#456 19 - 25 June 2009 16 pages Rs 30

Weekly Internet Poll # 456 Q. Which of these phrases best describe your current feeling about the delay in government formation? Total votes: 3,521

Weekly Internet Poll # 456. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Cabinet expansion still stuck. Your comment:

HIGH AND DRY: Ama Dablam towers above the Imja Valley in Khumbu last week as rainless pre-monsoon weeks offered spectacular views.

ALEX TREADWAY

and a deteriorating law and on Saturday is seen as significant order situation, Rawal has his as New Delhi tries to use its work cut out. leverage to end the prolonged Fresh start NC-nominated CA member political deadlock over Nilambar Acharya says he is government formation. Menon is ne month after being However, ministers appointed encouraged because this is a expected to urge elected prime minister by without portfolios two weeks ago civilian cabinet with members the Madhesi EDITORIAL p2 O parliament, Madhav finally got their assignments that believe in democracy. parties to join a Kumar was still not able with the UML’s Bhim Rawal at “There is no one in it with consensus Civilian parties to complete his cabinet the helm of guns,” he told Nepali Times. government. His expansion despite the induction the key Maoist CA member Hari visit may also have a bearing on of 10 new ministers on Home Roka is not so positive: “They the Maoist Politburo meeting Wednesday. Ministry. are all people who have lost where a hardline faction Nepal has still not been able Analysts elections, so they are advocating confrontation is to convince the MJF, TMLP and say with accountable to their parties and facing a more pragmatic, SP to join. The reason: the not to the people.” but beleaguered, party disagreement about who should problems of The visit by Indian Foreign leadership. get plum ministries. rising crime Secretary Shiva Shankar Menon Dewan Rai 2 EDITORIAL 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Circulation: Prakash Raut Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, 5250333/845 Fax: 5251013 Squeeze the middle [email protected] Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 www.nepalitimes.com History is repeating itself, but not as a farce

he present political mood Contexts differ but examine only in a calibrated manner to CIVILIAN PARTIES is eerily similar to pre- the similarities with the present. increase their bargaining power. Confused by the political wrangling and back-stabbing? T October 2002 and pre- While the electorate delivered a Both realise that the only way Frustrated and cynical about the political leadership? Let’s try to February 2005, with the ultra- verdict in favour of left forces, out of the impasse is to make up simplify it for you. The political forces in this country can be left and ultra-right feeding on the centre is being run from a with India and other parties. narrowed down to just two types: ones that believe in violence as each other. definite right orientation. But they have to deal with a political tool, and the others that don’t. The political parties were still Madhav Nepal is the face but the Kirans, Gajurels and Biplabs Using that criteria, it is pretty clear which side peace-loving running show in principle then. has to report to multiple within the party. These Nepalis are on. In last month’s regime change the party that But everyone knew that Sher masters. Those who helped divisions are for real. One leader believes in the supremacy of the gun was replaced by a coalition Bahadur Deuba’s governments cobble together this government from the dogmatic faction of civilian parties. The Maoist self-admitted strategy of grabbing (after the dissolution of the (from the president to army recently said that he would the national army to complete their agenda of total state capture was foiled. Which is why they are again on the warpath. parliament as well as the one in chief) already have differences like to see the parties go They seem to have no qualms about stirring the hornet’s nest alliance with UML, and the with the PM. No one knows with the army. of ethnic unrest, they have no misgivings about punishing the who’s the real boss. Their aim is to deepen the There is a concerted effort by polarisation, monopolise the people with impromptu shutdowns like the one they throttled PLAIN SPEAKING Kathmandu with on Monday. previous benefactors to discredit opposition space, create urban A banda is terrorism pure and simple. It is invoked and Prashant Jha an already fragile government. unrest, and attempt a power implemented by instilling the fear of physical harm, by whoever Isolated and hounded by grab. The revival of parallel calls for it. The streets of Kathmandu on Monday was a preview Lokendra Bahadur-Surya Bahadur other parties in capital politics, governments in Surket and of the kind of society the Stalinists want in Nepal: blocking interregnum) were masks. the Maoists have gone back to Bajura, hitting out at rivals in ambulances, forcing the sick to walk, detaining a cardiac Narayanhiti and Bhadrakali were their old violent ways out in the Kalikot stems from this surgeon and setting fire to his vehicle, deflating the tyres of calling the shots. districts. The general sense is approach. bicyclists who dared pedal past their barricades and selectively attacking the independent media. A deep sense of foreboding that the present government Squeezing the middle The great pity is that this needn’t have been. With their prevailed. As soon as a won’t last very long: both ground is common to the aim convincing win in last year’s elections the Maoists had the government was formed, people because of the opposition from and orientation of both the ultra peoples’ support to engage in non-violent civilian politics. But were calculating how long it outside and contradictions left and the right-wingers who they chose to retain their militant avatar, their wartime use of would last. The democratic space within. Even cabinet ministers are powerful in the present threats, intimidation and killings. The call for integration of two in the districts had shrunk with admit this is a “stopgap dispensation. Erstwhile armies leaves out the more important component of the guerrilla the army colonel and Maoist arrangement”. royalists, hardliners in the force: the YCL which roams the country sowing terror. commissar setting the terms and Within a few months, as army, NC and UML Unfortunately, the civilian parties are exhibiting the same agenda. The war escalated. There protests escalate and the conservatives have always felt greedy, selfish, short-sighted opportunism that they showed in was a hankering for a ‘strongman’ government is seen to have that the last few years was the mid-1990s. It’s been nearly a month, and the prime minister to see the country through, even failed, there will be a growing “unnatural”, that another doesn’t yet have a functioning government. They have shown no capacity to learn from mistakes and understand the gravity of as democratic aspirations were clamour for an alternative. A top onslaught on the Maoists is what is at stake here. This has hurt efforts to democratise the growing on the ground. businessman told us this week: both necessary and desirable, Maoists, and has emboldened hardliners. If these are our At a time when the rest of the “These parties are useless. We and the time is now ripe. guardians of civilian politics, they don’t need enemies. country was moving left with the will finally need the army, and What can pull things back? But the onus lies with the Maoists to prove their commitment Maoist transformation, the president playing a more The Maoists have to practice to non-violent multi-party democracy by disbanding the YCL and Kathmandu turned right with the active role to control things.” peaceful oppositional politics all other militant groups, abide by the laws of the land. They must king’s takeover. This disconnect The fall of this government, and reassure other parties of stop using deceit, stoking pseudo-nationalism and fanning the led to the regime’s downfall. whenever it happens, will be a their commitment to democracy. flames of ethnic conflict. critical moment. Will it mean a Parties have to realise that the renegotiation with the Maoists, army is not their natural ally their re-entry into government, and they will be left nowhere and movement on contentious when the democratic space issues? Or will it be followed by shrinks. The military must an even more rightward shift in recognise that it may become the polity, with the military more powerful in the short- taking an assertive role? term, but the present route will Going by the trend, the latter discredit them and hamper their is more likely. And Maoist institutional development as a actions will only help push us modern army. towards that. And India must temper the Pushpa Kamal Dahal and rightward drift, for that can only Baburam Bhattarai have learnt lead to conflict. Delhi will not the limits of their power after be able to escape the the army chief episode. They consequences of an unstable and want to escalate protests but anarchic Nepal. KIRAN PANDAY

LLL ETTERS

CLOSE TO THE EDGE days of British India is to irritate the Delhi that we are in now. In your haste to do away suspected kidnappers to death in the I was thoroughly depressed reading Durbar and invite its wrath. After all look at with the monarchy and your willingness to Tarai are horrifying incidents but more Prashant Jha’s page 1 story (‘Close what playing China off against India has got go along with anything and everything gruesome atrocities were committed to the edge’, #455). It removed any us: we have become opened ‘pandora’s by the Maoists during their so-called illusions anyone had that Nepal is a India’s protectorate. box’. If we are to ‘people’s war’. Were those responsible vassal state of India, and New Delhi Jib R Acharya, find our way, media ever brought to justice? Instead their essentially runs the show here. Darbar Marg must provide an leader became the prime minister of Prachanda was just the latest victim. unbiased view, as is this country. A Maoist cadre who Saman Thapa, email COP OUT and fair proudly confessed to the media that he I would like to point coverage and not was responsible for assassinating IGP The most insightful scoop that the out that this is not the just feed us your Krishna Mohan Shrestha and his wife Nepali Times has ever printed. first time our country individual political attends receptions organised by Thanks to Prashant Jha for telling it is facing a political opinions and human rights groups. What are we like it is. Governments through void from lack of views. going to tell those three tiny school Nepal’s history since 1816 have clear leadership Jyoti Singh, children who were attacked on their failed to grasp the geopolitical reality (Editorial, ‘Cop out,’ Kamalpokhari way to school last week? Will we tell of the , which is why they #455). Accountability them that those who stoned them were have all come to grief. A simple is the key word and it LAW AND DISORDER bad, while those who blew up a bus in understanding that we are in India’s should start with you, As Mallika Aryal Madi and burnt people alive for sphere of influence, and behaving the media and points out (‘Law and violating a Maoist banda were accordingly to extract maximum then by all, including disorder,’ # 455) revolutionaries who needed to do just concessions, would have been a the Nepal Police of attacks on school that to liberated the country? much better foreign policy strategy. course. After all, media must take the major buses, sexually motivated mob violence Forum for Education and But what we have done since the chunk of the blame for the current situation against a girl in Ratna Park and torturing Development, Kathmandu OP-ED 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 3 Mutually assured demolition The country lurches from one shutdown to another JANAKPUR-From a capital paralysed by strikes to a Tarai paralysed by strikes, the long-suffering people of this country have learnt to cope. They’ve also learnt to make hay while the sun shines. Rickshaw fares quadruple when motorised vehicles disappear from the streets. Since the demand for pedal power far outstrips supply during a banda, it’s the provider rather than the customer who sets the fare. Our driver, Sovit, says he makes most of his money carrying children to school. That’s the regular income on which he bases his monthly budget. He can take one or two days of banda per month in his stride. But anything more than that can push him below the poverty line. During the Madhes Uprising STATE OF THE STATE two years ago, he says he endured untold hardships for prolonged C K Lal periods because it was his struggle for a life of dignity. Thanks to the andolan, no Pahadi passenger now dare talk to him in a spiteful tone. But he doesn’t know what this nagarik sarbochata is all about. “Isn’t President Ram Baran Yadav also a nagarik?” asks Sovit with the profound wisdom of a man who has pulled rickshaw for a living ever since he dropped out of school at the age of 14 to support his family. A hartal also eliminates the most attractive source of a rickshaw- puller’s income: short trips with the possibility of tips. With businesses shut, people just walk across the street to hire pirated DVDs to spend the day at home. Buses stop, railways do not ply and the cigarette factory is shut. The quadrupled income from one or two trips to the airport doesn’t compensate. Sovit’s economic sense is remarkable enough, but his political instincts are even more impressive. The 24- KIRAN PANDAY year-old looks double his age and sounds as wise, and thinks that no political force other than Forum can resist the Maoist onslaught in the Madhes. The deserted streets confirm his prognosis. There are no YCDL hoodlums visible, but the fear of their wrath is enough to force businesses to shut. Sovit campaigned for MJF lawmaker Sanjay Sah during CA elections but considers Upendra Yadav to be a better representative of Madhesis than the opportunistic gang of Bijay Gachhedar. Whoever says that the popular verdict that produced a hung Constituent Assembly was freak phenomenon should listen to porters in the mountains, rickshawalas in the Tarai and cabbies in Kathmandu. The Nepali voter wanted to send a strong message to its leaders: if you don’t swim together, we wouldn’t be there to rescue you when you drown. The message has been either misread or wilfully misinterpreted. The political class in the capital is yet again engaged in mutually assured demolition of each other’s reputation even as the country descends into anarchy. Sovit is a worried man: his son is not old enough to go to Malaysia and he doesn’t want to keep him in Janakpur. He wants to know if his son can find job as a domestic in a Kathmandu household. Everybody in Janakpur wants to move to the capital city. The once- famous RR Campus has deteriorated beyond recognition. The town is not safe anymore for girls to walk alone. When Pahadis move to safer locations, it’s big news. But Sovit insists that for every Pahadi settler who has moved out, there are at least two Madhesis who have done the same and for similar reasons. The only difference is that when a Pahadi leaves, he often sells his property never to return. Criminality is so pervasive that all hopes of the town returning to normal are fading. Work on Dhalkebar-Bhitamod Highway is held up because every gang with a gun wants a cut from construction contracts. People don’t pick up any calls from phones with unfamiliar numbers. Motorcycles are snatched from riders in broad daylight. Sovit wants to know whether he can survive pulling rickshaws in Kathmandu. He has been told that tourists pay more there than here and plans to move out of Janakpur as soon as his son completes school. At least that’s a point on which the entire country is one: everybody dreams of living in the capital city some day. 4 NATION 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 Despite all odds Biratnagar braves floods, crime and power cuts to keep on going

he past year has been Factories selling goods in the rest first half of this year. “It crippled bad for Biratnagar and of Nepal had to close shop. whatever was left of the T the industrial belt in However, thanks to an Indo-Nepal industries,” says Jaju, “the cost of eastern Nepal. agreement brokered by MMA, production shot up and affected First, there were the relentless transit facility was provided via turnover, especially of the smaller hartals that had brought life to a India that gave some relief to industries.” The politicisation of standstill along the eastern Tarai. medium and large industries. the unions was another issue that Then the Kosi breached its The MMA has demanded a exacerbated existing crises. embankment, not just making relief package for flood-affected Jaju is convinced that 60,000 people homeless but also industries including subsidy for political stability in Kathmandu cutting off the East-West electricity, VAT rebate, reduction is the key factor. After that, a Highway linking the east with the in bank interest rates, loan visionary plan to exploit natural rest of Nepal. rescheduling. But businessmen resources to spur infrastructure Manufacturers were affected, say there has been no response and economic growth holds the the tea industry suffered huge from the state. key to creating jobs so Nepalis losses and hundreds of Jaju says that even though the don’t have to migrate overseas. thousands of people had their east may survive flood disaster, “It is now becoming very movement restricted. The the law and order problems urgent to find a way out of this alternative was to travel two days continue to be precarious with crisis,” he told Nepali Times, via India, or take the precarious abduction, extortion and threats “until we find ways to use ferry across the Kosi at Chhatara. PICS: KHAGENDRA KATTEL against businesses by various our energy and ideas, we will “Our region was devastated, association members and it has the rehabilitation work on the militant and underground never develop.” business and industry was branches in Urlabari, Rangeli, Kosi embankment. The business criminal groups. Juju’s Rumpum noodle brand severely affected, but still the Letang, Madhumalla, Pathari, community has also taken the “Crime and law and order is has carved out a name for itself in business community got together Belwari and Indrapur. Jaju is also lead to bring various stakeholders the biggest problem we have,” Jaju Nepal and northeastern India. “As to help the victims,” says the Managing Director of Asian in the Kosi reconstruction says, “the administration is not an industrialist, my aim has Mahesh Jaju, president of the 58- Thai Foods, which produces together to speed up the work able to restore security and the always been innovation,” says year-old Morang Merchants noodles and snacks, and employs before the next monsoon. political parties seem to lack Juju, “despite obstacles and Association (MMA). about 550 people. MMA estimates that the the will.” negative factors all around, the MMA’s members represent MMA has been visiting the business community in The floods and law order trick is to never lose the hope and 850 companies, 1150 trading flood-affected areas to organise Biratnagar lost an estimated crises have been compounded by keep a positive outlook.” houses, 12 commodities relief and also to keep an eye on Rs 3.5 billion in the floods. the 18-hour load-shedding for the Khagendra Kattel “The east has potential”

It is the gateway to Nepal if one would consider Indian triangle” of Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. Eastern states of Bihar and West Bengal as potential tourism Nepal has a lot to offer. Basantapur, Tin Jure, Milke Danda generating states. Darjeeling and Gangtok are always have great eco-tourism potential in the rhododendron packed during the summer season, there is no reason why season. Hile could easily outsell Darjeeling as a hill station Ilam and Bhedetar couldn’t have similar traffic. with views not just of but and The South Asian School of Tourism and Hotel Everest as well. And it is all within four hours drive from Management (SASTHM) is an initiative to decentralise and Jogbani which is scorching hot in the summer. regionalise the hospitality industry and tourism education. Everything is highly concentrated within Kathmandu valley. How can an entrepreneur help make Eastern Nepal a I wanted to make sure that I have a school, which would profitable tourism destination? produce skilled workforce for tourism industry right here If Nagarkot and Dhulikhel can be considered an attractive thus eliminating the problems of importing skilled workforce destination, why not the hills of Eastern Nepal? If nearby from Kathmandu. In fact our graduates are now working in Darjeeling and Sikkim can attract thousands of Indian hotels in eastern Nepal, Kathmandu and even Indian hotels tourists, why not here? Tourism is a multi-faceted industry are recruiting here. We started with three students who which has a huge potential of multiplier effect on jobs and enrolled for Bachelors of Hotel Management course in 2004. economic growth besides helping conservation. Investing in Right now we have more than 60 students in various tourism in Eastern Region is never a bad idea. semesters. We have a fully operational 28 room hotel with several banquet facilities (Ratna Hotel) as well. In But what are the constraints? Kathmandu the Radission, Annapurna and Soaltee Crowne First of all, tourism is at a very primitive stage in Eastern After completing his MBA in Sydney in 2001, Roshan Plaza are supporting us with internships. Nepal. Even before commercial promotion, there is an Bahadur Thapa returned to Nepal to start the South Asia urgent need to develop infrastructure: accessibility, School of Tourism and Hotel Management (SASTHM) in What constraints do you face in operating the school on a amenities, activities and attraction management. It is not too Biratnagar. Thapa was warned that Biratnagar was not a day- to-day basis? late to prepare a tourism masterplan for Hile and Ilam right tourist-friendly city but eight years later, he says he made This was not going to be an easy job. I was prepared for it away. Businesses also look at returns on investment, but the right choice. Extracts of interview: before I came to Biratnagar in 2003. The biggest problem tourism is a supply induced demand kind of investment. we face is highly centralised Kathmandu. In Biratnagar, we Nepali Times: Biratnagar is not thought of as a touristy don’t have that privilege of media attention or coverage. What is the role of the government? destination. What made you start your hotel management Getting teachers was the biggest hurdle in the beginning. It can consider long-term land lease, subsidies on school here? Instructors from Kathmandu were reluctant to come to construction material or tax exemption. The government Roshan Bahadur Thapa: Agreed that Biratnagar is not a Biratnagar. But not anymore. should arrange for soft bank loan, ease the registration tourist destination. However, for infrastructure and process and remove bureaucratic hurdles. A PPP concept proximity to India, it is by far the best place in Eastern What are some of the underdeveloped tourist attractions in can be applied here, and the government could designate Nepal. Biratnagar is also a hub of Eastern Nepal and is still eastern Nepal? certain areas ‘Restricted to Tourism Development’ with the a growing industrial town with immense business potential. Our tourism is focussed on the so-called “the golden understanding of local communities for sustainable growth. BUSINESS 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 5

Swine flu update ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Last week, the Nepal government said it was taking “stringent” Threatening move action to prevent a Swine Flu outbreak following an announcement by WHO about a global pandemic. But public health experts say the government doesn’t have a Shutdowns violate the fundamental rights of citizens mechanism to detect, let alone respond, to a future epidemic in Nepal. The current outbreak is caused by a new strain of epal’s political parties put the pressure on the Center’s uphold in public. Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and there are now almost 30,000 swear, in one form or resources.” This is an issue that needs to confirmed cases in 74 countries. The US has more than 13,000 Nanother, that they are The doctor asks: “What kind of be raised all the more to change and Australia 1,300 infections. freedom fighters. They then go on new Nepal are we creating when how we view bandas: as a gross The government says there are no cases of H1N1 detected, to fight with one another to deny innocent kidney patients may violation of our fundamental and has a medical team checking every arriving passenger at almost 30 million citizens the have to die so that political parties rights by the same people who we the airport, leading to long delays at immigration. But India has fundamental freedoms that have could go on with their protest elected to safeguard our rights. nine confirmed cases and China 188. Countries which source been enshrined in the Interim programs against one another?” Anchoring the language of tourists to Nepal also have cases: Japan (549), Germany (95), Constitution of 2007. Private businesses are also sick change to the tenet of the Korea (53), Israel (68). Experts say the absence of cases in Nepal may not be and tired of bandas. Last Tuesday, Constitution is important for two because there aren’t infected people, but because of the lack of at a meeting between aid agencies reasons. First, it brings all STRICTLY BUSINESS and representatives of the private citizens into the same sphere of detection facilities. Currently, samples are sent overseas to Ashutosh Tiwari confirm the identity of the virus, but there are privately-owned sector, convened by International constitutionally guaranteed laboratories that can carry out confirmatory tests for H1N1. Alert and the National Business freedoms. Second, it helps Says Sameer Dixit of Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal: These include the freedom to Initiative (NBI), the number one counter a disturbing sense that “It is time Nepal got serious about meeting the challenge of this move around any part of Nepal, problem that the participating seems to find an easy acceptance and future epidemics. Nepal must develop its own network of and the freedom to carry on any firms cited in doing business in in the media these days. For laboratories and hospitals to deal with a viral outbreak as soon occupation, industry or trade. The Nepal is the prevalence of bandas, example, after motorcycles as it is detected.” way the political parties, of all and the violence, the vandalism, belonging to doctors and He says these facilities must not only be able to detect stripes, use to emasculate citizens’ and the climate of fear and journalists were attacked on prevalent strains but also identify a new strain of the virus when it appears in the population. freedom is by enforcing bandas. These shutdowns are carried out either nationally or locally: lasting

Recession hits MDG goals anywhere for a few hours that ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The global economic crisis is threatening to have a devastating brings everything to a standstill to impact on the health of women and children, and may prevent violence-smeared whole days, or countries from meeting the UN’s Millennium Development Goals the paralysing “indefinite” of halving poverty and disease by 2015. bandas. A new study released this week says eight of the MDGs, Since the organisers, who are reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and often amorphous groups of young combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases will be most political cadres, issue explicit affected. threats, those who dare to defy the The Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development bandas run the risk of having their Goals focusses on the health of mothers and children, and vehicles stoned or torched, their highlights practical ways to reduce the continuing and unnecessary death toll in developing countries. shops looted, and being beaten up The proposal calls for increased political mobilisation; publicly in broad daylight. adequate financing and effective delivery, streamlined and According to harmonised aid operations, free services for women and children www.nepalbandh.com, a website MIN BAJRACHARYA at the point of use and the removal of access barriers, skilled that tracks the number of CATCH ’EM YOUNG: Really young Young Communist League member and motivated health workers at the right place at the right time shutdowns, so far in June alone, holds the party flag while others set about threatening vehicles that and accountability for results with robust monitoring and as of this writing, there have been dared ply Kathmandu’s streets on Friday. evaluation. (IPS) 38 instances of bandas across the country. Since 1 January, only uncertainty that often accompany Monday, medical bodies and Maoists target media 11 days have elapsed without the shutdowns. media organisations issued

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ there being a shutdown anywhere “Employees have a hard time statements saying that doctors The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) this week called in Nepal. coming to office, when they do and journalists, being special on the Maoists and all political groups in Nepal to end attacks on It goes without saying that come, they find that customers’ members of the society, were not media personnel reporting on street protests. shutdowns severely restrict the and dealers’ offices are closed. to be treated like shopkeepers by On Tuesday, Maoists attacked a vehicle carrying FNJ secretary Ram Dahal, Himal Khabarpatrika editor Kiran Nepal, movement of people, slow down Transactions grind to a halt, while the banda organisers. Himal Khabarpatrika managing editor Indra Shrestha and trade and commerce, rob many the expenses keep mounting,” said The intention of the medical journalist Rameswor Bohara in Nepalganj even after they labourers of their right to earn Anand Bagaria, who runs a and media bodies might have showed their press pass. They stoned the vehicle and looted daily wages, and make life company that produces poultry been sincere. But they need to be the key. increasingly unbearable for all and livestock feed. told to tone down their language On 15 June, Maoist YCL cadre physically and verbally Nepalis who have quietly, even if One suggestion that the NBI to recognise that even abused reporters as they tried to cover their enforcement of a seething inside, put up with these meeting threw up was that the shopkeepers, as free citizens of banda. In Chahabil a Kantipur Publications van was vandalised. daily violations of their right to language of politics should change this country, have the same In Gairegaun in Makwanpur Kantipur TV host Basudev Krishna fundamental freedoms, even by in this country. True, on the face Constitutional right as everyone was verbally abused. putting their lives at risk. of it, not only does that suggestion else so as not to be forced to In Sinamangal a vehicle transporting Nepal Samacharpatra Consider what happened last sound abstract, it is also easier shutter stores just because a group editor Badri Tiwari was forced to turn back after activists blocked its path. Monday at the National Kidney said than done. of political cadres call for In Sitapaila Avenues TV correspondent Krishna Neupane Center in Kathmandu. Because of Still, in concrete terms, such a shutdowns and issue threats to was harassed by protesters who damaged his motorcycle. In the shutdown called by the Maoist conversation about the need to non-adherents. Dhumbarahai FNJ staff member Bhojraj Ghimire’s motorcycle YCL, the Centre could not buy change the political language In the past few years, Nepalis was nearly set on fire. water that it requires daily for could be framed (by the media, pushed for a republic, took part dialysis. Water-providers could civil society pundits and rights in the Constituent Assembly not send their tankers because they activists) in terms of promoting elections, and cast their votes to feared for their safety. Despite positive individual liberty in a elect representatives. They did phone calls from patients, way that propagates and respects these all for a better future: a ambulance drivers stayed put. what’s written in the Interim future that gives them the right to From previous shutdowns, they Constitution. live as free citizens. knew that there was no point in After all, no matter how many Bandas called by political trying to reason with Maoist cadres variables of bitter disagreement parties destroy that future as they on the deserted street on the days there remain among political are acts of indignities and of bandas. parties, the Interim Constitution humiliations forced upon the “Doctors and nurses could not is the only document that was very voters who trusted them. The come to work,” said Rishi Kumar publicly signed by all of them, sooner we all come around to Kafle of the kidney centre. “We saying that they would adhere to using the language of the barely managed to offer dialysis to its tenets. And its tenet on every Constitution to hold the parties about 30 patients who had walked citizen’s right to fundamental accountable to what they or had been carried to the Centre freedoms is crystal clear to anyone promised to uphold, the language that day. But around 50 more who bothers to read the of banda will change from putting patients who had signed up for Part III. As such, it’s arguable that up with inconveniences to not that day did not come, and I know any political party or any tolerating repeated violations that some of them were already in tangential group affiliated with a of citizens’ freedom to move dire conditions. Most would come political party calls for bandas is freely to practice their the following day, and that would contravening what they agreed to occupations in Nepal. 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 Bhutan’s Maoists Revolutionary voice Naya Patrika, 14 June Following the footsteps of Nepal’s Maoists, the Bhutanese Communist Party (MLM) has launched an armed struggle against its government to Purushottam Dahal in Annapurna Post, 17 June set up a sovereign democracy. The objectives of the two Maoist parties are remarkably identical. Both have emphasised the dominanace of the It takes an inordinate amount of perseverance and bourgeoisie over the proletariat and imperialism as major obstacles. patience to become the kind of politician who has Like the CPN Maoists, the BCP wants Bhutan to be secular. Both also no expectation of a personal return from political opposed the treaties with India, claiming they are unequal. life. Shailaja Acharya was one of the very few The BCP is also trying to emulate the success of their comrades in politicians with such devotion. Nepal to turn the country from a monarchy to a republic. Party member In her six-and-a-half decades of life, Shailaja ‘Ajay’ says the BCP has set up the Bhutanese Tiger Force, an armed wing to stage attacks within Bhutan. The BCP is trying to capitalise on spent around 50 years involved in politics. She the frustrations of one-third of Bhutan’s disenfranchised population and was the first revolutionary youth to speak out the refugees. Currently the BCP is split into two groups with ‘Bikalpa’ against king Mahendra’s takeover in 1960. Shailaja and ‘Birat’ as the general secretaries. was the epitome of revolution. Her death comes at a time when the country is in dire need of such dedicated politicians. Nepal has been declared a democratic republic, Young guns having abolished the monarchy and taken steps towards federalism. But what it lacks is political Interview with Ramesh Chand Thakuri, Inspector General of Nepal integrity, which Shailaja possessed. Who in the Police in Himal Khabarpatrika, 15-29 June present cabinet would resign from a ministerial post while admitting their inability to control What is the Nepali Police doing to maintain law and order? corruption? Who would stand against those in KIRAN PANDAY A committee has been formed in both the east and the Tarai that is power and yet appeal to all with her logic? the fore in place of Shailaja. intervening to improve security. Their work has been made easy as Shailaja resigned from the post of agriculture In the coming days, Sujata, Sher Bahadur and the areas are constantly in touch regarding the law and order situation. minister even when her maternal uncle Girija Ram Chandra will either have to loosen the Prasad Koirala was the prime minister. Baladeb shackles imposed by the party or work together to What are some of the challenges you face? Majgainya, Lok Krishna Bhattarai and Homnath lead. It has to be understood that the second The public is not afraid of breaking the law. They are encouraged Dahal were other leaders who were inspired by her generation leaders in NC are as responsible for and supported by the political parties so they don’t get caught. We to resign. The resignation of former prime party failures as Koirala. There is a sliver of hope are often pressurised to release the perpetrators. We can only work minister Girija Prasad Koirala, former home in the new generation, but they are not yet ready to well if political parties stop supporting impunity. We also do not minister Gobindaraj Joshi and erstwhile PM take leadership. have enough manpower and necessary resources, which has set Pushpa Kamal Dahal are remarkable. But their Sujata is attempting to take the leadership of us back. resignations had more to do with strategy, politics the party with the backing of her ageing father, and personal dignity than ethics. thereby continuing the Koirala political dynasty. What problems have the party-affiliated youth wings aroused? Shailaja’s death comes at a time the NC needs There is not just the need for a new face but also The main problem comes from them. We do not have the resources or favourable environment to take action against those who break new ideas in order to democratise the party. The good leadership. Shailaja, Sher Bahadur Deuba the law. Any offences charged are immediately overruled. Parties and Ram Chandra Poudel were all candidates to party needs a complete overhaul in order to regularly interfere in police activities and the locals fend for the replace Koirala. Now, Sujata Koirala has come to uphold democracy. offenders because they are threatened. The police follows the law of the country, yet we are always blamed. We are helpless because we cannot even use the rights given by the Nepali law.

New cabinet

1. Prime Minister: Madhav Kumar Nepal (UML) 2. Deputy PM and Physical Planning and Works: Bijay Kumar Gachhadar (MJF) 3. Foreign Affairs: Sujata Koirala (NC) 4. Finance: Surendra Pandey (UML) 5. Defence: Bidya Bhandari (UML) 6. Information and Communications: Shankar Pokhrel (UML) 7. Energy: Prakash Sharan Mahat (NC) 8. Home: Bhim Rawal (UML) 9. Irrigation (NC): Balkrishna Khand 10. Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture: Minendra Rijal (NC) 11. Local Development: Purna Kumar Sherma Limbu (NC) 12. Health and Population: Umakant Chaudhari (NC) 13. Peace and Reconstruction: Rakam Chemjong (UML) 14. Labour and Transport Management: Mohammad Aftab Alam (NC) 15. General Administration: Rabindra Shrestha (UML) 16. Land Reforms and Management: Dumbar Shrestha CPN (ML)

Ministers of state 17. Local Development: Ganesh Khadka (NC) 18. Peace and Reconstruction: Dilli Bahadur Mahat (UML) 19. General Administration: Jit Bahadur Dorjee Gautam (UML) 20. Energy: Chandra Singh Bhattarai (NC) 21. Home: Rizvan Ansari (UML) 22. Health and Population: Khadka Bahadur Basyal Sarki (NC)

“I am walking on the Prachanda Path ! ”

Robin Sayami in Nagarik, 16 June CONSTITUTION 2010 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 7 “We are in the boat we are rocking”

A member Deep Kumar Upadhyay’s Bhattarai and the parliamentary party commitment to grass roots leader and prime minister GP Koirala. The C development means he is now internal conflict finally resulted in the mourning the loss of ethical and launch of a separate party in 2001 named ideological politics in Nepal. NC(D) led by Sher Bahadur Deuba. It was social action rather than a Upadhyay joined Deuba’s party as a hunger for power that first got Upadhyay central committee member. “It was a revolt involved in politics. He studied pharmacy against the party’s undemocratic practices,” at Banaras Hindu University under the he recalls, “a party can never be a one man Colombo scholarship plan but failed to show.” complete the course because sustained Today’s politics worries him. “Why strike action kept the university closed. In don’t we realise that we are all in the same the early ‘70s, he returned to Nepal and boat that we are rocking?” he questions, became a social activist. “We don’t learn lessons and forge Although he was born in Kathmandu, consensus.” his family moved to Kapilbastu after Upadhyay is in the National Interest buying some land at auction. He launched Protection Committee in the CA, the first a sanitation campaign and started to submit its draft by the deadline. So far infrastructure development in his Tharu- only three out of the 11 CA thematic

dominated village Bhadsaruwa, work that MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA committees have submitted their drafts earned him popularity and enabled him even though the deadline was a month ago. to get elected as Pradhan Pancha and later he participated in the general election parliament Kapilbastu 2 in the 1992 and But is still optimistic that the constitution as member of the District Panchayat. although the NC had boycotted it. “It was a 1995 elections but lost in 1998. But soon can be written on time if leaders give After the NC offered him party symbolic participation to gauge the party’s after the NC formed a majority government priority to it. membership he attended its Palpa influence,” he recalls. following the 1992 election cracks started Upadhyay has greater belief in the Convention where he happened to meet After the success of the 1990 to appear within the party because of wisdom of the Nepali people than of BP Koirala. After the referendum in 1980 movement, he was elected to the conflict between the party president KP the leaders. Present arms Weak civilian leadership is encouraging militarism DHRUBA KUMAR

ilitarism in Nepal is a cultural residue of the M Gorkhali conquest of territory to build a unified country in the 18th century. The contribution of the armed forces in the state-building process was crucial for ‘national integration’ in which aggression and conquest were employed overwhelming rather than negotiation and persuasion. Though the military is the state builder, militarism and the military in Nepal are perceived and portrayed as a brutal force, violator of public norms with systematic malevolence, and unlawful interference in civil affairs. Military service, at least in the officer corps, has been an elite preserve. Until 1951, the power and political elite ruling Nepal considered the military profession their birthright. It was also the shortest route to political KIRAN PANDAY success since during the 104 years of Rana rule, one of the four serious consequences of Pyar Jung Thapa, who met Prime retorted: “You suspended three solved. We will help you in this.” Commanding Generals always militarism in Nepal. Minister Koirala, along with chiefs of security. But why did The meeting closed with a went on to be prime minister. The government, though all seven other army top brass to you not suspend the army chief? I final bit of advice from the army As the country ruled by powerful in accordance with the express dissatisfaction over the may not ask you for an answer but chief: “The people only revolted to militocracy till 1951, militarism Interim Constitution 2007, has a government’s steps of suspending the people surely will…you knew bring peace. Talk that will divide was naturally embedded in the weak and tepid leadership as three chiefs of Police, Armed that we had a unified command the country even before the general outlook of the rulers as political parties in coalition are Police Force and Intelligence security force under which the election for a constituent assembly the safest means to ‘primitive overwhelmingly suffering from Agency, told the latter: “You are a army, armed police, Nepal police frames a constitution should not accumulation’ of power, property crony syndrome, making them politician and that is why you and investigation department be made. The people will make the and privileges in a feudal system. least interested in governance look at the security forces through worked together.” constitution that they want, only Post-1951, the military remained than sharing the spoils of a political lens. But the security To all these tone and texture they have the mandate to do so. the privy of the monarchy. The democracy. The army therefore forces do not follow politics…We of direct warnings of the military The movement has only given you king being the Supreme believes that a weak and fragile do not agree with your policy to top brass, Prime Minister Koirala, the mandate to establish peace, Commander-in-Chief of the government can be forced to take action against officers and established as the most powerful you must work accordingly.” armed forces as well as the comply with and be made soldiers of the security forces. The executive by the forces of Jana executive authority enjoyed the subservient to their interests. cabinet not taking the security Andolan II replied meekly: “I Dhruba Kumar is a political power to use the threat to This has encouraged militarism. forces into confidence could have understand the army chief. You science professor in Tribhuvan mobilise and use the armed On 13 May 2006, a day after adverse effects. You have to think can remain assured that this will University. This piece is excerpted forces. Suppression of democratic the Rayamajhi Commission seriously about this.” not happen. These sorts of from Naya Nepal, Gyanko Nepal’ values in the name of order and recommended the suspension of General Rookmangud Katawal, problems occur during the series published by Social Science stability was one of the most security chiefs, the army chief accompanying Thapa, had transition period and must be Baha in Himal Khabarpatrika PICS: HIROYUKI KURAOKA The bright side of Everest often gets bad press for commercialisation and the lack of morality of its climbers. However, Nepali Times correspondent and climber, Billi Bierling, saw a different side on the way to the summit this spring.

SUN IN MY EYES: The sun comes to wait at the Hillary Step for two from Austria and the up as climbers near the summit of hours and I got slight frostbite,” Netherlands, found an American Chomolungma on 21 May (above) said Gerry Moffatt, who reached climber sitting at the Balcony, and Billi Bierling poses on the top. the summit on 19 May. just above Camp 4 at about Teams climbing Mt Everest 8,400m. He was clearly confused, probably the hardest thing I have receive a lot of criticism because and he had taken off his gloves ever done in my life, I was very climbers don’t help each other. and parts of his down suit. Had lucky because it was perfect But I was amazed to see how these two climbers not helped, weather, an extremely competent climbers, Sherpas, doctors and the man would have died. and safe expedition leader and I expedition leaders worked Several doctors saved the life was in good health all the way together. of a Sherpa, who nearly died after through. At Camp 3 at 7,200m during he had consumed a bottle of Not everyone was as fortunate. my summit push, I heard on the whiskey adulterated with Lhakpa Nuru from Thame died in radio how two Argentinean methanol. an serac fall in the Khumbu climbers helped an Irishman, There are gruesome books Icefall when he was descending who had run out of oxygen and about Mt Everest: the igh Crimes, Dark mountain was first climbed in to base camp from Camp 2, and had troubles coming down. As commercialisation, greed, Summit, Mountain 1953. This year around 40 Sergey Lavrov from Kazakhstan, the Irish climber was suffering selfishness and crime. This Hwithout Mercy, Left for expeditions from all over the who was attempting to traverse from oedema and frostbite several season, I saw none of that, only Dead. These are all titles of books world settled down at Base Camp from to Mt Everest, was doctors at the base camp advised humanity, generosity and about climbing the world’s on the Khumbu Glacier at also swept away in an avalanche the climbers what to do with the courage. If I were to write a book highest peak. I have just come back 5,400m. I was among the on the Lhotse Face. sick man. About 10 people were about Everest (which I promise I from climbing Chomolungma, and hundreds of Everest aspirants. There were sometimes long involved in that rescue and will never do) I’d probably call it I saw the mountain in a very I reached the top on 21 May waits at bottlenecks such as the thanks to all the joined forces ‘The Bright Side of Everest’. different light. and even though the summit Hillary Step, the notorious rock they brought the man down alive. Times have changed since the push was extremely hard, climb at about 8,760m. “We had On 22 May, two mountaineers Billi Bierling, Everest Base Camp Mick Parker, 36 eteran Australian climber, Mick Parker, died in Kathmandu on 4 good style––small teams, no gas,” said Andrew Lock, a fellow VJune due to dissipated pulmonary and cerebral oedema, two Australian and accomplished Himalayan climber weeks after climbing Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak. “With his recent successes, Mick was probably one of the Two weeks earlier, Parker had summitted Makalu with British more successful Australian high-altitude climbers but he never made mountaineer, Roland Hunter. “I probably would not have made if he a big fuss about it,” recalls Neil Bosch, who climbed on hadn’t gone ahead and broken trail,” Hunter said. “He was a very strong with Parker. climber but never talked much about his mountaineering Parker had become quite an institution in Kathmandu. Once you achievements.” saw Mick wandering around the streets of Thamel you knew that the Parker had been climbing in the Himalaya for about 10 years and climbing season had started. The mountaineering world has lost a scaled five 8,000m peaks, including and Manaslu in Nepal, truly committed and dedicated mountaineer, who shall be greatly and and in . missed. “Mick absolutely loved climbing and he focussed on climbing in Billi Bierling ROLAND HUNTER ALEX TREADWAY HIROYUKI KURAOKA

THE LIGHTS OF EVEREST BASE CAMP ON THE KHUMBU CAMP 2 IN THE WESTERN CWM, WITH LHOTSE GLOWING ICEFALL IN MID-MAY. IN MOONSHINE. Khumbu after nightfall

ALEX TREADWAY THE NIGHT LIGHTS OF NAMCHE BAZAR WITH THE KWANGDE PEAK IN THE BACKGROUND.

ALEX TREADWAY THE SLANTING GOLDEN RAYS OF THE SUN SPOTLIGHT (FROM L TO R) CHOMOLUNGMA, LHOTSE AND MAKALU IN THIS PICTURE TAKEN FROM GOKYO RI. 10 NATION 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 After surviving war, Achham battles AIDS KONG YEN LIN in ACHHAM

ight years have passed with its large migrant male “It’s so hard to work here,” says since the battle that night population in India, is Nepal’s Jhapat Thapa at Sanfebagar’s E during which the Maoists AIDS hotspot with an HIV primary health care centre. The over-ran the army and police infection rate of 10 per cent, power and water shortage makes bases at Mangalsen and Sanfe. But which is double the national rate. even basic services difficult to for constable Prem Chand the Most transmissions occur provide. Last month, the situation memories are so vivid, they may between married couples, as was worse because diesel supplies as well have happened yesterday. infected migrant labourers had run low because of a prolonged “We were completely returning from India pass on the shutdown of the Tarai. outnumbered and outgunned,” disease to their wives. There is Principal Kiran Kunwar of Chand recalls, “they had assault also a worrying increase in child Deepika Academy in Mangalsen rifles and machine guns and infections. “The people here are remembers the battle eight years mortars, and we just had .303s.” already poor, the disease is ago. “There were bullets flying The 33-year-old policeman saved creating additional burden to the through the windows, and the himself by jumping over a families,” says district health children and teachers were hiding perimeter wall. His comrades were officer Purshottam Shedain. under the beds. Fortunately no one not so lucky: 40 of the 80 Because of its high infection was hurt,” recalls Kunwar. policemen guarding Sanfe airport rate, Achham has attracted many But now, having survived the were killed that night. All 55 non-government groups. But the war the school battles apathy. Loma soldiers in the Mangalsen barracks service is restricted to the main Sharma is concerned about the and 18 others were killed. Maoist towns. “It’s hard to reach all quality of education in Achham. casualties are not known, but an 75 VDCs in Achham, where there “There’s an exodus of talented estimated 150 people were killed are no roads and even the ones teachers to the cities,” he says, “no that night in Accham—one of the that exist are not passable one wants to stay and teach here.” bloodiest during the ten-year-war. during the monsoon,” explains Despite all odds, there are What followed was Shedain. efforts to address the district's huge abandonment by Kathmandu, as Mangalsen is a 16 hour bus- health and education backlog. A the security forces confined ride from Dhangadi, and it is this community-based Prevention of themselves to their barracks. remoteness that makes Achham Mother to Child Transmission “They couldn’t even protect so neglected by the government treatment for HIV is available at themselves, let alone protect us,” in faraway Kathmandu. Schools health posts. Rural sanitation recalls a shopkeeper in here started a new semester on conditions are also improving. Ten Mangalsen. 16 April, but still haven’t VDCs were declared open Three years after the conflict received text books. There is only defecation-free zones after the ended, there is a palpable sense of 15 minutes of electricity a day, if construction of latrines, but the relief. But while people are not at all. The long winter drought shortage of water has made it being killed by war, they are means there is virtually no water difficult to make a dent on water- dying of HIV/AIDS. Achham, supply in the district capital. borne diseases. z

A rare policeman in a far- flung district tries to do good The power of a

KUNDA DIXIT in Sindhuli the day before in ARGHAKHANCHI Sandhikarka. As usual, attack helicopters here is hardly anyone in flew out from Kathmandu and Sandhikharka who doesn’t overflew the town. But they could T remember the night of 8 do little because of the terrain and September 2002, when the district the fear of killing civilians in the capital of Arghakhanchi lived close combat. The fighting through a fierce night-long battle. continued till morning and the Some 4,000 Maoists, some victorious Maoists marched out of walking for more than a week from town singing revolutionary songs. Piuthan and Rolpa in the west Seven years later, there are stormed government buildings and signs that Sandhikarka is being security bases in the town. Nearly rebuilt. A new City Hall is being 70 people, mostly soldiers and built, and donors have put up a policemen were killed. new building for the district “They came down from the education office. The army moved surrounding hills,” recalls a local its base to the hilltop overlooking shopkeeper, “you could see their the town after the attack and is torches. I hid in my house, there still there. However, it is the police was gun fire and bombs all night.” who bore the brunt of the attack in September 2002 was one of 2002, who have since been the bloodiest in the 10-year war neglected. with more than 500 deaths, “Look at the state we are in,” including 50 policemen who were says district police chief Krishna slaughtered in an attack in Hari Sharma, pointing to ARPAN SHARMA NATION 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 11

TRIPLE SETBACK: 50-year-old Jamuna Buddha lost her youngest son, a civilian police, during the conflict period in Achham when he died in battle with the Maoists. Her husband has also passed Lounging away and she was discovered to be HIV positive about two years ago. around If you are tired of Kathmandu’s seedy airport, wait it out on the upper deck

athmandu Airport wasn’t voted the world’s worst airport in a recent Business Traveller Poll, but it should have K been. The flight delays, and there are many, become unbearable because the grandiosely named Tribhuban International Airport (TIA) is a seedy, smelly dungeon. But it has a little-know secret: the upper deck where there is a spick and span restaurant with a view out to the tarmac and the mountains beyond. A visit there leaves you wondering why if the restaurant can be managed so well upstairs why the lower floor is such a dump. The answer: downstairs is run by the Government of Nepal and upstairs is run by the Oriental Hotels, which also operates Radisson Hotel, with its new Executive Lounge and Airport Restaurant. With reporting time at TIA now moved forward to three hours before departure because of security, a traveller has plenty of time once he’s checked in. Thank goodness, there is now the business lounge and the restaurant. “Our objective is to provide quality services to our customers,” says Iswori KC, manager of Radisson’s airport services. “We wanted to fill a gap in the airport’s facilities.” Before the lounge opened in early 2008, the only lounge at the airport was the one operated by Thai International. The 10,000 sq ft upper floor had been empty for about seven years. Passengers were forced to spend time on the uncomfortable plastic chairs in the chaotic departure area. The restaurant and lounge is in partnership with 11 airlines including Jet Airways, Nepal Airlines and Etihad. The restaurant and lounge also has a membership option for frequent travellers. Passengers of other airlines are charged $44 to use the lounge and more airlines are being added. The restaurant and the lounge have been stylishly designed with comforting mind. There is a great view, there is wi-fi and even a quiet room with reclining chairs. “This place is very good for Kathmandu, although it compares to about an average with lounges in other international airports,” say Ross Lyman, an Australian who has been working in Nepal. Adds Tad Fetting, a tourist from the US: “The service is great.” z Paavan Mathema

KONG YEN LIN good example

GOOD COP: District police chief of Revenue office has got a new local businessmen to donate Arghakhanchi, Krishna Hari 15-room building for only five Rs 6,000 per year for 10 years for Sharma (left), poses in front of officers, but Sharma’s office is the education of underprivileged vehicles destroyed during the a godown that still has bullet girl children. Maoist attack on the police station holes from the battle. “There isn’t much crime here, in 2002. The base was never rebuilt Being in the middle of and instead of sitting around doing and policemen live in tin sheds. nowhere, Sandhikharka seems nothing, I figured it would be better to fall between the cracks when to help the district,” says Sharma it comes to post-war who started a similar education corrugated metal sheds where reconstruction. Bam Dev scheme during his former posting policemen resting after night Gautam, when he was Home in Dailekh. duty are trying to catch some Minister, flew in by helicopter Sharma says he is worried by sleep in the searing heat. and spent the night here the negative image that police The only consolation for recently but that was only have of being corrupt, violent Sharma is that there are because he was on his way drunkards. A non-smoker, non- districts that are even worse off. from Surkhet to Kathmandu and gambler and teetotaler, Sharma For example, in Mangalsen, the helicopter developed a snag. wants his work with improving policemen still sleep in bunkers Sharma, however, is not the education to help restore the because the base destroyed complaining type. Although it is people’s respect for the force. during the battle there were not his brief, he has tried to “Everywhere I’ve been I’ve never rebuilt. galvanise the CDO and the tried to see what else I can do “We’ve had to start from political parties to improve the besides being a police,” he says. scratch here, after the attack all quality of education in Sharma’s initiative will benefit the documents, citizenship and Arghakhanchi. He has got the 11 students in remote VDCs of

land records were destroyed,” youth wings of the political Arghakhanchi in the first year and KIRAN PANDAY says Sharma. The Land parties to visit VDCs and got another 24 in the second. z 12 REVIEW 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456

precocious young girl whose writer-parents abandon to her own devices in their new home. Worlds apart She discovers a hidden passage to a mirror world where the doppelgangers of her parents The pitfalls of meddling with fans lavish her with attention and her neighbours, already eccentric in here’s a delicate balance ramped up the fantasy element in the real world, put on shows for that producers have to a story marked by its gritty her entertainment. It is an T strike when taking up an realism. It’s a strategy that he enticing world that only belatedly existing piece of popular culture applies here too, with grandiose reveals its darker purpose. Selick with a dedicated fan base. They CGI full of magic but bereft of intelligently keeps Coraline’s have to bring it mainstream but soul, packed with fantastically- normal world just as visually also keep the core fans happy. garbed characters but with a interesting as the one she escapes The belatedly released tedious unconvincing story (too to. It is well-matched by the voice Fanboys (two years in the vault), tedious to repeat, frankly) and talent and the composition by directed by Kyle Newman, is dull uninteresting characters. The Bruno Coulais whose score is about Star Wars devotees who most important element in the every bit as delightful as the throw themselves so profoundly fantasy formula - the drab, images. Coraline is proof positive mundane existence contrasting that just as important as dazzling with magical reality (Harry effects, are the characters that are CRITICAL CINEMA Potter’s Muggle world, World War believable and likable and A Angelo DíSilva II Britain in Narnia, even Franco’s the story, which is tightly without its charm—there are a The much-loved Chronicle of Spain in Pan’s Labyrinth), is put reasoned. z into that universe that it seeps few head-turning cameos and Narnia by C.S. Lewis has made aside in an effort to make into their everyday world. When some amusing shenanigans on the that jump, to mixed success. everything appear fantastical. Fanboys Linus (Marquette) learns that his road. But there are also frequent Adaptations of Philip Pullman’s It is that very same separation Director: Kyle Newman three trekkie friends have kept the queerphobic (homophobic?) put- excellent children’s novels have that Coraline explores, exploits Cast: Sam Huntington, Jay secret of a terminal illness among downs, in-jokes that would fly not fared as well, their status in and reverses, a gorgeous, creepy Baruchel, Dan Fogler, Kristen their fellowship, he convinces over the heads of the uninitiated limbo after the disappointing The stop-animation from Henry Bell them to take to the road, break (while not being that funny to Golden Compass (2007). The star Selick, the director of The into George Lucas’ ranch and steal begin with) and a reverence to of that latter film Dakota Blue Nightmare before Christmas The Secret of Moonacre Episode 1. Did I mention it is set George Lucas that leaves him Richards plays yet another (1993) and adapted from the Director: Gabor Csupo in 1998, before the release of the unscathed (probably so the movie precocious girl chasing adventure novel by (yes, yet another British Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Ioan three prequels to the original Star could get distributed). to her peril in The Secret of fantasy novelist) Niel Gaiman. Gruffudd, Tim Curry, Natascha Wars trilogy? If you are lost Adaptations of children’s Moonacre, another adaptation of Again, we see an author benefiting McElhone already, you’ve hit upon the fantasy novels are still enjoying a popular children’s fantasy from the doors that Rowling’s problem with this movie. It is success and have a dedicated novel, directed by Gabor Csupo. Potter series have opened with Coraline terminally self-referential, fanbase too thanks to the Csupo’s directorial debut was Gaiman’s work reaching the Director: Henry Selick uninviting to outsiders and overbearing success of the Harry Bridge to Terabithia (2007), a screen in two previous Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri overly dependent on viewers Potter movies. Production houses largely successful adaptation of (thankfully good) adaptations, Hatcher, John Hodgman, Dawn caring as much as they do about are willing to loosen their purse- the poignant children’s novel by Stardust (2007) and MirrorMask French, Jennifer Saunders, Ian the material. It is not altogether strings to replicate the formula. Katherine Patterson, which (2005). Coraline is (yet another) McShane

14 CITY 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456

ABOUT TOWN In Paying Guests, four young and fun-loving boys (Shreyas Talpade, Jaaved Jaffrey, Ashish Chowdhary and Vatsal EXHIBITIONS Sheth) begin a crazy house hunt which takes them through ™ The Locus of Continuity, an exhibition of mixed media art works a series of ultra comical hurdles in a bid to find that one by Sunita Maharjan at Hotel de lí Annapurna ,19-30 June roof that can tolerate and shelter their combined problems. ™ In a Different Light an Ballu (Johnny Lever) has just the place for them but he has exhibition of Photography by one condition: he needs only couples and bachelors are a big no-no. The boys now have their work cut out for them. Zoe Childerley at Siddhartha They need fake wives and in a hurry, leading to a whole lot Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Entertainment of madness and mayhem later. Revisited, 1-18 July ™ Nepal Rendezvous paintings Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal from Bangladesh and Nepal at www.jainepal.com Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Quest Mahal Revisited 21-26 June, 11AM-6PM. 4218048 ™ Kathmandu Haat exhibiting festival goodies, boutique items, jewelries at Agrawal Bhawan, Kamalpokhari. 4493003 sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ EVENTS nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ Nepa~layaís film tour, till 20 June, 3.30 PM and 5.30 PM, ;"rgf ljefu Russian Cultural Center. 4437893 ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ™ Tai Chi, Buddhist Meditation 5-6PM, till19 June. Himalayan xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . Buddhist Meditation Centre, Keshar Mahal Marg.†4410402 ™ Call for entries for Film South Asia till 30 June, documentaries made in and after January 2007 qualified. 5552141

MUSIC ™ Strings Band live at Rastriya Sabha Griha, Exhibition Road, 21 June, 4PM. ™ Baja gaja, every Tuesday at Moksh, 7.30 PM onwards, Pulchok. 5526212 ™ Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi Kitchen, Durbar Marg. 4227288 ™ Sunday Jazz brunch barbecue and live jazz music at the Terrace, Hyatt Regency from 12-3.30 PM. 4491234 ™ Jazz evening at Delices de France Restaurant every Wednesday, 11AM-2PM. 4260326 ™ Some like it hot every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh Rai and the Sound Minds, 7PM onwards, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarikaís Hotel. 4479488 ™ Happy cocktail hour, 5-7PM, ladies night on Wednesday with live unplugged music at Jatra CafÈ & Bar. ™ Live Sensation, performance by Yankey every Saturday, 9PM, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. 4491234 ™ Live Band Sensation performance by Aprilrush, every Saturday till late, Rox Bar, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 4489362 ™ Sunday Jazz Brunch by Inner Groove with barbeque, Sunday, 12PM-3.30 PM, The Terrace at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 4489362 ™ Nepali Ghajals and songs at DíLounge Beijing Duck Resturant, every Thursday 6.30 PM onwards. 4468589

DINING WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL ™ A cafeís cafe Dhokaima Cafe, Patan Dhoka. 5522113 ™ The Corner Bar, 3-11PM, 5-7PM, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu. This weekís dryness extended right across northern India. The 4411818 Gangetic plains are baking at 45 degrees, and this heat is needed ™ 7th Annual Monsoon Wine Festival 2009, from until to create the low pressure over northern India that acts as the 15 September, Kilroy, Thamel. 4250440 dynamo for the monsoon. And sure enough, in this satellite picture ™ Mango Etagere with hi-tea at The Lounge from 4.30- 6.30 PM. taken on Thursday morning we see a large circulation building up Hyatt Regency. 4489362 over the Bay. This may actually intensify into a cyclone when it hits ™ Weekend Brunch by the Poolside every Saturday and Sunday, the Bangladesh coast. This will bring moisture into the Himalaya, Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu ,11AM-3PM. 4273999 creating storm systems by Sunday. The more prolonged impact of ™ Pizza & Pasta at the Rox Restaurant every Monday & Tuesday, the monsoon will take another week since the westerlies are still Hyatt Regency. 4489362 robust and will tend to drive away the outer arms of the system from ™ Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Babar central Nepal. Mahal Revisited. 4263070 ™ Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the Middle-East at The CafÈ, Hyatt Regency. 4491234 ™ Teppanyaki meat items and garlic rice right at Le Resturant,

Gairidhara. 4436318 KATHMANDU ™ Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri La, Kathmandu, Rs 600. 4412999 ™ Reality Bites, The Kaiser CafÈ, Garden of Dreams, operated by Dwarikaís Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM. 4425341 ™ Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-la with live†performance by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala Garden, every KATHMANDU VALLEY Friday 7PM onwards. 4412999 Fri Sat Sun ™ Himalayan Rainbow Trout at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Durbar Mard. 4248999

GETAWAYS 31-16 30-16 29-18 6 ™ Relax Package at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu for Rs 5555 plus taxes, for a night on double occupancy with breakfast, complimentary use of spa and, offer valid to Nepalis and local residents only. 4489800

For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 19 - 25 JUNE 2009 #456 15

KIRAN PANDAY FLORAL TRIBUTES: Former deputy prime minister Shailaja Acharya passed away at the age of 65 last week. Those who paid their last respects spanned the political spectrum and included Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala (in dark glasses).

KIRAN PANDAY SHAKE UP: US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O'Blake made a two-day fact-finding mission to Kathmandu this week.

A

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA BORDER PATROL: Pulchok Engineering Collge students protest outside their campus on Wednesday against "border encroachment" of Nepali territory by India.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA TANGLED: Pultalisadak gets a facelift as workers try to separate the phone lines from tv, internet, and electricity cables on Wednesday.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA ELECTRIC CITY: Nearly 35 electric vehicles of all sizes took part in a rally from Kathmandu to Banepa on Saturday to raise money for the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre. Participants urged the government to reduce the tax on electric vehicles. T 16 Prithbi Narayan A psychedelic country justcan’trespecttalent. to theassortedRana-erastatuaryonTundikhel.Alas,this Narayan, Laxmanshouldhavebeenallowedtodothesame of paint.Bydoingsucha while givingtheGrandfatherofNation’sindexfingeranewcoat Laxman Khadkafinallygotarrestedafterbeingcaughtpink-handed Politburo who’sbossaheadofthisweek’smeetings. against thenewgovernment,buttoshowsoftiesin for Monday’sbandwasthereforeashowofforcenotsomuch nocturnal meetings with theYCLproviding the enemy.ButhardcoreonesledbyDrBaidyaandComBiplop Comrade Awe-Inspiringisreportedlyleaningtowardssleepingwith govt. Stungbythecascadeofeventsthatledtohisdownfall, party’s futurestrategyshouldbeoutrightrebellionoraconsensus between hardlinersandeven-more-hardlinersaboutwhetherthe What isemergingfromthePolitburomeetingasharppolarisation leadership. Fatlotofgoodthatdidthem. a statementsayingthebunddidn’thavesupportofcentral While theirdistrictcadrewasdoingallthis,theNCtopbrassissued the districttoclosebygettinghiredgoonspatrol their owndeclarationofChitwanasaBand-freeDistrict,andforced Maobuddies hadshutdownKTM,kangresisinChitwanviolated hartals onus.Andthey’restillatit.Onthedaythat and thee-malaisewhoduring1990sunleashedanepidemicof ways, thebaddiesarejustfollowingexamplesetbykangresis so thatisavastimprovementfromthewaryears.Andinlotof The Assain’tcomplaining.Atleasttheydidn’tactuallykillanyone, Kalikot Bund. very nextdaytoprotesttheirownatrocity?Yup,theycalleda Kathmandu fortreatment.AndguesswhattheMaoistsdid 15 district committeeforhavingthetemeritytoopposethem,injuring Meanwhile, 500kmawayinKalikotMaoistsbeatuptheentireUML high spirits. thing thatdidn’tquitefitwastheyalllookedlikewerein ‘Malami’ emblazonedtothefrontoftheirmotorbikes.Theonly at TekuonMondaycruisingtheemptystreetswithword of thesechangedrulesbecausealargegroupeasyriderswereseen during abandthanthenearly-dead.Peopleseemtohavegotwind allowed buthearsesare.So,inaway,thealready-deadarebetteroff exempted frombandrules,andsoarefunerals.Ambulancesnot sign inredoutfront.Apparently bunds, onemediaorgtookitsstafftoworkwitha‘SubhaBibaha’ Since the‘Press’signdoesn’tprotectushacksanymoreduringYCL bodyguards chokedonsewagefumes. while ComradePumfaDeviwasseenonBagmatiBridgeasher didn’t wanttotakeanychancesand up journalistsanddoctorsoutthere.Speakersfromtheotherparties he camethroughthatunscathedbecausehisguerrillaswerebeating with alargelaser-printed‘Press’signpastedtothefront.Goodthing his tiradeonThulDai,butonlybecausehewastravellinginavan Comrade CP,however,didmakeittotheReporter’sClubdeliver important meetinghadtobepostponed. members couldn’tgettotheirconclaveatBuddhanagar,andthe ass(at)nepalitimes.com moderate commies bund wasinfactsoeffectivethatevenMaoistPolitburo successful we’vehadin hat wasonehelluvasuccessfulbund.Oneofthemost BACKSIDE toplotwayspressureTerrifico.Thereason who hadtobechopperedout musclepower psychedelic job FG FG FG FG FG FG donkey’s years jantis hoofed havebeenholdingsecret andmarriagepartiesare withPrithbi ittoPutaliSadak, . Monday’sYCL bazaar. CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 04/058/59 19 -25JUNE2009 #456

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