#449 1 - 7 May 2009 16 pages Rs 30

fter a marathon eight- hour meeting in Weekly Internet Poll # 449 ABaluwatar on Thursday, Q. Should Gen Katawal step down as the Maoist secretariat decided to Chief of Army Staff? Mayday, Total votes: 8,180 go ahead with its plan to “take action” against Army Chief Gen Rookmangud Katawal. It couldn’t have been otherwise. The Maoists had painted Mayday! themselves into a corner by

Weekly Internet Poll # 450. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com making this a make-or-break Q. What is your opinion about the prestige issue. federalism? Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was squeezed by pressure from India and political parties on the one hand, and from his hardline rank-and-file on the other. It was becoming clear that the internal pressure was much stronger. In a way, “taking action” could mollify his cadre, and that process could be allowed to drag on to appease Delhi and the parties. The other compromise worked out by the UML is to start with a clean slate by getting Katawal, the Maoist favourite Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka and Defence Minsiter Ram Bahadur Thapa to step down. The proposal is still on the cards, although the Maoists reject Thapa’s ouster and the NC rejects Katawal’s. But under a “wholesale” deal, the Maoists are trying to woo the NC to join the government in return for agreeing to Katawal’s removal. Sujata Koirala appears to be a contender, even though NC leaders Sher Bahadur Deuba and others are said to be strongly against her. At Thursday’s meeting, the Maoists also discussed in detail their plan for a massive show of force on the streets of the capital on May Day to put pressure on anyone opposed to their stance on the army row. The plan is to paralyse the state and bring the capital to a standstill with belligerent crowds in 32 major intersections in the Valley. z Subhas Devkota

KIRAN PANDAY SHOW OF FORCE: The Maoists are planning a mammoth May Day rally in the capital on Friday to put pressure on those opposed to their plan to Full story p4 sack the army chief. This was Tuesday’s rally, with the army headquarters in the background. OP-ED 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 3 War by other means The army has shown it is better at masking its fears than the Maoists DPR

he Maoists didn’t emerge commanders. victorious from the “All war is deception,” said a Tdevastating war against the great military strategist of 500 BC. state, but the security forces lost it The Maoists haven’t publicly the moment the Seven Party abandoned what they call ‘The Alliance signed the 12-point People’s War’. The Nepal Army understanding with Maoists in still finds it difficult to submit November 2005 in New Delhi. itself unequivocally to civilian control of the Maoist party. The STATE OF THE STATE country is still in a state of war for all intents and purposes. The C K Lal military knows what it’s doing, and so do the Maoists. The rest of The little goodwill the army us are merely guessing or reacting. had in urban areas was also Under the pressure of Chinese squandered when soldiers became and Indians, Dahal wants to let Gyanendra storm troopers after the mandate of UNMIN lapse the 1 February 2005 when it comes to an end on 23 takeover. But Girija Prasad Koirala July 2009. With that deadline in forgot and forgave when he mind, he recently assured visiting promoted an accused human British Under Secretary of State rights violator to the post of Chief for Defence and Minister for of Army Staff (CoAS). But many Veterans, Kevan Jones, recently in Kathmandu still find it that the government’s special difficult to accept that one of the committee for supervision, loudest critics of the democratic integration and rehabilitation of parties, who once wrote op-eds the combatants would complete under the pseudonym Ajay P its work by mid-July. But the Nath, has suddenly become the prime minister knows that the chief proponent of constitutional schedule can’t be met when the supremacy, freedom of the press incumbent army chief is allergic and parliamentary democracy. to the very word ‘integration’. So Ambitious individuals are the CoAS had to go to make way pragmatic in their careers. When for a more amenable general. the 240-year old Shah dynasty When the general waiting in passed into history, an army as the wings realised he may be old as the kingdom earned its bypassed by a colleague on the republican spurs by literally verge of superannuation, news of doing nothing. Behind the scenes an impending coup was deals were never disclosed, but carefully planted in the friendly was security of tenure for the media to spur anti-Maoist forces incumbent army chief a part of into action. Mission complete, the bargain? Then the guerrilla rumours of a ‘soft coup’ were chieftain and prime minister, strongly denied. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, should have It was a publicity coup, nothing to complain about. The meticulously planned and trouble is he also has to placate brilliantly executed. Clearly, the his deputy commander, Defence army has a better corps of Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, propaganda consultants these who needs to be seen to be doing days than it did during the something to bring a former foe war years. under direct control of the party For the Maoists, too, it’s a high command. ‘heads I win, tails you lose’ Behind all the talk of civilian proposition. If Dahal can manage control versus constitutional to sack the CoAS, he will be feted supremacy, a lingering antipathy as a brilliant tactician. If the between warriors of opposite Maoists are forced to backtrack, camps is what lies at the core of they can always turn the episode the current Maoist-military row. into a publicity stunt: “Look, we The generals haven’t yet recovered tried our best. But other parties are from the trauma of their failure, prisoners of the past.” The UML and the Maoists find it hard to too has little to lose, as always, it accept that power flows out of the will be on the side of the winner ballot box. Both sides in the war when the game ends. The victim of words are caught in the vortex will be the NC. When a political of their own vitriolic rhetoric. party has to hold the coat-tails of Unlike in the past, however, the a military chief to establish its army has shown that it is better at credentials, there is something masking its fears than Maoist wrong somewhere. 2 EDITORIAL 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Circulation: Prakash Raut Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 Fax: 5251013 [email protected] Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 www.nepalitimes.com Delhi dallying Maoist opposition to India’s role in the PRESS FOR FREEDOM army row is hypocritical and futile From Angola (Not Free) to Zimbabwe (Not Free), freedom of the press is under attack in many parts of the world. Tagged ‘partly he army row gives us a later got the army on board), the structure would be shaken and the free’, we in the Nepali media should perhaps be thankful that we are glimpse of India’s Maoists (who promised to accept party would dictate terms to the still better off than some other countries. But that’s about it. T concerns, its power multiparty democracy) and NC army. They see it as a sub-plot of Press freedom is an absolute. One can’t be ‘partly free’. It has and limits. (which agreed to dump the the larger Maoist plan to back away become fashionable these days for the government to re-invent The Maoists have been monarchy). And now, the from the commitment to ‘Asian values’ of press freedom and democracy: the argument that relatively successful in Maoists suddenly remember that multiparty democracy. individual and political rights are somehow less important than portraying the opposition to domestic political decisions are And there is an underlying social economic and cultural rights. It’s the old debate all over again, and the Maoist-led government is resurrecting a class-based sacking General Katawal as India- none of India’s business. China dimension. Beijing is quite definition of rights to justify stifle criticism in the press. inspired. They are convinced You cannot be selective about happy with the Maoists for having Unfortunately, we find the UN’s human rights wallahs and Delhi’s suggestions and warnings a foreign role. If they used Delhi delivered on its promise to stifle bilaterals, who would never agree to any fetters on the press in at some point, when Delhi feels Tibetan dissent. China feels that their own countries, going along with this. It’s like saying: “Sorry PLAIN SPEAKING its interests are at stake, it will the top echelons of the Nepal about the chains, but you’re not fully ready for freedom yet.” Prashant Jha get involved. All politicians are Army are dominated by officers Our post-conflict situation is characterised by a collapse of the aware of this reality so whipping close to India and the US. It has rule of law and an epidemic of impunity. Things will get worse up a frenzy about the Indian role already backed the integration because the state is not serious about protecting human rights, and constitute an unacceptable without tackling the process and would be happy to see the NHRC has limited capacity and commitement. The UN’s interference in Nepal’s internal fundamentals of national Maoist commanders occupy OHCHR is under pressure to go along because it wants to extend affairs. The Maoists then tell politics and economy is strategic positions in the NA. its mandate. In fact, it should remember why Nepal’s human rights activists lobbied hard to bring it here in 2005 in the first place: to their support base that they have hypocritical, futile and India wants ‘controlled augment independent monitoring. That is needed more than ever not been able to effect any change opportunistic. stability’ in Nepal to protect its when we have a state actor that is intolerant of dissent. because of the power exercised by The real question is why did security interests. But not only The war may be over, but the behaviour of the Maoists in the “expansionists and feudal the Indians assert themselves does lasting stability look elusive, avatar of their militant wings are still getting away with violence and collaborationists”. this time around? Since even the control and influence intimidation. Murderers walk around in the sanctuary of UNMIN- What they forget is that they November 2005, India’s role has they exert would get steadily supervised camps. Not a single killer of journalists in the past three would still be in the jungles been critical but low-key. There diluted if the Maoists take over years has been caught and tried. fighting an unwinnable war if have only been three occasions the army. The aim of co-opting The Maoist leadership lacks understanding about democracy not for India’s mediation. If when Delhi stepped in visibly. and ‘taming’ the Maoists would and press freedom at a philosophical level. Freedom in the Maoist Nepal’s political class had When the Maoists walked out fall flat. lexicon is the freedom to blindly support the party agenda. Or else. succeeded in mounting a solely of government in September However, Lainchaur did go Anyone who doesn’t agree is automatically labelled “feudal”, “lackey”, or “running dog reactionary class enemy”. domestic opposition to the royal 2007, Shyam Saran rushed in as overboard in passing the message. After using ham-handed methods in the past year to vandalise regime, if the parties and Maoists the PM’s special envoy to push The nature of the present envoy media offices and attack journalists, the Maoists are getting slightly had not needed India to act as all parties to go for polls. When has not helped either. A senior NC more sophisticated: that is, if the prime minister publicly calling ‘facilitator’ for the 12 point- the second Madhes movement leader, considered to be close to journalists ”smugglers” can be called sophistication. Still, the agreement, if they had not threatened to derail the April India, said: “Rakesh Sood lacks the strategy is now to put on the squeeze indirectly. rushed to Delhi to polls, a meeting was held at the patience and clarity of Shyam Journalists across the country admit that it is more instrumentally use India Indian ambassador’s residence Saran, or the warmth and empathy difficult to report now than during the war. Every gang to advance their own between Madhesi leaders and of Shiv Mukherjee. His inter- with a gun now feels it can do what the Maoists do. partisan interests, and if government representatives, personal skills are weak and no From the eastern hills to the Madhes and even in they had tried to be more preparing the basis for the eight- one trusts him.” Kathmandu, journalists are self-censoring because of self-reliant, they could point deal. This had the What is clear is that this the fear of retribution from ethnic militants, criminal gangs and the Maoists. Each is bent upon have told the Indians to unfortunate consequence of episode has harmed ties between outdoing the other in intimidating the media. keep away. reinforcing the image of Madhesi India and the Maoist-led The state is unable and unwilling to go after The reality is that leaders as Indian puppets, but government. There will not be an the perpetrators because the party leading this peace passed a powerful message to the immediate reaction if the Maoists the government feels it indirectly benefits process is palace (which saw that go ahead, but a policy review when from a cowed-down media. essentially a movement as the last hope to a new Indian government comes in Press Freedom Day is being marked on compact prevent elections) about where is certain. And don’t be surprised 3 May in Kathmandu to draw the attention of between India stood. if sections in the Indian South Asian governments to their patchy India (which This is the third time. Delhi establishment who have criticised record in protecting media independence. It acted as a feels that the balance of power on the 12-point agreement, and who gives us no satisfaction that there are guarantor which the peace process rests prefer to play the 90s game of countries in the region where journalists have it worse than of the will collapse if the Maoists sack breeding instability as a way to us. 12-point Katawal and appoint a more keep Nepali political actors in deal and pliable chief. The institutional check, gain ascendance.

BILASH RAI LLL ETTERS

MIDDLE KINGDOM striving statesmen of Nepal to accept the no business interfering in personal matters threats, intimidation and extortion and As CK Lal points out in his column, the status quo and work as junior partners of the state. until they prove that they are no history of Nepali foreign policy consists with China and India, avoiding any Pashupati Neupane, email longer a force that is going to take of an obvious continuity (‘From confrontation, all the while focussing on over the state by violent means they Republic to Middle Kingdom,” # 448). the real task at hand: to build a stable Thank you for Pramod Mishra’s don’t deserve to be tampering with the Every party that ever led this state has Nepali state. excellent analysis of the bind that Pushpa national army. attempted to balance India against Nishant Acharya, email Kamal Dahal finds himself in (Guest Jagat Jung, email China. Could it be that our politicians Column, ‘Give PKD his due’, #448). The mistake Nepal for a great power? COAS ISSUE media, your paper included, should cut him I want to salute you for your The reality of international politics It is sad to see that Nepali Times doesn’t a bit of slack. Let’s give credit where it’s courageous columns for giving is this: powerful nations do what they see how the army chief was directly due. positive and well directed want and smaller nations will not be disobeying the elected government on Keshav Sharma, email suggestions. The country is run by a able to obtain any profit from attempting issues such as new recruits (Editorial, new naked emperor, supported by his to manipulate them. Let’s look at a ‘Armed and dangerous’, #448). The From his lofty perch in the US, Pramod sycophant cronies. He is pretending recent example: Mikhail Saakashvili’s elected government provides the budget Mishra seems to be seeing Nepal through to be fully-clothed but he is there in all attempt to pit Russia against Europe for the new personnel but by not obeying rose-tinted glasses. Come home, Mr his naked glory for all of us to see. If and the US has only resulted in his the orders Katawal has undermined Mishra, and see for yourself how your guru somebody says something the YCL becoming a joke and with no change in people power. In addition, Nepal Army PKD is taking this country down the path to will come after them and threaten the status-quo. Russia and NATO are Chief Rookmangud Katawal, was totalitarianism. them until they say that the emperor is not at loggerheads with each other. appointed when Nepal was not a federal Soni Shrestha, email clothed. These are desperate times The only way Nepal can change the republic. He should have understood that but the media shouldn’t keep quiet. status-quo within its own region is for it it will be difficult to work with the Maoists. Three cheers for your editorial ‘Armed We are tired of stories that are one- to grow in relative power. Power is Therefore, the army chief should resign and dangerous’, #448). You have gone to sided. We want to read positive fungible and is a function of stability. now. Nepalis also need to be united the heart of the matter, which is that as long stories that are constructive and bold. Therefore, it would be best for the against foreign forces because they have as the Maoists continue their practice of Bishwesh Shrestha, email 4 NATION 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 Baffling donors he Nepal Development Forum (NDF) meeting scheduled for 12-14 May in Kathmandu has been overshadowed by T political wrangling over the army. The meeting that used to be held every two years is taking place after five years. And it may still be cancelled at the last minute if donors decide not to participate because of continued political volatility. As it is, this NDF is geared up to focus more on Nepal’s political than economic development. As a pre-requisite to support, donors want a commitment from the Maoist government COMMENT on its respect for democracy, Achyut Wagle an open market and right to private property. UNMIN’s role, army integration and impunity also figure as conditions for aid. The government is going ahead with the preparations of the meeting where a consortium of 40 of Nepal’s donors will sit and

discuss development assistance. The NDF this year has been MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA tagged ‘Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation: A Basis for New Nepal’ and besides donors, six specially invited import-export banks, mainly from India and China, will also be attending. Four main policy papers will constitute the basis for deliberations. The first is Nepal’s national development strategy for the transitional period rather clandestinely put together by Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s small group of trusted aides. Second Numbers game is a paper on the economic restructuring package for achieving economic transformation in the short term and creating policy bases for state restructuring in the long run. The Maoists plan a massive show of force on May Day to put pressure on the army The NDF meeting will ANALYSIS by meetings and leaders were tight- include defusing the army row have a political rather SUBHAS DEVKOTA lipped. Their conclusion seems and bringing the NC into than economic agenda to be that the only obstacle to government. UML leader Madhab he Maoists have so often total state capture now is the Kumar Nepal has tried to mediate The third policy paper looks at ‘revising’ foreign aid policy to threatened to take over integration of 19,000 PLA into not just between parties, but also ‘increase understanding between the government and donors’. The T state power by force like the Nepal Army. Army Chief between factions within his own effectiveness of aid and Nepal’s absorption capacity for it will be Lenin did during the October Katawal was the only remaining party for and against the Maoist discussed. The fourth is a trade and investment policy that aims to Revolution in 1917, that people obstacle, which is why they move against the army. develop Nepal as a preferred destination for foreign direct had stopped taking it seriously. have sought to remove him at Nepal himself belongs to the investment, and aspires to replace foreign aid by foreign trade, But now, under pressure to back the present time. side that wants the Maoists to encourage investment, both foreign and domestic, mainly under down from its attempt to sack UML leader KP Oli has been back off. He says: “During the war, public-private-partnership. the army chief, the Maoists seem warning about Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the All these issues are not new, and merely rearrange old priorities under different categories. The Maoist-led government to be reactivating that plan. totalitarian motives for more leader of a party fighting the army, which also holds the finance ministry has already infuriated donors As far back as 2000, the than two years. He says: “The now he is the leader of two by breaking the tradition and not involving them in pre-consultative Maoists had concluded that the action against Katawal was the armies. Meddling in the army now preparatory meetings. Minister Bhattarai’s public remarks labeling way to victory was a fusion excuse they needed to control could have grave consequences.” them, particularly Bretton Woods institutions, as agents of global between insurgency and an the army and implement their Meanwhile, the debate has imperialism has appalled many of them. armed urban uprising. Maoist strategy to capture complete strengthened the constitutional This time, the donors, including the World Bank that chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal state power.” Oli cites the three role of President Ram Baran coordinated with all other donors, co-hosted and co-chaired the last had concluded that the army reasons on which the Maoists Yadav, as supreme commander of NDF, will only be asked to support the policies and programs put could only be defeated if his sought clarification from the the army. He has remained within forth by the government. Further, Minister Bhattarai has predicted party could divide up the army chief are all legally his remit to send a memo to the that Nepal will not need foreign assistance from 2025 onwards generals. They had been working spurious. prime minister warning him not because by then the economy will be self-reliant. The ground reality doesn’t support such optimism. To bring down our on it, and the result was the 19 Finance Minister Baburam to take any action against the army dependence on foreign assistance of about 47 per cent at present to April move to ask the army chief Bhattarai, for his part, has been chief as it would break the 5 per cent in 15 years, we must achieve an annual GDP growth rate for clarification. uncharacteristically tough, and institutional structure and chain of at least 11 per cent throughout. For this, the non-agricultural The timing, they think, is says Katawal defied a of command and might affect the sector should up to 19 per cent, which requires at least 9,000 MW now right. The Maoists have government order and should peace process and constitution of power supply and environment conducive to rapid brought in tens of thousands of be prosecuted to maintain the writing. When a pro- industrialisation. It is impossible for all these miracles to transpire cadres and PLA to the capital. civil supremacy. He and Defence establishment civil society in 15 years, which is the normal gestation period of a medium-scale Many are from UNMIN Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa delegation tried to put pressure on power project. monitored cantonments, even Badal have been taking the him this week, he bluntly told The donor community is clueless as to what is prompting though under the peace accord hardline while Prime Minister them he wasn’t a “ceremonial” Bhattarai to make such impossible claims. In one of her NDF- that is not allowed. Security Dahal fields pressure from other president but a “constitutional” related public remarks, World Bank country director Susan Goldmark warned the government diplomatically to refrain from sources say they have parties as well as the one. over-statements. Bhattarai himself may have realised by information that the Maoists international community, It now looks like the now that you can’t ridicule donors and still ask for donations for have also brought weapons especially India. geopolitical situation and controversial projects like his youth self-employment scheme. stashes that were never locked “There is no question of the domestic opposition to the move For budgetary support, the minister should have first included it up in UNMIN containers. government surrendering to any to sack the army chief has made as a budgeted program incorporating public accountability. This is Internally, the party has told the foreign pressure,” Bhattarai has the situation untenable for the one reason the program hangs in limbo. cadre to be prepared for a “final said. Maoists. They can either try to go This NDF is taking place in the midst of global financial battle”. The Indian establishment, ahead with it and stage a massive meltdown, and this will have significant bearing on the scale of The Maoists have stepped reacting to the strong pressure show of force on May Day, or they donor commitment for the near future. Back home, the Maoists' back from decisions before, and from the Indian military, has can back down. Either way, the name itself is still anathema to many in the international community. they may conclude again that the directly intervened to put Maoists will not have dropped The economic policies of the Maoist-led government, announced in bits and pieces, are conceptually vague and at times international and domestic pressure on the Maoists to leave their plan to capture state power, contradictory. Minister Bhattarai should be first trying to win the conditions are not right to do so. the army alone. Indian they will only be waiting for the confidence of Nepal’s development partners. His harsh tone and But the very fact that they ambassador Rakesh Sood has opportune moment. isolationist methods, even in the run up to the NDF, have made the haven’t bothered to hide the met Dahal three times this week Many are now convinced that donor community not only apprehensive but perplexed and preparation means they want to and strongly urged a consensus the Maoists are just not exasperated. use the mass mobilisation in the among political parties. ideologically prepared to share Again, the real question is whether we need to be so reclusive capital itself as a deterrent The NC has been protesting power with anyone, and that they about our aid policy, especially when the country is in such a against anyone who dares oppose the move, but has also been aren’t really serious about the precarious transition. And why pick on donors, as if they alone them. talking to the Maoists and the peace process and the constitution were to blame for our under-development? Until late Thursday, the UML about a “wholesale deal” writing process over which they Maoist secretariat was deep in under a package that would have no control. BUSINESS 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 5

Shop ‘til you drop

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Laxmi Bank and Bhat-Bhateni supermarket have launched a loyalty points card that customers can obtain when they open a Labour pangs savings account at the bank. The How to save your company and save jobs store card can be used at both the Maharajgunj and Bhat Bhateni stores. hese days, one comes First, when criticised about its to do everything by itself. This across many executives labour practices, a company gets means, most companies

Standardised who worry about escalating defensive. When it gets defensive, outsource their non-core tasks to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ T problems with labour unions. its language becomes incoherent. other firms. Himalayan Distillery, a domestic Listening to them, it’s clear that When the company’s unclear But one sad little secret of liquor producer, has received four their company’s labour union is about what it says, that makes it outsourcing in Nepal is that most ISO accreditations on international not a problem in and of itself. But more vulnerable to saying yes to local companies are not up to the health and safety standards. The it becomes a problem when the certification covers environment further demands. The other side is task, despite their owners’ and management systems, health often very good at twisting the enthusiasm. Besides, all and safety and food safety. STRICTLY BUSINESS company’s words to extract more outsourcing tasks are fraught with concessions. risks. Often, these companies do Ashutosh Tiwari Second, once the other side not pay their workers well. They

Customer draw succeeds in painting the company also do not treat their workers ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ LG Electronics is aiming to up sales of its union’s ambitious leaders, in an as a renegade, it starts winning the well. All the while, their mobile phones by offering scratch cards with effort to show that they are ‘doing each purchase. Prizes include cash, an LG something to teach the wrist watch and 160cc TVS Apache bike for management a lesson’ seek the winner of the final a lucky draw. support from political parties, who are only too happy to collect

Sales drive dues from additional members. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○ Soon, strangers call your Microwave ovens, deep freezers, watches and cash are among mobile at all hours, asking for the prizes Chaudhary Group is appointments at seedy venues. offering in order to encourage Militant strangers descend upon sales of its home appliances. your office. They start pounding CG also recently introduced a KONG YEN LIN 48-month warranty and interest free financing on televisions. the table and speaking rudely. You realize that they are not public relations battle. Suddenly, employees see that their interested in listening to your in the public mind and in press counterparts at the client

Phone access reasons. And when you say no to reports, the story is split into two companies are doing well. Soon,

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Registered customers of Nawakantipur Cooperative Society can their requests, you start getting neat categories: good employees they want to register themselves now check their balance via SMS for free. Type ‘BE’ along with threats. versus the evil management. It’s as employees of the client. And last five digits of the transaction ST to 2122. As members of Nepal’s various not hard to see which side the the surest way to do that is to labour unions celebrate the public roots for. seek help from a political party to dignity of labour on the occasion The best remedy is to register a union at the client’s of May Day today, it’s worth memorise the relevant sections of site. Many well-run companies examining how corporate the Labour Law, and follow them have thus gotten tangled up in Czech mate executives can hold their own to the hilt. True, many of those the personnel and the political against excessive demands from sections, such as the ones on mess of their outsource partners. militant labour. hiring and firing, are not The solution here is to do a particularly friendly to the thorough due diligence on the Fulfill the legal minimums management. But it’s only by outsource partners. True, doing It’s no secret that most Nepali fulfilling the legal minimums, this takes time, and the one you companies are notorious for and then publicizing the actions end up with may be more cutting corners when it comes to widely inside and outside the expensive. But the grief this saves treating employees fairly as per company, that the management you is often worth the high fees. what’s in the law books. Most can expect to maintain its Dealing with labour unions is militant unions, with lawyers confidence when dealing with not something that is taught at who specialise on personnel external union reps. fancy business schools. But for issues, take advantage of this Nepali corporate executives, straightforward fact to grab a Due diligence on outsourcing mastering this skill may be the company by its jugular. In these times of rising costs, it way to save their jobs and their This produces two effects. doesn’t make sense for a company companies.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA he premium car market in Nepal may have been dominated by Japanese or Indian made cars, but Skoda, which has Czech roots, Sri Lanka’s golfing triumph TEuropean design and uses German technology, has fared quite Sri Lankan golfer Anura Rohana won the Surya three rounds. well even before its official launch. Nepal Masters 2009 title on 25 April with a After an impressive first round Nepali Shiva Axel Andreas Oberdiek, the regional manager of Skoda Auto, is finishing eagle two, two shots ahead of fellow Sri Ram Shrestha, who won five tournaments last positive that the response will be even better now with the demand for Lankan, Mithun year, spiralled downwards by the second day’s cars in Nepal increasing. Oberdiek has worked for Skoda parent Perera. match at Gokarna. company Volkswagen for three decades and has been involved with Anura was But he still retained Skoda for over five years. awarded the top prize an outside chance of taking the title being “After Skoda became a part of Volkswagen Group, the third largest money of Rs 405,000 by President Ram just five off the lead automobile company in the world, we made a special effort to refine its on the second day. image,” says Oberediek, “and now Skoda competes with our other Baran Yadav at a ceremony at the Another local pro, models because it is cheaper than its VW or Audi equivalents.” Ramesh Nagarkoti, th Gokarna Forest Golf Nepal is the 105 market where Skoda has been launched. “We came Resort on the same also fell back by the into India about a decade ago, explains Oberdiek, and now we are day. second day. spreading out in the region.” Morang Auto Works (MAW) showroom in Kunal Bhasin, At other events of Thapathali has been displaying the two models while its workshop in from Australia, the Surya Nepal Golf Dhobighat has been fully fitted to service the cars by specially trained finished third place, Tour, Perera easily Skoda staff. just managing to pass won the international Asked if the high-performance, stylish Laura and Octavia sedans, last year’s winner amateur country championship, while Jamal Hossain Mollah from are too refined for Nepal’s bumpy, pot-holed roads, Oberediek replies Shamim Khan from India. Deepak Thapa Magar who was the highest scoring Nepali on the field, Bangladesh came in second place and Nepal’s that the robustly designed cars are fitted with a rough road package: up Rupak Acharya,third. rated shocks, underbody protection and very high clearance. MAW had tied in sixth place. At the start it didn’t look promising for Former Indian Open winner Vijay Kumar’s brought in the cars only after an extensive testing process. Rohana, who scored a double-bogey at the team won the Standard Chartered Pro-Am on 21 The Skoda fleet is soon to be joined by the compact Fabia and even opening hole while amateur golfer Perera hit his April. Teams were formed by a draw from the ten an SUV named Yeti. The economic downturn has made the business second shot close to the pin. However, by the best professional cards and thirty best amateur risky but Oberediek asserts that Skoda’s commitment to quality, safety time Perera reached his fifth, he already had cards. Shiva Ram Shrestha’s team came in and style has kept things afloat comfortably. more bogeys on his card than he had in his first second. Paavan Mathema 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449

pressure from the Indian embassy Game over

○○○○○○○○○

Anti-state ○○○○○○○ ○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○ or from New Delhi. Regardless of Editorial in Himal Khabarpatrika, the issue, the intervention of a Interview with UML central 29 April-14 May foreign hand to solve the problem committee member KP Oli in only damages national Nepal, 3 May Even though the Maoist-led sovereignty. government has failed to secure There seems to be strong the economic, social and political disagreement within the

Civil supremacy UML about the army case. ○○○○

rights of Nepalis, they choose to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ capitalise on the term ‘people’s Editorial in Janadesh 28 April Where is the disagreement? How supremacy’. There is no debate can it be called disagreement that people’s supremacy is the Civil supremacy has been when someone goes against a main ideology of democracy. But snatched from the people time party’s ideology and then sits in the name of the people the and again in the 60 year history of with an inflated ego and self Maoists are trying to enforce their the people’s movement. The pride in the name of authority? own supremacy. violent incidents to quash the The party hasn’t discussed this After years of struggle it was people’s movement—which was issue officially. Also, when one 2006 April Uprising that finally launched to reinstate civil rights individual makes decisions by established popular command and establish civil rules—are still himself what is the point of a over the army. We are yet to fresh in people’s minds. standing or a central investigate the cases of brutality The feudal rulers have always committee? that the army has been used military force to sustain responsible for during the autocratic rule in the history of After the Mahakali treaty, conflict years. But the is the issue regarding the MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA establishment of Nepal army the second as a republic means the biggest conflict army is loyal to the within the party? people—a philosophy Without sitting for a The Maoist that has been seen in formal committee, we practice for the past two cannot say this is such years. a big conflict. The Maoist-initiated However, with such a strategy activities to remove the sensitive issue like the army chief have army we cannot treat it threatened national like a game. Those who Nagarik, 29 April security. It seems that in treat it as such are the name of people’s foolish. supremacy the Maoists 1996-2000 want to establish their Why do you Launch an attack on the police only and accuse the army of being dominance not only on support Army chief a nationalist force to eliminate any possible threat. the VDCs and DDCs but on all Nepal. High officials of Nepal Katawal? bodies including the media, Army have remained loyal to This is not a stance for one 2000 army, judiciary and civil service. feudal rulers and have betrayed person. The army is an Second national assembly—make preparations to fight possible The Maoists probably understand people and lost their trust. Army institution. You cannot attacks by the army, but agree not to launch attacks on the that their violence and threats are chief Rookmangud Katawal is the interfere with it. There are three offensive. diminishing popular trust in adopted son of the monarchy. ways in which we need to them but they don’t act as if they Following the directions of move ahead: by following the 2002/ 2003 know it. despotic Gyanendra, anti-people rule of law, democratic After the state of emergency—use tactics of threat and fear on and criminal generals like Katawal behaviour and far-sightedness. people and force them to leave jobs. Create a division within the massacred hundreds of Nepali army. people to sustain the centralised How does an army that is feudal monarchy, which can never under the government defy 2004 be forgotten. Over the 10 year the government? Funtibang talks—attempt to create nationalist unity with the insurgency, Katawal proved to be a It was the army’s responsibility king and army to jointly launch a guerilla war against India. criminal devoid of sensibility, to fill a vacant position. It is humanity, fraternity and not defiance of the order when 2005 nationality. He wanted to prolong Katawal asked to extend the Chunwang talks—unite with army and anti monarchy political the war so that he would earn term of eight capable generals. Is parties that for a joint revolt. huge commissions from arms it defiance when you say that deals. He has already been declared the PLA should not be included 2006 a criminal by the Rayamajhi in the national games because of After the peace agreement—demand that the army headquarters commission. pressure from cadres? make the status of those disappeared by armed forces public. The Maoist government is the people’s elected government. This 2007 government is determined to Buddhanagar talks—spread rumors that the actual state is run not We suspect that a feudalistic establish people’s supremacy in through Singha Darbar but from the Nepal Army headquarters. At attitude has taken hold within government, army, police, the same time, extensively meet with army generals. the Maoists and they want total administration, judiciary and control. The national army is other government authorities, Namobudha talks—conclude create obstacles during the responsible for national security. which is also the mandate of constitutional assembly elections. Assure the people that the Aren’t actions to weaken the army people. Maoists will nevertheless ahead with the election and launch a by forcibly integrating all of its Unless criminals are punished revolt with the people agaist the army if plans don’t work out. force anti-nationalist? the state of impunity cannot end We have to remind Prime and the peace process cannot be 2008 Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to completed. This is an honest Demand that the PLA be integrated into NA even though other be sensitive to the people when move by the government to parties and the army itself are not ready for this change. Use this addressing this issue of sacking establish civil supremacy, slogan to create upheaval amongst the people. the army chief. Then his party complete the peace process and will not have to deal with draft the people’s constitution. CONSTITUTION 2010 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 7

have no reason to agree to build such a than it generates (275MW). Under a federal project, thus scuttling the prospect of the structure such happy sharing will not be implementation of a multipurpose project. possible. Simple issues like pricing can Resettlement of people displaced by a spin out of control and provinces with Watered down multipurpose project will become more generation capacity can shut off power problematic as there is scarcity of good land if the price is not right. Federalism will hinder optimal in the hills where such projects could be Water disputes between Indian states sited while the resettlement in the area should be eye-openers for us. Punjab exploitation of water resources where necessary land is available will not and Haryana are in a dispute over the be allowed for reasons of disturbing ethnic Yamuna-Sutlej Link canal. A clutch he People’s Movement of 2006 from rafting tourism. But exploitation on a balance. Tharus in the western Tarai are of states are fighting over the Narmada and paved the way for a new larger scale is a national endeavour which already against the resettlement plan Tamil Nadu and Karnataka do not see eye to T constitution through may have local cost. for people to be displaced by the West eye on the Cauvery. the election of a constituent assembly. But Construction of a hydroelectric dam Seti project. Nepal got a raw deal on the Kosi, the overzealous members of the interim deprives an upper riparian populace from Nepal has 3.97 million hectares of Gandaki, Tanakpur and Mahakali treaties, constitution writing committee went ahead using the river water for consumptive uses cultivated land (mostly in the Tarai) but these took place before Nepal went and declared Nepal a federal state by like irrigation. Any reduction in the and only 0.5 million hectares federal. After federalism each province will themselves, pre-empting the people’s quantum of water will decrease electricity (12.6 per cent) has some irrigation (mostly be squabbling with other provinces and representatives in the assembly from generation and thereby reduce revenue. during the rainy season). Cultivation of Nepal’s negotiation capacity with its arriving at a well thought through decision. Similarly, a patch of the river will become multiple crops in a year, imperative to neighbour will be further weakened. dewatered as water will be diverted from ensure food security, requires massive Implementing water resource projects in COMMENT the river into the powerhouse. If the users irrigation during the dry season that is a federal structure will become a daunting Ratna Sansar of electricity come from a different possible only by building a reservoir in the task due to competing demands over water Shrestha province, those adversely impacted will hills that will store water during the rainy and clashing aspirations of each province. never agree to construction of a hydropower season. Building reservoirs will also control The complications will get compounded Now it is a contentious issue as to plant in their province. floods on the plains downstream. But due to the convention of demarcating whether splitting Nepal into an Building a reservoir project is even planning such schemes will be extremely provinces by using rivers as the boundary. indeterminate number of provinces is more intrusive because it submerges difficult under a federal structure. This will result in diametrically opposed really a good idea. And how will large tracts of fertile agricultural land, Suppose it is decided to have five aspirations of one province to that on the federalism affect the use of water resources? forests, infrastructure and displacement of provinces along the lines of current other side of the river. Optimal exploitation of most natural inhabitants. People of the province set to development regions, then western As far as water resources are concerned, resources can be done locally, by lose their land and to get displaced will development region will be generating splitting the country in haste cultivating land, harvesting it, collecting not be too eager to build a project if the maximum hydropower (over 329MW) and will provide us ample opportunity to herbs, living off forest or extracting electricity is to be used in another using only about half of it. The eastern repent at leisure. minerals. But water is a unique natural province. Moreover, a storage project region will be consuming a lot more than resource. Local inhabitants can benefit, for regulates river flow benefiting the lower what it generates (under 14MW). The Ratna Sansar Shrestha is a water resrouce example, by building micro hydropower or riparian. So, an upstream province will central region will consume a little more analyst. Three bases of federalism Tagging federal provinces by ethnicity is a bad idea

NANDA GOPAL RANJITKAR there’s already disagreement and map of federal Nepal is to divide arable land of the area and per cent of the population will lie discord. The parties that are it according to geography, natural 7 per cent of the total population on the south and 45 per cent will hile opting for a federal asking for federalism based on resources, population, and lives in the 10 per cent arable be in the north. state system, it is ethnicity fail to understand that availability of services, ethnicity, land in the mountains. Because of Southern Nepal is broader W important to honour it is virtually impossible to religion, language, culture and so much discrepancy between than the areas in the north. the ethnicity, language, religion, create provinces including all historical identity. We are so these three regions according to Therefore, the provinces to be culture and history so that such a 103 ethnicities. Even if we only rich in natural and physical demography and resources, it will formed should stretch north- system does not disturb the include the 59 major ethnicities, diversity, which is why it is not be wise to create three south. Two provinces that unity, well-being, integrity and Dalits and other minority important to make this the provinces-the Tarai, hills and include the hills and the sovereignty of the nation. There ethnicities will suffer the priority. Geographical location, mountains. mountains, and two more that should be a feeling of Nepaliness, dominance. Federalism based on physical structure, shape and While some experts have only includes the hills and the Tarai the understanding that Nepal is ethnicity encourages separatism area are the most important proposed three provinces, others can be formed. This will ensure one. The ownership should be of and communal violence. Who points to remember while have proposed as many as 14. But free flowing route, and include the nation as a whole and not of will guarantee that the Muslims, creating these are just numbers. The physical diversity and just one province. Hindus and Buddhists will not provinces on the basis of important thing to understand is demography. It is important to In the structures proposed by ask for separate provinces if the physical structure. Natural that for a developing country like include entire districts, which political parties and intellectuals, ’One Madhes, one Province’ resources should be the second Nepal, too many provinces may would mean 8-10 districts will proposal passes through? most important aspect and turn out to be a disaster. Nepali make one province. The best way to draw the demography is important to geographers have proposed five or If the provinces are named mobilise natural resources, six provinces and further little according to ethnicity, religion which makes it very important. provinces under them. and culture, it will invite Forty seven per cent of the I propose eight provinces so communalism. It will also be total population lives in the that there isn’t a big discrepancy neutral to name the provinces 55 per cent arable land of the according to demography and according to the natural heritage Tarai. Similarly, 44 per cent of resources. For this, we have to of that region. Not only will there the total population lives first establish a central be less discrepancy according to in the 27 per cent of the geographical location. Thus, we economic resources, area, shape have to draw a central boundary and demography, it will also axis to divide the country in the discourage ethnic competition north and south, which will have and strife. four provinces each. Such a creation will ensure that 55 Ranjitkar is professor of Geography at Tribhuban University.

1. Arun Tamor Province 2. Kosi Province 3. Bagmati Province 4. Trisuli-Narayani Province 5. Phewa Province 6. Lumbini Province 7. Rara Province 8. Lower Karnali Province 8 TRAVEL

ill 1957, this forested trail from Bhimphedi to T Kathmandu was the only way in or out of Nepal’s capital. Invaders from the East India Company, pilgrims, traders and Nepal’s royalty had to walk this road to Kathmandu. The old road Even the cars Kathmandu’s aristocracy rode in the valley were dismantled, and hauled on porters' backs over this trail to be re-assembled in Thankot. ”There used to be hardly any space to walk, there were always people coming and going,” recalls 85-year old Bhaira to Kathmandu Bahadur Basnyat, who’s lived in Chitlang all his life. Today, Chitlang reinvents itself after the trail is a deserted dirt path. The pati where travelers rested losing its crowd to new highways are crumbling, and villages 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 9

KIRAN PANDAY

PICS: CHONG ZI LIANG along the trail wear a desolate cauliflower, cabbage and even that specifies cleaning tasks to look. Even a shop where King strawberries for the Kathmandu every house in the village. Birendra reportedly stopped for market. The reservoir provides The area is also culturally tea is gone. fish for the city and investors vibrant: although predominantly But a few still make the trek have built a trout farm, a goat Newari and Tamang, there is a from Bhimphedi down to cheese factory, a sericulture farm large community of Chhetris and Kulekhani up to Chitlang and and even an olive plantation. Bahuns and they all seem to get down again to Thankot. Part of Although there has been a mass along well. Most here were the historic trail along with the exodus of young men to unaware of the call by the suspension bridge built by Kathmandu, there are plenty of Tamsaling activist for a banda on Chandra Sumashere in 1911 are jobs in the farms here. Bikash the day we passed through. now all submerged under the Chand Shrestha set up his trout Says 40-year-old Sano Kulekhani reservoir. farm in Chitlang because the Maiya Moktan (pictured right) : The road may seem lifeless, area has 24-hour power and for “Why would we want an but it has reinvented itself as its proximity to the Kathmandu individual state when so many alternative forms of livelihoods market. of us here from different ethnic have popped up. Even in mid- Along the way, signboards groups are living and working afternoon, when the sun’s rays propped up on houses reflect a together peacefully?” z are harsh, villagers work hard on community that is committed their flourishing vegetable and integrated. There are Roma Aryal and Shradha patches. Chitlang valley is a environment protection notices Basnyat, Chong Zi Liang in major source of potatoes, printed on walls, and a board Chitlang 10 3 MAY, WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 The voice of Nepal Matihili FMs are a model for cross-border cultural exchange

KUNDA DIXIT in JANAKPUR

ear the border here most movement of goods is from India into Nepal. The only commodity going in the opposite direction Nused to be sand and boulders to feed India’s infrastructure boom. Not any more. Nepal has a new export item: radio programs. Janakpur’s seven FM stations all have programs in Maithili language which is spoken on both sides of the border. Since there is no radio in Maithili in Bihar, Nepal’s FMs have 30 million listeners in India. This is much bigger than the Maithili listenership within Nepal of only 2.5 million. “Nepal’s biggest export to India is our FM broadcast,” says Gopal Jha of Janakpur’s Mithila FM which has strong Maithili content designed for listeners in both India and Nepal. “This is a model for using radio to foster cultural links between South Asian countries.” Similar radio sharing could be planned between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in Tamil, India and Pakistan in Kashmir and West Bengal and Bangladesh in Bengali. Says Upendra Bhagat Nayabansi of the Maithili daily, Simanchal: "We have helped the revival of Maithili culture in India as well." The growing popularity of Nepal’s Maithili FM radios in India has also made Janakpur’s radio stations economically viable. Last week’s Indian elections brought stations here an estimated Rs 2.5 million windfall in political commercials for Janakpur’s FMs as candidates campaigned in northern Bihar constituencies. Some, like Indian state minister Shakhil Ahmed, even made sure he was interviewed on Janakpur’s FM stations. “If we had to depend on only the Nepali market, I don’t think Janakpur could sustain more than two FMs,” says Jha. Nepali FMs have also become an important source of news and information on issues relevant to both sides, such as cross border crime, Maoist activities and even notices about polio vaccination campaigns. Janakpur’s FM stations carry regular news about India and field dozens of reporters in Bihari towns like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi and Jayanagar. Two radio stations here also relay the BBC Hindi service which is very popular in Bihar. Janakpur’s FM stations all started within two months of the Madhes uprising in January 2007, and many here agree that they had a decisive effect on galvanising support. At times, the stations overdid it and the broadcasts were chauvinistic and ethnocentric. But in the past year after Nepal got a Madhesi president and vice- president and the MJF held key ministries in the Maoist- led coalition there is a perceptible reduction in tension. This is also reflected in studio discussions and news on FMs: non-Madhesi reporters are back and the coverage of the recent Tharu protests, for instance, is balanced. The brutal murder of Janakpur Today FM journalist Uma Singh in January that shocked the country. Her garlanded photo hangs outside the studio from where she used to broadcast her programs (pictured). Three months on, it is clear that the motive for Uma Singh’s murder was her muck-raking journalism, and that the HIMAL KHABARPATRIKA suspects who have been detained were probably not involved. The state has tried to muddy the waters and painted the crime as a Cover: family property dispute. Uma’s sister-in-law Lalita Devi, local Maoist Capturing the capital leader Shraban Yadav and three others have been detained. Locals Inside story of Maoist plans to use the May Day rally to rehearse an urban uprising believe the three are known gangsters arrested were probably framed. They say the real culprits are supporters of former Maoist minister Report: Matrika Yadav who were involved in the murder of Uma’s father and Nepal Development Forum: Donor priority brother in 2007. Uma Singh wrote consistently about them in her The vicious cycle of dependency columns. One suspect, Dilip Sah, is Yadav’s son-in-law and is now in Maoists start disappearing from cantonments Patna. Another ex-Maoist involved, Umesh Yadav, has defected to Investigation: Jwala Singh’s militant group and is in Bihar. Most locals believe police Fraud certificates are under political pressure not to arrest them, and want the case to just Death greatly exaggerated fade away. Constitution Supplement: Collating people’s views on the new constitution See also: ‘The wild east’, #444 by Dambar Krishna Shrestha Himal Khabarpatrika Three important factors for federalism ‘Flames of truth’, #434 by Kanak Mani Dixit 29 April – 14 May ‘Press post-mortem’, #443 ‘Life after Uma’, #444 3 MAY, WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 11

Nepal’s land area and is also available on streaming audio online. With programs like Hamro Nepal Ramro Nepal and other Women on air syndicated interactive content, Ujyalo and other networks have social worker before starting the understand the language,” become the real voice of Nepal: radio to empower women through says Urab news presenter giving citizens a say and grassroots communications. Mahamaya Urab. developing a sense of The station’s reach has grown Other programs include nationhood. in the past two years, reaching 75 children’s education, labour and “I think what we have per cent of households in Sunsari employment forums, with the most managed to show is that for and Morang with close to one popular, The Voice of Labour, press freedom to be really million regular listeners. There reaching out to 400 businesses in effective in defending are around 40 community level the district. democracy, we need to give a organisations affiliated to the “What keeps us going is our voice to the voiceless and hear station and 2,000 households desire to spread greater out people who would otherwise contributed funds and start-up awareness about the rights and not be heard,” says Gopal

PICS: KONG YEN LIN capital. The station employs 18 situation of Tarai women, who are Guragain of Communication journalists and studio technicians, restrained by social deprivation in Corner. Durga Adhikari breaks the all 20-30 year olds from education, economic and health However, not all is rosy. disadvantaged communities. care aspects,” says radio Nepal’s FM radios are facing sound barrier Some are students like Lalima journalist Durga Sapkota, the twin problems of journalist Ragbanshi who divides her time “community radio can be a security and station survival. hen Durga Adhikari of no longer a rarity. The other trend between her studies and working powerful agent of change.” Radio reporters have been the Radio Taranga FM in is for journalists to get together as a radio technician. “I’m excited Asked about how the murder most vulnerable to attacks by WPokhara was promoted to and launch radio stations staffed to be in this environment where of radio journalist Uma Singh in militant groups, gangsters, station manager six months ago, entirely by women. there’s so much room for growth,” Janakpur affected women criminals and state forces. In her responsibilities increased Radio Mukti in Butwal, says the 21-year-old. reporters, Kamala says it the past three weeks alone, FM dramatically. From 5AM to 7PM launched by committed women Others are housewives like highlights the critical working radios in Khotang, Tanahu and every day, she is busy juggling journalists was so bold in its Uma Thapa who finds satisfaction conditions that women journalists Parbat have been physically program editing, broadcasting and coverage that it was recently and freedom working beyond the face. attacked. staff management duties. “I have to attacked by local Maoists who domestic domain and Gita She added: “We’re saddened “Journalists are having to be ready anytime, 24 hours a day,” vandalised the station. Biswas, the co-host of the news but unbeaten. There’s nothing to self-censor because to write says the willowy 21-year-old. Here in Biratnagar, Radio and agricultural program Kakram fear if we’re united.” about certain issues or to dig The demanding workload might Purbanchal is another all-female Hama Samacht (Our Society) Kong Yen Lin in Biratnagar deep is to invite threats and seem daunting but Durga feels that station which is trying to address whose husband has now taken even attacks,” says Guragain. being in a leadership position is the pressing problems of gender over the housework. See also: 'Gaining Ground', #373 Radio stations are also the most satisfying moment of her discrimination in the eastern Daily news bulletins are aired struggling to survive because of career in journalism. Tarai. At Purbanchal, the only man in four languages: Nepali, Tharu, falling revenues from an She now heads a team of 17 is the security guard. Urab and Santhali. “Most radio advertising slump caused by staff, more than half of them Station manager Kamala stations broadcast news in Nepali Spreading political instability and crippling women. Durga’s achievement is Kadel (second from right) is a 55- and this is problematic for other power cuts. Many are having even more remarkable considering year-old mother who used to be a ethnic communities who don’t network difficulty even paying staff. how few female journalists there Community radio are and it’s even rarer to find them ost FM radio stations organisations have been in decision-making positions. A in Nepal are now linked lobbying the government to treat management graduate, she took a M to satellite networks them like a public service and 180 degree switch to pursue her that connect them to sister reduce the royalty, taxes and passion in journalism five years radios in Kathmandu and around renewal fees. They say that in ago. “It was a challenge in the the country. the absence of clear policy on beginning and I had to learn The largest among them is FM radio the government is everything from scratch,” Durga Communication Corner’s Ujyalo granting licences to political says. Network which celebrated its 11th groups and the FM spectrum is She feels women reporters anniversary on Wednesday. Some getting crowded in many have an edge over male 75 Ujyalo affiliates exchange up to regions. colleagues because of their two hours of programming each Kunda Dixit commitment and meticulousness. day among themselves via They are also less interested in satellite. Their collective signal See also: '10 years on air', politics and more focused on now covers nearly 80 per cent of #339 gender rights and child welfare. Durga’s family was initially not supportive of her career choice as they felt there were no fixed hours in her job and salary was low. But they were won over when she made her mark as a station chief. Durga currently hosts a weekend program Sunaulo Bhabishya, which airs stories about positive change and activism initiated by ordinary people. In addition, she hosts Hamro Nepal, Ramro Nepal, a weekly evening talkshow discussing social issues like the new constitution writing. “These days the media is considered as one of the most powerful platforms in the world, and it is the same for Nepal, which is undergoing a watershed period of political transition,” says Durga, “I hope to be able to continue spreading awareness and disseminating information about society to improve the status of women and children.” Kong Yen Lin in Pokhara Women become radio active

cross Nepal the proportion of women journalists A joining radio stations is growing, and the female voice is 12 INTERNATIONAL 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 Subcontinental drift A co-mingling of multiple genocides still resonate across South Asia

ontemporary India and active peace process between New is a troubled sense that while Pakistan were born amid Delhi and Islamabad. Puri has got it right, Pakistanis Cthe bloodbath of Partition Only then, Washington themselves need to lead the way nearly 62 years ago, a co-mingling reckons, will Pakistan be able to on taming their army, muting its of multiple genocides that still turn its attention to the deadly truck with Islamic resonate through the lives and existential threat within their fundamentalism and bringing it deaths of more than a billion country: the Taliban, rather than under civilian control. South Asians. Indian forces along the frontiers. The interventions of India India and Pakistan each and America do more harm than maintain a vast standing army good, or so it’s believed. HERE AND THERE Daniel Lak and spend inordinate sums on Officially, India feels much the military budgets that might same about US ambitions for otherwise help build schools, regional peace. For now, The massive trauma of roads and water lines. India Washington isn’t buying that. dividing British India’s Muslims maintains, rightly, that it is a Holbrooke travels East at from its other communities has regional and global player that least twice each month, and not been assuaged. This is a also needs to worry about the a letter written by a retired Indian to the brave, and now somewhat when he’s not here, his senior subcontinent with post-traumatic ambitions of China. But the main colonel, Harish Puri, and embattled, editor who published colleagues from the Pentagon are stress syndrome and worse. And focus of the Indian armed forces published as an Op-Ed article Puri’s piece. doing the rounds. America is yes, it effects Nepal too. is Pakistan. in the liberal English daily, The outpouring of wounded, trying as hard as it ever has to For 20 years now, I’ve been In Rawalpindi, the The News. faux-patriotic drivel that has heal Partition’s wounds in taking stock of efforts to end headquarters of the Pakistan Pakistani soldiers, Puri followed the letter has been South Asia, and is faced with hostilities between India and Army since independence, maintains, are thoroughly something to behold. Blogs, as barely concealed reluctance, even Pakistan, the wonderful efforts of military planners plot endless professional and the sight of well ever, lead the way, mostly overt hostility, on both sides of so many fine people at all levels scenarios of a collapsing India trained, proud men laying down anonymous sources of cowardly, the sub-continental divide. to bring their countries together. that needs just another little push arms to the Taliban in Swat unaccountable comment. They History will recount only Now, I’m watching a thinly from a terror group here, or a is suspicious and telling. He resound with racist anti-Hindu Holbrooke’s success or failure, disguised attempt at American militant separatist attack there. indicts politicians and a venal, ranting that almost certainly not the myriad objections and mediation in the name of The two countries have had each corrupt officer corps for the came from Pakistani military split hairs of bloggers, securing their troops in other in their sights for the better army’s failure to subdue the sources. Letters to The News diplomats, letter-writers and Afghanistan. The most senior US part of seven decades now and the Pashtun hills of Northwest question the newspaper’s commentators. z diplomat, Richard Holbrooke, paranoia, anger and angst of Pakistan. Puri wonders if the nationalism and make vaguely tries to assuage Indian Partition drives everything. army’s top brass and its threatening references to boycotts Daniel Lak’s latest book is India sensibilities by insisting his brief The rawness of Pakistan’s spymasters aren’t themselves and worse. Express, The Future of a New is restricted to “Af-Pak” but he wounds were on prominent implicit in Taliban advances. It’s Meanwhile, in civil society Superpower published by clearly is hoping to encourage an display all this month, thanks to something that certainly occurred and human rights groups, there Penguin.

14 CITY 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449

ABOUT TOWN Vin Diesel and Paul Walker re-team for the ultimate chapter of Fast & Furious where they head back to the streets where it all EXHIBITIONS began. When a crime brings them back to LA, fugitive ex-con ™ Caravan art show 2009 by Narayan Shrestha at Hotel Summit till Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O’Conner 30 April. 9851000519 (Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, ™ Prayer for Humanity, a painting exhibition by Gaurav Shrestha till Dom and Brian must give into an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And, from convoy heists to precision tunnel 30 April, 10AM-6PM at Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka. crawls across international lines, the two men will find the 9841341810 best way to get revenge: push the limits of what’s possible

™ A Homage to Heritage, an exhibition by Birendra Pratap Singh at Entertainment behind the wheel. Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited from till 13 May, 11AM- 6PM. 4218048 Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal www.jainepal.com Quest EVENTS ™ Inauguration program of mobile expo 2009, fun park, bhrikuti mandap, 10AM, 30 April ™ The Horn of Shame, artistic sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd performance by Salil Subedi u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ Kanika & Karl Knapop, 8 nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno May, 6.30 PM, Alliance ;"rgf ljefu Francaise. ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ™ Waiting for godot, a play by xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . Samuel Beckett, Hotel Vajra, 8-24 May at 7.15 PM. 4271545 ™ IPL 2009, watch IPL 2009 live matches at Rox Bar Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. 4491234 ™ Call for entries for Film South Asia till 31 May, documentaries made in and after January 2007 qualified. 5552141

MUSIC ™ ‘PRANA’ a performance by a Korean rock band in 30 April-4 May, 4PM, Lecture hall, Nepal Tourism board ™ 1974 AD concert featuring Deep Shrestha, 8 May, Patan Museum, 6PM. ™ Sundance Music festival, 2-3 May, The Last Resort. ™ The Kathmandu Chorale presents -Enjoy Life, a spring Concert at the British School, Jhamsikhel,16 May, 3.30PM-6PM ™ Roots, a musical performance by Bob Manes along Desmond O’Flattery and Anthony Correll, 5.30- 8 PM. Lazimpat Gallery Cafe. 4428549 ™ Kathmandu express, performance by International Acts, 7.30 PM onwards free entry at Moksh ™ Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi Kitchen, Durbar Marg. 4227288 ™ Sunday Jazz brunch barbecue and live jazz music at the Terrace, Hyatt Regency from 12-3.30 PM. 4491234 ™ Jazz evening at Delices de France Restaurant every Wednesday, 11AM-2PM. 4260326 ™ Epic, at the Brunchilli- the Acoustic Lounge every Friday, Thamel. 9851035437 ™ Strings Band live every Tuesday at G’s Terrace Restaurant and WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL Bar, Thamel. ™ Wednesday Melody at Jazzabell Café, Happy hour 6-8PM and TGIF party with live band Epic every Friday at 8PM. 2114075 The brief shower of Tuesday afternoon brought relief to the Valley ™ Some like it hot every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh Rai residents who have been experiencing unexpectedly hot days in and the Sound Minds, 7PM onwards, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s April which they used to see only in late May or June. Though such Hotel. 4479488 showers are the usual characteristics of spring throughout the ™ Happy cocktail hour, 5-7PM, ladies night on Wednesday with live midhills, they have been too rare and shorter this time following the unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar. six month long drought. Three hundred families from a village in ™ Fusion and Looza Band every Friday night, Bhumi Resto Lounge, Sindhuli District reportedly abandoned their traditional homes after Lazimpat. 4412193 their local spring source dried up. Satellite images of Thursday ™ Fusion and Classical Music by Anil Shahi every Wednesday, rock noon indicate the same pattern for the weekend. It means hot days with Rashmi Singh every Friday, sufi & raga with Hemant Rana with sunny intervals, passing clouds and smog with a good chance every Saturday, 8PM onwards, Absolute Bar. 5521408 of brief showers towards afternoon.

DINING ™ Weekend Brunch by the Poolside every Saturday and Sunday, Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu ,11AM-3PM. 4273999 ™ Pizza & Pasta at the Rox Restaurant every Monday & Tuesday, KATHMANDU starts from 13 April, Hyatt Regency. 4489362 ™ New York Cafe, Singha Mahal, Thapathali. 4101532 ™ Home made pasta at Alfresco, Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 ™ Gourmet trout at Olive Garden, 6PM onwards at Rs 850+, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat. 4411818 KATHMANDU VALLEY ™ Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Babar Fri Sat Sun Mahal Revisited. 4263070 ™ High tea with scones and sandwiches everyday at the Lounge from 4.30-6.30 PM, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. 4491234 ™ Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the 34-17 32-17 31-16 6 Middle-East at The Café, Hyatt Regency. 4491234 ™ Nhuchhe goes Thai at Nhuchhe’s Thai Kitchen, Baluwatar. 4429903 ™ Fusion of Marcela Ragan’s new menu and Mannie’s new bar at Dhokaima Café. 5522113

For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 1 - 7 MAY 2009 #449 15

KIRAN PANDAY RING-A-RING O'ROSIES: Kangresi leaders gherao the rostrum on Sunday against the Maoist move to sack Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal.

KIRAN PANDAY SHUTTERBUG: PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's son, Prakash Dahal, takes pictures of Army Chief Rookmangud Katawal, Lt Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka and Lt Gen Chhatra Man Singh Gurung at Khula Manch on the third Loktantra Dibas.

KIRAN PANDAY DIVINE INTERVENTION: Devotees drag the chariot of Rato Machhindranath, the rain god, through Pulchok on Wednesday, on the first day of the yearly festival.

WE CAN: UNICEF-partner Praxis Group, which supports Universal Access for Children Affected by AIDS in Nepal, hands over a token of commitment to its members in Kathmandu on Thursday.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA SUFI EVENING: Pakistani classical musician Shafqat Amanat Ali performs at the Nepal Army Club on Friday. castles again The Rook P 16 Lots ofspeculationaboutwhothe quote frompressrelease.) powers, andtheexistingrelationsofexploitationoppression.’(Exact within theframeworkofdominationbyimperialismandothermajor tactical finesseandwhatamountstobourgeoisrealpolitik-maneuvering and politicallinevseclectics,pragmatismattemptstorelyon parties andamongcommunistsgenerallyoverquestionsofideological Struggle’ whereideologueswilldiscuss:‘Thestrugglewithincommunist York andLondontitled‘TheDynamic Roleof Theory and Two-line struggle isheatingup.Thisweekthereareinternational Nepal’s Maobuddies didtherightthingornotbyshelvingtheirarmed The debateininternationalcommiecirclesaboutwhetherornot army gets weaker, hillnationalismgets weaker, sowhyshouldIcare? fight betweenpahadibahunsandchhetris,withagurungthrownin.Ifthe but theFMthreatenedtotattlePKD.Upadro’slogicissimple:thisa Rs 55laksontickets andhotelbills.BRBrefusedtosanctionthemoney, Far awayfromallthefunandgamesisUpadro Yadav, whoblewanother herself fromtheraftersofparliament. party’s parliamentaryofficetheotherdayKamalathreatenedtohang slippers inparliament lastyear. That didn’tgetherjustice,soat Bush shoeinBaghdadattackbyhittingPurnaBdrKhadkawithher was abird. Anyways, CA memberKamalaSharmaactuallyprecededthe health alertasbeingcausedby border. Whichremindsme,oneNepalinewspaper hascalledtheglobal from IraqtoIndia,itisonlyaquestionoftimebeforecomesacrossthe Now thattheepidemicofshoe-throwingatpoliticalleadershasspread ass(at)nepalitimes.com Send yournominationsfor Absurdity oftheWeek to: should agreeamongthemselves. finally endedTuesdaywithmembersagreeingthatthey b.The twice-postponedUMLcentralcommitteemeeting War’ a.Headline inaNepalipaper:‘PeaceMinisterThreatenstoGoBack this week: Week and royalleadersalikeoftheirnominationsforthe From thisweek,westartinspacecontributionsfromloyalreaders supremo. trying toshoreuppartysupportandpresenthimselfasanalternative Chariman? Bytryingtosoundmoreradcialthanheis,Laldhojmaybe for theirpartarecosyingup.Dotheyshareaninterestinweakeningthe is anglingforDefMinfromCloudy. Pragmatist BRBanddogmatistCloudy apparently becauseshewasn’tinvitedtothe Army Dayparade. Nowshe ‘Tis theseasonforunnaturalalliances.Sujata’santi-Katawaltiradewas begging businessmenataCIImeetingtoinvestinNepal. said hewillfightIndianpoliticalandeconomicexpansionism:adayafter event organisedbyVerma duringhislastvisittoDelhiwhichhe key Maoistcheerleaderfromdownsouth.Tremendousnessattendedan documentary extollingtheMaoistwarmadeby Anand SwaroopVerma, a activities, evenskippingtheCCmeetingTuesdaytowatcha2.5hr Despite multiplecrises,PKDfindstimeforallkindsofextra-curricular drive, anddeepthroatwasnoneotherthanChairman Terrifico himself. Kantipure details ofameetingTheRookwithhistoparmybrasslastweekto nostrils insidethe honourable membersstartburningtyresandvandalisingeachother’s has alsonominatedDadandhisdaughterGayetriunderthePRlist. immunity fromprosecution.Fortherecord:besides Agrawal, Haicharan because CAmembersapparentlydon’tjusthaveimpunitybutalso also smasheduphisSUV. The copsarrived,butcouldn’tdomuch installment. half afterhemadeittotheCA.Butguyneverdeliveredonsecond Shah forhavingmadehimamemberunderthePRlist:halfbeforeand Kabiraj Timilsina. Agrawal apparently hadpromisedtenlaksaspayoff to none otherthanhispartychairmanHaricharanShahandvice Biswa Prasad Agrawal wasbeatentoapulpinsideSinghaDarbarby Guards trytoshoutthemdownfromthemiddlerow. At theratewe’regoing,it’sjustaquestionoftimebefore So Shahand Timilsina ambushed Agrawal, andforgoodmeasure CA membersareevencomingtoblows.Lastweek,JanataDalrep . The Ass’d liketogettheballrollingwithmyownnominationsfor gheraoing therostrumeveryday, shoutingslogansastheRed Ratna Park. And thekangresisarefallingrightintotrapby arliamentary proceedingsarebeginningtolooklikeademoat BACKSIDE . Well,itturnsoutwasn’taleakatallbutdisinformation not-so-august “Swan Flu” house. FG FG FG FG FG FG deep throat : guesstheythoughtaswine iswholeakedtheintimate Absurdity ofthe gostis inNew CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 04/058/59 1 -7MAY 2009 #449

ISSN 1814-2613 www.nepalitimes.com