#715 11 - 17 July 2014 20 pages Rs 50 Living off the land

DEVAKI BISTA

he monsoon hasn’t yet growth projections, and spike THE POLITICS OF been officially declared inflation. A minority Tas “failed”, but it is mid- Meanwhile, within the CA’s EVERYTHING within a minority July and only 30 per cent of echo chamber, it is the politics of EDITORIAL paddy fields in Nepal have been everything: the politics of budget, planted. Terraces like these (see politics of corruption, the politics PAGE 2 pic) on the outskirts of Bhaktapur of crime, politics of identity. have rice because of irrigation. And it has become politically Urban sprawl is also encroaching incorrect to question federalism, THE GENERATION GAP into arable land in the Valley and especially one that is based on HERE WE GO the Tarai, reducing harvests even single-ethnic identity. BY TRISHNA RANA further. In their obsession with the It’s not just the monsoon distribution of power in the PAGE 3 that is delayed. The 2014-15 new constitution, members have budget, which was supposed forgotten to question the political to be presented to parliament sustainability and economic WHEN THE HAMMER on Friday, has been postponed viability of future provinces. COMES DOWN because the power struggle within We are putting the cart before the BY THE WAY the UML has prolonged the party’s horse by carving up the country BY ANURAG ACHARYA Nepal’s Tibetan Muslims mark Convention. A deficient monsoon into supposedly autonomous Ramadan with fasts and feasts will impact on agriculture and states, when there is no economic PAGE 6 will bring down Nepal’s GDP base for that autonomy. PAGE 7 2 EDITORIAL 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 THE POLITICS OF EVERYTHING f someone somewhere wanted to sneak in a new While in the 1990s the damage bad politics could do constitution that would serve their narrow interest Why carve up the country into was limited, this time bad politics will set the country’s Iwithout anyone noticing, what would they do? future on a wrong trajectory. They would populate key committees of the supposedly autonomous states, In the CA’s echo chamber, it is the politics Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting the most of everything: politics of identity, politics of important bits of the new constitution like federalism, when there is no economic inclusion, politics of reservation, politics of prior rights. form of governance, judiciary, secularism and electoral It has become politically incorrect to question federalism, system, with their own henchmen. And while these base for that autonomy? especially one that is based on single-ethnic identity. committees meet behind close doors, they would throw And in their obsession with the distribution of power out juicy morsels to distract the media from time to in the new constitution, committee members have time. forgotten to question the political sustainability and You do not have to be a conspiracy theorist to deduce economic viability of future provinces. We are putting that this is probably what is happening today. Reporters the cart before the horse by carving up the country on the CA beat are not covering the constitution-writing into supposedly autonomous states, when there is no process. They are too busy ridiculing the CA members’ economic base for that autonomy. demand for Rs 50 million in personal war chests and Economists have raised valid concerns about duty-free cars, and writing about members taking cat how federalism as it is envisaged will mean naps, or being bitten by bed bugs. Every week there is wasteful duplication, potentially dangerous competition a new story from the CA floor, but you can bet it is not for scarce natural resources and perpetual discord about what is being decided in the new constitution. over the fairness of the allocation of federal tax revenue Without the distraction of public hearings, and out of most of which will be confined to two future provinces. the media glare, it is quite likely that a new constitution Nepal’s future governance should be decentralised, will be rushed through the CA by January. The question there is no debate about that. The new constitution should is: what kind of constitution, and whose interest will it be first and foremost about ensuring stability, raising serve? It certainly doesn’t look like it will be a people’s living standards, promoting equity. Unfortunately, the constitution since most of the representatives of the kind of federalism they are foisting on us will lead us to people elected to write it are not a part of the discussions chronic instability, and make us all poorer and less at all. equal. In the November elections, the only substantive Let’s face it, outsiders who prescribed federalism as issue dividing the parties was that of federalism based a medicine for our ills got it wrong. Instead of steady- on ethnicity. The Madhesi-Maoist alliance that stood for state politics, Nepal will turn into a volatile tinderbox. it was soundly defeated. The people, as has happened We haven’t thought federalism through, and are rushing many times before in this country, displayed more headlong into it only because it was a slogan to restore collective wisdom than their rulers. Politics has once peace in 2006. We are not prepared for its political more become an end in itself: a mechanism to forward consequences, and we have totally ignored the economic personal ambition and greed, the country be damned. price we will all pay for it.

YOUR SAY www.nepalitimes.com

CONTEMPT OF FREEDOM and society abides by the rule of When I visited my village last January, more than that it has to do with the WHAT’S TRENDING As per the Contempt of Court Bill, law. But in a country where judges I found that most men had left to work government’s inability to calculate, a bench, which has suffered the can be bought, the Supreme Court in the Middle East and Malaysia. In the and the citizen’s inability to remain alleged contempt, has the right to itself is made up of crooks and the absence of these men, women have within the bound of reason to suggest pass judgment in the contempt case corruption watchdog is headed by the been left to take care of their entire an alternative value (‘Progress on (‘Contempt of freedom’, Editorial corrupt, it is the media’s responsibility households. Besides performing their hold,’ Bhrikuti Rai, #714). #714). Both the offended party and to keep the pressure on the courts. traditional duties, I saw that women The concerns of infrastructure the adjudicator being the same The fourth estate then becomes the were also doing work that was earlier projects should not be just about person or body is something that institution of last resort to provide thought to be of male domain. The private property and valuation. The infringes the separation of powers the check and balance when the participation of women in every sector subject of landscape level changes, principle. In such a case, contempt legislative, executive and judicial has seen a growth and the women brought about by the infrastructure Most liked on Facebook of court only ends up becoming a branches are weak and discredited. literacy rate and percentage of girls projects, remains largely ignored by ruse for judges to settle personal Great investigative story, don’t take attending schools and colleges are at the citizens and the government. Rain clouds hang over vendettas. your eyes off these criminals as they an all time high. I believe our women The communication challenge Kathmandu valley as seen from a Contempt of court is aimed at try to manipulate the media and the will be the ones to change our society, can be overcome and trust building hill atop Chalnakhel on Saturday safeguarding the independence of courts. They have powerful friends in in fact they have already started. can occur only through pre-project evening. Photo: Basil Edward Teo the judiciary. But care needs to be high places. Rjackson33 negotiations. In that sense, I am very taken that it doesn’t arrive with a Goma much for negotiations to occur before Most shared on Facebook heavy price for media and individual Education (not necessarily the project's start. Child predators: Sunir Pandey freedom. If the government’s motive I am really worried about the lack academic), economic stability and One thing great about limitations behind introducing this law is, in of due process in this case. The man freedom, and social emancipation: is that they tend to make valuation Most retweeted and fact, to curb legitimate criticism, the may very well be a paedophile, but these are the three intertwined pillars easier. We are so used to looking at favourited on Twitter it hasn't been proven yet. It means effect on society will be severe. for women (and men) to extract infrastructure projects along the lines Contempt of freedom: Editorial Anil Karkie anyone can be framed in social themselves out of misery. While of unlimited returns and unlimited media, and he is guilty even if he is elected women representatives may source of energy, we forget that these Most visited online page CHILD PREDATORS proven innocent in a court of law. or may not be the exemplars we might projects have fi nite dimensions to A New Nepal also rises: We should avoid trial by media, and Jib expect of them, true social justice will them. For some reason, the locals Rubeena Mahato not treat these guys as guilty until be realised through education and connect to this through their fi nite proven innocent (‘Child predators’, I hope the guilty receive maximum economic independence. Only then will level experiences with the landscape. Sunir Pandey, #714). Evidence from sentence if they are proven guilty. all of us - men and women - be truly I think there is a need to bridge these the adopting mother, the autistic But right now I think the accused liberated. different perceptions of realities girls should be supplemented should also receive a certain degree Namah between both parties. Thanks for Weekly Internet Poll #715 by interviews with Bal Mandir of privacy like not having their names spurring a healthy debate on this Q. What do you think about the contempt of court bill? staff, although they may be too released in public. Sarah and Hope Women are and have always been issue. intimidated to speak out. But given gets a pass, so why shouldn't they at the ones who sustain society. Only they Prabhat Gautam Total votes: 230 all the evidence that has been least until a court decision is fi nalised. do not get their due in public (media) or amassed this certainly seems like a Krishna in politics because they are women. It SAARCASM case of paedophilia. is a very backward aligned male high That is a great summary of politics, Kumar WOMEN POWER caste chauvinistic suppressive society Ass. ('Shark attack', Backside #714) At a time when most journalists that we live in. You left out #9: the role of Indian Laws on cases that are sub hardly venture outside Kathmandu Sarku Subba "intelligence" in making it all happen! judice that prohibit media from valley for their forages, thank you Weekly Internet Poll #716 discussing cases in the courts may Rubeena Mahato for bringing this PROGRESS ON HOLD Jaya To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com be fi ne and dandy in countries story from the far-fl ung (‘A New Nepal The problem seems to be about Nice Ass as always. where the court system is clean, also rises,’ Rubeena Mahato, #714). valuation and rent seeking, but also Basanta Raj Onta Q. Do you think an Asian team will win the WorldCup in the next fifty years?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Editor: Bhrikuti Rai | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 OPINION 3

DRONES: High-tech gizmos such as flower-dropping drones (upper left corner) at the UML General Convention last Thursday did not make its leadership look any younger.

hile the hoopla surrounding the WUML’s ninth general convention gradually subsides and traffic along the Putali Sadak- Exhibition Road stretch returns to normal, the fight for the top post between Madhav Kumar Nepal and KP Oli intensifies as the two factions get ready for elections on Friday.

HERE WE GO Trishna Rana

The week-long convention DEVAKI BISTA had to be extended by two days because Nepal and Oli could not reach an agreement on the statute amendment proposal. This was a high-tech affair with drones inside the big tent dropping The generation gap flower petals on dignitaries, a robot-controlled auspicious lamp lighting, and laser-readers at the Nepal’s aging political leadership is running out of time in more ways than one gate scanning barcodes on IDs. Despite the delay, the second The retirements of 78-year- the parliamentarians are 51 to 65 leadership has failed to remain is 35 or under and yet the largest party in the Constituent old Bharat Mohan Adhikari, year-old. relevant in changing times. country picked 63-year-old Assembly did manage to former minister and politburo Today, there are nearly 4 But it’s not just through their Narendra Modi over 44- undertake some impressive member of the UML, along with million Nepalis on Facebook and lack of online presence that the year-old Rahul Gandhi to decisions. By setting aside 22 senior leaders Siddhi Lal Singh their numbers on social media elderly statesmen have failed chart its future. In Modi, the seats reserved for women and and Kamal Koirala after the sites like Twitter, Instagram, the youth of this country. Far youth of India chose a man around 45 seats for Madhesis, general convention provides a YouTube and Google+ are more worrying is their failure with a proven track record of Dailts, Muslims, and other much needed nudge to ageing growing rapidly. This is a to provide the basics: quality delivering on his promises and disadvantaged communities, the politicians of other parties and generation which gets its news education and respectable job bringing economic growth and UML took baby steps towards some introspection is in order. and forms its opinions almost opportunities. More than half prosperity. building a more inclusive, One-third of Nepal’s exclusively on the Internet. They the students who appeared for They were so enamoured albeit slightly bloated, central population is between like to feel a sense of connection their SLC exams did not pass by his performance in Gujarat committee. 15-39 years. While former and want to communicate this year. And then there are the that many simply chose to Also the proposal to retire student leaders and current openly with their leaders as last thousands upon thousands of overlook his nefarious past. leaders once they reach 70 is a parliamentarians like NC’s year’s election campaigning young men and women who are If the top crop of Nepali propitious sign for the younger Gagan Thapa (37) and Udaya demonstrated. toiling in foreign countries so leaders is successful in drafting cadre and will help them rise Rana (42), UML’s Rabindra Prasad While a handful of senior they can feed their families back a new constitution by the end up the ranks quicker. Whether Adhikari (35) and Ganesh Man leaders like Baburam Bhattarai, home. It is a travesty that we are of this year, Nepalis too will these new regulations remain Pun (40) of the UCPN (Maoist) Kamal Thapa, and Ram Sharan allowing the futures of millions forgive them for their past token gestures or are able to bring give us hope, their numbers are Mahat have proved their tech of our children and youth to go blunders. Given that most of about real transformation within a too small to make a big difference. savviness over the years and to waste. them are in their early to mid- party beleaguered with infighting The breakdown by age of the their willingness to engage with The recent experiences 60s, today’s politicians have depends on how serious the soon- 240 CA members who were followers, most have never of our southern neighbor, at least a decade to set things to-be elected chairman is about elected through the first past the ventured into cyberspace. Just however, should provide some right, groom a new generation modernising the party to meet the post ballot in the 2013 elections look at the outdated and clunky hope for senior leaders in of leaders, and leave a lasting needs of an increasingly young shows that only eight per cent are websites of the three main parties Nepal. Sixty-five per cent of political legacy. and diverse populace. between 31 to 40. More than half -- that is proof enough of how the India’s 1.2 billion population @TrishnaRana1 4 TOURISM 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715

87 DAYS LATER: Americans (l-r) Seth Wolpin, Kathleen Egan, and John Fiddler celebrate completing the higher route of the Great Himalyan Trail at the Tibetan border. The great Himalayan traverse Adventure tourists give trekking in Nepal a whole new meaning by doing wilder, longer routes

MATT MILLER Sikkim, Bhutan and up to The three were brought falls for 24 hours while crossing Besides the elements, the Kashmir. together after Fiddler came Tashi Laptsa. “It was like being extreme distance, altitude, and Most trekkers would do it in across an Internet post about the under shellfire for 24 hours, it their health, at least as big an reks in Nepal used to be sections, but there are extreme great trek. “This is the hardest was like war,” he recalled. obstacle was the bureaucracy. one week to three weeks, trekkers who have done the thing I’ve ever done, physically The group had maps from Every checkpoint asked for Tand most itineraries still whole Nepal part of the GHT in and mentally,” said Wolpin, 2013, but trails listed on it had their guide and group number. stick to that timetable. But with one go. There is a higher route who in addition to climbing Mt been swept away by landslides, They travelled with neither. roads going where there used and a lower route of the Great Everest, has run right across the and new trails had been made Officials were worried for their to be hiking trails, trekkers are Himalayan Trail, and the higher continental United States. “I live in their place. “The Himalaya is safety, but mostly they were venturing into wilder, and longer route needs climbing experience by adventures, but honestly, it’s literally moving,” said Egan. looking for permits. treks. to go over five high altitude tough to top this.” Each had their bouts with “There needs to be one The most gruelling endurance passes. After starting out on the trail sickness, but they couldn’t universal permit to cross the test is the Great Himalayan Only 30 people have it took 41 days for the group stop since they were racing the whole GHT,” said Fiddler who Trail (GHT) which could be completed a combination of high to come across another road. monsoon. As it turned out, the recalls that in Dolpo, they the backbone of future trekking and low routes at one go, and “Before this I’d never hiked in monsoon was late and very weren’t allowed to proceed in Nepal. The Trail stretches no one has done an exclusively the wilderness for more than a weak, and it finally caught up without a guide. along the full range of the Nepal high route until Americans John month,” said Fiddler. For Wolpin, with them when they arrived The trio completed the Himalaya from Taplejung to Fiddler, Kathleen Egan and Seth the most memorable part of the back in Kathmandu on the traverse to raise money for Humla, and even beyond into Wolpin completed it this week. journey was being pelted by rock fourth of July. Wolpin’s non-profit, Wide Open Vistas which helps porters by supporting their children’s schooling. “The Great Himalayan Trail is the most difficult in the world,” said Kathleen, “and it will grow as long as the government helps it to grow and nurtures it.” Two years ago, a four- member group led by 21-time Everest summiteer Apa Sherpa traversed the lower GHT to raise awareness about climate change and the Himalaya. They took 100 days to complete the trek, taking time to appear at schools and giving talks along the way. Australian trekker Robin Bousted who has tirelessly promoted the GHT is optimistic it will help lift living standards in remote Himalayan valleys. He says: “It could develop micro-tourism projects in communities too remote for major infrastructure development, creating value in regions that previously had little to offer.”

nepalitimes.com The long march, #541 The Great Himalayan Trail, #474 Map of Seth’s route 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 REGION 5 The battle of single mothers BIZ BRIEFS Bonus offer Dish Home has announced a recharge bonus scheme. AMANTHA PERERA Vavuniya district. who run their own households are Customers can now get bonus on recharge of Rs 1000 in COLOMBO When the family finally some of the most resilient in the onwards. Bonus amount ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 1400 returned to Valipunam in late former conflict zone. depending on the amount of recharge. 2011, Rajan was faced with the “These women have a lot of he village of Valipunam, seemingly impossible task of fortitude,” said M S M Kamil, 322 km north of Sri Lanka’s building her life from scratch. head of the economic security Helping hand capital Colombo, occupies She was no stranger to hard department at ICRC. As part of its CSR, Himalayan Bank on 2 July made T donations to the Boudha-based Om Old Age one of the remotest corners of decisions. Even before the war “I think what they have gone the country’s former war zone. forced them to flee Rajan had to through in the past three decades Home. The bank gave away blankets, clothes and The dirt roads are impossible to toughen up, since her occupation – as individuals, as families, and food to the 11 elderly at the home. navigate, there are no street lights, as a moneylender meant she had as an entire community – has telephone connections are patchy to be firm with her clients about made them resilient. They feel Slashed down and the nearest police post is repayment and interest rates. that they can survive [and] take Qatar Airways is off ering customers up to 30 per miles away. Her shop received a boost care of their families whatever the cent off on Business Class fares to London from Here, even able-bodied men earlier this year when she was circumstances are,” he added. Kathmandu on select fi ghts. The off er is valid fear being alone in their homes. chosen as the recipient of a one- Subashini Mellampasi, a 34- until 23 July. But 35-year-old Sumathi Rajan off 50,000-rupee ($380) grant from year-old single mother of three (pic, below) knows that if she the International Committee of the children aged between five and 14 TV Boom leaves her small shop unattended Red Cross (ICRC). years, is living proof of the truth The new 39” LED TV brought by LG especially at night, there is a good chance “It helped me to expand the behind Kamil’s statement. targeting the ongoing FIFA World Cup is witnessing there’ll be nothing left in it the shop,” Rajan said, looking proudly Her eldest boy is disabled, a huge demand in the market says the company. LG next morning. around at the shelves that carry and cannot hear or speak. To has been off ering a heavy discount and a free DVD Determined to preserve her everything from dhal to single- make matters worse, her husband player and a two-year warranty during the World sole income source, she sleeps on use packages of shampoo. But left her and the three children Cup period on purchase. following the war’s end. In early 2014, the ICRC gave Grand win her the funds to start up a small Khusu Limbu of Kathmandu was announced as business. Mellampasi chose to the winner of IME’s ‘Maile Banaaeko Ho No.1 raise goats and purchased a small Facebook contest’. Limbu who received the herd of about 10 animals. Six maximum likes on her photo for the contest months on she has a herd of 40. received a brand new Samsung Grand 2. She has sold ten animals at roughly 100,000 rupees (about Numero uno $700) and is using the money to Toshiba was ranked the no. 1 Television brand by construct a small house. India Today in its issue of 12 May. The ranking was Because the sale of male goats based on MRDA Survey carried by the magazine. does not provide a steady income, she has found employment as Tour guide a cleaner in the nearby village Natraj Tours & Travels has been appointed as an school, for a daily pay of about 600 authorised agent of Star Cruises in Nepal. With the rupees (roughly $4.50). appointment Natraj now off ers special customised She says she needs at least vacation packages for Nepalis and other travellers for 10,000 rupees (about $80) a month travel/cruise to popular destinations in the Asia Pacifi c. the shop floor every night, along new supplies mean fresh fears of in order to survive, but other with her 12-year-old son, despite theft and little peace for Rajan, families say they need at least the very real threats of theft, and who deposits her meagre monthly twice that amount. Monsoon discount even rape. savings of 25 dollars in her son’s While women like Mellampasi Springwood has announced its “Monsoon Bonanza 40% OFF” “I know what I have to do, account for safe keeping. scratch out a barebones existence, off er. The off er is valid for a limited period and available I know how to take care of my Stories like Rajan’s are not thousands of others have fallen at the brand’s outlet in Bluebird Mall, Bhatbhateni Super son, and myself,” the feisty single rare in Sri Lanka’s war-ravaged through the cracks altogether, Market (Chain), and Bluebird in Biratnagar. mother tells IPS. Northern Province, where between according to Saroja Sivachandran, Rajan’s life has been one of 40,000 and 55,000 female-headed head of the Centre for Women and One more upheaval and turmoil in the last households struggle to eke out a Development in Jaffna, capital of Sunrise Bank opened its 61st ATM counter in Thamel five years. living. the Northern Province. on 8 July. “This is especially targeted for tourists and In early 2009, when Sri An assessment by the United “There are thousands of businesses in the area,” said bank CEO Surendraman Lanka’s three-decade-old civil Nations High Commissioner women who are not receiving Pradhan at the inauguration. conflict showed signs of reaching for Refugees (UNHCR) in June any kind of assistance,” she told a bloody finale, Rajan and her 2013 found that 40 per cent of IPS. “There are limited on-going E-secure family prepared to face a drawn all 467,000 women returnees programmes that target this Nabil Bank has introduced “Mobitoken”, out period of violent uncertainty. displaced during the last stages extremely vulnerable group. What an additional security in internet banking By April of that year Rajan of the war still felt unsafe in we need is a large programme platform for NabilNet users. NabilNet and her son, only seven years their own homes, while 25 per encompassing the full province customers can register for Mobitoken service by logging in into their NabilNet old at the time, were among tens cent felt similarly vulnerable and all the single female-headed account to get One Time Password for each transaction. of thousands of Tamil civilians venturing outside their villages by families,” she added. trapped in a narrow swath of land themselves. But financial aid to the country on the island’s north-east coast as The situation is worse for has dwindled steadily since the the Tigers fought a final bloody families headed by single mothers. war’s end. battle against government forces. “From field assessments, there With the U.N. Office for the The two escaped the fighting is a clear indication that children Coordination of Humanitarian alive, but with no possessions of the estimated 40,000 female- Affairs (OCHA) also winding down except the clothes they were headed households are the most its work in Sri Lanka, a substantial wearing. For the next two-and-a- vulnerable to sexual abuse,” stated programme for single mothers half years, ‘home’ was a massive a protection update by the Durable remains, for now, only a promise displacement camp known as Solutions Promotion Group. on paper. Menik Farm in the northern Despite such odds, women www.ipsnews.net 6 NATION 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 When the hammer comes down It is no longer enough to condemn the wrong-doers, they must be named and shamed

ress freedom pundits have at the Supreme Court, citing contempt did not outweigh and constitutional bodies, passionately debated the their tainted backgrounds. the social need to protect can corruption be effectively Pcontradiction between When the government appoints fundamental human checked." It is indeed sad freedom of expression and an individual who ruled that freedom within its that, barring our spartan judicial contempt, within and gambling is not illegal because broader meaning. Prime Minister, few heading outside the court. But there seems it is “a mental exercise” to a Back in Nepal, constitutional bodies or to be a general agreement among position where he has to decide in the coming state institutions today are scholars that ‘Contempt of Court’ between life and death, the media weeks the uncompromised. is a loosely defined concept in cannot sit back and applaud. court will hear The dissolution of the first law - the Proteus that can take any What is worrying though is that arguments of both Constituent Assembly and the shape and form. one of those appointed is now sides in the Kantipur case and the hopelessness surrounding the hearing the case against Kantipur publication may be let off with a second have convinced not just editor Sudheer Sharma and note of caution and a modest fine. common people, but also the others on the contempt of court But there are more worrying signs generation of younger leaders case. on the horizon in the form of the about the incompetence and In March 1979, European government’s Contempt of Court fecklessness of their party bosses, Court of Human Rights (ECHR) bill. The idea seems to be that by young leaders who are now passed a landmark judgement choosing a high profile target like increasingly finding their voice involving the British government Kantipur, the rest of the Nepali within the party and holding the BY THE WAY and The Sunday Times. The media will cow down. They top brass accountable. Anurag Acharya newspaper had published a should know better. The resolute stance taken by report in September 1972, Former Chief Justice Ram UML Minister Lal Babu Pandit criticising a verdict by the Prasad Shrestha, who earned against allowing a corrupt The Supreme Court of Nepal British court on settlement public faith and respect through bureaucrat to be transferred to would do well to take note of claims of families affected by a his integrity and crusade against the Finance Ministry, despite this legal scope and limitation pharmaceutical company called corruption, lamented in his final being bullied by Finance when it decides to harass Distillers. days at the Supreme Court that Minister and Home Minister Nepali journalists for criticising The Sunday Times faced Nepal’s judiciary had become a from his own party is an its verdict and questioning contempt charges and hotbed of corruption because of example worth emulating. personal conduct of presiding was banned from tainted justices. For far too long, the honest judges, as was evident in the publishing further In his attempt to rid and upright within political contempt case against Kantipur. reports on the matter. the judiciary of corruption, parties and Nepal’s bureaucracy

The honourables sitting on the The publishers filed a DIWAKAR CHETTRI Shrestha took action against have been silent witnesses to highest bench should know, case against their government in several incompetent judges and corruption and abuse of power of public faith and respect are not the European Court citing breach the right to freedom of expression recommended impeachment of their bosses. It is time they found constitutionally guaranteed of Article 19 of ICCPR which guaranteed not only freedom of a sitting judge to the parliament, their voices. unlike their own positions. guarantees freedom of expression the press to inform the public unprecedented in the history Kantipur and other and press freedom. After five but also the right of the public of Nepal’s judiciary. Before Anurag Acharya is program papers (including this years of intense deliberation, the to be properly informed. The leaving office Shrestha wrote: manager at the Centre for publication) criticised the most European Court ruled in favour Court concluded that the risk of "Only if there are honest people Investigative Journalism. recent appointments of justices of the publication holding that prejudicing an ongoing case or heading public institutions @Anurag_Acharya Not only was the southwest monsoon late by two weeks, even when it arrived it was weak. The fi rst week of July saw only 20 per cent of normal precipitation in Kathmandu Valley. The rest of Nepal, and indeed the whole KATHMANDU Subcontinent is not faring much better. Two-thirds of India has received seriously defi cient rainfall so far. The culprit is super-typhoon Neoguri which was such a vast circulation in the western Pacifi c last week that satellite images show it pulling moisture from as far away as the Indian Ocean. Hey, that was our rain! The monsoon should get back to more normal levels from this weekend on. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 30° 30° 29° #715 11 - 17 July 2014 20° 19° 19°

MEAL TIME: A Tibetan Muslim family prays before breaking fast during Ramadan on Tuesday

BASIL EDWARD TEO A minority within a minority Nepal’s Tibetan Muslims mark Ramadan with fasts and feasts

CLARE HENNIG

bdul Rehman, a 63 year-old jewellery The Tibetan Muslim community is he said. Masjid on Fridays. On the streets, they speak boutique owner in Thamel, leaned close-knit because of its shared history of Like many others, Rehman and Tako’s Nepali but at home, it is Tibetan. Aacross a counter overflowing with migration and hardships. Most of them fled families first fled to Kashmir and Darjeeling The shared history of migration and the colourful beads and bangles to explain to Nepal after China’s occupation of Tibet because of their ancestral links to India, efforts to preserve their heritage have forged why he hadn’t had anything to eat or drink in 1959. later moving on to Nepal for economic strong bonds within Nepal’s Tibetan Muslim all day. “The migration was purely on the basis opportunities. community. And the mutual experience of “We are keeping control over ourselves,” of religion during the Cultural Revolution,” Despite cultural and language differences, Ramadan each year keeps it strong. said Rehman, “and if we do it for one Rehman said. “The elders thought, ‘Ok for us Tibetan Muslims have integrated well with Amina Banu, the Tibetan Muslim founder month we can do it in the remaining eleven we would stay – but what about the future of the other Islamic communities in Nepal. of Banu’s Total Fitness gym, described how months.” the children?’ So therefore they migrated.” Kashmiri, Indian and Tibetan Muslims all the community comes together each night Ramadan began last week with the Kashmiri Muslims used to trade with pray together at the same mosques, and for iftar, the breaking of the fast, and how appearance of the new crescent moon, and as Tibet, and in the 16th century the Fifth celebrate Ramadan together. the holy month provides the time to grow in other parts of the world, Nepal’s Muslims Dalai Lama asked some of them to stay, “A Muslim is a Muslim, we don’t closer to God and to one another. fast during the day for a month of self- granting them religious freedom and rights. differentiate,” said Rehman. Said Banu: “Iftar is always done in my control, prayer and spiritual reflection. They married into the local community and The combination of the Islamic faith with sister’s house. Everybody comes together and Although only 4.2 per cent of Nepalis gained converts. Tibetan culture is being passed down to the we pray ... we cook and it is like a festival. We are Muslim, it is the country’s third most Abdul Rehman’s nephew, Enayat Tako younger generation as a joint effort between stay together overnight.” practiced religion after Hinduism and said that both Muslim and Tibetan are the family and the community. Tako’s 17 Buddhism. Tibetan Muslims like Rehman, equally important elements of his identity. year-old daughter and 14 year-old son attend nepalitimes.com however, are a minority within this minority “We want to save our culture, that’s why a secular school in Kathmandu. But they and number only between 300-400. we mostly marry within our community,” read the Quran at home and worship at Jame Ramzan Kareem, #618 8 EVENTS DINING Retrospective, Arena sports lounge, a look back at the oeuvre of senior artist Rub shoulders with fellow sport fans and and cubism enthusiast Surendra Pradhan. watch the World Cup fi nals together. Runs till 18 July, Park Gallery, Pulchok, Make new friends or enemies. parkgallery.com.np Thamel Learning about success, Phat Kath, listen to one of Nepal's youngest nothing better after a long work day than scientists, Kshitij Raj Lohani, talk about to chill out with tasty fi nger food, reggae Green organic cafe, how he went from being a dropout to a music, and 2 or 1 cocktails during happy eat fresh, right from the source. This cafe scholar. Amalgam, hour. has its own farms where vegetables, Grand Finale, 11 July, 4.30 to 6pm, Trade Tower Business A series of talks around the ongoing Thamel grains, dairy and fruit are produced. Centre, Thapathali, Rs 300, 9843324333 exhibition at Siddhartha Art Gallery cap off World Cup 2014 with good Detox and indulge in healthy treats. music and company. Thamel, across Roadhouse Cafe, Muna Madan, 13 July, Performance art, looking at 13 July at 7pm to 14 July at 4am, (01)4215726 Nepal’s favourite epic on stage again. the performances of Sunil Sigdel, Jupiter Dibya Hospitality, Dibya Nagar, Kathmandu Runs till 16 July, Rs 100/200/300/500, Pradhan, Prithvi Shrestha, Saurganga Helena's DJ Zumba, Rastriya Nachghar, Jamal Darshandhari, and Rithika Shrestha, breakfast made better when served with 3pm sunshine, cool breeze, and a panoramic dance and stay fi t as 25 zumba instructors 20 July, Socio-political from Kathmandu collaborate with a DJ. view of the Kathmandu Valley. perspective in art, questioning the Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, (01)4266979 27 June, 5 to 11pm, Hotel Radisson, Lajimpat role of the artist as an informed citizen, 3pm iDoYo Ushi No Hi, Reload yourself, 27 July, Street art, spreading socio- savour exquisite Japanese delicacies at opening of the Entrance cafe, live music by political messages through art in the Just baked, Mako’s to celebrate the Japanese eel Kramasha Nepal, the Fusion House and local community, 3pm. give yourself a treat and satisfy your festival. 18 to 20 July, Mako's Japanese Saddle Billed Stork. Siddhartha Art Gallery, cravings with a buff et of sweet desserts. restaurant, The Dwarika's hotel, Battisputali 12 July, 2pm until midnight, The Entrance Babar Mahal Revisited The American brownie will not disappoint. Cafe, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur, (01)5555617, Battisputali, Kathmandu, (01)6205126 9841595814 Delegate effectively, brush up on your delegation skills with Ezer book cafe, this fi ve-day (two hours a day) workshop. cozy up with a good book over some Reduce your work burden as a manager Korean food. Kathmandu kora, and increase your team's eff ectiveness. Sanepa, Lalitpur, (01)5546578) join hundreds of cycling enthusiasts and 14 July to 18 July, 7.30 to 9.30am, Rs 10,000 ride for 50, 75, or 100 km to raise funds King's College , Bijuli bajar, Kathmandu Wunjala Moskva, for a birthing centre in Pyutar, Lalitpur. treat your palate to Newari and Russian 19 July, facebook.com/kathmandu.kora Beyond auto mode, dishes in the lush garden with ancient learn how to use your camera beyond trees and trickling streams. Sushi making, I have an idea, its auto function. Don't just be a button- Naxal, (01)4415236 learn how to make sushi the right way get creative and jump into the melting pusher; take control of your pictures. Downtown, from chefs at Tamura restaurant. pot of ideas to foster positive change Registration until 18 July. Buzz, go Indian at this restaurant, although it 12 July, 2 to 4pm, Hotel Kido House and in Nepal 20 to 31 July, 5.30 to 7pm, Rs 6000, the food is good and wholesome, it will serves Chinese and Continental food too. Tamura Japanese Restaurant, Thapathali, 13 July, 3 to 6pm, Nepal Academy Hall, Canon Imaging School, Maitry Bhawan, leave your palate buzzing. Don't miss out on the briyani. Rs. 1500, 9803226840 Kamaladi, Kathmandu New Road Baluwatar Pulchowk Road, Patan, (01)5010751 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 9 MUSIC GETAWAYS

Devika Bandana, Himalayan wellness centre, catch the songstress with over 300 a one-stop centre for a relaxed mind hit songs to her name in her live solo and a healthy body inside the comeback performance. Park Village Hotel. Hotel Radisson, Lajimpat, Kathmandu. Budhanilkantha, open all week 9801184474. www.himalayanwellness.com.np Shastriya sangeet, Neydo Monastery, the best of Hindustani classical every a monastery and guest house, Neydo is new moon night. The end of the universe, home to many signifi cant religious sites 27 July, 4pm onwards, Battisputali of the great siddhas. Leave your troubles stay in a family-run hotel that is located behind and book a room. atop Mahankal hill. It is believed to be Pharping, Kathmandu one of the oldest hotels in the area. www.neydohotel.com/contact/html Mahankal Mandir, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, 9741020969 Waterfront Resort, head to this eco-friendly resort right in front of Phewa Lake. Sedi Height, Pokhara. (61)466 303/304, 9801166311, [email protected]

House of music, for fi ve days a week, this bar and restaurant is packed with musical events that include open mics, karaoke and jam sessions. Open Tuesdays to Sundays , 4 to 11pm, Amrit Marg, Thamel, 9851075172 Ball in the Mall Dish Home Nepal’s World Cup targeted event ‘Ball in the Mall’ began last week. Jhule mountain resort, Along with being surprised by celebrities resting 2050m above sea level, the eco- at diff erent venues around town, resort boasts a farmhouse that stretches customers also got the opportunity to across a hill covered in fresh pine. win gift hampers at the program. The Enjoy an organic homestay experience. customer engagement program is on Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, until 13 July. Lapsiphedi-3, Jhule, (01)6212399 Music at the museum, 11 July, Sherpa Mall, 4.30 to 6.30PM, spend an evening at the City museum Balthali Village Resort, former Miss Nepal Sadikchhya Shrestha and revel in chamber music with the a small, cosy retreat with a bird’s eye view 12 July, KL Tower 2.30 to 6.30PM, Krishnarpan duo. 12 July, 6.45pm, Rs 450, of green terrace fi elds dotted with ochre Shristi Kafl e and singer Sanjaya Shrestha tickets available at the museum, Cafe Soma painted houses. 13 July, Civil Mall, 2.30 to 6.30PM, (Jhamsikhel) and Lakuri Cafe (Baluwatar) Balthali, Kavre, 9851075818 former Miss Nepal Usha Khadgi DANGER MEN AT WORK recruiters, or are not familiar with to go to Qatar or the UAE to be the procedures to get a passport. ill-treated. A Nepali worker from Bardia says As we started down the he is taking a few days of unpaid long staircase, a construction leave to go home for rice-planting. supervisor came up and rudely The outcry over bonded asked us what we were doing workers in the Gulf in the at the site. After finding out international media masks we were photographing and the exploitation of Nepali interviewing the workers, he workers within Nepal by Nepali threatened us and warned us not contractors. Kathmandu’s to come back. construction boom depends on cheap labour, and until laws PICTURES: MILAN POUDEL are enforced to protect their TEXT: PRASHANT GNAWALI n the 14th floor rights, they will continue to of a new high rise be vulnerable. nepalitimes.com apartment coming The truth is, Nepali See gallery Oup on the outskirts construction workers don’t have of Kathmandu, an Indian construction worker sits right at the edge, using pieces of wire to tie steel rods into bundles for reinforced concrete beams. At that dizzying height, he works without a helmet or harness, and has no time to enjoy the view of the valley spread out below him. The building is on the flight path toward Tribhuvan International Airport, and an Air Asia jet carrying Nepali workers to and from Malaysia roars by overhead. Because most young Nepalis have migrated to Malaysia or the Gulf, the workers here are from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, and some from the Tarai. “Why worry about ropes and helmets if the pay is so low,” says the worker, not bothering to look up when asked why he is not using a harness. Other workers are perched precariously on flimsy bamboo scaffolding high up on Mero City, a new apartment complex coming up in Dhapakhel. The apartments here will sell for up to Rs 40 million when completed. The 130 construction workers earn Rs 800 for a 14- hour work day. They live in the lower flats of the building they are working on to save on rent. Many of the workers from the Tarai say they haven’t gone abroad either because they couldn’t afford the hefty fees demanded by labour

Himalmedia is looking for Marketing We are looking for goal-oriented, committed Executives to augment the current sales and hard-working young professionals team of its trend-setting products: aspiring for a career in media. LET’S Nepali Times, Himal Khabarpatrika and their online editions. Selection will be weighted in favour of SEND APPLICATIONS TO: SCOOT female candidates, two-wheel riders, HR Department Himalmedia, Although previous experience in knowledge of MS Excel, Indesign, web GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal media sales is a big plus, apply if design for multiple platforms and [email protected] OFF you think you have strong marketing, applications. Deadline: 10 July, 2014 inter-personal communication and Shortlisted candidates will be presentation skills. Why wait? Let’s scoot off . notifi ed and called for interview.

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skillfully stitched together to make this ultimately delightful film. I will not say that this film will actually edify Lego lovers. While it tips its hat to all the intrepid, young, creative builders, this film is really just Warner Bros. attempt to tap into the highly lucrative children’s market. Fortunately the writers of the film, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, have maintained a keen sense of humour at the banal task they were given – going all out by poking fun at themselves and pretty much every single other franchise including Batman, Superman, and of course, The Matrix. HAPPENINGS The Lego Movie is also THE a testament to the ongoing elieve it or not, The Lego phenomena that even highly Movie is more or less the The trained actors will jump on a BMatrix – but with millions bandwagon if it’s well written of Legos. Once again, Hollywood, LEGO enough, and made for children. seemingly having run out of all The film boasts a cast including original intellectual property, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, has turned a beloved toy into an Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, animated film. Fortunately for MOVIE Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. us The Lego Movie, while culling Despite my persuasions, if by Chris Pratt and is thankfully you continue to feel that this film named just plain old Emmet. might still be too painful, go to Emmet is a cog in the wheel hear the snappy jokes that will of a seemingly utopian Lego land catch you unaware and make you where “Everything is AWESOME”. laugh out loud. Then of course, That is until it turns out that he is since I must do my all to keep DEVAKI BISTA the unsuspecting, clueless “one” the adult’s attention, ladies and MONEY MATTERS: Depositors of Oriental Cooperative demand compensation MUST SEE who is destined to find the “piece gentlemen, there is a cameo by and action against Chairman Sudhir Basnet who embezelled millions of rupees from the cooperative at a rally near Singhadarbar on Tuesday. Sophia Pande of resistance” and save all Lego Hans Solo and Chewbacca. Yes, Land from being…wait for it… yes, they are Lego figures, but heavily from The Matrix, actually glued down by Krazy glue. honestly, who cares, right? has a rather wild sense of humour. If you think all of this is very The sequel to The Lego Movie While played by the robotic silly, you are right, it really is. will be out in 2017. Keanu Reeves saying “I know Kung- But if you choose to embrace the Fu” in the nineties film, the Lego silliness, you and your children nepalitimes.com version of Neo, is played here with might be delighted by the clever Trailer verve and tongue in cheek hilarity post-modern hodgepodge that is

NEPALNEWS.COM STILL WAITING: Farmers irrigate paddy field with water pumped out from Bagmati R-iver in Kathmandu on Monday. Delay in the onset of monsoon has affected plantation across the country.

ASHOK KHADKA LITTLE CHAMPS: Nepali particpants pose with their medals at World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea on Monday.

BASIL EDWARD TEO GUARDED CELEBRATIONS: A Tibetan woman walks past a group of policemen at the refugee camp in Jawlakhel, where hundreds of Tibetans gathered to celebrate their spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s 79th birthday on Sunday. 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 13

here is waltz, lots of contemporary As is the case with our films and television, dance forms, but very little ballet in it seems even Nepali theatre like to turn on the TKathmandu based dance group Anzel decibel level. Yes, theatre calls for theatrics Crew’s rendition of the Russian classic, Swan but you don’t have to bust ear drums. Lake, which opened this week at Mandala When a director undermines an audiences’ Theatre. intelligence, and feels the need to spell out The result is a goulash of gyrations that everything, such as the use of a narrator in distract from the performance, as do the this performance, the audience is left with technical glitches and the excess of acts little to do. The narrator, who erupts onto the in this 50 minute show. First premiered in stage almost every five minutes, dramatically Moscow in 1877, Swan Lake has taken 140 elocutes paragraphs of prose and ends years to arrive in Kathmandu, and keeps to up irritating the viewer. The scene where she the original theme of extreme contrasts: black breaks down into an almost psychotic rant is and white, good and evil, the idea of faithful perhaps when the play hits its nadir. You can’t love with a twist of a love triangle. inject Bollywood theatrics into a Swan Lake This production, directed by Nandita production in Kathmandu. Kc and choreographed by Anzel crew casts But all is not lost. In between the Odette as the innocent and dainty swan cringeworthy moments, the scene when queen who is torn between her feelings for Swoon lake the queen meets the Black Swan for the first BIKRAM RAI two prince brothers--the Black Swan and passionate time is well executed. The Black the White Swan. As characterised by their Kathmandu based dance group Anzel crew’s Swan’s aggression and his desire to be with the colours, the black swan, the younger of rendition of the Russian classic has rough edges lovely princess comes through with his stern the two, is ambitious and arrogant while stances and emotive eyes. The waltz between his elder brother’s gentle and kind nature the White Swan and the queen is another makes him the more beloved one. The queen relationship between dance and drama. the dance routines are clumsy, uncoordinated beautiful moment. As the two glide across the tiptoes between them as she tries to figure Unfortunately, the team falls short largely and lack finesse. These ballerinas don’t even stage, for a brief moment, the audience gets a out exactly who she truly loves. Since this is because of poorly choreographed stand on their toes, and attempts fleeting glimpse of their characters. the world’s most famous ballet, you already routines -- the strong point of the at a pirouette were almost comical. Tsering Dolker Gurung know the tragic ending. original. REVIEW One could argue that Swan At the press conference before the play’s From the opening act, where Lake performed in a Himalayan Runs until 16 July, show starts at 5.15pm premiere, co-director Mohammad Nazir the narrator performs a monologue of love hinterland will never match the original, but (closed on Mondays) Hussain, who also plays the Black Swan, proses, surrounded by the corps de ballet if the dancers can’t do ballet why choose to Rs 200, Rs 100 (students) said he attempted to show the intimate (only called that because they are in tutus) stage a ballet? Mandala Theatre, Anamnagar

PICS: WALTER SCHWEIGER

athmandu is spreading. The edges of the city creep Kfurther and further outside the ring road like pizza dough, turning this large city into an extra large meal. It won’t be long before other restaurants, not just households, follow suit of Walter’s Mitho Mitho. Formerly in Jhamsikhel, half of Walter’s kitchen was a casualty of Kathmandu’s road widening project. This problem’s forward monthsmonths or maybemaybe even a weekweek thinking solution was a spacious re- beforee many more cultural imagining, now in Bhaisepati, of the andand culinarycu destinations like former small backyard restaurant. Walter’sWalter envelop the rapidly After a soft opening in expandingexpan area outside the ring December 2013, eight months Walter’s road.road. later Walter’s busy hours are MattMatt MillerM unpredictable since it’s off the beaten path of habitual eateries. How toto get there: From the ring But its expansive culinary tastes road take t the Sainbu/Bhaisepati and relaxing beer garden could Mitho Mitho road uphill, past the big tree and make the lulls temporary. integrated at Walter’s. but offered a great deal of nuanced The potato salad also bucked the road dividers. Walter’s is on your There’s lots of room at Walter’s. I wanted to order curry wurst flavour. What could be the favorite norms, since the large wedges in left 500m past Bhaisepati chowk. There’s a small street-side stall (Rs 390), to check as many boxes meal of nine year-olds everywhere, a vinegar-based dressing was a serving goodies from their own as possible of the multicultural the perfectly round fried balls delightful departure from typical Vienna Bakery still in Jhamsikhel. offerings, however the server filled with potatoes and cheese heavy mayonnaise-based potato Inside the walls the tranquil beer shook his head with disapproval. bend to the will of your biting salads mashed together. garden is lined with benches and That wasn’t to say it isn’t good, but teeth, but don’t break initially, as if Three Americans came in on pleasantly features a traditional something about my countenance to make sure you are determined a mission for Viennese chocolate Austrian bowling alley, while that evening said abort the to eat it, before finally giving way crepes (Rs 280), which did not go further in the confines is lounge Nepali-German fusion mission. to its warm dairy interior. The hot unnoticed. After the first bite I was seating spread across the grass, a Diplomatically he suggested the garlic sauce wasn’t spicy, but a glad their choice became mine. small bar tucked still further in the German bratwurst. But there are tangy take on traditional marinara The sweet crepes were not oozing back, as well as monsoon-proof plenty of Nepali, German, Italian, sauce, which went well with the out of the thin pancake despite indoor seating. Mexican, and even Middle Eastern pozazo balls’ mozzarella filling. how forcefully I pressed on the Try to knock down all nine pins dishes too for a multicultural German bratwurst (Rs 380) was soft top to ooze it out. But the while drinking a Gorkha beer (Rs clientele. too obvious a decision not to be delicate serving of chocolate left 370). That’s just one example of The pozazo balls (Rs 210) were a good one. Visually charred, the me wanting more, rather than sick the Nepali-German/Austrian fusion touted as the chef’s special. This casing was not too tough to inhibit from a sugar overload. appetiser seemed bland at first, enjoying the chewy sausage. It’s only a matter of years, 14 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715

GIZMO by YANTRICK Gosainkunda Festival study revealed results which Picture This were very confusing and almost ed up with the sub-par picture quality on your mobile device, and uninterpretable. What went thinking about stepping up to a DSLR camera? A major sticking point, wrong? Apparently, pilgrims were when it comes to DSLR cameras, is their cost, which deters most of us not following simple directions F from investing in one. However, in recent times cheaper, entry-level DSLR regarding the study, and some cameras from reputed companies have been doing the rounds. Samsung’s were even exchanging study pills NX1100 is one such off ering; a compact, perfectly capable and feature-packed with their fellow pilgrims. Clearly shooter at an extremely attractive price. the researchers had not spent Although it’s plastic-bodied, the NX1100 does not feel like any old enough time counselling the plastic camera. The plastic is thick, and the camera feels robust. When you pilgrims about the importance of actually hold it, the NX1100 feels perfectly sized, with the grips on the front following directions in a medical and the back keeping the camera secure. A traditional mode dial on the study. NX1100’s top plate is a nice touch and offers a fast, simple way to switch This sort of problem is between modes. Also on the top plate is a Smart Link button that connects rarely encountered when to your preferred Wi-Fi network. You can then select fi les to share with your n 9 August, 2014, the surveyed the scene, and swallowed studying western trekkers in smartphone, social networking site or simply back up your fi les by transferring eve of Janai Purnima, the poison in one gulp. His throat randomised controlled trials in them to a PC. OGosainkunda Lake promptly turned blue (Nilakhanta, the Himalaya. Hence the finding The Samsung NX1100’s (4300m) will be the venue for aka Blue Throat, is another name of the Gosainkunda Diamox 3-inch LCD screen is also bright the climactic enactment of the for Shiva). He needed to cool trial became more of a study in and easily viewable in sunlight. greatest Vedic story. In their quest off the immense heat generated cultural mores than an actual The NX1100 comes bundled for amrit (the elixir for spiritual by Kalakut; so he dove into scientific trial as MMSN and HRA with a 20-50mm lens, and is immortality), the titans and the Gosainkunda Lake. had planned. compatible with 11 other lenses, gods collaborated in churning In the memory of this selfless Starting from Dunche in if you so desire. the ocean. Mount Mandara was act by Lord Shiva, pilgrims Rasuwa district to Gosainkunda For its class, the Samsung annually take a holy dip in the lake Lake, it is best to take four to NX1100’s boasts a rather and wash away their sins. But just five nights to reach the lake to impressive spec sheet, with a as in the case of the great Shiva, properly acclimatise. Listen to 20.3 million pixel APS-C CMOS this pilgrimage is not risk free. your body and do not push ahead sensor, an ISO range stretching Many pilgrims to Gosainkunda disregarding symptoms of AMS, from 100 to 12,800, full HD movie recording and a maximum of 1/4000 suffer from acute mountain which are chiefly headache and second shutter speed especially standing out. The NX1100 incorporates DHANVANTARI sickness (AMS) due to very rapid nausea. Volunteers with accurate Samsung’s iFunction lens technology, which enables you to make adjustments Buddha Basnyat, MD ascents to 4300m. Many pilgrims knowledge of altitude sickness to manual settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and despite strong advice, make the from the HRA and MMSN will also exposure compensation simply by pressing a button on the lens. selected as the churning stick, the trip in two days instead of the be at hand during Janai Purnima Other key features include 8fps continuous shooting, Sweep Panorama king of serpents Vasuki would be recommended four or five days. to help. functionality, Smart Filters that apply a range of creative eff ects to your photos the churning rope, and Vishnu In light of this,The Mountain Taking Diamox, if you don’t and an iScene mode, which enables photographers to select scene modes himself in the form of a tortoise Medicine Society of Nepal (MMSN) have a sulpha allergy, will help via the lens. Although there is no built-in flash on the Samsung NX1100, dove into the ocean to support and the Himalayan Rescue prevent and treat AMS. Drinking there is a hotshoe, and the camera ships with a small fl ash unit that slides the base of the mountain with his Association (HRA) carried out two litres of clean water (boiled into the hotshoe. As a bonus, Samsung has teamed up with Adobe to provide back. Vasuki wrapped around the a double blind, randomised or treated with chlorine/iodine Lightroom 4 with the NX1100 for free, which allows users to simply and quickly mountain, the titans laid hold of controlled trial to see if the most tablets) per day will help avoid enhance their images with a plethora of creative techniques. one end of the rope and the gods commonly used drug for the dehydration. Proper rain gear At the end of the day, image quality is the ultimate test for any DSLR the other. They churned for a prevention of AMS, Diamox, would and carrying table salt to deal camera, and the Samsung NX1100’s vibrant, realistic colours and sharp detail thousand years. be helpful in these rapid ascends. with leech bites will also come in make it a great option for someone looking to take their photography beyond Unfortunately from the murky Although there are proper studies handy. cell phones at a great price. depths of the ocean, the first of high dose Diamox (750 mg) The lake area is completely thing to rise was Kalakut, a deadly which show the effectiveness of packed during Janai Purnima so Yantrick’s Verdict: Retailing at approx. Rs 35,000 in New Road, poison. The operation could not this drug in preventing AMS, there being psychologically prepared the Samsung NX1100 off ers photographers making the jump to proceed until someone drank are no studies of low dose Diamox for some of the problems will interchangeable lens cameras a lot of fl exibility and creative this concoction. Lord Shiva, who (125 mg, two times a day) in rapid help. But pilgrims find the potential. was in the neighbourhood, shook ascents. experience rewarding despite all himself from his deep meditation, Imagine the dismay when the the hardship. 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 WORLD CUP 15 Schnitzel or Asado? #WorldCup icking the World Cup winner is like picking your favourite World cup finalists benefit from new recipe for success Pcultural dish: Germany’s famous breaded Schnitzel or Argentina’s all day Asado BBQ? Whichever your fancy however, both teams have styled themselves with different flavours to great success. During the group stages, many touted the 2014 World Cup as the best ever, but the knockout rounds were much more measured, save for one dramatic exception. Still there have been 167 goals scored in the tournament, four short of the modern record. Germany , the historically stout defensive side, and Argentina, the flash attacking side of Maradona and now Lionel Messi, have switched roles, with delicious results. When Germany scored their second, third and fourth goals in a span of 176 seconds, approximately 176 million tvs were switched off before the remainder of the 7-1 LUCKY NUMBER 11 humiliation. Statistics are the spice matches had fewer completed second—no statistics needed. of football, and rather tellingly, 11 penalties scored in the World Cup Finals crosses, this in 120 minutes no Secondly, statistics on FIFA’s Germany cleared the ball 20 times 11 combined goals by stars Neymar, Messi, less. And the semifinal featured website labelled Brazil as the best throughout the match, while Brazil Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez the most total passes of any match attacking side with 100 attempts 11 goals by tournament’s top 2 scorers, only cleared the ball four times. in the tournament (1457) and at goal, and labelled the best James Rodriguez and Thomas Mueller Clearly, every time Thomas Mueller passes completed (1146), further defending side also as Brazil. 11 goals scored by Brazil and crew were in on goal, the ball 11 goals allowed by Brazil, the most by any evidence of a pedestrian outing Metrics aren’t the best way to didn’t come out. team this World Cup that both teams were determined describe a football match anyway. It could be argued that not to win. Football is about passion. It Brazil’s futility determined the But you don’t need statistics is a religion. And even when outcome of two games, with both supporter Teju Cole tweeted that to tell the story. First, anyone Argentina is playing Germany in the Netherlands and Argentina the second semifinal’s “Opening who watched either of the the final, they feel like they are playing a textbook foil to the wide exchanges are cagier than a prison semifinal matches in the early taking on Brazil in the Maracana open thrashing Brazil suffered. inside of a zoo”, and neither hours of the morning was floored Stadium for one big Asado. Writer and Nigerian Super Eagles team escaped. Only three other by the first and bored by the Matt Miller 16 NATION 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 The number of Nepali women filing for divorce is rising

BHRIKUTI RAI

t is the monsoon wedding season in Nepal, and yet Ianother marriage procession accompanied by a loud band makes its way down the narrow alleys of Kathmandu. While many newlyweds have left for their honeymoons in Pokhara or Chitwan, other young couples are making the rounds in Kathmandu’s crowded court rooms seeking to divorce. Usha and Bibek are among them. They filed for a divorce in Kathmandu District Court earlier this year and it was finally approved last month. Their marriage did not even last a year. The number of divorces has doubled in the last five years to 1,824 in 2013, most of them filed by women. One in ten family-related cases filed in the courts are divorces, and have overtaken cases relating to land, money lending, and inheritance. “The rigid boundaries governing traditional Nepali life are starting to crumble and so is the notion of marriage. People are embracing divorce as an option if they cannot get along,” says advocate Sapana Pradhan Malla. “However, only a small section of the urban population is socially and economically empowered to NOT SO exercise these choices.” Women can directly file a case for divorce in Nepal’s courts, whereas men have to appeal through the local Village Development Committee or Municipality. But women’s HAPPILY rights activists caution that more women filing for divorce doesn’t always mean empowerment. Malla explains: “Many women who file for divorce may not be making free choices because most of them get nothing or very little EVER AFTER from their husband’s property share after divorce.” Polygamy is illegal, and in not filedfiled foforr ddivorceivorce iiff she ddidn’tidn’t Number of Divorce most cases men force their wives Shotgun have a ssupportiveupportive famifamilyly and a cases in Kathmandu to file for divorce in order to stable job. “I may have committed Districttrict Court 1824 let them remarry. According to suicide if I had to endure the Nepali law, if a wife takes her mental torture from my in-laws,” share of property, her husband marriages says Usha, who admits she made 1745 is allowed to remarry without the wrong decision to marry in a divorcing his first wife. hurry due to family pressure. 1317 Women’s rights activists say he conflict ended eight years ago, but the Maoist-affiliated Psychologist Karuna Kunwar, that such provisions encourage Revolutionary Women’s Organisation (RWO) continues to who counsels young married and abet polygamy. Although the couples, says that societal receive complaints from Maoist women of mistreatment 1203 11th amendment to the Muluki T pressures to get married against by their former guerrilla husbands. Most of the cases are from Ain, which entitles daughters to inter-ethnic marriages encouraged by the party during the war to one’s will is a major factor in inherit property at birth, might seek partners beyond one’s caste and ethnicity. “Our comrades failed marriages. “Young people’s 1039 have improved the chances of couldn’t be the change they fought for after returning from the aspirations are radically different social and financial safety for jungle,” says Sita Pokhrel, coordinator of the RWO. “It is usually from that of their parents and women after divorce, not all the men who leave their families after the war for someone from grandparents and when they are 2009 20102011 2012 2013 women have the upper hand in their own ethnic group,” Pokhrel says. “The women almost never forced into marriage, it falls apart such negotiations. complain.” quickly,” she says. While 28 year-old Usha did PLA Company Commander, Comrade Badala, says Maoist Although there are no national sociologist Chaitanya Mishra. file for a divorce in a court, she men who have abandoned their wives and families took their statistics on divorce, sociologists “Without these agents of stability, had to agree on an out of court cue from Chairman Prachanda and his famous “fusion” speech say that changing livelihoods it is difficult to save marriages settlement. She was unable to justifying his son’s second marriage. Badala, whose name means coupled with urbanisation are from falling apart.” afford legal fees to fight for a part ‘revenge’ and is a Dalit, was married to guerilla fighter Ram leading to new dynamics of There are no statistics to prove of Bibek’s property . “It could Chandra Paudel by the party in a ‘people’s marriage’ in Lamjung. married couples in both urban it, but women’s rights activists have taken me years to get my Says Badala: “When I found out he had married someone else, and rural areas. say the increased female literacy share of the small plot of land that I called my husband but he simply said that he had returned to “With the high rate of foreign and the number of love marriages I was entitled to after divorce, so I his own caste.” employment and migration, the (as opposed to family arranged decided to settle,” she says. connection to family and wider one) has also contributed to the Usha says she would have kin has become brittle,” says rise in the divorce rate. 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 NATION 17 Living together Women in live-in relationships are even more vulnerable when things go sour

MINA SHARMA

ashika came to at women’s orgaisations Kathmandu to attend and try to start a new Rcollege a few years ago. life. Women activists say live- She began dating her classmate in relationship needs to be Bishal who convinced her to recongnised by law so victims move in with him, promising can seek legal recourse in to marry her after graduation. case of domestic violence or It was a convenient option: to disputes related to children live with the man she loved, who may be born out as well as cut down on living of marriage. expenses in Kathmandu. “It is becoming urgent to But her partner started address the legal issues related becoming very possessive, to non-marriage partnerships,” telling her what she should says Menuka Thapa of Raksha wear, who she should talk Nepal which works with to, and began keeping tabs trafficked women and shelters on her accounts on social women from broken live-in networking sites. “He won’t relationships. even let me leave, threatening India’s Supreme Court to tell my parents about our determined guidelines for past and ruining my future,” live-in relationship last year says Rashika, who is still while adjudicating dispute living with Bishal. between a live-in couple The increasing trend of where the woman had sought live-in relationships among maintenance from the man young people in Kathmandu after the relationship ended. has brought with it a whole set Shared household expenses of problems in a society that is and pooling of resources still culturally conservative. It are some of the guidelines is usually women like Rashika the Court framed within who suffer when relationships the expression ‘relationship fail. Some men turn violent, in the nature of marriage’ and the young women have for protection of women under nowhere to report it. Domestic Violence Act. In Anu, a technician at a Nepal, there is no such legal media house, was a victim of recourse. domestic violence after she It is even more difficult moved in with her boyfriend for women who give birth for almost two years. He beat to children during the her and also took money from relationship and are abandoned her. “When I found out about later. Rima (pic, below), 21, his other affairs, I was sad, from Makwanpur has nowhere but I still asked him to marry to go after her partner of eight me,” she says, “but after that years refused to marry after she the physical assaults got more gave birth to a baby girl who severe.” She decided to leave now can’t get a birth certificate. him despite his threats. She “He says that she isn’t his couldn’t complain to anyone daughter and now I am worried since live-in relationships are about her future,” she says. DEVAKI BISTA not legally recognised. Rima now works at a restaurant Many women from such to pay for her daughter’s Grounds for divorce relationships take shelter education.

he procedure to obtain a divorce for women is easier than for men, but alimony or any other FOR MEN T If the wife lives separately from the husband form of maintenance expenditure will be paid to for more than three years the divorced wife only if the cause of the divorce If the wife attempts to take the life of, is established to be the husband. The husband will or causes disability, or any serious then provide maintenance to the wife only for five physical damage to the husband years or until she remarries. However, the provision If the wife has a sexual relationship outside of maintenance is at the court’s discretion and is marriage awarded only in cases where the wife does not have If the wife elopes a source of income.

FOR WOMEN If the husband remarries If the wife is thrown out of the family house If the husband lives separately from the wife for more than three years If the husband attempts to take the life of, causes disability, or serious physical injury to the wife If the husband is impotent If the husband attempts rape 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 Justices retreat Taking part were Chief Justice “organised trial by media” for the Damodar Sharma who is also the diffi culties in the administration of Chair of the Judicial Commission, justice. The press was giving “views” Law Minister Narhari Acharya and 11 rather than “news” in a coordinated justices of the Supreme Court. The self- attack on the Supreme Court, a source refl ection was organised in response to quoted one judge as telling the public exposure through the media of meeting. However, Neupane said that the behaviour and past record of some if judges reformed their behaviour, of the justices. A Supreme Court source displayed integrity, and said participants all agreed that judges used their conscience, they would not needed to correct their own mistakes have to resort to contempt of court and themselves adhere to principles of directives. judicial ethics. “The press is deliberately interfering In a paper presented at the with the justice system, journalists are conclave, Upendra Keshari Neupane of pronouncing verdicts, this is making it 3 Idiots Part II the Judicial Commission said the justice diffi cult for justice to be administered, system needed to be more transparent, such direct and blatant intervention Rajesh KC in Nagarik, 6 July accountable, accessible and aff ordable, needs to be stopped,” Parajuli was

Yam Birahi in Annapurna Post, 7 July and non-discriminatory. He said the quoted as saying. However, another

incidence of contempts of court were working paper blamed contradictory QUOTE OF THE WEEK increasing because of the erosion of interim rulings on similar cases for “ Supreme Court justices, members of the public faith in the judicial system. But the confusion and drift in the judicial Judicial Commission, and the Minister of he defended the bill on the contempt system. It’s time to play the peace tune. Law and Justice, after a two-day retreat of court, saying it was an internationally Minister Acharya said a concrete “ in Dhulikhel over the weekend, have accepted method to address the recommendation was needed on how concluded that they need to address respect and trust in the justice system. stakeholders, including the media, Former king Gyanendra, Annapurna Post, 8 July weaknesses within the judiciary to At the meeting, Justice Gopal could help restore the public’s trust in restore the public’s trust. Parajuli and others justices blamed the judiciary. SHAMELESSNESS

Deshantar Saptahik, 6 July the strength to stand up to the pressure of legislators. The Nepali Congress party If there is a black spot in Nepali however is aware that it cannot politics it is the ‘Pajero Scandal’ allow some corrupt, greedy, Stuck of 1994. Elected members of the ambitious MPs to use the parliament in Nepal’s newly- weakness of the government restored democracy at that time to give democracy a bad name in transit forgot about serving the people and provoke a backlash from and granted themselves the angry citizens. The party Sadhbhab, Nepalganj, 8 July It costs up to Rs 20,000 to travel to Ganjipur facility to import duty-free SUVs. has decided not to give its and back. Kunwar says her office has appealed They did not just undermine CA members control over to NGOs for help because they don’t see themselves, they undermined the Rs 50 million they have Two Nepali children of Banke and Rupandehi government support materialising any time democracy. The members didn’t demanded, but to earmark it are still stuck at a transit home in Ganjipur, Uttar soon. have Rs 5 million in cash that for the development budget of Pradesh, India two months after being rescued. The WCWC has also yet to get papers the Pajeros cost, so they bought their constituencies equally. Although the government has been planning to approved before it travels to India. Two weeks the cars on behalf of smugglers The NC’s caretaker chair Ram bring the children back to Nepal, no action has ago it wrote to NGOs for help and got a positive and businessmen and sold Chandra Poudel has formally yet been taken. response, which officials believe could help the it to them for a profit. Some taken the initiative to take the Indian activists rescued the children in May documents pass through the bureaucracy. rented their tax-free SUVs back decision so the CA members and left them in the transit home in Ganjipur. Locals of Nepalganj have repeatedly to government projects, while will be forced to follow suit. The activists then came to Nepal and informed petitioned the district administration to set they walked or took a tempo That is the party’s officials about the situation. up a fund to rescue trafficked children but the to parliament. The state lost viewpoint, but it is doubtful if “We have no money right now. As soon as WCWC is yet to do so officially. Because of the billions. leaders in government will go the funds arrive we will depart for Ganjipur,” porous border with India, police cannot monitor says Bindu Kunwar of the Women and Children who travels back and forth, and locals complain Welfare Committee (WCWC) of Banke district. that child trafficking is rampant. No discrimination

Interview with Man Bahadur Nepali, Why do the minorities and the newly appointed Chairman of marginalised communities the National Dalit Commission, among the Dalits feel left Himalkhabar Patrika, 6 July out? Nine castes in the hilly region and After that the MPs pushed to along. Given the character of seventeen castes in the Terai region raise their constituency grants CA members, you can never be Himal: How do you feel after fall within the marginalised Dalit to Rs 1 million. The money sure. Even six months later, being appointed the chairman of category and the nature of suff ering was supposed to be spent on they haven’t taken a single the National Dalit Commission? diff ers from place to place. Majority development, to help their decision to provide relief to Man Bahadur Nepali: I take it as an of the people below the poverty line constituents, but there was people, they haven’t made opportunity to prepare future plans to are Dalits and even among them, widespread misuse. It allowed progress on the constitution, uplift the Dalit community. most are the marginalised Dalits. national-level corruption to they haven’t gone back to trickle down to the grassroots. their constituencies, but want We need to increase their access to That destroyed what little trust to award themselves Rs 50 What are your main priorities? education and health by improving the people had on democracy, million each. To take such The Dalit Commission does not yet have their economic and social status. and the scandal was serious a step knowing the public’s a legal standing. So we need to have enough for the facilities to be disgust with the lack of a fully empowered commission. We What are the main challenges later discontinued. progress is not just cynical, need short-term and long-term plans by of the commission? But this time, CA members but a stab in the back of voters. bringing together the government, non- and Untouchability (Off ence and Racial discrimination and individually and in groups are Government ministers are government and all stakeholders in one Punishment) Act, 2011 is the untouchability is an embarrassment shamelessly demanding again looking out for themselves and platform. commission’s biggest achievement. for a modern and civilised society. for tax-payer’s money to buy their cronies and relatives. However, it hasn’t been properly Although racial discrimination has them duty-free cars and Rs 50 To be so blatantly selfish, What steps has the commission enforced. The eff orts of the commission been eradicated legally, this is million worth of development and obsessed with increasing taken to address Dalits’ issues to guarantee the economic, social and not the case in practice. The main projects that they can control. their personal allowances since it was formed 12 years ago? political rights of the Dalit community challenge now is to have a state This time, too, there is a coalition and facilities, is the height of The Caste-based Discrimination are commendable. without racial discrimination. government that doesn’t have shamelessness. 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 NATION 19 Post-conflict stress syndrome Psychological scars of conflict on young survivors take longer to heal

through years of brutal violence. and mines since the end of the Rabina who shows great resilience TAYLOR CALDWELL Throughout the insurgency, conflict in 2006. While donors and manages to move on and both the Nepal Army and the have poured money into clearing leave the past behind, there is n 2002, Rabina (pic, right) Maoists involved children in landmines, not much has another survivor like Srijana whose and her family were travelling political violence. The Maoists been done to help victims of mental scars have not healed. Ihome for Tihar when Maoists systematically recruited children psychological trauma. “Issues related to children’s firebombed the bus along the East- as young as eight as “whole “The main obstacle to our physical and mental well-being West Highway near Malangwa. timers”. Most were disqualified by work is the idea that mental need to be given priority in the Rabina and her younger brother, UNMIN from being allowed into health is a lesser priority,” peace process,” says Parbati Rabin, both suffered severe burns cantonments, and many are now explains Pitambar Koirala at Shrestha at TPO, “The government and their mother, Anju, died in adults without jobs and prospects. the Transcultural Psychosocial should take full responsibility, the hospital in Raxaul after two The escalation of the conflict Organisation (TPO) which helps and our role is only to support this agonising weeks. in 2004 saw an increase in the former child soldiers with post- task.” Rabina, now 17, is one of murder, torture and detention of traumatic stress. Nepal’s more well-known “post- children by both the Nepal Army TPO’s studies have shown a nepalitimes.com and Maoist militia. Data about high incidence of depression and conflict” children. There has A burning desire to help, been overwhelming support for the Patlaiya. “Whatever support we the fate of children affected by post-traumatic stress disorder Kunda Dixit’s blog family since their story was first got came from private individuals, the conflict varies wildly, but it among child soldiers as they grow Why the children? #121 reported 12 years ago. The siblings charities, the hospital and school had a disproportionate impact on up. But help reaches only a tiny Rabin and Rabina, #140 have received free treatment at after reading our story in the children. Up to 700 children have fraction of those who need it. New life, #324 Sushma Koirala Memorial Burns media,” says Regmi. “There has been killed or wounded by IEDs For every young person like Hospital in Sankhu and had been no help at all from the state.” fees waived at the Bright Horizons But Rabina looks at the positive Children’s Home at Matatirtha side, and says the insurgency Rabina does well in class and changed her life by allowing her looks forward to joining her father the opportunity to have a good in Patlaiya to start a business after education. There are thousands Time doesn’t heal graduation this year. of children like Rabin and Rabina rijana Pakhrin was 12 when her father was taken the family has picked itself up fi nancially after losing their Rabina and Rabin still have across Nepal who were orphaned away by soldiers in Makwanpur. The army later told father, Srijana’s brother is still angry at everything that they some plastic surgery procedures to by the war, and carry psychological S undergo at the hospital, which they scars. the family he was shot while trying to escape. Srijana was had to go through. visit once a year. But there is Srijana Pakhrin was 12 when so traumatised she retreated into a shell and went into “We begged for the state’s support after my father’s no institutional support to help her father was taken away by depression. death, but there no one came forward with help,” he said address their mental trauma, since soldiers. The army later told the She started doing well at school after few years, until with bitterness. neither the school nor the hospital family he was shot while trying to the Maoists took her in their cultural troupe. “She came After we spoke to Srijana in Kathmandu recently, her offer psychological care. escape. Srijana was so back depressed again and started falling back in her brother told us to delete all her photos. “We don’t want the Both children have traumatised she retreated studies,” recalls her mother, Nani Maya Pakhrin. world to feel sorry for us,” he said, “thousands of people nightmares and are into a shell and went into Srijana, now 24, had an inter-ethnic marriage and is saw my family’s grief in fi lm and photos, pitied on our sad haunted by the memory depression (see box). nursing a year old son in a village in Makwanpur. “There lives which only made me more angry and humiliated.” of what happened 12 Both Rabina and are times when I still get anxious and depressed thinking Bhrikuti Rai years ago. Srijana were profiled about my father and my lost childhood,” says Srijana who is For many years, in Kesang Tseten and still on medication. nepalitimes.com Rabin refused to ride a Prem BK’s documentary, Srijana’s elder brother dropped out of college and Watch clip from Kesang Tseten and bus, recalls his father PEACE Frames of War, along went to Bahrain to work as a security guard. He returned Prem BK’s documentary Frames of War Bhakta Bahadur Regmi, with other widows to Kathmandu few months ago to get married. Although who is a forest ranger in BUILDING and mothers who lived 20 BACK SIDE 11 - 17 JULY 2014 #715 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

PAST PRESENT FUTURE Moving the goalposts DIWAKAR CHETTRI

fter staying awake two nights in a row watching the degrees to give the stronger side the advantage of running World Cup semis, the Ass is writing this week’s column downhill and scoring more goals. Awhile fast asleep. So I would appreciate it if you didn’t 4. God gave us hands. But hands are allowed only for throw- draw open the curtains, or make any loud noises and sudden ins and goalies. What a waste. Let’s grab the ball and hit movements. Just go away, and wake me up in time for the finals. the ground running. At risk of being called a spoilsport let me play the devil’s 5. Allow fouls. Players should be allowed to tackle using advocate here, and for argument’s sake, put it to you that Muay Thai and Ninjutsu techniques to bring down enemy football is actually a pretty boring game. Football is said to be players, and the referee as well if he doesn’t behave directly derived from an ancient Aztec tournament in which himself. Hooliganism in the D area will also be allowed. two teams kicked around decapitated heads of members of the 6. Allow diving. Players who feign falls should not be given other team in a blood-soaked arena. And it has been downhill yellow cards, they should be given an Oscar in the Best ever since. Supporting Role Category. Watching football is now so excruciatingly dull that it 7. No hands on crotches. Defenders setting up a wall to face makes even die-hard fans like me doze off ten minutes into a free kick near the penalty area will no longer be allowed the first half, especially if the match is taking place in the wee to protect their crown jewels with their hands. It’s a hours, so called I have been told because that is when most disgusting habit. boys in boarding school wet 8. Sack referees and their beds. linesmen. We don’t need them, In stark contrast, ice hockey they just slow the game down is absolutely riveting because by stopping play at the slightest it is a vicious combination excuse. And let’s replace the of kick-boxing and a sword vanishing spray with pepper fight involving a high speed spray and let players settle scores chase on skates around a on their own. rink. American football is 9. Change shape of balls. another modern contact sport Look at the Americans, they that is scintillating because it took a dreary game, changed combines the physical attributes of trench warfare with the the shape of the ball from a round object into something Pamplona bull run. resembling a near-earth asteroid so it would bounce much In comparison, football is a really good cure for insomnia. more crazily. And they have so much more fun. Essentially, football (or “soccer” to the Moms out there) entails 10. Increase the number of players. Populating the field having 22 men in mohawks and tattoos running amok kicking with more players will liven up the game. Up number of each other in their gonads for 90 minutes without scoring, players on each side from 11 to 56. Mix teams with men at the end of which they continue to play pointlessly on for and women players, and get them to take off their jerseys. another 30 minutes, after which each side gets five target practice shots. Then they strip in full view of 3 billion people In this manner, football will be much more exciting. More and exchange jerseys. goals will also mean more commercial breaks, and that How to make football more exciting? That question has means more sponsors, and that means we can have the World bedeviled mankind ever since the collapse of the Aztec Cup every year instead of every four years. empire. The Ass has a few humble suggestions for Sepp, FIFA’s boss-for-life: FIFA is under tremendous pressure to move the 2022 World Cup from Qatar because of 50 Celsius heat and labour 1. Move the goalposts. Increase goal post width from 9m at rights issues. Solution: move the games to Kathmandu. present to 25m so there are more chances of goals being So, no need to import Nepali workers to scored. What we want to see are scores in the finals like build air-conditioned stadiums. It’s a win- Argentina 73 - Germany 9. win, and we can rename it the FIFA Third 2. Allow offsides. Strikers will be allowed to loiter around World Cup. the enemy goal post waiting for a long pass. 3. Don’t level the playing field. In fact, incline it at 15 The Ass

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