust in the interim government top-down method. This was a typical develop- provides secularism or the separation of religion constitutional. What an irony! How can the which is the election administration government mental dictatorship. and politics. Pious , Christians or non- unconstitutional Japanese government promote established by themselves. This is a compromise religious people would never accept this Nepali constitutionalism? Six Japanese soldiers necessary for peaceful free election. And the After Japan, some Asian countries such as religious activity of the prime minister. If the in the UNMIN are symbols of Japan's UNMIN as well as NGOs can contribute much South Korea did it and developed dramatically. prime minister continues such religious activities militarisation. They are utilised to advertise the for free election. If eight parties can compromise Japan is still one of the most centralised states as the head of , non-Hindu people remarkably increasing overseas mission of the for the election and international society gives though democratised only after the World War will be irritated, and this might lead to religious new ministry of defense. full support to the government, it may be II. Centralisation of power does not necessary conflicts as in India. This is not the path Nepal possible. prevent development but, on the contrary, should follow. But, what can the six solders in the UNMIN promoted top-down development in states like do for Nepali workers and farmers? And worse, But here we must be careful not to expect too Japan and South Korea. If Nepal is a ceremonial monarchy, the Japanese government seems to utilise the much from the election. Election is very secularisation of politics is much easier. The king Japanese role in the UNMIN for setting up important, but many other things are required to However, Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi- performs religious and other cultural ceremonies military relationship with Nepal. So, Nepali legitimatise the government. "Election democ- cultural society. The government cannot while the prime minister focuses only on secular people as well as Japanese people should racy" has failed in many developing countries forcefully homogenise Nepali society, even if it politics. Nepali monarchy has a long history and demand immediate withdrawal of the soldiers such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Ethnic, language wants it. A unitary state Japan cannot be a state people are used to it. A ceremonial monarchy is from Nepal. Instead, Japan should help Nepal and religious problems as well as development model for Nepal. And Nepal is not a state as the suited well with the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural by other non-military aids. Peace should be gap cannot be solved by election. Election is not United States that was established by the state. realised by peaceful means. magic. To solve these problems, we must utilise agreement of several existent states. Nepal has other available means that are non-electoral or been a unitary state for a long time, so its But ceremonial monarchy will be impossible if Conflicts in Nepal are resulting mainly from sometimes traditional. Election is only one of division into states is difficult. For example, how the king does not accept complete renunciation widening gap of developments. In the 1990s, many means, so we should not put too much to draw border lines and how many states to be of political power. Unfortunately he seems not to Japan and other advanced capitalist states weight on it. Paradoxically speaking, political created? Artificial forcible creation of states will accept it up to now. So, Nepal cannot help but forced on Nepal an open free market economy. parties and other interest or social groups can cause new ethnic or cultural conflicts leading civil go for secular republicanism. In this case, the Big global companies like Toyota, Suzuki, compromise for the election. war or separation of some parts republic Nepal should Canon, etc. promoted their products in Nepal. of Nepal. Therefore, Nepal has have a ceremonial This economic liberalisation presents big profits One major agenda now is moving to follow gradual step-bay-step Nepal as a unitary president whom every to the rich and serious unemployment to the towards federalism. How effective will transformation. It will be a state must introduce citizen irrespective of poor. Japan, one of the global economic the federal system be for future Nepal compromise of some systems. ethnicity or religion can powers, is responsible for it. for its development? drastic devolution respect. This Nepal is a modern state, so its and strong local ceremonial president A gun cannot produce food, clothes, houses I do not think federal system is good for base must be liberal democracy. takes part in various and other things that Nepali people really need Nepal. Many people say federalisation is In public sphere, each person is self-rule. If 75 dis- ceremonies in order to in their lives. Japan should not venture military necessary for various social groups such as treated as one person irrespec- tricts are delegated observe the separa- role in Nepal. Japanese non-military develop- ethnic, language, religious or regional groups tive of his/her ethnicity or culture, much power, it is tion of religion and ment aid so far is very highly appreciated in to be recognised. This is not true. It is not that is, as an independent politics. Ultimately, the Nepal and Japanese government should realistic and even dangerous both for national individual with equal civil rights. almost same as ceremonial president promote it more. integration and for the social groups them- Instead, ethnicity and culture federal system. system will become selves. enjoy freedom in private sphere almost same as the Finally, we can learn three lessons from where government does not ceremonial monarchy. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Clear definition of social groups is almost interfere. This is modern individualistic liberal resignation on 12 Sep. Firstly; the American- impossible. To which group does a family belong democracy of which France is typical. It is liberal, What is the role that you see for led globalisation should not be introduced whose father, a Chhetri, married a Newari but majoritarian democracy, so it tends to Japan, one of the biggest donors, in the without considering social conditions of each woman and has lived in Terai since several majority rule and, in worst case, to totalitarian peace process in Nepal? country. It has sharply widened the rich-poor generations? There are many such attributes in democracy. Minority rights tend to be only gap in Japan like in Nepal. The depressed a person. And groups are always changing their nominal in it. Japan can and should help Nepali peace people especially in rural areas of Japan character. So, if we want a clear definition of building by peaceful means. Japan has sent six overthrew the Abe administration. Secondly, each group for federalisation, it means forcing a Therefore, Nepal as a unitary state must soldiers to the UNMIN. The UNMIN is a political the separation of religion and politics should be person to select only one identity among his/her introduce drastic devolution and strong local mission and the soldiers are not armed. strictly observed. Thirdly, militarisation should many multiple identities. self-rule. For example, if 75 districts are Japanese government officially explains their be stopped anywhere as violence causes more delegated much power to rule their own area, it role is completely non-military and most Nepali violence. Federalisation for group rights inevitably is almost same as federal system. In addition to people may think so too. But this is a wrong intensifies identity politics, which forcefully divides this, Nepal should be bicameral. The lower policy. The root of conflicts in Nepal is global market people into social groups, cements them, lets house should be composed of representatives capitalism, so we as global citizens should and them differentiate from one another and leads of the nation, not of any group or regions; Japanese Constitution clearly prohibits military can strengthen our people-to-people relationship them to endless group or communal conflicts. elected on the basis of individualistic liberal forces. The Article 9 provides "land, sea, and air to build a lasting peace in Nepal. We sincerely Federalisation will endanger national integration democracy. The upper house should be forces, as well as other war potential, will never wish peace by peaceful means in Nepal. and peace. It endangers even individuals and composed of representatives of various social be maintained." Therefore, the Japanese Self- (E-mail: [email protected] minorities in a component state. groups. Defense Forces (SDF) is completely against the Homepage: http://www.for-peace.com 8 17-23 Sept, 2007 Opinion Huge scope for micro In Nepal, there is a lack of coherent micro and small enterprise development strategies

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) coming into the labour market in where, in aggregate, successful sector growth. The importance of play a crucial role in generating absence of requisite skills. regulatory reforms demonstrate micro and small enterprises including employment opportunities and significant pay-offs for job creation. the home based works in contributing alleviating poverty in Nepal. In Nepal, Right incentive schemes can make to job creation and output growth is outside agriculture, MSE sector is an activity competitive and create a The low levels of protection now widely accepted in both estimated to employ 1.6 million foundation for growth. The basic coverage of labour and labour related developing and least developed persons or more than 70 percent of available are the tax incentives to laws are an important part of the countries like Nepal in particular. In the persons employed in the non cottage industries, incentives to ä Shankar Man Singh problem of the decent work deficit inn Nepal, there is a lack of coherent agriculture sector. It has a crucial role promote technology, capital goods the MSEs as they are related directly micro and small enterprise develop- in employment creation. In most and inputs at nominal import duty. to shortcomings in the levels of ment strategies, which take into countries, the major part of employ- However, MSEs generally cannot income i.e. minimum wages, social account the three dimensions of ment can be found in MSE. avail these incentives because they Right incentive protection and job security. While the enterprise evolution (i.e., start up, do not import inputs and capital schemes can content of the law may be problem- survival and growth) We should also These enterprises are also goods directly. There are many atic for MSEs in some cases, it is very identify the different needs of important in unlocking the capacity of diverse support services available in make an activity common that complicated administra- enterprises in their various stages of entrepreneurship and providing for the country at present. competitive and tive procedures for compliance are evolution, which is another important dynamism in an economy. In most create a founda- more of a burden than the law itself. contributory factor. countries, the share of women The regulatory requirements for workers and employers in micro MSEs generally prove to be burden- tion for growth. It is, therefore, important to simplify In the absence of a coherent policy enterprises is much higher that their some to smaller enterprises operated The basic avail- the application of labour and labour- framework for enterprise develop- share among larger enterprises 60 by less educated persons with lesser related laws by eliminating unneces- ment, globalisation and the opening percent in Nepal. access to resources. Likewise, able are the tax sary fees, reducing the number and of domestic markets as part of legislation requirements are also not incentives to complexity or simplifying the contents liberalisation policies has had an The business environment in clear and have a large segment of cottage indus- of the forms, removing the need for adverse impact on the enterprise Nepal contributes only moderately, micro enterprises that is not registered. legal verifications and advice, structure in many developing at best, to the growth and tries, incentives reviewing the periodicity of cyclical countries and LDCs. In particular, the sustainability of the MSE sector. Better performance on the ease of to promote tech- reporting and data collection and products of home based works are Physical constrains make it costlier to doing business is associated with strengthening the capacities and continually losing ground in terms of more goods, but they also protect more jobs and conversely, where nology, capital transparency of law enforcement their competitiveness. Since, these micro enterprises from completion. regulations are costly and burden- goods and inputs agencies, including the elimination of home based workers mostly woman Rising under and unemployment has some, businesses are more likely to at nominal import corrupt practices. produces the niche products. So the encouraged people to opt for MSE operate in the informal economy, focus of these products from sector, but it may be able to absorb remaining very small and creating few duty. The liberalisation of the economy in collection from each producer should only a small segment of people decent jobs. There are examples 1990s has clearly spurred private be focused on niche markets. ä

ä Roop Joshi exists in God, which was revealed by God, which describes the names, forms, virtues The interim government of Nepal saw it fit UNDEMOCRATIC and the abodes of God, and which reveals to declare the country, a Hindu Kingdom the true path of God. Sanatan Dharma is not since 1769, a secular state. Along with the a ‘religion’ in the western sense. It is a ‘way of stripping of the king’s powers, the negation life’, a philosophy to achieve salvation. Every of the word ‘royal’ from everything from the religion has an ‘apostle’ - except Sanatan national army to the national airlines, and the Dharma. The teachings of this religion have general fever of ‘loktantra’ or even DECLARATION come through the spiritual meditation of ‘ganatantra,’ this was yet another politically various enlightened Gurus who received rushed initiative of the EPA (Seven Party Nepal, with at least 85 per cent of its Hindu population be- revelations from God. Alliance plus Maoists). The advent of democracy in the so-called ‘new’ Nepal, with come instantaneously secular without a single citizen being Sanatan Dharma is the most secular of all at least 85 per cent of its Hindu population, solicited for his/her views . It does not criticise any other become instantaneously secular without a religion. It does not try to convert people of single citizen being solicited for his/her views. other religions. It provides freedom for all to That this feat was achieved by an un-elected practice their own religious beliefs. It has not government is entirely another issue. conflicted with any other religion in Nepal. The pluralistic nature of this religion further Why this undemocratic declaration of a bears testimony to its openness. For secular state? It was a political tool to example, different members of the same appease the “internationals” (various family may worship Shiva, Kali or Krishna, countries, proselytizing groups, INGOs, etc.). without any conflict whatsoever. It is Even the Maoists, submerged in doctrinaire recognised that there is but one God and Marxism, had dared not pressure this issue communication with God through any avenue knowing fully well the feelings of Nepalis. By is perfectly acceptable. this treasonous act of appeasement, the interim government compromised the So in this current time of political fluidity, a sovereignty of our nation. By bending to the euphemism for turmoil, what is to be done will of foreigners, we became but a pseudo- regarding the irrelevant designation of Nepal colony long after the demise of colonialism. as a secular state? The occasional mass While countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark all have rare even in the 21st century. demonstration or convention has not made and Israel maintain state religions, helpless constitutional links between church and state; any dent in the government’s policy. Funding Nepal was pressured to give up its historical yet they provide more than a Having explored how and why Nepal lost its for this cause appears pitifully scarce. Once culture and religion by a bevy of 21st century secular state. Hindu identity let us see what it is that we lost. again, the silent majority, in this case at least proselytisers. The term is actually an aberration: the 85 per cent of the population, remains For example the Finnish government people from the Indus civilization were originally complacent. In juxtapose, we are well aware that the provides funding for the construction of known as . The religion they practiced was current US President’s politics is heavily mosques; and Iceland was among the first Sanatan Dharma - Sanatan meaning from the It is time for voters to also think about the influenced by the religious right-wing of that countries to legalise abortion. Religion has also beginning of the world and Dharma meaning the position of candidates on whether Nepal country – the same right-wing which has proved resilient despite repression. Case in path to real happiness through self-realisation. should revert to a Hindu state or not. bizarre beliefs such as advocating absti- point is Mongolia where religion was suppressed Sanatan Dharma, the oldest religion in the world, Whether that view is extended to the choice nence as the only solution to teenage during three decades of Soviet influence and advocates spiritual or religious practices that of a Hindu kingdom will likely be decided by a pregnancy. The Queen of the United communist government. Nevertheless, result in the salvation of the soul. referendum. Political theology may apply to Kingdom is not only the Head of State but survived and has flowered again the latter issue, but religion need not be also the Head of the Anglican Church. openly since 1990. State religion is certainly not It is considered the religion which eternally constrained by the chains of petty politics. ä From the region 17-23 Sept, 2007 9 Sri Lankan troops BHUTTO'S RETURN: clash with Tigers what will

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the Mannar area. be different? Sri Lankan forces said that the Tamil Tiger fighters were killed in the The PPP has announced that last 24 hours in the northern districts its chairperson Ms Benazir Bhutto of Jaffna and Vavuniya, as well as the will return to Pakistan on October eastern district of Ampara. The 18, 2007 and she will land at military said it had previously forced Karachi airport. TV channels the group out of jungle areas in the showed PPP workers celebrating eastern part of the country. in all the big cities of the country, A large stock of arms and ammuni- displaying the party’s grassroots tions were also uncovered during the loyalty to her leadership. Ms offensive, the military said. "A claymore Bhutto says that she has not been mine exploded by the LTTE, targeting able to reach any understanding a military bus, killed two soldiers and with the Musharraf government, wounded seven in Jaffna," a spokes- and this has been confirmed by man at the Media Centre for National the Information Minister, Mr Muhammad Ali Durrani in Islamabad. Security, part of the ministry of The government says Ms Bhutto will not be deported like Mr Nawaz defence, said on Saturday. Sharif but that she would have to face the corruption and misuse of "Soldiers killed 14 terrorists in three power cases pending against her in this country. Ms Bhutto counters by different incidents in Vavuniya. Three saying that the cases have dragged on for years since the last Sharif soldiers were killed in the fighting," he government initiated them and that she has not been convicted in any of said. The military also said that an them so far. This being so, she is willing to come to Pakistan to be elite commando police officer, among her supporters in the run-up to the general election and also wounded in fighting in Ampara, had present herself before the newly independent judiciary for justice. She died later in hospital. says the matter of her becoming prime minister for a third time will be The Tamil Tigers, who want an resolved in due course by the new parliament. independent state for the Tamil She has chosen to land at Karachi this time for significant reasons. minority in the north and the east of Karachi is today the bailiwick of the MQM, which dominates the provincial the country, were not immediately assembly and the local government. Out in the streets, the MQM-cadre available for comment. An estimated party is almost unchallenged by any of its rivals. It must be noted, 5,000 people have died since last however, that when the PPP-Musharraf “deal” was being negotiated, it year in renewed fighting after a was the PML chief minister of Sindh who condemned it. The voice of peace process collapsed. protest arose, as it were, from a Sindhi rival of the PPP, but not from the Sri Lankan forces have killed at island, the military said. About 70,000 people have been formerly anti-Sindhi MQM. In fact, out of the ruling coalition, MQM was least 15 Tamil Tiger separatists in Saturday's violence came after killed, including thousands of civilians, the most positively inclined towards the “deal”. Ms Bhutto is therefore clashes that also left six soldiers dead government forces launched a new since the civil war erupted in 1983. testing the waters of MQM tolerance in her province where she expects in the north and eastern parts of the offensive to drive out members of the (mwcnews) to form a government in coalition with the MQM. The landing in Karachi has probably been made possible by the transformation of the parties involved, under threat of Islamic extremism. It was in recognition of this development that the US is rumoured to have favoured a coalition of “liberal” forces under President Musharraf. "Free Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi" Washington is said to have recommended the “deal” with the PPP in light The ongoing solidarity fast in democracy movement, which was of this recognition. President Musharraf, on the other hand, has held fast support of Irom Chanu Sharmila's snuffed out by State Law and to the support of the MQM and has not responded to the alarm bells struggle to repeal Armed Forces Order Restoration Council sounded frequently by the ruling conservatives of the PMLQ about the Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has (SLORC), which seized power on “terrorism” of the MQM. It is said that the May 12 show of force staged broadened its agenda congruent September 18, 1988. Thousands by the MQM against the visit of the cashiered Chief Justice of Pakistan with the declarations of past New of pro-democracy advocates were was suggested by him. Delhi (2005) and Lahore (2006) killed. Her decision not to come to Lahore has probably been prompted by Peaceful Conventions Next came a general election in the harsh reaction shown by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Chaudhry – demand for a Free Burma and 1990, which political parties were Pervaiz Elahi, to the PPP’s proposed “deal” with President Musharraf. Mr Free Aung San Suu Kyi. allowed to contest. Aung San Suu Elahi has been more decisive in his resolve to confront the PPP at the Aung San Suu Kyi is imprisoned Kyi, who was leading the National polls than most PMLQ leaders. He has been active with blandishment in under the 1975 State Protection League for Democracy (NLD), southern Punjab to break the traditionally confirmed support there for Act in Myanmar (Burma), which won a landslide victory, with 80 the PPP, a kind of extension of the PPP domain from next-door Sindh. In grants the government the power per cent support. SLORC leaders 1986, when Ms Bhutto landed in Lahore to a record welcome, the prime to imprison persons for up to five refused to accept the election minister in Islamabad was a fellow Sindhi, Mr Muhammad Khan Junejo. years without a trial. She has results putting the elected pro- Today, it is a scion of the clan of Chaudhry Zahur Elahi who was killed in been intermittently under arrest of Significant others from different democracy leaders under the city by Al Zulfiqar, then a PPP terrorist wing. one kind or the other since 1990. countries in the world have signed up Despite the restrictions of house The PMLQ secretary general, Mushahid Hussain Syed, says President Irom Chanu Sharmila – the iron on www.ashaparivar.org to fast for arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi Musharraf will be re-elected by the same assemblies but will get rid of his lady of Manipur in India , has been varying durations from September 13 to continues to campaign for uniform before October 15. The PPP’s stand on the issue has become on a continuous fast since 2000 support the campaign. The launch of democracy. She was awarded the unclear with the passage of time. At first it was opposed to the president demanding repeal of AFSPA. this five days solidarity fast came two Nobel Prize for peace in 1991. retaining his uniform, which means that the PPP could reconcile to his Despite the restrictions of house days after the 'Apunba Lup' observed The protests of Sharmila and additional tenure and not boycott the elections. But lately its spokesper- arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi Anti-army Act Day on September 11 Aung San Suu Kyi represent the son in Islamabad, Mr Farhatullah Babar, has been stating that the party continued to campaign for here to mark the completion of five most ideal form of peaceful was opposed to his being re-elected by the current assemblies, full stop. democracy, similar to Irom decades of the act in the North-East. struggles for a democratic This lack of clarity may lead to an understanding as events unfold after Sharmila, who has been under The present UPA Government had demand. Their victory is essential Ms Bhutto’s arrival. confinement and steadfastly constituted the Justice Jeevan Reddy for the strengthening of democ- If opinion polls are to be trusted, Ms Bhutto is back as the front-runner protesting against AFSPA since Commission in 2004 to review AFSPA racy in South Asia and for the in the country. Mr Sharif, who topped the popularity surveys before his past 7 years now. in response to an intensive campaign respect for human rights around arrival and exit, has gone down to number two. It appears that the stage Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has led by 'Apunba Lup'. the world Their victory will is set for a positive transition in the country for the next five years. The endorsed this fast along with By 1988, Burma was burgeoning determine whether the voice of coming general election — not to be boycotted by the opposition despite hundreds of other Countless with pro-democracy movement, fueled common citizen will be heard or vows to the contrary — will be hotly contested and, as in 2002, the PPP people are fasting for five days by the energy and idealism among the the state will continue to trample may poll the most votes and contribute to a new identity of the parlia- (13-17 September) in Keishampat country's young people There were over people's rights with anti- ment in Pakistan. Whether it will be able to show the required responsi- junction, Imphal, Manipur, to lobby demonstrations against the repressive, people laws and policies. bility in sharing power and helping run a stable ship with General more support to the anti-AFSPA one-party socialist government. Aung ä Bobby Ramakant, Musharraf, the PMLQ and the MQM remains to be seen. campaign. San Suu Kyi was drawn into the pro- development journalist (Editorial published in Daily Times, Pakistan on Sunday) 10 17-23 Sept, 2007 Perspective Marshland Flowers Such states can be easily produced and are not considered as either enlightenment or even near to it.

ä Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar hears various types of sounds like the Rana Rinpoche humming of the bumble bee, the sound of the bell, drums, thunder and Here we are talking the sound of Om (Pranava) and so about genuine high on. At the Para level, all sounds newsfront level Samadhis of subside and only the infinite pure pure awareness by awareness by itself or super- itself where the consciousness remains. Likewise person remains absorbed in it for six, another well-known method is to 12 or 24 hours without taking a single concentrate on the light/sparks or the Leader hype breath. Even such an experience is like seen between the eye-brows. not considered as having penetrated This too has various stages similar to the veil of ignorance, what to speak different levels of Samadhis etc. until about watered down, thoughtless one reaches the infinite light of the Why Nepal’s desperate call for a national leader will not states of clear awareness where the mind or Atman as non-Buddhists solve its problems. person is not even in the first Dhyana would call it. level. All of these methods are only ä Ingo Wagler severely battered, thanks to the pointless agitation and seemingly Such experiences of thoughtless varieties of Samatha and, according leadership of certain overextended disintegrating rivalries. It might also awareness by itself without entering to Buddhism, these states neither are Nepal, in its current political personalities. be true that a centralised leadership into various levels of Samadhis are enlightenment nor do they produce transition does not know how it will But it would be just too convenient often creates stability in the short run. even further away from the Buddhist enlightenment by practicing them for look like at dawn. Out on streets to pass on all the blame to the Though, the functioning of the latter is enlightenment. Such states can be a long time. This statement is true of these days one frequently hears the leaders simply because it was the based on the oppression of interests easily produced and are not the famous Kundalini yoga methods call for a good and strong leader people who made them the supreme. and aspirations that are contrary to considered as either enlightenment or too; which also ends i®^ n the super- which reflects the desire to end the The party as much as the non party the static definition of power relations even near to it. In fact, according to conscious state of pure awareness by lasting uncertainty. The leader of the people demand a leader they can that keeps the supreme in position. all Buddhist traditions especially the itself which is infinite. That one can nation GP Koirala is seen as dying follow, for the nation as much as for In fact, Nepal had to experience Mahayana, such states are consid- experience such awareness through one, what is probably his most the party. And obviously any this form of stability extensively, which ered dangerous and if the correct various methods of Samatha is well- important asset of credibility. But who organisational structure needs an in led to a steady increase in conflicting view is not present, it can be even known to Buddhism and is not alien at else then, Prachanda, Deuba? The charge. But, there is a crucial pressures to the point when it could detrimental to the process of all to Buddhist literature. However, unasked question remains: Who will difference between the representa- not be suppressed anymore, with well enlightenment. Buddhism neither regards such a become the new ‘king’? tive who carries out the mandate lent known consequences. Therefore, the The great Siddha Pandit of Tibet, state as enlightenment or liberation Nepal’s desire for a good and by the people or the party and the call for unitary leadership is not more Sakya Pandit said cultivation of such nor regards such states or production strong leader who will reoccupy the autocrat who rules after his own than a fallback to old habits of being pure awareness without the correct of such states over and over again for vacant position as the head of the whim and will. subjected instead of utilising the view can cause the person to be longer and longer periods as nation might be understandable but is To the latter, people are mere opportunity to become an active reborn either in the formless Deva productive of enlightenment. fundamentally counterproductive for passive subjects, but in a democracy subject. The fundamental strength of realm or as Naga etc. To be reborn in Let me repeat again, that any the quest of establishing democratic people have to become active, democracy is that conflicts are not the formless Deva realm (Arupa method that only absorbs the mind on rule. Doing away with monarchy and articulate their interests and dictate being suppressed but released and Dhatu Deva Loka) is considered as anything belongs to the Samatha type having the choice between various them to their leaders. In this respect, eventually solved within an institu- the worst birth for a Bodhisattva as of meditation. And Samatha parties makes no democracy. Only the anticipation of the principle of tional framework that does not know once born there, s/he cannot help meditations, no matter how extraordi- the establishment of structures of equality represents a crucial presuppo- the inequality of supremacy. sentient beings from 10,000 to nary or different from other Samatha governance that strictly delimit the sition. In order to transform the notion Nepal has already voted for 80,000 Kalpas. In that state, the yogi types, are not enough to attain competencies of the respective posts, of authority, the fact that neither the democracy and after the half hearted remains in a highly blissful, and enlightenment. And in this context, defines the procedure of selection ‘king’ nor the leader deserves uncritical hybrid of constitutional monarchy and formless state which can easily be Buddhism is very emphatic that only and maintains accountability to the respect has to be internalised. autocratic party democracy has mistaken for the non-dual state from the types of meditation that probe into polity will provide the necessary The good leader does not draw miserably failed, the time has come do anywhere between 10,000 Kalpas to the mode of existence of all phenom- foundation for a democratic state, his/her strength from strategic away with unsustainable concepts of up to 80,000 Kalpas. ena () to gain insight can cut that deserves its title. agitation and egomaniac willpower, glorious leadership. The stabilising and There are others types of Samatha through the 'Innate Ignorance' And what is imperative for the state but from his/her ability to merge the unifying factor that will represent the systems which are conducive to deep (Sahaja Agyan) and thus destroy that must also count for the ones who fill bandwidth of interests and opinions future Nepali democracy must not be Samadhi that take you to the state of ignorance. And this type of meditation the rows of the parliament and into one. Therefore democracy is not tied to a personalised leadership. Only super-consciousness, like meditating (and there are many techniques ministerial chairs, namely the parties. about legitimising the leadership of then could Nepal become a rare role on the inner sounds called Nada yoga here) is called Vipassyana in Sanskrit, Dynastic succession, personality cult the one elected but rather to establish model for overcoming a symptomatic or in the Shanta Parampara of India Vipassana in Pali, Lhag thong in and autocratic rule have a long a system that limits the role of the tradition of autocratic leadership which as Sabad Surati yoga. There are four Tibetan and Kuan in Chinese and tradition in the Nepali party land- leader to a defined mandate in order has in the end caused much more levels of Samadhi related to Nada Kan in Japanese. scape. Frequent splits, internal to prevent autocratic excess. trouble than stability. yoga technically called: Vaikhari, (To be continued.) rivalries and interpersonal hostilities True, democratic systems might be (The author is research associate Madhyama, Pasyanti and Para. (Sridhar Rinpoche is a Vajrayana have left the credibility of all parties prone to inefficiency, corruption, with the FES Nepal) During the process, the person Master) Art & society 17-23 Sept, 2007 11

Insight Irish champion ä By Sushma Amatya I write for ordinary people, someone who wouldn’t require a dictionary to read my stories.

ä Yuyutsu RD Sharma story,” said he. I was surprised to hear such words from a writer of nation that has been a “I didn’t write to make money, champion of short story for decades; and has there’s no money to be made produced most famous story writers like Oliver in the literary novels,” said the Goldsmith, Frank O’ Connor, James Joyce and Irish novelist and story writer, Liam O'Flaherty. Harte refers to sixties movement Harte. He talked at length about the freedom of of stories and points out there has been no being a writer and how the publishers commis- exciting development in short stories in recent sioning the writers to produce novels curtail the times. “There’s a lack of experiment and ingenuity freedom of a writer. that leaves it so poverty stricken.” Harte was born in Killeenduff, near Easkey, John McGahern, Liam O'Flaherty, Bernard Co Sligo, Ireland. When he was nine years old Malamud, Borges and Kafka remain Harte’s his family moved to Lanesboro, Co Longford, favorite writer. He admires South Asian story and where his father worked for Bord-na-Mona. At seems intrigued by its lively texture and how it the age of eighteen, he came to Dublin. He later employs folklore and mythology in the narrative. took up a job on the Dublin docks. He has In Eastern Europe short story is very popular worked as a bus conductor, a courier, a and still alive, discerns Harte laboratory technician, an executive officer in the Harte who teaches story writing at various Civil Service, a teacher and a school principal. universities and creative writing centers in Ireland Active in Irish literature for several decades and believes you can’t give talent to your students, well known, Harte sees similarities between poetry you only develop them. Though novel is on the and fiction, especially short story. He thinks that a top in terms of readership, what thrives in Ireland short story has been an artifact similar to a poem. is poetry in Irish language. “A short story goes straight to the imagination and He believes writing a short story is like beating follows all possible line of development like a poem his head against a stone wall. “When I shape does.” In short story everything is specific, meaning out of my struggle and get a good story, everything wrapped up. “I get tremendous I am content. I am content even if I get just one satisfaction after finishing a well crafted short story.” reader, even if there’s only a small readership. I “Irish Story is not very good, in Ireland write for ordinary people, someone who wouldn’t respect for short story is nil. It’s only those people require a dictionary to read my stories. In Ireland who have vested interest in story who care for short stories have select readerships; it’s like writing a poem to a select audience.” story. No magazine publishes a good story. The Mro girl in her home, Chittagong hill tracts, Bangladesh. big publishing groups are not interested in short The writer can be reached at [email protected] 12 17-23 Sept, 2007 Makers PRAISE FOR PRASHANT

Enthusiasm has gripped lakhs who's now a constable in the from Shillong and Darjeeling to Calcutta Police, reached the final of get Amit Paul or Prashant the show. Now the place, known for Tamang voted as India's next little more than the mushroom-like singing sensation. sprouting of its English schools, is Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling throbbing with feverish anticipation was quoted in Himalaya Darpan, and tension. Six of the top 10 final- a local daily, on Tuesday as The Amit Paul fever in India's ists of Indian Idol, saying he'll do "much more than north-eastern states is equally Charu, Deepali, any government" to see Tamang, scalding. Even as Lapang Emon, Ankita, Parleen a fellow Nepali, beat the reminded the singer of the laurels and Chang during a competition. Immediately after Kapil Dev brought to India and concert in Kathmandu the CM's announcement, Anant said he had similar expectations, on Saturday. Nepali Rai, a businessman in Gangtok, Purno Sangma, the former Lok viewers are keenly announced he'll give Rs 1 crore Sabha Speaker, said, "Amit has watching the Indian to fund the Darjeeling singer's already created history. He is the Idol contest where campaign. Nearly 10,000 pride of Meghalaya and the whole Nepali-origin singer students came out in a raucous of Northeast. We are proud of Prashant Tamang has procession in neighbouring him and I personally appeal to all reached at the final. Kurseong on Wednesday citizens of Meghalaya and chanting "win-Prashant" slogans. Northeast to vote for Amit Asked if cadres of Gorkha generously and make him the National Liberation Front and next Indian Idol."

Pix by Bhaswor Ojha sundry other outfits which fought Everybody, regardless of political a bitter war in the 80s against the affinity, is pitching in. Laban MLA West Bengal government for Jopsimon Phanbuh has donated Gorkhaland are putting pressure, three PCOs for the purpose of as alleged by some, on residents free voting. Meghalaya urban to support Prashant, the secretary affairs minister Paul Lyngdoh has of the singer's fan club in given out three, Mawlai MLA PT Kurseong, Pradip Pradhan, said, Sawkmie 20 and Pynthorumkhrah "Everyone is doing it on their own. MLA AL Hek five. The allegations are baseless. In all this frenzy, what binds the Instead, we hear from outsiders people of the two regions in their settled in Meghalaya that they are latest obsession to "win" is the being threatened with expulsion if distinct awareness of being an they don't vote for Amit." alien in their own country. Debojit But Pradhan agreed that the Saha, a former Voice of India Darjeeling hills are afire. " Pahad winner from Assam, summed up ma aago laage ko cha (The the sentiment when he said, "Amit mountains are raging)," he said Paul and I are both from the from Kurseong, the small town that Northeast, a region hardly known quietly nestled between Siliguri and to the outside world. We know Darjeeling until Prashant, a village what hurdles we have crossed to boy from Tung Sung tea estate reach our desired destinations." ä