497 9 - 15 April 2010 16 Pages Rs 30 Prachanda’S Choice

#497 9 - 15 April 2010 16 pages Rs 30 Prachanda’s choice

PRASHANT JHA

n more than twenty years of will not be willing to accept heading a ‘revolutionary’ Dahal as the Prime Minister. I party, Maoist Chairman Bhattarai’s name has been thrown Pushpa Kamal Dahal has had to up as a compromise candidate. make difficult decisions on Since the peace process began, several occasions. But the next the party has been driven by month may well be the ultimate Dahal’s leadership and test of his political judgment, Bhattarai’s political line. But this priorities and leadership. would overturn that formula. At Khula Manch this week, Dahal is understandably Dahal made it clear there could insecure. He has told aides that a no peace or constitution as long ‘deep conspiracy’ is underway to as this government is in place. sideline him and divide the To oust Madhav Kumar Nepal, party. Critics allege that this Maoists could table a no- insecurity is essentially a result confidence motion and get 301 of Dahal’s excessive ambition and seats. This approach has been fear that Bhattarai could develop under consideration in the party, his own power base and emerge but senior leaders like as a better PM than he was. But Dr Baburam Bhattarai have Dahal supporters say that he is opposed replacing one majority more concerned about the government with another. implications on party structure He is reported to have argued and the balance between its that the country needs a national various factions. unity government to complete Dahal is being asked to give the transition, not merely a up on certain key instruments of Maoist-led government with the the party machinery (like the support of a few smaller groups. PLA and YCL); dilute his Bhattarai believes that the political agenda; convince the Maoists should project this cadre about the need to government as a total failure, transform; sideline dogmatists; wage a public campaign to and accept Baburam Bhattarai or discredit it further, and then someone from another party as assert its claim to the leadership the compromise prime minister as May 28 approaches. of a national government. For a national unity It is a tough check-list, government to be formed, NC and requiring statesmanship, UML have laid out strict sacrifice, confidence about one’s conditions – an agreement on the own personal strengths, and faith future of former Maoist in colleagues. Dahal’s decisions combatants, and the dismantling and political skills will of the YCL. Even then, determine the future of Nepali non-Maoist parties and India politics.

KIRAN PANDAY 2| 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

the dead. back to war unless they get total power. The portrait There hasn’t been a public reorientation of the party to of Stalin on the walls of Maoist leaders isn’t there just peaceful pluralism. And until that happens, there just won’t for show. NOT IMPOSSIBLE be the requisite trust among the non-Maoist parties and A majority of Nepalis don’t really care if the the main international players to agree to hand over the constitution is written by the deadline or not, they just In all the distraction of the political meanderings and responsibility of power to them again. don’t want to die in another war, and they want their shadow boxing of the past month, what is often forgotten What is bizarre is the tolerance shown by missions of lives to improve. The priority now is to defuse the is that the Maoist party hasn’t abjured violence. In fact, supposedly democratic and civilised countries in explosive uncertainty over May 28. The meeting it is just the opposite. Kathmandu to such incendiary rhetoric. Anyone calling on between the president and the three parties (including Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in his speech to supporters at the Maoists to give up violence is immediately labelled a the Maoists) on Sunday cleared the air a bit. More Tundikhel on Wednesday, once more threatened fire ‘rightist status quoist’. Or fingers are pointed at the needs to be done. and brimstone, and the mother of all rebellions. His relatively docile youth wings of other parties, which If the Maoists now publicly commit to non-violent speech, of course, wouldn’t have been complete without sprang up in reaction to the YCL. Since when did politics a lot of things will fall into place, and could a threat to unleash another bloodbath if his party was speaking for ahimsa become reactionary? Why does a pave the way for a Maoist-led national government. not allowed to capture state power. And sure enough it party that won power through the ballot still need the Such a coalition can then quickly agree on integration came: “This time it won’t just be 15,000 people who’ll bullet? numbers and the operating principles of a new be killed but 30,000.” The argument usually is that the Maoists need to say constitution to be announced on May 28, the details of One could only take perverse satisfaction in the such things (and lie to the UN about guerrilla strength) to which can be fleshed out later. downsizing of the threat. Six months ago the Chairman appease their hardcore cadre. That argument may have said 1,000,000 would be killed. And this time he worked before, but it doesn’t anymore. This is the familiar mercifully didn’t threaten to “swim in the blood” of Maoist method of blackmailing with the threat of going

countries prefer to work behind It was because we couldn’t the scenes to influence manage our internal conflict that decisions. Recent years have we had to invite the United shown that China may also be Nations. We brought them here Diplomatic disaster trying to exert influence not just initially for six months, they to counter its traditional rival, have been here for two years. but also to reflect its growing Until we have an internal international stature. agreement about army integration GUEST COLUMN Indo-Nepal relations are and the kind of military we want, Bhekh B Thapa influenced less by what New no foreigner can give us Delhi wants and more by our suggestions, nor can we resolve leaders’ beggarly conduct, based those issues ourselves. Which is on selfish rather than broad why we can neither keep UNMIN, he year 2066 will go down national interests, even to the nor can we do without them. in history as a time when extent of inviting interference in Not only do we have a weak T Nepal became more interpersonal and intra party foreign policy, it is looking like dependent than ever before conflicts. The ‘traditional’ parties we don’t have a policy at all. A on the outside world. always behaved as if they country’s foreign policy is the Diplomatically speaking, it was couldn’t get ahead without a nod extension of its national interest, a year of uncertainty, difficulty from Delhi, and the new parties and it rarely changes with a and a lack of clarity. In 2066, Nepal became less independent are also not immune to this change in government. But here Our immediate neighbours attitude. As a result, in recent we are assuring foreign powers India and China and indeed the than ever before in its history years, outside powers have also that we will be their friend if they rest of the international been consulting India in propel us individually or community had hoped that after thought of as law-abiding and influence on Nepal, but China formulating their Nepal policy. organisationally to power. Even the restoration of peace in 2006, benign. Not any more. has also increased its interest, as Nepal is increasingly seen by those who use a different Nepal would reap the peace At a diplomatic level, the manifest in the greater number of other countries as a country vocabulary sooner or later show dividend, and there would be national interest has been visits by Chinese dignitaries and that is incapable of taking care that they are beholden. stability, development and the replaced by our selfish, clannish security delegations. of itself. Few had expected this rule of law. Now that hope has and partisan behaviour. Instead When there is internal For their part, the Europeans country to be so dependent on the been replaced by concern, if not of selecting representatives to instability, outsiders will be have always prioritised outside world as it is today. fear, that the country may slide other countries on the basis of more vigilant and active to development and human rights. Which is why, instead of into an ethnic or sectarian merit, character and competence safeguard their own national But they have been dismayed by empathy, all we get from the conflict. Nepalis themselves are they are chosen through inter- interest. India and China are Nepal’s confusion and how international community is an not just wondering if the party swapping. This has not just global geopolitical rivals, and political infighting has made attitude of pity. The challenge is constitution will be written on weakened our foreign relations some of this competition is even relatively easy activities within us, not beyond our time, but whether it will be but also muddied Nepal’s reflected in Nepal as well. much more difficult to borders. written at all. international reputation. While the Indians have implement. They thought they Nepal may have been poor, The past year saw a marked traditionally been active across could be helpful to the peace Bhekh B. Thapa, former foreign but it was always regarded with increase in the activity of foreign the board, the Chinese were process and constitution writing minister, was also Nepali affection in the international powers in Nepal. India has focused more on trade and from afar, but even that is Ambassador to the United States community. Nepalis were traditionally had a greater economic cooperation. Both proving challenging. and India.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com The blogs GURKHA-LAND? Income: Untold amount (as much as you Scheme and plot against threats (real nepalitimes.com/blogs It’s very sad to know that ex-Gurkhas can make with your wits and wile). or virtual) to your power and privileges. are living a miserable life after Benefits: Unlimited. Unchecked power. That’s pretty much it. If you can Heaven on earth: resettling in the UK (‘Final betrayal’, Can spread benefits to family, sycophants perform any of the above and are Kunda Dixit gets #496).Why is it that only Nepalis have and ‘business partners’. interested in a cushy life while pretending higher than a kite to suffer wherever they go, be it in the Accountability: None, except towards the to do a job, which pays very highly and brothels of India, or as maids in the party and party dons. carries no responsibility, pls send in your Middle East? Now, even our old soldiers Responsibility: None, not even towards the (CVs not necessary) goons to firmly haven’t been spared. party and party dons. register your interest in, and prove your Chetan Dahal Job description: Appear at mass eligibility for, the position. Weekly Internet Poll # 497

gatherings and make loud accusations and Unfortunately, we are pretty full up at Q. Will the HLPM’s promise to deliver the VACANCY bold claims which don’t need to be the moment. We will short-list you but you constitution hold? Here’s an ad to encourage young verified. may have to wait a long time until one of Total votes: 1,474 Nepalis into politics Feed press with rehashed patriotic the old dons croaks. Strangely, perhaps (‘A call to politics, #496): rhetoric and implausible dreams of a due to the blessings of all the Nepali Education: None required. glorious, new Nepal. people, these old geezers seem to have Qualifications: Technically, none Drum up hysteria and hype and shut pretty long lives. So if you are a young required. However, mastery over the country down time and again. Do contender, you may no longer be young rhetoric and cliches preferable. everything in your ability (beg, grovel, when you get to join the ranks. But do Proficiencies: Shrewdness, threaten, strike deals) to hang on to your apply anyway. Weekly Internet Poll # 498. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com shamelessness, avarice, inflated ego. chair. Nepali Cynic Q. How can we best meet the constitutional deadline?

Publisher: Kunda Dixit | Editor: Rabi Thapa Design: Kiran Maharjan | Marketing: Sambhu Guragain, Subhash Kumar, Arjun Karki [email protected] | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | www.himalmedia.com | Printed at Jagadamba Press 01-5250017-19 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 OP-ED|3

were shifting goalposts on multiparty democracy that disrupted India’s relationship with them. They were also seen as insensitive to India’s security India’s war concerns on a China keen to expand its influence. Things embedded with villagers, many violence escalates went sour because of what was PLAIN SPEAKING opted for the rebels. This week’s until a stalemate happening within Nepal, not the operation would not have been forces a rethink. conflict within India. Prashant Jha possible without local support. There has also As Professor S D Muni said in Kashmir, the Northeast and been speculation that an email interview, “Indian Naxal Punjab have shown that the India’s internal concern is an issue but not of he fear was palpable along Indian state is enormously conflict will harden major proportions because the the Konta-Dantewada resilient, can absorb shocks and its position on Maoists on their own would also T highway in south has a high bleeding capacity. But Nepali Maoists. be cautious in pitching Chhatisgarh in November 2007. In the challenge from the tribal- Given Home Affairs themselves against India in the a village off the highway, very dominated, mineral-rich areas of Minister P long run. Maoist links with the close to Chintalnar where Naxalite central and eastern India will test Chidambaram’s Indian Naxals never exceeded Maoists massacred 76 Indian the government in newer ways. hardline security logistic support for themselves, security personnel on Tuesday, In these pockets, young men focus, and the fiercely anti-Naxal ideological affinity for the a tribal leader told us, “This and women do not see the state at Those in the mood among Indian international and South Asian war will continue for at least all. Abujmadh, where Arundhati parliamentarians and sections of image and limited personal ten years.” Roy travelled to write her gushing know the liberal media, this is possible. sympathies.” Thousands of displaced essay on the Naxals, is an area the understand Right-wing hawks and some cops This view was reiterated by tribals were housed in makeshift Indian state has never even continue to assume deep Delhi-based security expert Ajai camps by the road under the surveyed. If the government does where the operational links between the Sahni, who otherwise has been government’s ill-thought out and appear, it is not in a welfarist but parallels Nepal and Indian ultra-left critical of India’s post-2005 destructive Salwa Judum predatory avatar. movements. And it could be Nepal approach. He told us, campaign. This involved forcing Inequitable policies, absence between Indian politically more difficult for the “Policymakers here know that tribals out of their homes, of justice, land issues, a corrupt and Nepali establishment to sell a Indian Maoists have been critical creating strategic hamlets, then administration, a dearth of reconciliatory line towards Nepali of the Nepali Maoists. There will deploying tribal youth to fight mainstream political actors, Maoists Maoists when they are waging a be no impact on Nepal policy.” against the Maoists. The Maoists forced displacement, and ‘war’ against Indian Naxals. Those in Delhi and viewed tribals living in these insensitivity to non-violent begin…and end But this is not the whole Kathmandu who want to camps as government agents, and movements have helped create picture. India’s views on Nepal’s marginalise Nepali Maoists will often attacked them. space for an armed outfit that exert exclusive control over key Maoists did not change last year indulge in some scaremongering. Since then, the government questions the legitimacy of the base areas; force the state to because of the Naxal factor. In fact, But informed officials know has rethought the Salwa Judum political system. What is unleash a violent operation to many in Delhi have been citing these are different boxes. campaign. But the alienation it happening here is an exact replica expose its ‘real character’; utilise the Nepal example to lure Indian Nonetheless, Nepali Maoists will bred is starkly visible. of how the Nepali Maoist human rights violations to Maoists into ‘mainstream’ have to be extra-careful in their Sandwiched between an often movement evolved. expand the recruitment base; and politics. dealings with Indian Naxals, and absent, coercive state and brutal Raise popular issues; mobilise pursue political and military At the core, it was the sensitive to what is being billed Maoists who were at least people; eliminate key local rivals; tracks simultaneously. The perception that Nepali Maoists as India’s newest ‘war’. 4| NATION 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497

While the value of garment exports to the US was a whopping $50 million in 2005, that can in large part be attributed to our being in the right place at the right time: foreign A fraying trade garment makers flooded into Nepal in the 1970s when the US spared us the import quotas it had imposed Duty-free facility across the region. When that arrangement was terminated in 2005, or not, the garment exports to the US came government crashing down, arguably to levels must face up to commensurate with the fundamental homemade strength of the domestic industry. Last year, the export industry was problems in the valued at just under $5 million, and garment industry this has already dropped 60 per cent from January to February this year. There are lessons to be learnt SUVAYU DEV PANT from Bangladesh, which, unlike Nepal, has seen US-bound garment exports grow briskly following the elimination of quotas. “In S-Nepal trade talks ended Bangladesh, there are garment- on a bittersweet note on exporting zones in which all U Thursday. The two garment-related government offices countries signed a Trade and PRESSING ISSUES: A worker at are concentrated and strikes are Investment Framework Agreement Heritage Fashions, Balkumari, Lalitpur. forbidden. The garment makers also (TIFA), which will help streamline enjoy tax breaks,” says Ashok FOO CHEE CHANG US-Nepal trade, but nonetheless Koirala, chief exective officer of failed to agree to a duty-free facility some consolation at least. It will discussions can be furthered. It will exporters simply rework imported Garment Association Nepal. The on Nepal-made garments. A bill set up a joint council to oversee US- help us to gain technical assistance.” fabric, and at high cost. government has shown some proposing preferential access for Nepal trade issues, promises to The absence of any special Sanjai Agrawal of Heritage sensitivity to such concerns. The Nepali garments was first tabled in improve market access for Nepal- concessions to the garment Fashions, one of a few garment Department of Industry and the US senate a decade ago, but has made goods into the US market, and industry will sting, but usefully exporters that have done well Commerce has forwarded a plan of since collected dust. The offers Nepali businesses technical redirects attention to local supply amidst the slump, explains: “Some action to spur industrial activity to disagreement is a blow to Nepali assistance to boost their export constraints that improved market of the major problems are the government, and an interest garment exporters, who have seen potential. Joint Secretary of access would not have erased. homemade. We have to use a subsidy for exporters is on the cards. business plummet since the Commerce and Industries and Garment exporters have struggled generator for half the day, many However, experts doubt if these termination of the Multi Fibre member of the Nepali delegation with power cuts, labour problems, exporters face labour problems, and measures will be sufficient to recreate Agreement in 2005. visiting the US Surya Silwal says, the distance from a viable seaport, Nepal lacks the infrastructure for the industry’s heyday. “We’re TIFA, which was signed after “TIFA will offer a framework and the absence of large-scale the mass production of fabric. probably better off focusing on small two days of deliberations, will offer within which US-Nepal trade domestic fabric makers. Most Obviously, all of this raises costs.” orders,” admits Agrawal. 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 NATION|5 Instigative journalism

later. at the centre. However, instigative The Kathmandu establishment journalism perhaps best describes loves President Yadav’s penchant the techniques adopted by Hearst for Hindu rituals and his barely to provoke the population into disguised anti-Maoist politics. action. As the story goes, Hearst But as the day of reckoning (May sent author Stephen Crane and 28, 2010) nears and the possibility artist Frederick Remington to of completing the constitution in Cuba to report on Spanish time recedes, everyone is feeling atrocities. To Remington’s request apprehensive as far as the that he be called back as there was president is concerned. no war in Cuba, his boss Premier Nepal recently urged cabled back: the head of state to exercise “Please restraint. The media have adopted remain. You a hostile tone. Constitutionalists furnish the close to UML have stopped Instigative journalism pictures, I’ll defending presidential seeks to provoke furnish the consultations. Even Himal war.” Khabarpatrika ran an editorial events, rather than The year sometime ago requesting President just report them 2066 BS began Yadav to calm down. with a Ever since his vocal sensational opposition to the Madhes peace of instigative journalism. In Uprising, President Yadav hasn’t a front-page report, Kantipur been very popular in the Tarai. FOURTH ESTATE Daily alleged that the Nepal Army Now Pahadis too seem to have lost C K Lal was contemplating a ‘soft’ coup to some of their initial enthusiasm pre-empt the dismissal of its for him. But one journalist has chief by the Maoist-led coalition stood by the president he post-1990 boom in the government. The NA public throughout, defending all his Nepali media pushed relations outfit took the story actions and inactions with many established seriously enough to issue a denial commitment and zeal. In the T the same day. It termed the report writings of Birganj-based reporter practices of the past into the shadows. Professional attitudes “imaginary and illusionary”. and columnist Chandrakishor, a and commercial considerations Himal Khabarpatrika whiff of the mission journalism of made ‘mission journalism’ responded with a provocative yore can still be found. He is often unfashionable. But the idea of the caption on its cover to accompany guarded in offering his views, but journalist as a stakeholder rather a cleverly manipulated image of even his circumspection has the than merely a recorder survives in Pushpa Kamal Dahal in military old-world charm of when it was a different form. regalia. Other print media ran unbecoming of a journalist to Instigative journalism sounds equally confrontational opinion praise a politician openly. like a neologism, but dates back to pieces. The subsequent Chandrakishor is my choice for the circulation wars between polarisation of public opinion, it ‘Journalist of 2066 BS’ in ‘The Joseph Pulitzer and William could be said, led to the dismissal Year of Print’. Randolph Hearst in the latter part of the army chief, his restoration Instigative journalism of the 19th century. The New York under presidential orders, the undoubtedly rules the roost in Press coined the term ‘yellow kid resignation of the prime minister Nepali media. For the old-timers journalism’ in early 1897 to and the formation of an anti- of the profession however, the describe the combative coverage of Maoist coalition. Politics has been mere survival of mission rival papers. The expression was going around in circles ever since, journalism in some form is reason shortened to ‘yellow journalism’ with President Ram Baran Yadav enough to celebrate.

THIS WEEK

“Diplomatic pressure” indiscriminately, and tampered with evidence to hide Early this week, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar the fact. It was silent on whether or not the women Nepal conceded to authorities that the decision to were raped as medical examinations are not yet commission an Indian company to print Machine complete. The ruling echoes the findings of an Readable Passports was influenced by “political investigation by the National Human Rights and diplomatic pressure”. The statement appeared Commission, which on 1 April recommended the to confirm suspicions of irregularities in the bidding government prosecute the concerned NA personnel. process, and prompted the filing of two public interest litigations challenging the decision on Clay feet Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the Supreme Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s government Court ordered the government not to follow through is fraying at the edges as opposing voices, even with its decision until its legality is determined. It within his own party, grow more strident. Nepal has summoned Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Sabdhavana Party (Anandadebi) withdrew support Nepal and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala to from the government on 4 April, saying the appear in court on Monday. The political damage government had failed to forge political consensus. is already done, as opposition parties have jumped Minister of Supply Rajendra Mahato of Nepal on the opportunity to lambast the ‘puppet Sadbhavana Party threatened to leave the government’. government, accusing it of not honouring its eight- point agreement with the United Democratic Madhesi Guilty Front. There are also voices within the NC, the most The Nepal Army (NA) has been in hot water since stalwart of UML’s allies, calling for Nepal’s the deaths of three women in Bardiya at the hands resignation, and the Maoists have once more raised of its personnel on 10 March. On Wednesday, the the spectre of a no-confidence motion. Hedged in, Parliamentary Committee on Women, Children and the prime minister saw an opportunity to save face Social Welfare said the women were not poachers, amid public outrage over the MRP fiasco. He as the NA claimed, but were collecting tree bark. It said the bidding process was scrapped to keep added that the army killed the women NC happy. 6|BUSINESS 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497

KIRAN PANDAY Sustainable living

removed from nature. This is sustainable, is it not necessary to ECONOMIC SENSE perhaps why they don’t have any have an efficient transportation qualms in being part of the system that does away with Artha Beed destruction of nature. This may private car ownership to a large also explain why felled trees extent? This may not be music to aren’t replaced in Kathmandu, the ears of the automobile Dehradun: What could be a better or Gurgaon for that matter, and industry, but the taxi pods time to ponder the future than their residents are happy to experimented with at Heathrow when you are surrounded by convert rivers and rivulets into airport could give us some creative minds at a literary open sewers. pointers. It took us nine hours festival? Dehradun really inspires The architectural landscape each way to cover 240 kilometres creativity. No wonder writers like seems to be changing everywhere from Delhi to Dehradun, courtesy Ruskin Bond have decided to and protruding rebars have of the jams created by people who live there. become contemporary styles. don’t want to follow traffic rules. The stark difference one can Indian architect Gautam Bhatia Amitabh Pande, who was in notice of course is that their describes them as Punjabi conversation with the Beed greenery is dwindling at a far on Unleashing Nepal noted that slower pace than in the road rules are understood Kathmandu Valley. What one can Dehradun differently in South Asia. We Go, see from the window seat while Look and Stop. taking off from Kathmandu is, makes one The problem in Nepal is that simply put, sad. It seems that each urban centre is aping the valley residents, real estate wonder development model of developers in particular, hate Kathmandu, which means greenery and are looking to about the unplanned growth that puts demolish anything that looks much pressure on urban like trees. possibilities infrastructure. The problems have If real estate development is of cities been extensively written about to be sustainable here, then and have featured in many donor perhaps those who say they are reports, but when will we responsible players and have Baroque, Marwari Mannerism, actually start implementing ganged up as an association need Bania Gothic, Anglo-Indian plans? While we talk about energy to ensure there is self-regulation Rococo, Sindhi Hacienda and so shortages, donors continue to in this business. Else, we will be on. We have our own fund an inefficient NEA. fighting to sell the last hillock. Trigonometry Landmarks: Melamchi is the best project we For Nepal what it also means is buildings with more than four have for now. But politicians turn that conservation and sustainable corners, chowk malls (traditional a blind eye to ghettos developing utilisation of natural resources chowks that have been converted on the river banks as they are their have not been internalised. to shopping complexes) vote banks and money banks. Donors have lost interest in these and heritage pasals (shops Self-sustained new townships subjects as ‘inclusion and fronting traditional facades). As along the lines of what have been exclusion’ and predicting another far as our surrounding valleys and developed in some parts of the conflict have become hot topics. the hills along our highways go, world could be the answer. This One of the issues we the day will not be far when Beed prefers to keep his cards discussed in Dehradun was man- you will actually have to go on a close to his chest, however. mountain relationships. ‘tree hunt’. Anyone is free to dream up their Compared to mountain people, But the next big question is: own sustainable cities. people living in the valley are far in order to make cities www.arthabeed.com LIFE TIMES 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 7

FOO CHEE CHANG

ne would be hard-pressed to find a clean, white-washed Owall lining the streets of Kathmandu. If one appeared, it would soon be painted over with political slogans or plastered with posters. Something similar happened to the immaculate south perimeter wall of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu from 4-8 April. Except this time it was at the behest of the FOO CHEE CHANG owners of said wall, and a reputable artist was at the helm of the project to paint a mural spreading the message of peace and harmony. Assisted by children from the Message in a mural Kailash Hostel, Buddhist Child Home, Mansarovar School and Young Hearts Bonding School, the message. responsibility programme. “We Himalayan Youth Foundation “We want our message to reach as Andorran artist and educator Jordi It is a tall order to add to the want to give back to the community, (HYF), Kathmandu, and the many as possible and for the work Casamajor applies his design on the grandeur of the Hyatt Regency, with and we feel that if a platform can be Mountaineers Himalayan of the artist and the children to be wall, while the children animate the its palatial architecture and created for underprivileged Foundation of the tiny European recognised.” stylised outlines with cheery hues luxurious ambience. But that is children to have fun and spread a principality of Andorra. “One of This wish is not too far- of red, yellow and blue. The colours, not the point. Kiran Adhikari, positive message at the same time, the advantages of this project is its fetched, for even the soot and the as well as the images of figures public relations executive of the why not?” visibility to the public,” says Steve dust from passing vehicles will do joining hands, work together hotel, explains that this is part of The mural project was Webster, a HYF board member and little to obscure the enthusiasm to complement the intent of the hotel’s corporate social organised in collaboration with the coordinator of the mural project. and positivity on display. 8|LIFE TIMES

EVENTS

with her band in the Hall followed by DJ Ankit. Theatre Expect some fireworks on the roof – not literally – as DJ Nawed has been flown all the way from India to ‘set the place ablaze’. The Factory, Thamel, 7pm, Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 respectively, as politics with complimentary drinks.

Piano concert, Romayne Wheeler, who performed at the air base of the US space shuttle in New Mexico, will be doing a charity concert for Women’s Wing Nepal. Sunday 11 April, 2pm, Lincoln School, Rabi Bhawan, 9803039750

Kabita Yatra, this paper once described poet Roles of the Indian Film Heroine, film festival that Momila as “deeply interior and outspoken, looks at the changing ethos of Indian film heroines expressing her political concerns through from Satyajit Ray’s Devi to Sanjay Leela private, individuated expression.” She will be Bhansali’s Michelle in Black. Also features talks reciting at Gurukul this weekend as part of a solo from cinema-watchers, including actress-turned- poetry recitation series. Saturday 10 April, 3pm, director-turned-activist Nandita Das. 14-18 April Sama Theatre, Gurukul, 4466956 at Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road, for tickets call 4412715 Chaitya & Silent Flow, works of Kailash Shrestha and Sushma Shakya made during their one-year Saturday’s Farmer’s Market, a weekly farmers’ residency sponsored by the Australian he story of a peasant girl who rescues the abandoned child market starting in Kantipath this weekend of a rich family, and raises him as her own at all costs is Himalayan Foundation. Runs until 21 April, promises to be different from all other farmers’ Siddhartha Art Gallery, 4218048 T hardly a matter for comedy. But Max Webster and Mia Theil markets in town with lasagne, pies and Have’s Gurukul staging of The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Khariko Mediterranean treats along with organic fruits and Ghero) is characterised by just that. Khariko Ghero (The Caucasian Chalk Circle), a vegetables. Every Saturday, 9am to noon, 1905 Berlolt Brecht play adapted into Nepali about a Well-known for his aversion to sappy emotions, Bertolt Brecht Restaurant, Kantipath used theatre to experiment with political ideas. Perhaps the peasant girl and her adopted son set against our recent politically turbulent history. Directed by humorous lines are meant to balance the sadness of the peasant Sub: Transition 2067, we don’t know what the girl’s plight and anarchical social reality, prepping the audience Max Webster and Mia Theil Have at Rimal ‘sub:’ stands for but it’s a New Year’s party at the Theatre, Gurukul, until 1 May, 5.30pm, except for the objective reflection that Brecht would have wanted. Either Factory. Two actually. Aditi Sharma will be playing way, it suited the palate of the Nepali theatregoers present, who Mondays, 4466956. See Review. gave the play a warm reception. There is no doubt this play-within-a-play is a political study, which is as much as about the peasant girl as it is about the judge who eventually presides over her case. Pitching the classical nature vs. nurture debate, it is a story about what makes a good GETAWAYS mother, a good judge, and at the end of the day, a good leader. It is as apt in our political scenario as it was in Brecht’s portrayal of the Soviet Union following the Second World War. Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run, if you own an In many ways, The Caucasian Chalk Circle seems just perfect Enfield motorbike, you have no reason not to fire for Nepali adaptation. The play’s original techniques – deadpan it up and head out towards Chitwan on a poker humour and storytelling through music – are tried and tested run. You may get the best poker hand. You may methods in Nepali artistic traditions. Sunil Pokharel continues to not. Who cares? It’ll be a darn good ride to yarn outdo himself as the judge Akal Bahadur, while Pashupati Rai’s about. 13-14 April, Registration Rs 2500, call peasant girl is an endearing character. The finale seemed slightly 9841224103 anti-climactic, but seeing how Brecht was primarily interested in Fishing Expeditions and Day Trips, Tiger analyses, he probably would not have cared. New Year Package, whether for a day picnic or an Mountain offers a chance to catch the Golden Indu Nepal overnight stay to view the sunrise on New Year’s Mahseer, one of Asia’s most famous game fish, in Day, the Mirabel Resort is perfect for that quick Bardiya National park, while exploring the beauty Runs until 1 May at Rimal Theatre, Gurukul. city break. Pack some walking shoes to fit in a of the Himalayan foothills. Perfect for this time of short hike before lunch. Mirabel Resort, the year. Contact 4361500 for prices and Dhulikhel, 4002557 reservation

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DINING MUSIC

Moksh Music Fest, a line-up of events running Ghangri Café, a quiet place with comfortable sofas through four consecutive days leading up to the new and a lovely courtyard, perfect for those sunny year. 10-13 April, 5pm onwards, Moksh, Jhamsikhel afternoons. Although famous for their open sui mai, 5526212. More info at http://partynepal.com they offer a few other great dishes as well. Pulchowk (near the Suzuki showroom), 11am- Newaz, famous metal band from the 90s, reunited 10pm except Tuesdays. last August. They will be performing some of their originals at House of Music, as well covers of Bronco Billy, a new Hendrix and other guitar artists. Friday, 9 April, 8pm, restaurant in town House of Music, Thamel offering Tex-Mex and Indian Climate Champion’s Concert, nature lovers and dishes. They tree-huggers can revel in Rojesh Shrestha’s new make their own song in the first, and what seems like a long climate corn tortillas, change concert in Nepal. Make a statement by being which gets a big there. Saturday 10 April, 10am-7pm, Basantapur thumbs-up. But really, we can’t 4th Element, it’s New Year’s Eve and you can’t wait to try decide where you want to go, or what to listen to. their Then head to Electric Pagoda in Thamel where the Margaritas. Shillong band, 4th Element, is offering music with Pulchowk elements of R&B, soul, funk and jazz. Japanese DJ opposite Namaste Supermarket

The Factory, a trendy restobar for a refreshing stopover in the chaos that is Thamel. Great food and drinks, with zesty music. Don’t miss out on their cheesecake, it’s a must. Mandala Street, Thamel

New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are scrumptious yet healthy. We got hooked on the rosemary chicken and hamburgers. Jhamel, 5522708. Jet Stream then follows up with a blend of Irish Pub, not only does it feel like one, but it’s underground and house music. Seriously, we don’t Irish all the way down to the original recipes from know who or what could beat that. Tuesday, 13 April, the owner’s wife. Go green with their fish and Electric Pagoda, Thamel chips. Ananda Bhawan, Lazimpat, 4416027 Sufi Night @ Tamas, you visit Tamas for the Aalishan, a newcomer to the Jhamel scene, serves ambience as much as for its Sufi-fusion music. The a mix of both Indian and Chinese cuisines. The music is soothing, and the cocktails smooth. The posh interior can be a bit intimidating, but don’t let Cosmopolitans, however, could do with a little more that put you off the food. Jawalakhel (near the vodka. Every Tuesday and Satruday, 8pm, Tama roundabout) Spa Lounge, Thamel, 4257658

Email us with listings at [email protected]. Listings are free but inclusion is not guaranteed as space is limited. 10|HAPPENINGS 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497

KIRAN PANDAY HAPPY FEET: Celebrating diversity during the inauguration ceremony of the 7th National Congress of Indigenous People in Bhrikuti Mandap on Saturday.

KIRAN PANDAY HIGH ESTEEM: Climate Ambassador Apa Sherpa receives a banner from WWF on Monday that he will take with him to Mount Everest, which he is attempting to summit for a record 20th time.

KIRAN PANDAY PRIORITISE: Visually impaired people participate in a rally in Babar Mahal calling on political parties to complete the new constitution on time, Monday.

KIRAN PANDAY DAZZLING: A display of flora draws visitors on Monday, the last day of the 13th Floriculture Trade Fair in Bhrikuti Mandap.

WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL

The Indian plains and Nepal got heat waves in March, drying out vegetation and making them prone to the forest fires now sweeping the midhills and Tarai. Smoke and wind-blown sand from the desert have cloaked the whole country in a thick haze upto 12,000ft. This won’t go until washed away by rain or a change in wind direction to the northwest. This satellite/radar image from Thursday afternoon shows a westerly front advancing on central Nepal. The injection of moisture could turn into cumulus build-up and bring localised thundershowers mainly in the west. The Valley may see some weekend build-up with light rain and a wide variance in day and night temperatures.

KATHMANDU

FRI SAT SUN

6 33-12 30-11 31-10 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 NATION|11

AFTERMATH: The new school building in the background is framed by the remains of the burnt village The Mangols p are coming!

KALAM Rabi Thapa

I’ve never understood beauty pageants. Yes, I know there are as many arguments for as there are against these glittery, chittery tamashas, both sides claiming they are speaking in the interests of womankind as a whole. On the whole, I’ve tended to regard them as rather harmless, gormless, aesthetically pleasing exercises in corporate promotion, but I wouldn’t care to overly judge any such event – either from the picket lines or from the judges’ panel. I can understand, however, that a Miss Nepal event represents an opportunity for participants to develop character, PICS: BIMALA GAYAK empower themselves, or simply make a pile of cash. Ditto for the promoters. If the winner then goes on in the time-honoured tradition to promote certain worthy causes, good for them (and hopefully for us). What I can’t understand is the proliferation of ethnic beauty pageants. Miss Newa, Miss Ashes to ashes Sherpa, Miss Limbu, the list goes on. Ok, these too represent an opportunity for participants INDU NEPAL in CHITWAN Badarjhula anyway. A few days before Friday’s blaze, beyond that offered by Miss Throughout the Tarai, fire there was a sense of optimism Nepal, ostensibly because they destroys thousands of hectares of among the locals. A new school also represent historically o one knew where the fire forest and hundreds of houses every building had just been inaugurated disadvantaged ethnic started. What they did know summer. This year has been – a two-storey concrete structure communities. But I’m yet to hear Nwas that it travelled faster particularly bad. The dry weather that rose from the ground like a of a Miss Chamar or Miss than the wind carrying it. Within seems to make everything palace amidst the one-room huts. Chepang. There must be such a thing as being too hours, 69 houses had been burnt to combustible, but the fires are The school was meant to meet the disadvantaged to attract the ground, some of them hundreds usually started by farmers to needs of the ever-increasing young corporate backing. And the of metres apart from each other. “It promote new green flushes. population of Badarjhula, who had hypocrisy of the Maoist- seemed like an invisible force was The 2600 residents of to travel an hour and a half to the affiliated groups who carrying a torch and setting houses Badarjhula are especially nearest school in Parsa district once once shut down Miss on fire,” said a local. vulnerable. Squatters in their they finished primary school. Nepal for ‘denigrating’ The first few weeks of April place of origin and victims of “This is the pride of Badarjhula,” women, but now allow a bring a sense of menace to floods and landslides, they said principal A.G. Pariyar as he dime-a-dozen Miss fill- Badarjhula, a tiny village marooned moved here with the end of the watched children play cricket in in-the-ethnic-blank- from the rest of the country in the Panchayat era when they heard the the grounds. unless-you-are-Bahun- buffer zone of Chitwan National new democratic dispensation had With help from local NGO or-Chettri pageants in the name of ethnic Park. A fire rages through the village promised them land. Samari Utthan Sewa, the people of expression is, well, Badarjhula have pushed for typical. development in other areas too. HARVEST OF Unable to secure loans without any SORROW: A local collateral, they started 35 savings girl sifts through and co-operative groups. A local Beauty paegants may the ashes for rice health committee runs a health clinic. A landless manage what the Great committee represents the villagers in dealings with the Wall of China never did government. But what really gets my goat is the latest edition – The new school, however, Miss Mangol. Who are the Mangols? Are they everyone in the seemed the most promising. The country except for Bahuns and Chettris? Is Miss Mangol a forum government had offered partial for indigenous women to express themselves – as opposed to funding for the school building, Bahun and Chettri women, probable migrants from India, who and agreed to provide most of the may have their own trouble expressing themselves? If Miss teachers, giving rise to hopes that Mangol is a front for ‘real’ Nepali women, then why does the the settlement was on its way to idiotic term ‘Mangol’ claim roots thousands of kilometres away, being officially recognised. on the other side of the Great Wall of China? “We hope the school is a step I will be accused of resenting janjatis for their fun in the sun For the dispossessed in towards making our settlement (being a non-janjati automatically disqualified from commenting here legal,” said Ganesh KC, who on janjatis, just as the application forms for Miss Mangol imply Badarjhula, this year’s inferno is Bahuns and Chettris, and those lacking ‘good moral character’, one more disaster they will founded the first school in the are disqualified from competing). So I had better make it clear I village, where he taught in return have nothing against any ethnic community in this riotous struggle to overcome for rice and eggs from the villagers. Nepali garden of ours. What I do resent is attempts – calculated “We think the government won’t or not – to simplistically pit those Nepalis of Mongoloid ethnic every year, carried by strong winds They walked through the uproot it after investing in it.” origin against those of Indo-Aryan origin, and justify and from nearby forests, consuming the jungles with pots, pans, and little After Friday’s blaze, the school augment the division by implying the former lack the privileges grass-thatched wooden huts and bundles of clothing, children in looked even taller. The houses of the latter, wholesale, period. It’s one thing to be proud of your everything in them. “There has been tow. They said they had been told around it had been burnt to ashes. ethnicity and culture – Newar, Chettri or Limbu – it’s quite a fire every year since I moved here this patch of forest 65 kilometres Villagers sifted through the ruins another to create false Great Walls of China in our own four years ago,” said Devi Gurung, from the district headquarters had to see if the fire had spared backyard. an NGO worker. been released for agriculture. The anything. They slept in the open If, as this year’s winner Barsha Rani Gurung declared, it is crucial to make youth culturally aware, and, as organisers Fearing another inferno on the government disagreed, and has and talked about setting up tents Action Entertainment claim, “Unity in differences and equality in anniversary of last year’s asked them to move several times. until they could rebuild. It seemed multiplicities are our common characteristics”, then why is it destruction, when 20 houses were In 2004, the army set the village on like a ritual for after all, they have necessary to exclude Bahuns and Chettris, that is, to gutted, locals went around last fire after warning them to leave. The done this many times before. manufacture an event of their own? Perhaps no one really sees Friday reminding their neighbours residents soon returned and rebuilt the irony in the dash for filthy lucre. It’s no surprise that Miss to be careful. Some families were their homes. Twenty years and a See pictures of Badarjhula Mangolian Kid was sponsored by the Chaudhary Group. Being so scared they did not even cook new People’s Movement later, they before the fire on plain Nepali has never been more difficult. their meals and ate dry beaten rice have nothing more than pots and www.nepalitimes.com te. instead. But the fire came to pans in their name. www.nepalitimes.com 6|BUSINESS 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497

KIRAN PANDAY Sustainable living

e have come a long way since a Gypsy Moth piloted by LVS Blacker made the first ever fly-by of Mt Everest in W 1933. Blacker survived an open cockpit and icy gale-force winds in his flimsy canvas-winged biplane to become the first person to look down at the top of the world. But it took former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld to popularise what has come to be known as the ‘Mountain Flight’ when he was allowed by King Mahendra to take his unpressurised DC-3 to Khumbu and along the Annapurnas. Hammarskjöld, a keen photographer himself, took the stunning black-and-white pictures that appeared in the National Geographic of January 1961. The biggest draw of Visit Nepal Year 2011 could be Pokhara’s mountain flights

Today, there are up to 30 Everest-view flights a day during peak season from Kathmandu. Everest is still the big draw, but for the thrill of a lifetime and to really rub shoulders with the mountains, Avia Club Pokhara (http://aviaclubnepal.com/) offers sightseeing flights that fly not just past the mountains but amidst them. Avia offers flights in open cockpit ultralights or its tiny two-seater Aeroprakt, which can be chartered for a half-hour or one-hour sightseeing jaunt north of Pokhara. Icelandic photographer and writer, Gudmundur Pall Olafsson, Annapurna II and IV, as seen from 12,000ft took two days of flying in an ultralight to come up with these above the Mardi Khola, and the January spectacular photographs. 1961 National Geographic photo (top left) of the same mountain, taken by UN Secretary Read more about the flight on Kunda Dixit's blog EastWest. General Dag Hammarskjöld from a DC-3. www.nepalitimes.com/blogs/kundadixit/ Ultra-marathon RICHARD BULL 2km morning wake-up jog around Lakeside before we swerved abruptly up the steep “I think that’s the hardest one- 700m to Sarangkot village. The day event I’ve ever done in my locals, as elsewhere, were out in life, and I’ve done some,” said force to wish the runners “Best Rob Cousins, the British of luck!”, “Very good!” and even endurance-adventurer who once “You’re last!” ran 213km in one go. He was The track to Kaskikot offers referring to the 4th Annual stunning, only-in-Nepal views Annapurna 100 race, which took of Machapucchare and Trekking? Try running up to Poon Hill and back

place on March 27. The race heads Annapurna. After losing hard- from Pokhara all the way to the won altitude, the runners Poon Hill and back to Birethanti, finally arrive in Birethanti – and is now down from 100km to arguably the real start of the race. 71km. It’s still a bone-crumbler. Birethanti is both the 31km My day began with a pleasant point and 71km finish. In PICS: ROBERT SPENCE 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 NATION|5 Instigative journalism

THIS WEEK

GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON The unique geology of the upper reaches of the Seti below Annapurna IV.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA A fleet of ultralights takes advantage of a glorious morning above Pokhara, recently. GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON

between comes a seemingly the Annapurna ultra-marathon Bhattachan to train a couple of endless 2050m climb via 3080 has only taken place in 2000 and promising mountain runners steps up to Ulleri, the course up 2009, due to political upheavals for the prestigious Davos ultra- to the famous Poon Hill and the difficulties in finding marathon race in Switzerland, viewpoint, and back down again. sponsorship for such an offbeat the Nepal of Europe. The high hilltops were sport. “That race is a very good blushing red with This year’s event was rescued comparison to what we’ve just rhododendron, making for an from the brink by Roger Henke done. It’s less climbing and extraordinarily beautiful and the Summit Hotel, which less altitude and the fastest distraction from the rigours of stepped in as the major sponsor runner finished that in 7 the trail. But despite the at the last minute. Henke, who is hours compared to 7.30 here. It challenging course, the race was himself a keen trail runner and compares very well. For these won in just 7 hours 30 minutes was the first foreigner to finish runners to be able to run that by Ram Kumar Khatri of in 10.30, said, “I wanted to fast, at that altitude, up those Tribhuvan Athletics Club, who develop the race and turn it into steps and just keep on going, took home Rs 50,000 in prize a trail race because I believe that in that time – and still look money. No Nepali women it has a future from an adventure good and fresh at the end – I entered but the first woman tourism perspective. I convinced think it’s spectacular.” home was Moire O’Sullivan from my board to sponsor this year’s For this runner, who Ireland, in 12.15. Forty event and use the experience and certainly didn’t feel or look competitors, mainly from the contacts for a better event next fresh by the end, it was as army and police, took to the trail year. We want much better much about competing as it with a number of local villagers international exposure and a was about eating and drinking and a hint of international bigger pot of prize money that along the way. “Khanus! flavour. can support the training of local Khanus!” ordered a senior First run in 1995 with athletes.” member of Ghorepani mothers’ collaboration from British There’s a lot of enthusiasm group, offering biscuits, cricketer-turned-walker Ian for the talent and potential of Chinese apples and hot noodle HEADING HOME: Ram Kumar Khatri knows his winning run leads to Botham, artist Jan Turner and Nepali runners. Rob Cousins has soup. Ah…of course mothers biscuit heaven ex-Gurkha Ramesh Bhattachan, teamed up with Ramesh understand everything. 14 |FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 Presidential Time running line out for unity

Editorial in Nagarik, Opinion by Phurpa Tamang Hyalmo, Rasuwa, 6 April in Nagarik, 31 March

President Ram Baran If the new constitution isn’t written by May 28, Yadav has initiated the CA will be automatically dissolved. There are two options: write it on time, or extend the discussions with political term. The parties have no option but to agree parties at a time of on provincial boundaries, state restructuring, political fluidity, raising and the integration of Maoist fighters. Who hopes that there may be gets to be in government is not a big issue. an agreement. A few days The people want peace, law and order and ago, there was controversy development. We want a short constitution over the president’s that reflects the aspirations of all, but it can’t remark that he had a be a collection of political slogans. If the ‘guardian’ role. Some parties can’t do this will they take moral criticised him for having responsibility? Or will they just blame a rival political ambitions. He party? The Newars and others in Kathmandu and has told the prime minister that he is aware of the the people of the Madhes are all fortunate. limits on presidential powers, and will not overstep Either way they win. How about us indigenous his mandate even if the constitution is not written on people living in the remote corners of the time. If those who have executive powers fulfill their mountains? We are cursed by birth and by the obligations responsibly, there is no need for them to be neglect of the state. Our land has no value paranoid about the president’s remarks. and we can’t even farm on it. Now with these new provinces, we may even be restricted in our movement. What kind of constitution are these people writing, if it tears the country Maoists attack media apart? It is going to create enmity not just between Bahun-Chhetris and others, but also Nepal Samacharpatra, 6 April among the indigenous people. The draft on ethnic federalism is a huge mistake. Ethnic-based identity politics is leaving Nepal Media Society has condemned the disruptions the country astray. Opposition to federalism is in the distribution of Rajdhani daily, and asked the growing by the day. Any state structure can government to provide security to the media. Two have good or bad aspects, it is the rulers who Maoist-affiliated staffers at the paper who had fake need to be honest. We are wedged between certificates threatened to kill staff and set fire to the regional powers India and China and are office, and have not allowed the distribution of the trailing behind because of leadership failure. paper for the last week. By splitting the country along ethnic lines, the country will be pushed towards destruction, not development. Highest biogas

Gorkhapatra, 3 April

Nepal has set up the highest ever biogas plant to turn livestock refuse into methane. The plant is located at 3,850m at Kyangjin Gomba in Langtang, and works even in freezing temperatures. There are now four experimental biogas plants in Langtang, and many cater to the increased demand for energy from tourism.

MRP scandal Big umbrella: Nepal's security Small umbrella: Madhav Nepal's security

Abin Shrestha in Kantipur, 7 April 9 - 15 APRIL 2010 #497 CONSTITUTION 2010|15

point talking of ethnicity? Multi- ethnicity is the reality of the country. Ethnic provinces are impracticable Janjatis’ votes alone would never have elected me as a CA member. I got votes from all communities. So I am not in Harshajit Lama, NC CA member, Kabhre How is it possible until there are favour of ethnicity based provinces. This still differences on fundamental is just a slogan to trick the people. issues of state restructuring and Why was the Constitutional forms of governance? Can the constitution work if we do Committee meeting postponed? The Maoists and UML proposed 14 not address the demand of The Study Committee led by Agni Kharel is provinces based on ethnicity, which is identity? studying the draft proposals of the wrong. This is impractical in a multi- Adopting a mixed (proportional and thematic committee. There are contentious ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural direct) electoral system can encompass issues to be resolved, which takes time. The country. Besides, the country cannot the issue of identity. CA will soon resume. sustain 14 provinces. Therefore, 6 to 7 provinces based on population would be If the CA cannot meet the May 28 Do you think the constitution will be ideal for us. deadline, what will be the status drafted on time? of CA members? The Interim Constitution has stipulated Coming from a Janjati community, From time to time, we hear the public two years to draft the new constitution. are you not afraid of losing will not accept us as CA members after However, it all depends on how seriously elections if you oppose the idea of May 28. The leaders should take stakeholders take it. If the political leaders ethnic provinces? this seriously and act to meet the sort out their differences, we can still The future of the country matters more deadline. The constitution should be expect the new constitution on time. than my winning an election. What is the written on time. Tamu province will ruin Tamus

Chandra Gurung, RPP (N) CA member How should we interpret the charge The question of ethnic identity is being raised against you of attempting to reinstate instead of the religious identity of the past. the old regime? This is an absolutely wrong move. The way Why is your party demanding a referendum to decide the fate This is a baseless allegation. Change communal issues are being raised in the of the monarchy when the Interim Constitution settled on the does not mean all established norms name of ethnic identity, this will disintegrate monarchy, federalism and secularism long ago? and values should be destroyed. national unity and ruin the social fabric, Our party has taken the constitution-writing process seriously Change means creativity. But the pushing the country into civil war. as it is a historic task. This is an opportunity for people to annihilation of all matters of national Consequently, Nepal could be the next write their own constitution. Constitutions were written in the importance in the name of change will Nigeria or Uganda. We need to be cautious past but the CA should come up with a constitution that people ultimately bring destruction to this about the possibility of such a situation in can call their own. Article 157 of the Interim Constitution country. The 12-point agreement signed Nepal. states, ‘any matter of national importance should be made in Delhi does not talk about the abolition through referendum.’ On this basis our party has been of monarchy but the end of a tyrannical Do you think you will get votes by opposing demanding a referendum to decide the fate of the monarchy, monarchy. federalism in the future? federalism and secularism. The demand for economic, political and What about the demand for a Hindu social rights was raised as the state denied But pro-republicans think your demand is regressive. state? us those rights in the past. We demanded Whatever we are demanding is in line with democratic norms. Our country is the land of the origin of representation of Gurungs at all levels of It is not fair to refer to it as an anti-federal, anti-democratic eastern civilisation. There are Christian the state. But in the name of identity, a move. There are clearly two schools of thought and Muslim states where there are conspiracy is being hatched to ruin Tamus. regarding federalism: those who consider it a means to Christians and Muslims. Why can’t a country where 85 per progress and prosperity and those who think it will break up cent people are Hindus be declared a Hindu state? More than How? the country. a billion people worldwide are Hindu, this is our identity. No What is the point of creating a Tamu province when a Dhakal one raised voices against Hinduism during Jana Andolan II. will ultimately be the chief minister? About 85 per cent of Which category do you fall into? The decision came all of a sudden under the influence of the people in the proposed Tamu province are non-Tamus. We have been demanding a referendum to decide on it. We foreign forces. But it is against our identity. Therefore, we If they unite, Tamus will not get even the job of a peon. accept the verdict of the people whatever it might be. The have been demanding it should be decided on through a Constitutional provisions will probably not guarantee the people’s decision should be inscribed in the constitution. democratic process. position of chief minister for Tamus.

What kind of democracy will it be “It doesn’t mean we should pick up anyone where provinces are created on the basis of ethnicity and the judiciary is under parliament? from the street for the post of chief justice.” The provinces should be created on a regional basis, not an ethnic basis. People Akabal Ahmad Sah, MJF CA member, judiciary service can be picked for within the provinces should feel they Kapilbastu the post of chief justice. How really have a stake in the provinces. rational is that? Having the judiciary under parliament is Yes, we proposed that anyone from within aimed at discouraging corruption and Why is constitution writing on the as well as outside the judiciary service irregularities. backburner? could be eligible for the post of chief The Constitutional Committee should have justice. It does not mean we should pick Will the constitution be written by prepared an integrated draft from the up anyone from the street for the post. May 28? concept papers submitted by thematic Since parliament is accountable to the The big political parties are racing for committees by now. But the committee people, it would be better if a mechanism power, which has put the constitution- that comprises top leaders from the big under parliament appoints the chief writing process at risk. People will surely parties failed to do so as they are busy with justice. point at us because of their inability. party activities and foreign trips. This is why the constitution-writing process Are you saying the judiciary should What will you do if the could not gather momentum. be under parliament? constitution is not drafted by May The judiciary will be under a mechanism of 28? The Judicial System Committee, of parliament. This will discourage I will follow the party’s decision. I will which you are also a member, corruption and delay in service delivery in resign if the party decides to do so. There proposed that anyone outside the the judiciary. is no point resigning alone. T 16 to budgefromtheinternationally till presstime,Nepalwasrefusing world’s tallestborderpillarand a delicatestage.Thisisthe all. Thenegotiationshavereached height ofMtEverestonceandfor The Chineseareheretofixthe warchest. town fordonations,fillinghis is hittingNewarbusinessesin command withNewars.Hitman Hitman forpaddinguphis up inarmsagainstComrade Meanwhile, govt andgrabpoweronMay29. suggesting thattheytopplethe radical forhisowngood”by Doc’) Baidyawas“gettingtoo complaining thatMohan(‘The he wasoverheardrecently Tundikhel speech,butinprivate ‘puppet regime’showedinhis desperation todislodgethe us allthetrouble.Awesome’s better itwentquicklyandsaved that ifthisgovthastogothen’tis on this,forwhatit’sworth,is change inMay.TheAss’thought Blockade toenforcearegime for NTY2011?)andaValley didn’t theyagreetoamoratorium indefinite generalstrike(hey,

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